May 26, 2010 Update

Dear Family and Friends,

This was a bittersweet week; Leslie’s family is all ready for their baptism this coming Sunday. I was getting ready for it as well; my companion and I were really excited. On Friday night, about 1 hour after we visited Leslie, the Assistants called and told me that I am being transferred to Bangalore. I was so sad. I called President because he has let a few people stay back before, but he said that they really need me in Bangalore and that it wouldn’t be a good idea for me to leave my companion alone for 2 days.
When I broke the news to Leslie’s family, they were very sad, but Leslie soon put me in my place with, “The Lord has blessed us; He sent you. I know that He wants you to baptize another family somewhere in Bangalore.” That made me feel really good. So, on Sunday we took some photos with them, and on Monday during their interviews, we played cricket with all the kids. After their interviews Cheryl, who is very fond of me, said, “I asked if you could baptized me. I thought if I said that they would let you stay.” I told her, “We need to pray for another cyclone.” Her response was funny, “I have made the person saying family prayer do that for the last 3 nights.” How about that?

Even though things will be hard, I feel good about Bangalore. It’s not the same as the rest of the mission...they cannot wear their tags or contact people. They can only knock Christian doors. I am tired of teaching Christians! But everyone needs the gospel. I will probably finish my mission there, which won’t be a bad thing. I am excited for what the future holds there. I love being a missionary, no matter where I am.

Sorry this one is so short, I cannot think of much else except for all the sad goodbyes I have had to say. I love you all and I hope this letter finds you in good spirits.

Love,
Elder Sorensen

May 19, 2010 Update

Dear Everyone,

This was a really good week! We had a lot of success with Leslie and his family. We taught a few of the commandments and they loved it. We went to their home and we helped them fetch their water from a pipe that comes out of the ground. We were afraid that this would keep them from being on time to church, but the water turned off at 8 a.m. and we weren’t really able to save them any time. All we did was relieve the daughter from her chores. While there we played with their cat and entertained the kids with stories. Then we all headed off to Church and they loved it! They got amazing fellowship from EVERYONE! Leslie would introduce himself, “Hello, my name is Leslie. This is my first time to the Church of Jesus Christ, and I hope to continue in this wonderful fellowship.” What a great thing for him to say?!?!? Then, another elder asked him, “Are the Elders teaching you nicely?” and Sheryl made me feel really good, “This Elder (pointing at me) is so sweet and kind. They are both doing really well.” Awesome! Tonight we are teaching them about tithing, and a few other small commandments, and then we are having lunch with them on Saturday. But, we are unsure about the lesson tonight because of the cyclone that is hitting Chennai. Usually we meet them outside in their front yard (no one else in our area has a yard), but their house will probably be flooded. This cyclone is really cool; I never thought that I would be able to experience something like this. The water is getting higher the longer I type.

That’s about all I got - nothing too exciting this week. I love you all. Thank you so much for your letters and support - it makes everything better. I hope y’all have a great week!

Love,
Logan

May 12, 2010 Update

Dear Everyone,

This was a really good week. Even though I was really sick, the missionary work has been awesome! We have begun to make preparations for our Missionary Fireside. We will be watching Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration…ooohh…goosebumps. We were waiting to see if I got transferred. Good news is transfers will be postponed for 3 more weeks! The thing that I am most excited about will be the baptisms I will get to see!

On Thursday we went to visit Leslie and his family. They were receptive to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and we set them for May 30, 2010. The happiest of them all was Sister Sheryl - she was all smiles. Then when I turned to her kids and challenged them to be baptized, she was even happier! She thought that they would have to wait a few more years. Lucky for us they are above the age of accountability. They had the funniest doubt. Anyone who was/is a missionary has had people ask about being rebaptized. It’s a really big concern and it’s understandable. Well, Sheryl is smart and she said, “If I need to be rebaptized then do I need to be reconfirmed? We were already confirmed.”…I let it be silent. Then she said, “Alright, we will do it. Reconfirm us.” YES! We were shouting for joy when we left. We had to celebrate that night with a big thing of Maaza! Heavenly Father has really prepared them. The second time we went we taught W.O.W. and afterwards they said, “We were talking this afternoon about how to quit our vices, and what things were bad for our body.” The 3rd time we taught the P.O.S. afterwards Sheryl said, “This afternoon we were wondering if we would ever see our loved ones again…” she trickled off and you could see tears in her eyes. Then, Leslie said something I’ll never forget, “Brother, we lost a cat a few years ago. She was very fond of this cat. It’s good to know that she will see it again.” ARE YOU SERIOUS???? YOUR CAT! WHAT ABOUT YOUR SON!! She mentioned seeing her son again as we left. It was cool. Then, the 4th time, when we set them, Sheryl said, “This afternoon we were talking about whether or not we should be baptized into your church. I think we should.” I love them so much. And that will probably be the last baptism that I see in Chennai.
We are still working with Donald and Pethal…still! They are coming along. Donald committed to quit smoking by Saturday, and he has only smoked one cigarette since then. He didn’t make his goal, but he is doing awesome. They fed us pork and beef last night. Donald is hilarious. He hates pork. All but a few Indians believe that all pigs have devils in them. It has to do with Jesus casting the demons into the swine. I have to tell people, “What happened to all those swine? Are they still living? NO, they ran off a cliff and died. EAT IT!” Donald was making jokes about it all night and Pethal kept on giving it. She loves pork also. I was joking with him, “Why would you let your wife cook pork in your home? Don’t you know that releases the devils?” he laughed and she said, “He didn’t know I was cooking it.” They are preparing to be baptized on the 30th, but Pethal still thinks she needs more time. I just want them to hurry up and get baptized.
Mother’s Day was good. I called home on Monday. My companion got good news that his brother got married. His brother was one of the members who loved to come on exchange with us in Gajuwaka. The funny thing about being on the other side of the world is the 3 week lag. Everything that we talked about on Mother’s Day came in letterform the day after we spoke! But I still love letters.
Thank you for all of your prayers and your support. I feel your prayers and your love. Sorensens who read this update: have fun at the family reunion. Someone needs to jazz that thing up without me there. Although, Cajuns know how to party with or without their team winning the Superbowl! I love you guys!