Remember John? Well, he is now officially a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! Wow Saturday was such a special day. John has worked so hard for this very moment. He got a hair cut, trimmed his beard and said that he is now the new John, and the new John doesn't look scruffy. He has been taught by missionaries for about a year and all the missionaries that had taught him came to the baptism which was really cool for John. Something that I have never done at a baptism before is, we had each person stand up and say their name, how they know John, and why they came to his baptism. John's daughter and granddaughter came which made him really happy. It was nice talking to her and we hope to be able to teach her soon. There were so many missionaries that came and that was really good to have that spirit there. The room was filled with so many people who all love John and have seen how much he has progressed over the last year.
We also went to go see Sis Kennedy again this week. She had made us some cake with creme and strawberries and blackberries to take home and some brownies, AND some pizza with homemade crust. Like what?! She has only met us once and practically adopted us as daughters. She has had a very cool experience coming to know God and the love he has for her. I am so excited to continue to teach her more and more about the gospel!
Jean is a super sweet old lady who has a son who is a member. All of her family lives pretty far away, the elders had tracted into her one day. She is another nice lady who is always calling to see if we are alright, if we are homesick or if we need any food or anything. Don't worry mom, I am very taken care of out here! We were asking her if she had been reading the Book of Mormon and she said yes! She says that she knows it is true and it reminds her of the Bible. She also loves family history and has become good friends with Sister Quillon who is a family history master. So Jean is creating great memories with the church!
I wen't on exchanges on Thursday, which means I become companions with my sister training leader for a day, and she is an hermana so I was able to do some Spanish missionary work! I took two years of Spanish in high school so I did recognize words, and if I focused I knew the idea of what they were talking about but couldn't say much. "Hola...Muy Bien... Buena Noche!" Hermana Agulera translated my testimony so I was still able to have some say. I still did learn so much from her! She is so enthusiastic about missionary work and talking to everyone which is what I strive to be!
While we were doing Spanish work, we did run into a man who we shared the Easter video with and after he asked, "Wait, so we will live again?" We of course told him yes and asked if we could come back and teach him more about it. He said that we could! He is going to love the Plan of Salvation!
As we were out one day looking for people to teach, we go into this building and then when we came out there was just a man standing there. We asked him if we could share the Easter video and he said yes. He started to cry after the video and told us that he was just thinking about God and what he would want him to do in his life right now. He said that his sister died not too long ago and it has been really hard for him. He kept saying that he is so lost. Sister Buchmiller and I testified of God's love for him and that we met him for a reason and we do have what he is looking for. It was a powerful testimony builder that God really does lead us to those who are prepared.
And to top off this fantastic week... a beautiful Easter Sunday.
John was confirmed a member of the Church, Sister Buchmiller and I said the opening and closing prayers at sacrament, some little kids gave us Easter eggs with candy inside, we were able to partake of the Sacrament, it was an absolutely beautiful day, and one of the best Easter Sunday's ever :)
"That first Easter sequence of Atonement and Resurrection constitutes the most consequential moment, the most generous gift, the most excruciating pain, and the most majestic manifestation of pure love ever to be demonstrated in the history of this world. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, suffered, died, and rose from death in order that He could, like lightning in a summer storm, grasp us as we fall, hold us with His might, and through our obedience to His commandments, lift us to eternal life." -Elder Holland
How grateful I am to be able to be a part of this great work. There truly is nothing that brings more joy than the effects of the gospel. I came to know again this week that our Heavenly Father loves us all so much and is in the details of our lives. When we struggle, if we turn to our Heavenly Father he is quick to pick us up, dust us off, and help us keep going. Enduring to the end doesn't have to be so hard. Endure joyfully, be happy, and feel peace through the Savior. One day, "every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess" that Jesus is the Christ.
MAKE GOOD CHOICES AND HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK
Video (7) from tracie on Vimeo.
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