We met with Péter again and well... it didn't go the way we thought it would. He basically told us that the Book of Mormon is awesome and that he really likes it, but he just doesn't want to change and he's going to stick with the Catholic church. He's still interested in coming to Church sometime, so we're not giving up hope. I'm obviously disappointed, but at the same time I feel peaceful about the whole thing. We respect his agency, and only sincerely want to help in any way that we can. If he needs time, then he needs time. I'll let you all know if anything else develops but for now, it seems like this is the last chapter in that book.
In Hungary, Mikulás (Santa Claus) comes on December 6th. The children leave their boots outside and he leaves gifts for the good children and sticks for the bad children. Since everyone is naturally a "little bit bad", everybody gets a stick or two in their boot. Sometimes, he is accompanied by Krampusz (the Anti-Santa, who comes from German folklore), who pesters people who have misbehaved throughout the year.
Mikulás didn't leave any candy in our boots, but we got our fair share of chocolate from members and friends! I'm happy to report that I didn't get a single stick (yet) :)
In order to Light the World, we made gift boxes for children in a local hospital, and we went with the Budapest YSA to sing to people in a retirement home. It was super fun and it was a great opportunity for us to light our community!
The highlight of our week was probably exchanges in Dunaújváros. We left at 5 in the morning in order to get a full 24 hour exchange in before our meeting with Péter on Wednesday. When we got there, we had breakfast and then went straight out to work. Elder Jameson and I had 2 lessons planned, but they both fell through, leaving us with an 8 hour window of nothing. So, we went hard and just talked with everybody in our path for 8 hours straight. We tracted at least 10 5 story's and had at least a dozen really great conversations and a couple dozen less great interactions haha.
At the end of the day between both of our companionships, we had scheduled meetings with 8 new people for the upcoming week! It was one of the most exhausting days of my life, but it made flopping into bed at the end of the day a glorious moment.
We've got a lot of work coming up this week! Transfers, Zone Conference, Christmas, a choir concert, and a new campaign starting on Facebook are all upon us. There seems to be a never ending list of projects and deadlines, but through it all, we are happily and peacefully trucking along. The chaos and constant busy work in the office has made me really appreciate the peaceful morning hours, when I can prepare for the day through study and prayer. I have found so much strength in the stories found within the scriptures! I'm currently reading about Captain Moroni fortifying the cities in preparation for battle against the Lamanites. He built up walls and towers around the weakest points of each city, strategically posted his men to make the most of what man-power they had, and most importantly, he paid attention to and sought the Lord and His guidance. When the Lamanites came, they were disappointed and frustrated when they found that the Nephites were so prepared for them.
Much like Captain Moroni, we too can (and must) fortify ourselves against our enemies. We can build spiritual fortifications and defenses each day as we read and study the scriptures, attend and participate in church meetings, and actively and happily serve others. When the armies of the adversary arrive at our cities, they will be disappointed to see that we are well defended, and their efforts will be thwarted. They will move on, knowing that any attempt to siege such a citadel would be futile.
Go and build up your walls this week and you'll be blessed with a special shield of protection from the temptations and distractions of the world!
Sok szeretettel,
Burnett elder
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