This has been a good week! I will keep the record short this time around,
but don't worry, I will include only the most funny of experiences throughout
the week.
We went on an exchange to Frankfurt this past week to work for a little bit
with the assistants. We decided to go to Goethe University to sit down and have
lunch, and after I got a cheap helping of university lamb, I went to sit next to
a woman who seemed to be in need of the gospel. Sadly, the conversation didn't
really go that well because it was like pulling teeth to get any response, but I
enjoyed the meal and parts of the conversation nonetheless. Probably the best
meal I have had so far at a German university cafeteria (is that saying
much?).
We proceeded, after having eaten lunch, to go talk to a few people outside.
I first met a Russian-Italian man who--you guessed it!--only spoke Russian and
Italian. But, remember how I told you that I learned the Russian alphabet back
in the day? Well, I whipped out those dusty Russian skills again as I formed a
sentence with probably roughly the same coherence as the following:
"I. BOOK MORMON. GIVE YOU NOW. HELP YOU HAPPY. YES YES, VERY HAPPY. YOU AND
FAMILY."
"NO THANK YOU."
He actually was very nice. He was playing football with his grandson in the
middle of the university. It's a darn shame I can't speak Russian (Yet!). But,
after this contact, I proceeded to have one of those "I got cursed out"
experiences that you always hear about from missionaries. I approached a group
of men and began a conversation, but they soon realized I was American. A short
spiel followed, where they detailed the many things we have done for the past
many years that have influenced them, and then told me to get lost. However, it
was not just 'get lost', but 'get lost' sandwiched with literally dozens of
expletives, which were shouted at me until I got about fifty meters away. That
was the first time I have been yelled at like that on my mission. Actually, I am
astonished that it took so long for that to happen!
Aside from that, it has been a really good week. The people we have found
are AWESOME and super, super open. It is really cool to see and we are meeting
with lots of people. The problem remains, however, of who is going to actually
make progress. We will see, and hope, and pray that we find some genuine seekers
that will listen to more than just the first two lessons.
I am working hard, I am being obedient, and I am ex
hausted! All things that make for a good mission, right?
Thank you so much for the early birthday wishes! I appreciate the love and
support that has been sent. Here's to the second weirdest birthday of my
life!
I love you all!
Love,
Elder Wallentine
*Here is a picture of an awesome new convert family I visited on my
split!
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