Stepping out of the car, the heat and humidity pierce my skin, and let me know that I am still in Kentucky. I grab the Book of Mormon and put it in my usual spot, between my belt and my back, and feel the sweat drip down and soak into the Book. I know that every time I have the Book of Mormon on me I am safe and at any time I can grab it from my holster and testify of it's truthfulness. But not this time. Sometimes things come out of no where and you can't do anything about it.
Side by side, Elder Hanks and I walk through the old apartment building, reeking of smoke and dirty garbage, but loving the smell, because it smells like humility. Walking up the rickety steps of the stinky and sticky stairwell, we hear a dog barking. As we approach the door, out comes a black man, with a curious, protective and scared pit-bull, as a protection to him and his family. Will (the black man) comforts us as he tells us of the obedient watch dog that he has, and as we slowly approach the dog, we are unsure of his truthfulness and our safety. Barking, the "obedient" pit-bull is luckily corralled by the leather rope that hangs from a leather collar, tightly pulling at it's throat. I reach down to show that I am not a stranger, and rub the top of his head and ears, and luckily to my surprise, the dog lets me do so. With fright still in my mind, I am skeptical of this pit-bull as Will invites us into his home. I reluctantly follow, stepping through the threshold of the muggy hallway, into the smoke filled, air conditioned, apartment. Looking into the room, I slowly walk in, and to my surprise, the apartment reeks with dirty garbage, laying throughout the apartment floor. I observe the premises, and continue into the room. The next thing I know, there is a dog attached to my leg! In one motion, I rip out my leg and Will smacks the dog on the face, stunning it to the ground. The dog had bit this missionary on the leg, and finally has welcomed this Elder to now officially being a missionary!
I want to tell you that I tried to make it as dramatic and lifelike as I possibly could, so you could experience it as I did. It was only a nip on my leg that has now left a solid bruise and scratches, but I'm glad that I can now say I've been bit by a dog on my mission :)
Haha the work is going great!! We are seeing many miracles every single day, and we can only credit that to the Lord! Thank you for the prayers and uplifting support, I love it :)
-Elder Bloxham
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