So after 5 months of being in wonderful Westerville, I am being transferred. It's a little bittersweet, I have had quite the experiences here. But I knew that I needed to go, I was packed up before transfer calls even came. I'll miss the people though for sure, I've gotten close to quite a few of the members here.
My time ended perfectly here, with Tony being baptized on Saturday. It's kind of crazy how the baptism all came together. Beforehand, the elders were getting buckets of water and dumping it in the font so it will get filled in time. We were worried about ward member support/attendance, but to our amazement, the Relief Society room was PACKED- some people had to stand. Tony's excitement had built up all week, and when he arrived, we just jumped up and down. He's also been so grateful for the changes that have happened in his life, and it was just so cool to see that. He was baptized by his friend Ryan from high school football, who's in our ward. So tender!! His family came and were very supportive, and his dad talked to Ryan's dad, asking him a lot of doctrinal questions. Tony says that only time will tell if his parents will convert, but we're feeling that his dad will make it there someday.
I thought the baptism was going to be some super-awesome-spiritual experience, but as the missionary, it was SO STRESSFUL. Interesting things happen when recent converts speak at baptisms and such, and the service ran kind of long. But others said it was beautiful, and another sister missionary that was there said that it was a very spiritual experience, which made Sis. Malloy and I feel relieved, since half the ward was there. Afterwards, we had massive headaches and wanted to take a nap. Personally, I feel like missionaries should have the rest of the day off after a baptism, but that's just me, haha. But don't worry, we still went out and worked for a while, then finally treated ourselves with dinner at Panera and ice cream.
In other news this past week, I went to Mt. Vernon again for exchanges with Sis. Reed. Also, met an orange cat named Binx there that was like an Ohio version of our cat Mr. Jinx, haha (less hygienic, possibly missing some teeth... just kidding! But not really... haha). Also got bear-hugged by an investigator's husband there, against my will since we're not really supposed to hug others of the opposite gender. He smelled like marijuana... SO. GROSS. Back in Westerville, I made fried chicken for Terry while she was busy with some paperwork, haha.
A couple miracles happened this week. On Monday, we found 4 new investigators in half an hour. Can't believe I haven't tracted those apartments before, that place is a goldmine. We got Steven to come back to church and I think he felt more comfortable there this time. We also started teaching Michael, who is a grandson of a less-active member. He's 18 and recently has felt the need to accept Christ in his life. We also started teaching this awesome older lady named Estalita. She's a riot.
Overall, I'm thrilled that I'm leaving Westerville better than I found it. It took a long time to get there, but lately things have been happening. I'm excited to see where I go next.
Love,
Sister Petersen
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