Well this is week two in my new area and the ward made a discovery... they know I can play piano. They don´t have anyone here that plays and this week was ward conference. So, I played piano for a choir piece, but only managed one and sang in another. They roped all the missionaries into singing in the choir and we made more than half the men singing. The director didn´t lead the music super dramatically, but I´m used to music professors and Brother Abbott. It´s hard to be more dramatic than them.
During the ward conference the stake president gave a talk and used a story where he was talking with a young man and asked him a question,"if you could be anywhere, where would you be?" The response he received was, at home. All of the elders started to laugh a little, because, first off, it is a little true at times, but we are on a mission and try not to be preoccupied by what is happening at home. Also, one of the elders was just like, "why´d he have to say that?" We all ended up laughing behind the pulpit during sacrament meeting.
We bought gas this week and I am back to eating eggs as they are the cheapest thing I can find. I will literally be perfect at making eggs when I get home. What style do you like; broken, over-easy, hard boiled, scrambled, or do you want an omelette? I´ve also learned how to make home-made pancakes in a blender, but I still haven´t learned how to cook beans.
Elder Quain
I think there's a great lesson in cooking beans....Step 1) Pick out all the little rocks that somehow get harvested along with the beans and aren't shaken out during the sorting process Step 2) Wash the beans. Step 4) Soak the beans for a looooong time until they soften. Do NOT get in a hurry during this time or you will have to cook them for what seems like forever. However, if you leave them too long, fermentation begins and the beans are no longer good. 3) Drain the beans and cover with fresh water, add seasonings, and cook 'til just barely tender Do Not add tomato or tomato products at this time as it keeps the beans from softening 4) Add tomato product if desired. Also meats, veggies, etc. Continuing cooking (simmering) until veggies are soft and everything is heated.
ReplyDeleteAs I was thinking about this process, it seems like we could compare it to missionary work. 1) Sort out those who are willing to listen 2) Begin preparing the investigator by teaching repentance 3) Baptize & add the Gift of the Holy Ghost to their lives 4)As testimonies are young and tender, add teachings slowly.......Each step is important and makes a great difference to the finished product. If beans are stored for a long time they became so dry that it almost impossible to soften them. However, if bottled and canned in a pressure canner, they will usually soften. So it is with people. Some need special care. Do not throw the old hard beans out to "pave" the alley....as they get moisture they ferment and create a strong, unpleasant aroma. (Your Grandma Cristel tried this!)
Anyway, enough wandering.....Uncle Alan and I enjoy reading your letters and feeling the special spirit of missionary work. I appreciate your up beat attitude and spiritual insights. Always remember how many people love you and pray for you daily. Sending love your way!