the beautiful life of a missionary

Liebe Familie,

This week consisted of many interesting appointments. Especially our two/three weirdest eating appointments. These were our first in this ward and as it is an international ward, we basically have no clue as to the culture we were to expect. In our first eating appointment, we were joined by the elders and only found four table settings on the table. They fed us several courses, but did not join us for the meal. We took the last few minutes to try to get to know the family, but in the end just felt bad that we just ate their food and dirtied their dishes without serving them. Let your missionaries get to know you and serve you! The food was absolutely delicious and I am starting to love Philippino food. We also ate with a family from Ghana, but it was basically Tacos--something I have not seen since I left America. They love spicy flavoring, but out of concern for us put it on the side. Very very very spicy chilis. Also delicious food.

We worked so hard this week and met with lots of people. The first appointment coming to my mind was our second this week with Ren and Xuang. Xuang is going to Linz this week and so it was our last appointment. I have never pushed so hard in a lesson before, but we felt directed by the Spirit. He grew up being taught that there is no God and all the stories of creation, etc. were always just stories to him. He does not know what it means to believe in something. So many times this week, we left our appointments and I looked around to check if I was still in Vienna (well, one time we weren't, but that was planned). Xuang promised to read the Book of Mormon--the whole thing. We invited and pushed and invited him to pray. Just to try it. Our appointments opened up a lot to him and he said he was really "impressed" by what we did, but he will soon realize it wasn't us at all--it was the Holy Spirit of the Lord guiding us to teach him to what he needs to know. He made great progress in our lessons, and he got to the point where he said he will think about praying once he has finished the Book of Mormon.

The most exciting thing is what we are looking forward to--GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!! My favorite time of the year (okay, so it comes twice, but still). We will be watching it live and I might be watching it in English this time, which will be a little different. I am excited to learn and preparing myself with questions that I am seeking. We are excited for the wonderful, precious investigators here in Vienna to come partake of the opportunity to hear what our Prophet has to say for our day. What an opportunity for each of us to ground our testimonies even more! I am so excited!

I love you all!!

--
Sister Carla June Carroll