Sharly in Arkansas : October 13, 2014 - "I can't hear you, I'm deaf!"

Hello!

I am going to start off with some humorous incidents involving deaf people. One day this week, the elders told us they met a deaf lady at her friend's house. We asked, "Is the friend deaf too?" One elder replied, "No, she's alive." He was super embarrassed and apparently has been teaching the dead. :)

One night this week we had dinner with Ronika's family at another member's house. Her son wasn't eating his food, so Ronika signed to him: "If you don't eat, and then you come home and tell me you are hungry, I'll say, 'I can't hear you, I'm deaf!'" I love Ronika!

Speaking of Ronika, guess what we got to do yesterday? We got to go with her to Arkadelphia (best town name ever), to interpret for her patriarchal blessing! So cool, and an experience most missionaries don't get to have. The spirit was so strong and her blessing just reaffirmed her greatest desire, to share the Gospel with the deaf. It is seriously all she ever talks about, it is so cute! It was a really good experience for everyone, and Jessie enjoyed it too. We are all excited for his baptism next month!

This week we have been working with a deaf man Keith, who is also getting baptized in November. He has started to feel more comfortable signing with us, and he communicates so much better when he just signs instead of talking and signing. It is so cool to watch him change as he learns about the gospel, he practically glows now!

Well, I love you all! I hope you have a good week!

Sister Nielsen

This cute gas station across from Central High!

On the trolley around down town.

The Old State House museum. Apparently the girl from Creature from the Black Lagoon is from Arkansas.

And we all know President Clinton is from here too :)

The museum was actually super fun, lots of movie things. And cool old dresses that the first ladies of Arkansas have worn. I don't care who wore them, but they were super pretty gowns!