Tuesday was a roller coaster to say the least. During morning studies we got a call from a less active member telling us that her son Gholia had passed away from a heart attack that night. I honestly had no idea how to respond to that over the phone but that was pretty tramatic for her and we had our hearts out to her this week. The afternoon wasn't super busy until our dinner appointment before ESL class started. But it turned out that only a few arabic people showed up to ESL. Thankfully we had an arabic investigator who knew good enough english to translate for the others. If only I knew arabic too. But after class we went on visits with the group leadership. Elder Dicus and I went to visit our recent convert Minas because we hadn't been able to get in contact with him for a while. Thankfully he was there and he let us in because we told him Bro. Bradley wanted to talk. We found out that he hadn't been coming to church, and wouldn't be coming back, because his entire family is against him going. He either has to get a divorce and move out or not come to church. He also was just being a stinker and showing us that he obviously didn't know some crucial basic teachings about the church which he was still arguing against. Probably the most devastating thing was to say good bye to him that night. Knowing he wouldn't be coming back to church anytime soon. He was my favorite member who I looked forward to seeing every week.
Tuesday night through Wednesday I was on an exchange with Elder Crumrine. I was still pretty somber about the day before. We didn't have a ton planned to do. Mostly checking up on old formers for the english ward that the other Elders cover along with the group. We did get to teach Armenian class which I especially enjoy because it is a lot easier to teach armenian than english!
Thursday was an early start. Elder Crumrine had to go into Arcadia before Mission Conference for a special District leader meeting. But when the Conference actually started it was awesome. Kind of a bummer I don't really know anyone else except for those in our Zone. I know it will come with time and more transfers but I still just get to stay in the same area. HOORAY FOR GLENDALE! There were some awesome talks by the AP's and our Mission President and His wife. Love them. Also some big news is. We will no longer have cars in a few months but instead we have been selected for a test run of getting rid of cars and exchanging them for public transportation passes... Not sure how I feel about that but we will see. At least I'll be getting good exercise on bike! After the meeting we had a great lesson with our investigator Melinda about the plan of salvation. She is progressing well but still needs to meet with us more. That night's ESL class was really good and we actually had some members show up. I ended up working with one of our members who knows pretty good english but she just wanted practice. I helped her practice and she said her and her husband will make lamb head for us this next week! Pretty excited. It sounds like they literally just cook the entire head. I'll be sure to send pictures!
Friday was planning. Usual. I got to go on an exchange with the Assistants to another dinner apointment while Elder Dicus went with the ZL's to another dinner. We met with a family and they graciously fed us pizza. I also got to watch how the AP's taught which was really cool. But then I found out the Zl's and Elder Dicus went to a Japanese restaurant... at least I was spiritually fed. And again that night I went on yet another exchange with Elder Twelves but we stayed in my area.
Saturday was Gholia's viewing and funeral. It was odd and interesting to see an Armenian funeral. Armenians usually don't show much emotion as it is. But they still didn't after a death. They would be some gooooood poker players. It was sad to see though that everyone was in so much pain and distress when we know he is in a better place. We were invited to the luncheon after the burial which we couldn't go to because it was in Burbank. So we did tours while we waited and saw Minas. Still didn't really want to talk to us. Afraid of his wife seeing him and even coming to English class. But he did give us some pizza. still love that man. but then we headed to the luncheon and it was funny at first because some people yelled out "are you invited" and then we finally saw Susanna and she told us to sit and enjoy the food. It was eerie. The place was in a banquet hall that was being remodeled. Just the feeling of death and remorse in the air isn't a pleasant conversation starter. But Susanna was very glad we came to support her. We got a service referral and helped some people move in. One of the friends who was helping was Armenian and was super impressed. the actually familiy was from Uzbekistan and had another friend from Ukraine helping. It was awesome and they were impressed as well. I realized I want to learn more languages so I don't have to stand in a conversation and wonder if people are talking about me. Next language, Russian! The rest of the day was kind of frustrating. The other Elders weren't answering and we needed to plan a time to practice singing (Elder Dicus and I sang in sacrament yesterday). all the while, Elder Twelves was begging to see Mike and Bridget when Mike had earlier told us he was having a busy week and wanted to relax. But we went and saw them for a short visit. Twelves still is jealous that Elder Dicus and I are teaching them and he isn't. He kinda just needs to focus on his area and stop telling us he isn't going to get baptized. But anyways the night ended up with no practice and on a frustrating note.
Sunday after a quick morning runthrough of the song with Elder Dicus and Sister Harker, we sang in sacrament! We sang 'I need thee every hour' and Elder Dicus and I miraculously learned the Alto part to the song in such a short time. It should be on facebook but not sure. People ended up clapping and yelling out BRAVO after we ended. I guess it wasn't that bad! We had a awesome lesson with our investigator Souren and his family that night. It was awesome. We watched finding faith in Christ and the family loved it and asked when we could come back and teach more. the kids love us and it is so incredible to see the family coming closer together and we get to participate.
Well this week was super busy and It will be a good week this next week so I hope all is well at home. I love you all. Thank you for all you guys do :)
Elder DeBry
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