What a week. I can hardly believe how blessed I have been.
Pageant started on Friday, but the beginning of the week was actually even crazier than the end. We moved down to the Palmyra area Wednesday evening, so we had to squish in all of our proselyting efforts for the week before we left. And Monday was p-day, and we worked half-days shifts both Tuesday and Wednesday at the sites, so it really was a miracle that we got it all done. We actually set a baptismal date Sunday night for a 9-year-old investigator and another Monday night for an almost-9-year-old. New these people just need to come to church consistently! Having a goal to work toward will really help though.
We started working in "pageant mode" on Thursday (dress rehearsal night), and it has been incredible! Pageant mode means that instead of taking tours, we stand at "posts" for an hour or two and then rotate, and people can just walk through and we explain and answer questions, start videos, etc. We get to work with not only the senior couple full-time missionaries, but we also have volunteer couples working here for the week and a half and they are AMAZING. I'm working at the visitor's center until Tuesday, and then we move down to the Whitmer farm for the rest of pageant. We had 3,730 people in the visitor's center on Friday alone, and it is so great to be able to connect with so many members and nonmembers and to invite them all to come unto Christ. It is missionary heaven. :) We are also doing our best to keep in touch with those back in Webster through phone, text, Facebook, any way possible. We've already received 2 self-referrals for people who want a copy of the Book of Mormon, one of whom wants us to teach him! We are so excited. :)
I've been able to see the pageant itself 3 times now and it is AWESOME! The effects are super cool, the cast is great, and the Spirit is very strong. It plays another 5 times this week, and my companion and I plan to see it every time. We are so tired but having a blast. I can't believe it, but things are working out with 6 sisters sharing one bathroom and fridge. I love being in a mission with so many sisters; it's the best.
Love you all! Sister Schank
