What a week. Seriously. This has been the CRAZIEST WEEK OF MY LIFE!!!
it has been full of shock, heartbreak, uneasiness, and miracles. Ready to hear about it? Ok here goes.
Tuesday:
Got the training call from President Cook (See attached picture of my
immediate reaction). Wow. Surprise and a wave of unworthiness, un
preparedness, and nervousness washed over me. so yeah.
Wednesday:
Had a MIRACLE lesson with Iris. Seriously. We brought cupcakes and read
the stroy of Nefi being guided by the Spirit and not knowing BEFOREHAND
what he was going to have to do to get the plates, but he STILL WENT!
Then we related that to the cupcakes. WE asked her to take a bite-
Just ONE and tell us if it was good or if it was bad (of course it was
delicious becuase we made them:) . But she wasn't allowed to take
another bite. She said it was delicious. And we said, "well how do you
know? You didn't even eat the whole thing? How can you know that it is
soo good if you dont' eat it all?" She was just like- "because it IS
good, I already know." Exactly. Letting her come to her own conclusion
we said, "Now Iris, what does that mean for you- applying to the
Gospel?" And then she went on to say that she just needs to take the
step and be baptized. BOOM> Exactly. Then she FINALLY opened up about
what was holding her back. The answer Adan (her 22 year old son). He
is a punk and doesn't want them to get baptized. She can do it, but she
doesn't want to do it without the support of her son. But we talked and
the Spirit was SO strong and we commited her to talk to him and if he
reacted well then she said she would be baptized THIS WEEKEND. Miracle.
We were super pumped and on a spiritual high as we left. It was so
great and IRis was so happy:) Love that. We told her we would give her a
day to talk to him and follow up with her on Friday.
Thursday: Missionary work and feeling anxiety about training.
Friday:
Had to go down to Vista for a "Trainers training meeting" all morning
until 3pm. We got back and went straight to Iris. The whole fam was
there, including adan, and as soon as we brought it up there was just
tension in the air, and I knew she was going to say no. But after MUCH
BOLDNESS and discussion we left. My heart was broken beacuse I knew she
was so close and the only reason she wasn't doing it was because of her
son. hate that. And as she hugged be goodbye and kissed my cheek I just
couldn't hold it in anymore. Tears were shed and Andrea walked us out
to the car. It is amazing how very close you become to these people. You
truly see them through the eyes of our Heavenly Father and you feel
what He feels when they reject what they need to accept. that is what I
was feeling and I just couldn't keep it in any longer. Unfortunately we
had a dinner appointment right after...which means I had to go all puffy
eyed and red faced and have pleasant convresation with a member when my
mind was completely elsewhere. Oh well. It was fine. The rest of the
night was not a pleasant one...just a heavy cloud hanging over us.
......UNTIL......
We get home. We plan. We get in bed...and we get a text. Andrea. SHe tells us to call her. We call. She tells us she got permission to be baptized.
I didn't believe her. she passed the phone to Iris her mom and her mom
assured us that it was true. Wow. More TEARS OF JOY AND ELATION!!! Wow.
SErious emotional roller coaster this week. Seriously. They all talked
when I left and andrea begged adan for permission and he finally said
that if Iris says yes, then she can do it. And Iris said yes.
Iris also said that she told adan that she was going to be baptized,
and his face just fell. She said she would have been baptized that
weekend with Andrea, but she wants to have the support of her son.
MIRACLES- MIRACLES MIRACLES!!!!!!!!
Saturday:
ANdrea had her baptismal interview. Pretty much we were on the phone
ALL day with building coordinators other ward members and everyone
trying to plan a baptism for Sunday. It was a miracle everything worked
out as it did.--Let's just say Satan tried EVERYTHING to try and make
this baptism not happen.
Adan-
the brother- basically wouldn't (and still won't talk to andrea since
she made the choice to be baptized and that REally affected Andrea. She
is such a strong girl though and more Miracles happened that night to
assure that she would get baptized and not back out because of her
brother.
Sunday:
BAptism day! Andrea said she felt like she was dreaming the whole
time. After church ends we fill turn on the font water and come back to
check on it 30 minutes later. WE loko in and it is BROWN!!!
Horrified we quickly drained it and started over (luckily it came out
clear this time) but the next 2 hours were spent boiling about 10 pots
of water repeatedly to try and warm up the water (because all the hot
water had been used up with the brown water). Yup it was adventurous.
We were in the chapel for almst 10 hours straight (from morning mtgs to
church to setting up fro baptism, and to the actual baptism.
The
Baptism. Was beautiful! The whole CHAPEL was FULL of supporters. The
whole ward has been waiting for this day for 4 months! It was pure
beauty. Her mom was late (becuase their ride came to pick the up...and
brought a cheesecake to celebrate and it got SAT on as they were on
jumping in the car) Seriously, Satan tried EVERYTHING to make this
baptism not happen, and then when it did happen he tried Everything to
make her mom not get there!/ Anywho. Iris got late, but the spirit was
SO SOO Strong, and EVERYONE was crying! She got baptized and it was
just so gtreat. I have never been so happy in my life. then Iris said
the closing prayer. The most beautiful prayer i have ever heard. She
could barely get through it she was crying so hard. It was so great.
Miracles do happen and this truly is the work of the Lord. Iris said she
was going to be the next one... and you betcha she will be! I just wish
I could be there for hers too:( But it doesn't matter, she just needs
to do it:) And Jose will get baptized when she does.
Monday:
Saying goodbye is the hardest thing ever. I love the people here so
much and it hurts my heart that I won't be able to see them until next
year at the earliest. Worst part of the day= Andrea and Jose walking me
out to the car and clingin to me and balling their eyes out. It broke my
heart to finally pry them off of me (we were standing there for about
30minutes) and get in the car. How how I love them with all of my heart.
!! If there was one family I needed to meet while on my mission it was
Them. They have changed my life forever! Love them so!!
Today:
Packing like crazy. I have accumulated a lot of stuff. We have to leave
at 2 today to get to the meeting by 4. Still don't know where I am
going- won't find out until the meeting. The next part of the adventure
begins now!! It's exciting and scary and sad to leave all at the same
time, but I know I will be where the Lord needs me. I've done my part
here and am needed somewhere else. So here goes!
Mom-
Yes I replaced those shoes no worries. like between 4 and 6 pairs of
socklets would be perfect. And you wouldn't happen to be making a temple
bag for me at this class now would you? ;)
JAmi- your tub experience was absolutely hilarious:) Thanks for sharing!
Dang-
I'm out of time. I love you all and thanks for your support and
letters! I'll let you know what's happening and who I'm with and where
I'm at next week! Love you all so! Attached are some good pics:)
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