¡Hola! from Oklahoma: What's the Cure to Vitamin A Deficiency?...

What's the cure to Vitamin A deficiency?.....

The title was a question from a guy we met in a less active lady's thrift shop. He told us the cure is Vitamin A and then proceeded to explain how the government knows that Vitamin A could cure everything but won't let us have it. In other words stock up on Vitamin A.

The local Hispanic salon was closed and so we had to opt for another source to cut our thinning hair. The other place was close by and was hidden in the corner of a strip mall behind the large trees of the common variety that provide shade to much of the town. To adequately explain what was in the little shop and the effect it had on my companion and I, I must first explain what we were wearing. Due to service being our next activity of the day, we were in service clothes, but like most missionaries know, service is a great opportunity to practice what one will wear in the real world upon arrive. Therefore, weather permitting, the average missionary will usually be vested in their finest attire, which for me was a Mexico Jersey, my bright red Converse and a Quicksilver hat with a variety of tropical themed objects sketched out around it. As we entered, I knew I picked the wrong clothes for such a haircut. Every person in the establishment was above the age of 60, nearly bald and has gotten their haircut at this same establishment by the same barber named Neldon for the past 30 years. They all were wearing, socks and sandals, conservative style polo shirts tucked into nice khakis. The whole place was littered with harsh comments about the government and how kids are ruining society. We were an excellent example of such 'kids'. I have never received more dirty looks in my life. Not one of them said a word, except, "the usually," to the barbers. We were out of place. Immediately following the haircut, we gave them a pass-along card and ran to buy Azteka taco truck so we could feel back at home.

We received a call on Friday from a member of the branch presidency. They kindly asked if we could play the piano during Sacrament Meeting. I said sure and then totally forgot. Sunday morning came along and as I arose ate some watermelon and casually did what I do every morning and then as I walked past our electric piano to go get more watermelon it hit me like a raccoon jumping on my face. I immediately sat down and practiced along with my companion. We ran to the church early to practice in the primary room. Just before Sacrament meeting commenced, they said, 'Elders, there are only three hymns you picked, what about the intermediate hymn?' Elder Williams stepped forward and said, 'I'll play a musical number.' And began practicing the only other hymn he knew. Many prayers offered and practicing down, the meeting began. We receive a lot of help from above and it went totally fine, which was an absolute miracle. We are really weak people but grace covers our weaknesses.

One less active family we have recently started teaching had a question for me. The Mom, Dad, Son and Abuelita live together trying to make it by, and the Dad, an American doesn't speak much Spanish but they communicate well. They aren't married yet but the first time we met them that is what the Mom wanted to do. And we all know Mom rules the house and so that is what is happening. As we closed the lesson and their young son ran around their small apartment yelling, "I'm Spiderman!', she asked me to be a witness at her wedding. I have no idea what that entails but I have a feeling it will involve food after. Its this Friday so I will let you know what occurs. Its very neat that she chose me.

We met another less active family and they were about to leave but sometimes these things take a little longer for Elder Thomas to figure out. After the teenage daughter stormed in said we need to go NOW to her parents, it was fairly apparent we needed to leave. I said a silent prayer that I could pick a scripture that would help them. I asked if we could share something before they departed and the offer was accepted. Without taking thought I flipped open to Ether 12:27, read it said I was weak and Christ helps me be strong. With the family in commotion ready to leave, the Dad said that is my favorite scripture. I have no idea if this had any effect on him, but it was a witness to me that our Heavenly Father hears us and answers us always.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Elder Thomas

PS sorry for the lack of pictures I might have broken my camera, but I bought an old school one (circa 1997) and am waiting for the photos to get developed at the local Walmart. Ill send them next week. Sorry