It starts off as a normal week, just as any other. But then you start gettings texts and emails from members. One of them tells you THERE'S NO CHURCH. Then you start reading about how no one will be at General Conference, schools are shutting down, people are flipping. Then your mission president sends you a lengthy email about a ton of new rules - you can't go into ANYONE'S home, including members. All teaching must be over phone or video call. District Council must be over technology. Zone Conference/Mission Tour is canceled. You have to go out and buy two weeks worth of food storage just in case. Schools are closing. Members are texting you asking if you have enough toilet paper. All the while you've been trapped in your apartment, and with every minute things seem to be changing.
This was basically my week! I cannot describe how surreal and bizarre it was haha. Sister Atkin and I would look at eachother and go "What is happening??" as we continued to be sick in our apartment.
We both just had normal colds. (Not Corona don't worry folks.) Sister Atkin actually has some health issues and a bad immune system so the mission nurse and mission president's wife would call us frequently. We had to stay inside more than we normally would. (Also they don't want any missionaries going outside that are coughing or sneezing because everyone is hyper sensitive about being sick right now.) We found ways to still do missionary work and keep busy in our apartment. But alas! We are better now! All is well!
The new rules we have put us in an interesting position as far as missionary work goes. We have to be very creative! We are having all of our lessons over technology and video calls now.
Does this stop the work from progressing? Heck no!! The Lord knows what He's doing, He knew this would happen, and He's provided us with some amazing tools and technology to get the work done anyways!
Not going to lie, I was nervous when all these new rules came out for our mission. I was worried that the people we are teaching wouldn't want video lessons or that they wouldn't be as good. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to really find more people to teach. I was worried that we wouldn't be able to make connections with the members of our ward because we wouldn't be able to go into their homes and teach them, or see them at church. I've only been out in the field for about four weeks and now everything is changing!
But now I see that I shouldn't be worried! We had a video lesson with Eugene and Jill on Saturday and it was SO GOOD! Total miracle there. We even talked with them about getting baptized! We are so excited for those two, they are still working through some things but it seems to be headed in a wonderful direction. Sister Atkin and I actually have MORE lessons sheduled this week than we have had any other week, and all through technology! Everyone we are teaching is super understanding about our rules as well. We are also going to have video lessons with the members in our ward so we will still be able to teach them and get to know them. We are also using Facebook a lot more as well (if you were wondering why I am suddenly posting so much hah). Tune into my Facebook for some spiritual upliftment.
The members in this ward are WONDERFUL. I mean really, those first few days we were sick they brought us over so much stuff, especially food! Bread, oranges, flowers, puzzles - really these people are amazing. So many people texted us asking if we needed anything.(Especially toilet paper. Why is that the first thing people stock up on during a pandemic??)Take care of the missionaries serving in your wards! They super appreciate it!
Anyways, have no fear everyone! God has a plan. He is all knowing and all loving! Remember Christ through this crazy time, there is so much peace you can find through Him. Being a missionary is pretty stressful, but I find so much peace and comfort through my Savior.
How are all of you back at home? In what ways is this virus effecting you guys? I'd love to hear from some of ya. :)
I love you all!
Sister Carlson
