What a crazy week! I know I say that each week but, a new week a new story. 

     Our last P-Day we cleaned out the ZL's boarding for the new senior couple that are coming in! I think they are still waiting for their visa’s, as they are from the States. But, what a task that was, to say the least, it wasn't the cleanest. I didn't have enough time to finish the job.. But luckily to help a little more we did service again on Tuesday! Haha (Still didn't finish the job, but I sure cleaned the top cabinets and countertop really well. 

     We also participated in Exchanges this week. I was able to leave Motherwell for the first time in like five or so weeks! The last time I left the area, I was comps with Elder Cluff.  It was refreshing to leave Motherwell and let some of the daily stresses go. That is one thing that I have been struggling with, letting things not stress me out. Motherwell has been a stressful area, as we have been struggling with finding people and getting ward support.   PLEASE help the missionaries!! It makes a huge difference. Trust me. 

      Other than exchanges, this week was SLOW. December is right around the corner, which means summer is right around the corner. Weird to say, but hey, this is South Africa! Because of summer and Christmas, many are preparing for Christmas. This makes missionary work very difficult. We had two people tell us that they are leaving and won't be back until the middle of January.. So yeah, that's been a little discouraging. Especially since I know that Motherwell is so capable of being the best area in the mission!

One cool experience this week was finding a less active, part member family. We have never met with this family before, but a few days ago we were able to. We started to get to know them and then figured out that they have been having issues between them. 

     I don't remember where exactly, but I remember hearing a specific talk about marriage. They talked about how you shouldn't wait to be completely financially stable before getting married. Getting money is not a commandment, however, marriage is. You do need money to provide for your family, but he talked about how fulfilling God’s commandments are more important than money. That Heavenly Father will help you. He also said the time you will grow and bond the closest with your companion is when you are struggling. 

I pray that whoever is struggling with their marriage, personal life, or relations with others that you might remember to ask Heavenly Father for help and remember that you don't take worldly things into the next life. But that we take our relationships.  Do all that you can to work through it and be bonded with them! 

I know God lives, I know His Son lives and is our redeemer. 

This life is a gift, and we should live our lives in a way that allows us to meet God when the time is right. 

I hope that all of you had a good week! And a great Thanksgiving!!! 

With Love,
      Elder Lawrence

Pictures:

BBQ Chicken: First time using a Crockpot! 

Braai: P-Day Braai with Elder Morena’s brother! 

Braai: Same as above

Burger King Dinner: Elder and Sister fed us since we helped with cleaning the boarding. 

After District council: Getting Pizza with the District (I found some A&W Root Beer!!) 

Root Beer: It's from TX so it's real! 😂🎉

Exchanges: Exchanges with KwaMagxaki, Picture Features Elder Morena. (We’ve forgotten to take pictures the last two times 😂✌️

Mattress in the car: Part two of moving a mattress in the car. This time we drove for 25 minutes with it behind our heads😂🚙