Letter #54

We decided that our mission would not be complete without a thorough investigation of the health industry in Nevada. Elder Hardman volunteered to be the guinea pig. We had two Doctor’s office visits and a trip to the Emergency Room this past week. Elder Hardman was poked and prodded. At the end of it all Elder Hardman is still sporting a catheter and the accompanying bag. I don’t think he loves these accessories but it is better than the alternative. We hope this week brings better news.

We still knocked doors, took a meal to a family, prepared the program for a baptism and tried going to a few lessons (all cancelled). Despite not feeling that great we have felt successful in finding/not finding people lately. We have knocked a certain door for months without an answer. It is close to our apartment so one morning we felt we should try again. As we were knocking on the door the apartment manager called out that that apartment is empty. If we had gone to the office to ask about the person we would have been told they couldn’t talk to us (privacy issues). We felt it was a miracle for being diligent. We were laughing yesterday when we were invited into a home of a Sister who told us she was born and raised Mormon, she was enjoying a little break with a cigarette and a beer. It is great to have good weather again, much nicer to knock doors when it is a lovely spring day.

Well, rather than describe the contents of Elder Hardman’s bag (he tried to get me to look in it but I refused), I thought I would tell a funny story. First of all, we have the best Ward clerk in our home Ward. He is thoughtful and works so hard to do his best in his calling. A few weeks ago he emailed us explaining that the Bishop had just realized we weren’t in the missionary cabinet at the church. Here are a few excerpts from his email. “Our new policy is that if you have to leave your home for an extended period of time in order to fulfill a full-time mission, a plague should be provided. So for the next 6 months of your mission we would like to have a single plague that features the two of you… Our apologies that we didn’t do this when you left, it just fell through the cracks.” I told Elder Hardman that I knew they meant well but no matter what, I DIDN”T WANT A PLAGUE! Brother McMillan was so embarrassed when we responded. Now after careful consideration of the past few weeks I think we were given that plague after all! If you see Brother McMillan this week please give him a hug from us! I needed a fun story for the blog!

The Gospel’s true and we love you!

Love,
Elder and Sister Hardman