Shashi

MOST exciting for this week was getting to work with our all-star investigator: Shashi! This women is one of those people that was TRULY prepared by the hand of the Lord. I'll tell you a little about her story.

So, she was found about a week before I transferred to Indiranagar (so about a month ago). But the WAY she was found is pretty special. Apparently, the elders from Indiranagar were visiting the White Field branch for a meeting, and while they were there a different elder introduced them to the Whitefield security guard named James, and told them that he is interested in learning more about the Gospel, and he actually lives in the Indiranagar area. The guard said that they could come visit his home later that evening, but he gave them.... not an exact address. To give a comparison, he pretty much said something along the lines of "I live in Holiday Hills, You can come visit me anytime after 6 tonight."

So, when the elders got back to Indiranagar, they got to work trying to find Jame's house. They went to "Holiday Hills" and started asking everyone if they knew where James lived. Eventually the talked to someone that said "Ya! I know James! He lives right down this street, last house on the left." 

"Okay great, thank you!" 

"And you're coming from church, correct?"

"Ya, we are."

"Okay perfect, then ya that house is definitely the one you are looking for. James goes to church."

"awesome! Thanks for your help!"

So the elders went and knocked on the door, and surprise surprise, James DID live there, but it was a DIFFERENT James than they were looking for! Amazingly though, he invited them in (which is a miracle in and of itself, because later his wife, our star investigator Shashi, told us that he never lets strangers inside). The elders then started to teach the family, and the wife, Shahi, was very very interested. 

As a matter of fact, James is Christian, but Shashi is a Hindu. BUT, she had seen some miracles in her life that were causing her to believe in the Savior, and she had actually contacted a local church's pastor and asked to be baptized that month (this month). But that day she had been praying a lot, and asking if this is really what she should do. And then that night, elders come knock knocking on her door. 

She said that she felt something different when the elders taught her.

And, she continues to have spiritual experiences, during every lesson, and almost every time in between each lesson, as she prays and does her best to keep the commitments we give to her. Her life really and truly is changing. 

What's really amazing to see is how the Gospel really is the beacon of hope that needed in her life. Shashi lives in a... not so good environment. James, her husband, has word of wisdom issues, so he spends all the money he earns from work to satisfy his addiction. So that leaves Shashi to work to earn enough money to support the family, AND she still has to do her regular house wife duties. The home they live in would shock you, to know that a family actually lives in there. But, it's the best she can do. 

Really, before we came, the only thing that brought her happiness in life was her two adorable daughters. But now she gets to enjoy the joy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! :) Every time we visit her she just smiles from ear to ear.

One night James told us "My wife loves the things you have been teaching her. Every night she'll stay up till 2 AM reading those pamphlets you give her!" Shashi then told us "Well, they're just so interesting!" 

Please note, she doesn't get the kids in bed until 10 or 10:30, and then has to wake up at 6 in the morning to get ready for work. Wow. Gives new perspective when people say "I didn't have enough time to read my scriptures, do my home teaching, prepare a lesson, go to that service project, etc. etc.

It's amazing to watch someone that really has never experienced the Gospel at ALL, and see how it really does change her life. So cool.