Troy Family Tales: Farewell to the holidays

Hello!

Here we are again at the start of a new transfer! I'd be lying if I said last transfer was easy. The holidays are a stressful (though joyous!) time for any missionary. In a way, I'm glad that I won't have another holiday season in the field. The dynamics of finding and teaching are more nuanced, though they can both still be successful. Some of my assignments last transfer were also very challenging, so I'm looking forward to this transfer's new assignment

This transfer, my new companion is Elder Pacheco. That's pretty cool because, in mission lingo, he's my Brother! My trainer was his trainer. This is his 4th transfer, but I'm sort of "greenie breaking" him, since his last companion was also fresh out of training. This is my second "brother" I've been companions with, as Elder Mcdonald was my Bro. as well.

We had an interesting week! The cold snap everyone emailed me about came through Brenham pretty hard, in the form of an ice-storm. We had about an inch of ice on everything that the rain wouldn't drain off of. So the roads were perilous - too perilous to drive on, in fact. We were under orders to stay home!

In a way, that was a blessed rest from 'our' labors. Sundays are very busy proselyting days, and even preparation days are always a rush to try to get everything done. It was nice to have some time to just study, and tidy up.

It was also stressful, however, as it postponed transfers and an appointment, and put us behind for the rest of the week.

Our investigators:

Kaylyn:

We saw Kaylyn on Wednesday of this week. She accepted a baptismal date for feb 24th! She still needs to talk to her Father’s pastor, but she is excited for her baptism. She loves this branch and feels like she’s already a member!

Aaron:

Last week, Aaron got the Flu that was headed through Brenham, but he enjoyed coming to church this week! (he first investigated and came to church last about a year and a half ago) His only concern was whether his suit would still fit since he last wore it - ha! We read 1 Nephi Ch. 8 (the iron rod) with him on Thu, and he came right out of his shell. He has a baptismal date for Feb 10th

Jason:

Jason is likely our next baptismal date. We had a great lesson with him on Wednesday. As mentioned last week, Jason is a polite, well-spoken young professional. He’s soaking up the gospel right now like a sponge, at the prompting of a friend in South Carolina. We’re excited to introduce him to everyone in the branch when he's back in town - we feel that he will become a pillar here.

Darrell and Fam:

Darrell just will not come to church. It's enigmatic, because he works long and difficult hours, and seems to generally be responsible and organized. Notwithstanding how well his lessons have been going these last few weeks, I have zero desire to baptize someone who will become a burden on the leadership of this branch, so it's looking like we'll be forced to discontinue teaching him and his family.

Well, that's all for this week. I hope everyone back home is starting a great week! Thank you for your support.

Elder Derek Troy