Sister Khavlet, the Mongolian missionary assigned here who couldn't take the heat and was reassigned to her home country had to be careful not to have any photos sent to her family or posted on social media that showed her missionary badge because her family is Muslim and would be upset if they knew she was serving. Unfortunately, she went on p-day to visit a palace in Mongolia and was seen by some of her parents' friends who threatened to tell her parents. She assured them she would tell them. When she did, they were extremely upset and told her she must come home. "YOU CANNOT BE A CHRISTIAN TEACHER!" they told her. She asked them to talk to President Hansen, the mission president, but they insisted she return home. She wrote to us that, after listening to conference, she'd determined to stay, even if she was not allowed to return to her home after her mission. We prayed for her all week, and were relieved to hear the rest of the story. Monday we got a letter with this news: Guess what President and Sister Hughes! Miracle happened. Last Thursday, my parents texted me and i was soo nervous. They asked what do you need from home and then they said OKAY YOU WIN!. I was shocked 
(We are very happy for her.)
Another miracle I was praying for this week did not happen. Our newest Pakistani sister wanted to go home. She'd decided a mission wasn't for her. She's 26, had a career, and coming on a mission has been very difficult for her. We were really hoping she would change her mind--she seemed so close!. On Monday, she told Stewart in her interview that she was thinking of staying, so he canceled her flight for Tuesday, but after talking with her family the next day she decided to leave after all. We wish her the best but are very sad for her.
Stewart interviewed missionaries Monday through Thursday and I talked to their companions about their language study. Most of them are doing very well in learning English or Tagalog. The new missionaries seem to be doing okay, although one is still very homesick. Stewart gets all the late confessions, problems with companions, questions about their areas, phone-use problems, etc. so it's pretty intense for him. After I'm done, I just listen to them. This time some told me about their apartments-- the worst of which were tales of rats the size of the elder's shoe (and he'a an American with big feet) slipping in the door or coming in their unscreened kitchen window or (for smaller ones) up the drains. I'm so thankful our are only in our attic. Hopefully.
The Facilities Management replaced our light bulbs, painted and washed outside, fixed the AC and other repairs at the mission home and mission office in anticipation of mission tour next week. Elder and Sister Schmutz are arriving 7am on Tuesday and staying for three days to teach the missionaries and us. By an act of God which I appreciate VERY much, they have to return Wednesday night to Manila because the First Presidency changed their annual report from December 4 to this Wednesday night at 10pm. (Thank goodness for living prophets!) So we had to cancel the dinner with the stake presidents and area authority which is good because I had no idea how to pull off the preparation when I would be gone all day to zone conference. Also, I'd invited them for a turkey barbecue, forgetting it's pitch dark by 6pm when they would arrive and I haven't been able to find turkey for sale anywhere. So I consider it a huge blessing, and the Schmutz will too, after they spend one night int he GA room with our neighbor's yapping dog six feet away. They'll return Thursday morning for MLC and our evaluation and be home for Halloween.
Another blessing came today at the Bailwag stake conference. We've been to many of these (five) the last 28 months and in the past Stewart was in charge because it was a district, but now that it's a stake, he is just a guest. And they didn't even ask me to speak! Even though he no longer presides over the stake, he had to talk to the stake presidency about a ward where the bishop is authorizing confirming three people simultaneously in sacrament meeting in order to save time. What?????
Stewart gave a great talk about faith and going to God to get direction and then being focused and single-minded in our obedience, using Joseph Smith as an example. He encouraged us to have "firmness of mind" and cited scriptures including this one, which I love: Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, . . . O ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love, for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. (Jacob 3:1-2)
I am especially grateful for your extra prayers for us this coming week with our last mission tour. We are so very thankful for all you do to serve and help each other and those around you.
Much love,
Mom
At zone interviews the missionaries also get their mail run. These sisters are loaded down with Book of Mormons, fans, etc. on their way back to their apartment.
Baptism last night. Man in yellow baptized by his friend of 40 years (standing beside him).
The Pakistani sister (who almost stayed) and her excellent Filipina companion.
Giant mango tree in the middle of a nearby mall--right by the finest restaurant in our mission: TGIFridays
Sri Lankan sister with her English test score. She's rather cry than smile, since she got less than half, but she's learned so much in the past 17 months--we're proud of her.
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