BUT! God is finding a way to keep it interesting. For example, we went to try a less active, part member, family. Drove up, and I commented on the beautiful dog that was lying in the shade by the tree. We then got out of the car and began walking to the door. I looked over and commented that the dog looked scared, ears back and cowering. Then I turned for half a second. And the dog snapped. Luckily it was chained to a tree, because it was lunging at us, spit flying, doing everything in its power to get to us and eat us alive. Suddenly it was the beautiful long haired German Shepherd it had been just moments before. It was a monster set on killing us. That was fun. We made it to the door and had a nice visit with Sister Smith. She wasn't the family we were looking for, but she is member and was more than happy to let us talk about the gospel. A very welcome change.
As we walked out, I told her she had a beautiful dog, and that I also had a German Shepherd. She agreed, and said something that made me chuckle, mostly out of fear. She said, "Yes she is beautiful isn't she! I just got her a new chain since she broke the last one when she attacked a guy a couple weeks ago. She does that a lot." 
Hahah, yeah we will be getting in the car now.
Man eating dog, just sitting in the front yard. No worries.
The fun continued at the next house, the Baragars. We drove up their long dirt driveway and pulled around. In the front yard sat two gorgeous Blue Heelers. Large, but beautiful. After the experience at Sister Smith's, Sister Steadman was understandably nervous to get out of the car. I volunteered to get out first to see what would happen. Bad idea. I got out and said "I am going to leave this door open, just in case. I will start walking and if I need to I can get back in fast." Good idea. I got out and started walking to the front door. The two dogs watched me, seemingly uninterested. Then, the larger of the two jumped into action and started barking and charging at me. I sprinted back to the car and slammed the door shut just as the now very angry dog arrived at the window. He was not happy that we were here. We agreed that it would be best to try back later, when the Baragars knew we were coming and could put their dogs away. We drove away, being chased by now two very angry, but pleased with themselves, Blue Heelers.
Don't worry though. I still love dogs. I have forgiven them for their nearly killing me. And for some weird reason. I want to be a vet even more than before. I don't know.
Which reminds me, Mississippi State has a vet program that not a lot of people apply to. Someone was telling me about it and how they admit a majority of the applicants because they need to fill the places, so almost everyone gets in. Might be a wonderful second option to apply to. But that's for later.
We also had a cool experience in Gospel Principles. Sister Cannon, a less active member that we have been visiting with, is now coming to church. (don't worry. I have realized that this in one result of our work) We were reading Chapter 15 about Christ's Church in Former Times. Sister Cannon was asked to read the section about spiritual gifts. She was talking about it and asked for a better explanation on what they were. Brother Bahr, the WML, gave some examples such as the faith to heal and be healed. Sister Cannon got tears in her eyes as she asked if the faith to be healed was truly a gift of the Spirit. We said yes. She asked if her faith and willingness to bring the priesthood to others that need blessings, and the faith that the priesthood would heal them, was such a gift. Again yes. She looked at us with tears streaming down her face and said, "That means I have a gift of the Spirit. That means God has forgiven me for my past. I was expecting to feel like this ever again. Thank you."
It was a truly special moment. It is a reminder that though our efforts with investigators are struggling to yield results, our efforts are bringing blessings in some other way. I am enduring through it.
Though it is so frustrating and discouraging to work so hard and then have to report such low numbers, I know God sees my efforts. He knows. And that's all the really matters.
God is aware of how I feel. And He is building me into the person and servant He wants me to be.
It reminds me of a talk that I read this week. "Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence" by Elder Jörg Klebingat. In it he says, "When these trials come, the adversary’s minions begin broadcasting that you did something wrong, that this is a punishment, a sign that Heavenly Father does not love you. Ignore that! Instead, try to force a smile, gaze heavenward, and say, “I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn’t it?” Then partner with Him to endure well to the end. Spiritual confidence increases when you accept that “often trials and tribulations are allowed to come into [your life] because of what [you] are doing right”
I love that! "I understand, Lord. I know what this is. A time to prove myself, isn't it?"
Well, I am going to do just that. I am going to endure it well and become all the better because of it!
That is all folks!
Love ya! 
Here are some pictures and videos to make up for the short email!
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