Forces of Heaven and Hell

What a week. This week I felt the forces of heaven and hell, and the protection and love from heaven.

Either my comp or myself have been sick all week. So, we didn't get to work all that much. But, we fought for Jacinto and Vilma. Thursday night we didn't sleep very well. Twelve missionaries have gone home in the last change and my comp and I stayed up talking about our goals, our missions, and things we have learned. That night I felt my Heavenly Father so aware of me and my comp, helping us to learn from one another.

Friday morning we went to the chapel and practiced again the musical number for the baptism that afternoon. We sat on the steps of the baptismal font listening to the rushing water and just pondered on the events that were going to come to pass later that afternoon. I thought about the importance of baptism. I though of all the prayers and work to get Jacinto and Vilma to their baptism. We put the heater on and left to prepare the last couple of things.

We finally got to their house and Jacinto wasn't there. I about flipped. But, he showed up and we went. The baptism was beautiful. Our musical number went so well. The Elders sang and played the guitar as well. They went into the water and were baptized and left the water with a huge smile. On Sunday, they were confirmed in the knic of time and then the bishop and Jacinto were talking in front of everyone. I was like, oh no! What happened. Then, I saw something that made me cry. Jacinto handed his baby girl to the bishop and she received her name and her blessing. It was beautiful. It was absolutely beautiful. The whole family received blessings.

The ward is receiving them. Everyday they have a family home evening, or a dinner, or something with some member. It was absolutely beautiful!

The Lord led us to this family. They were prepared!

Yesterday was Vilmas sixteenth birthday. We kept telling her she was getting the best gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost. We made her a small cake and a birthday crown. In midst of all their problems as a young couple, they had joy in their eyes and their smile had more depth!

This work is incredible!

And can you believe I have been here for eleven months! Crazy.

Well I love you all!

Big News This Week

What a week. Let's see. Last Monday we went to a member's home and we made pupusas that was pretty awesome. I will have to teach you all when I get back.

My comp and I are doing wonderful. She fasted and got a blessing and we have talked a lot and she is much happier... and so am I! We work really well together and it's nice. It's good to just work without having to come home and work again with your comp. We speak Spanglish. Her English is so good. It just needs practice.

So big news this week...

THE FAMILIA MATIAS HAS A FECHA and they are getting baptized this Friday at four. But, that is a lot easier to write than what needed to happen for them to get to that point.

As you know we have been working with them for so long. Baby Vilma Ngeli came and slowed down the baptism process, but I think it was a good thing. Last week we tried to set a fecha with them. Jacinto said, "No, no okay September 15th." I looked at him and was like, that's a Tuesday and why that date. He said he had just picked it. We talked more about baptism and that it's a commandment and he accepted August 6th. Vilma looked at me and said no. I said okay. We testified and such. Hermana Arana said that she didn't think that Vilma had a testimony or had felt that Spirit. I told her no. I know she had and I know she is gaining her testimony, it isn't that. There is something more. We prayed and studied and had a plan A, B, and C, for things they might say.

The next day we were almost to their house and I said Hermana, let's say a prayer. I don't know what more we can say or do. We need the Lord's help to open their hearts. We prayed and went with a new determination. We walked in and we talked a bit and then Jacinto said, "Well... she has doubt." I looked at Vilma and told her we are her friends and sisters, and that we could help give her answers. She said that she had three questions. "I am worried about the cold water and my milk," she is still nursing, "how much does the baptism cost?" And then she said, "What time are you wanting to have the baptism? My sister is getting married on the 6th." She is so cute.

So I smiled and said, "Oh Vilma! Do you want to get baptized?" She said yes. Then I said, "Okay. The water will be warm. Don't worry, we will have a blow dryer after too. The baptism is FREE all of it. And enjoy your sister's wedding. We can do it a week after or the day before." She said the day before.

So with fechas, we left sooo grateful for the literal answer to prayers. The next step... the interview. For two days we explained interviews and he had just a hard time. But I asked President Lorenzana about how to explain it and we went and they accepted and were excited about having a servant of the Lord in their home. They cleaned quickly and welcomed the interview and asked the Elders if they could baptize them. So cool. They are happy with their decision.

For Jacinto it is in secret. If he tells his family, they will beat him. And, he has the stress of being eighteen, a new father and husband, and trying to make ends meet. He is on the verge of losing 75 acres of land because he is short 1500Q. And still lacks the necessities like gas for cooking. But, he finds solace in the Book of Mormon, in hymns, and the missionaries. It's incredible.

Vilma will turn sixteen on Sunday. The same day she will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. How cool is that!

Please continue to pray for them. :)

We had a really cool lesson with a girl named Ana Patricia. We were talking about our purpose on earth and she just started crying. She said, "I have made so many mistakes in my life and I want to be better. I think this could help." So cool to know that she was feeling the Spirit. We had talked nothing of repentance. So cool.

Also found Carlos and Delmi. They're family and friends are all members, but haven't made the choice themselves to do the same. We have had some powerful lesson with them and I think that they can progress.

The Lord has blessed me with a giant and great area. With a happy comp who just wants to please the Lord. And I am doing so well. I really love the mission. Yesterday I wrote in my journal for the 61st day in a row. One of my accomplishments in the mission.

I love you all so much! Thank you for your love and support!