Well first of all...I hope everyone had a fantastic Easter weekend! Yes, the Easter Bunny found me and my companions just fine and we enjoyed our treats! :) Our favorite Easter treats were: 1) we had 4 investigators at sacrament meeting! 2) Amber and Nick (brother and sister converts) were confirmed members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! They both received beautiful blessings, and it made for an even more spiritual meeting. I LOVE EASTER!!! It couldn't have been a more beautiful day outside, the sun shining bright, the music and speakers were spectacular, and we were able to meet a few potential investigators at dinner and the stake music/scripture fireside! My favorite talk in sacrament meeting yesterday was from Sister Watson, an 80 year old woman who often accompanies us to our lessons. She spoke with such simplicity and strength, everyone KNEW what she was testifying was true...not to mention with the sweetest Oklahoman accent you could ever hear! haha. I want you all to know that I know that my redeemer, our savior Jesus Christ, lives; and loves us more than we could ever imagine. I know that He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane for every single person on earth, and completed the atoning sacrifice so that we might live with him and our loving father in heaven again. I know that He arose from the garden tomb, a perfect resurrected being...that we too will be resurrected one day; and that we will be able to join our families, loved ones, friends and neighbors who have all come before us in the kingdom of heaven. I know that if we remain faithful, always striving to do our best and become as Christ was, we will gain eternal life: the greatest of all the gifts of God. I am so grateful for this Easter season, but hope that we can always remember our Savior and what He did for us no matter what day it is.
A cool experience from this week: Nick(12) and Amber(9) were supposed to have their baptismal interviews on Tuesday evening, so we go over to their home and share a little message until the district leader arrived to do the interviews. Nick went first, and finished...then Amber was being extremely hesitant, not wanting to do the interview at all...bribery didn't even work! haha. ;) After unsuccessfully trying to get her to complete the interview for about 45 minutes...we scheduled to come back on Thursday evening and she promised she would be ready. My companions and I decided we would fast for her, because honestly we weren't even sure she would want to be baptized anymore...so Wednesday night/Thursday we fasted so that Amber would have the courage and strength and comfort to complete the interview and be baptized. Thursday evening comes around and as soon as we walk in the door to their home Amber has a different light about her. She was calm, and more enthusiastic than I had ever seen her! She cheerfully completed her interview, and was excited for her baptism on Saturday. This experience truly strengthened my testimony of fasting and prayer. I know that Heavenly Father is aware of each of His children's circumstances and struggles...that we have the power to help not only ourselves, but those around us...if we are willing to do our part.
Saturday was one of my favorite days...Nick and Amber's baptism was perfect, and they had so much support not only from the ward, but from their family...their mom is the only other member in their family so it was incredible to see her parents and brother there, as well as her husband who never really wanted to be involved. I kept looking over at their father during the talks and service, and I could tell he was feeling the spirit. It would be so neat to be able to teach him and see him baptized as well...and to have their family sealed for time and all eternity in the temple. I know it might not happen while I am here, but it put things in perspective for me as a missionary. That's why we are here. "Missionaries leave their families for a short while so they can help other families be together forever."
This week we were able to visit with quite a few less active ladies who have really been struggling. I love talking to them, and hearing their stories and trying to help them and serve them in any way possible. It has been so neat to be able to bring the spirit back into their homes, and help them see the importance of having the spirit and gospel in their lives. Sometimes people just need to talk and have someone there to listen...and that's what I love to do! ...and as long as we are truly listening, we can ALWAYS tie in the gospel somehow. I have been able to use a few life experiences of my own; which helps me realize that I really did go through every single thing for a reason.
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