Visiting Teaching: No Greater Failure

Theoretically, I think Visiting Teaching is an awesome program of the Relief Society. When I have explained it (in theory) to non-members, it has always been received with amazingly positive results. A usual response is something like “How wonderful it is to have something as organized as that--where everyone takes care of one another!” I think so too if it actually worked as beautifully as it sounds. The reality is there are major issues with the implementation of the program. I think every ward struggles with "getting their numbers up." This is not at all helped by the fact that I am a horrible Visiting Teacher (Katie can vouch for that).

I have always found excuses for my failure. I have mostly blamed logistics. I could be a better Visiing Teacher if:

I wasn’t working
I wasn’t taking care of kids all day
I was married
I was single
I could visit my friends
I wasn’t assigned to visit my friends
my visiting teachees were more active in the church
my visit teachees were less active in the church
I had transportation
I didn’t have to visit so many people
my companion’s schedule matched mine.

Each time I move into a new ward, I try to recommit to the program. They usually handle VT a little bit differently and my latest excuse becomes void which gives me hope that this time it will be different, I will do better, but I always proceed to come up with a new excuse (or two).

So, here I am once again, a new ward, a new chance. I want to do better, because I believe in the grand vision (not in numbers). I have two active sisters to visit, (as opposed to 2 active and 3 inactive in NYC). I also have a car (instead of a 15 minute walk + a bus or subway ride) to get to their houses. I feel like my future as a Visiting Teacher is looking bright! And finally, I have NO COMPANION.

At first I thought that I must be the odd woman out and when somebody else moved in, I’d get a companion. But that’s not the case. When I inquired further, I found out there are no companionships. In my new ward VT is one on one. Now I don’t think this method is by the book, which might make some people uncomfortable, but I think not having companionships gets rids of some of the major obstacles of VT (and not just logistical ones).

Pros of not having VT companionships:
-One less schedule to coordinate
-Real friendships are usually made one on one – not 2 on one1.
-Seems less formal, not so intimidating-especially for less active/inactive sisters
-I am in complete control of my success and failure – no companion to blame it on.

But I also think there are cons. There must be a reason for companionships. Right? I haven’t really thought of any yet, because I am just too excited by the prospect that this might actually be my recipe for success.

What are the cons to abolishing companionships in VT (you may also add the to my pros list)? And what is your recipe for VT success ?