Things aren't slowing down here in Debrecen, and they definitely aren't going to any time soon. We had a packed week, and next week will be even busier! Last week, Elder Rohner went home which makes me the "oldest" missionary in the mission (kinda... as far as time served, I'm not quite the oldest, but I started my mission longer ago than anyone else). Now, the mission roster is 100% different from what it was when I came into the country; even the Mission President is different! I feel kind of like Coriantumr, the last Jaredite hahaha. The 15th of February marks 2 years since I went into the MTC. Time really does fly, doesn't it?



Let's get to the good stuff.

The other day we streeted a woman who turned out to be a priestess for her church. As we were talking, we asked if she would be interested in learning more about God and His plan for us together and she said she would love to. She invited us to go to her church service, which was held at her apartment at 10, but we explained that we had our own church meetings that we would like to attend at that time. Then she said, "Okay, well you can come over at 12 and we'll talk." So yesterday, we went over there at 12 to find a small congregation of 5 people who met in this apartment. They had waited for us before starting their church services and tailored the whole thing around the fact that we were going to be there (by including an introduction to their beliefs, postponing the whole meeting, setting chairs for us etc.) They treated us with the greatest respect and were all very, very sweet. The service itself was interesting, but we felt very good and everything that they talked about and believed in was solid and a piece of the truth that we believe in as well.

After the service, which lasted about a half an hour, they started asking us questions about who we were and why were here. This lead perfectly into teaching the message of the Restoration of the Gospel. The point that astonished them all the most was that we believe in a living prophet and apostles. One woman said, "You mean to tell me that there is a living prophet on the earth today and we know who he is?? We know his name? That's incredible!" As we were talking about the Book of Mormon, they all loved what we were saying. One of them said, "When can I get a copy of this book? I want one today! I can hardly wait another minute!" and then everyone in the room started saying similar things. We only had 2 copies on us, but we explained that we could bring more sometime and everyone wanted their own personal copy. Then they asked us when our church services are and they said that they are going to come in 2 weeks, when I will be giving a talk in Sacrament meeting.

So long story short, Elder Smith and I were lead to a little congregation of sweet, prepared people who loved our message and accepted it with joy and excitement. Who knows where this could lead? This could change the Branch here in Debrecen. And if nothing comes from it, at least we bore testimony of Jesus Christ and helped others grow closer to him.

Another great success was that all 3 members on our 3 member plan attended Sacrament meeting this week. Huge success, all thanks to the combined efforts of the Branch members and the missionaries (including the Ockeys of course!)

Other Highlights:
-I got to go on exchanges with Elder Hudson again, which was a ton of fun!
-We went to the park on Saturday and saw at least 8 different wiener-dogs

-We started our new English Class format and had a great turnout of 17 people. 16 of them stayed for the self-reliance discussion afterward as well.

We're looking forward to Zone Conference and MLC in Budapest next week, as well as another exchange with the Nyíregyháza Elders. It should be a good one!

Szeretettel,

Elder Burnett