Finland, encouragement, sensitive situations and P-day activities

Pretty exciting about Dallan's call to Finland. I didn't get the text message. But I was at the Forbe's on Sunday for lunch and I was helping her put her pictures on a CD. So of course I had to take a sneak peak at my e-mails to find out where Dallan is going. As we went to our first program with one of our investigators that day I said, "How's been your day? That's nice. My brother's going to Finland..." Kind of random. I didn’t explain myself. But throughout the day as we walked, I found myself blurting out, "Finland!?" I never thought of it, but it's so perfect.

Dad, thanks for all the encouragement. I wasn't completely down, but a little. So it helps. I think that week my thoughts were in the future way too much. I think that one year mark is what did it. This area is good, but all the people we are teaching have huge stumbling blocks. Harriet doesn't come to church because of her husband even though she reads the Book of Mormon every day. Alex has a Catholic brother who refuses to let him come to church or even see us. Vincent wants to wait until he has enough money for a big wedding even though he's been living with his "wife" for almost ten years. And Richard is living with a girl whose parents believe in dowry. So he still owes them 700,000 shillings. Each of these people are good people to teach, but should we drop them and find others that can actually progress? Saturday President Christensen told me not to pound on cold steel. Part of me just says that we planted the seed, and it's time to move on to other people who are ready to make and keep commitments. I just hate the thought that it might offend them. "Just because we won't get baptized NOW, you're going to stop coming and teaching us." They're sensitive situations.

Today we're going to the source of the Nile for a little picnic with the sister missionaries. A couple of them said they know how to make kites very well. I told them to make one and bring it. I don't know why, but it surprises me that I haven't seen a kite one time since I've been here. Seems like such a basic thing that a kid should have. But last night we were preparing for the picnic by getting all the pods out of a "jack fruit." It's not an easy job. It's the most sticky thing in the world. But I think the fruit is worth it. Jack fruit is like a big watermelon that grows in trees. It has small pods inside that protect the seeds. So you have to get the pods, remove the seed, and eat. It tastes kind of like a banana. I still like pineapples better. Actually the best pineapple I've ever had was here in Uganda! The Best...

I can tell my companion wants to train. He's been a junior companion his whole mission and I think he wants some responsibility. And he's definitely ready for it. But from the information given to me, I don't think it'll happen this transfer. "But nothing is concrete yet." We'll see. Personally I kind of hope that our house stays the same. It's nice. We play soccer in our living room. I'll send some pictures so you can get a better idea as to what I'm saying.

Have a great week!

Love,

Zac