Another Miracle

Mon, November 8, 2010 6:51:58 PM

So this week we participated in another miracle. So as some of you may or may not know, my companion has been here in the area of León for the entire first half of her mission. We expect that she will be transferred this Wednesday at changes probably. Who knows if I will go or not, that is not the point right now hahaha. Anyways so what it is, is that she has been teaching this one man, Marcio, since she came here. It has been a long and difficult ride for the two of them (and me for the last little portion!), but this weekend he was baptized and confirmed. Amazing. I remember Hna. Platero telling me when I came here that based on how things had all been going and such, if he was baptized she would witness a miracle. And so, miracles still do exist! His family - wife AND kids - are really inactive and do not really support his being baptized. His 15 year old son mocked him for it and laughed when we came to pick him up like he couldn't believe it. Pretty difficult. I know, though, that he can be strong and has a great potential.

Hermana Platero

Hermanas Rippstein and Platero,

the Priesthood holder who performed the baptism, and Marcio.

Also, there must be something truly great planned for Johan, the man who was baptized after practically being hand prepared by God for the message. I have never seen someone so truly ready for the gospel in my life. Anyways, now just about every adversity is coming his way. He is of strong character and has a true testimony, but has no support from family, is mocked by many, and generally just in circumstances that are refining his character right now. He needs your prayers. I know great things are destined for every one of those who accept the gospel and move forward in faith, but Hna Platero and I can tell that the adversary is trying very hard to get him to lose that faith. But still he is strong and pressing forward and knows what he needs to do.

I am extremely thankful for being able to participate in this work and am starting to feel like I can actually help people and find personal purpose. Thank you for your prayers and support!

Happy Halloween and other news

Mon, November 1, 2010 7:09:51 PM

Happppppy Halloween!! They do not really celebrate it here. I heard that in other areas it is actually a day of black magic and voodoo but I am in a city so we don’t have much of that. Apparently in all of Central America Halloween is not a good day, according to my companion. This was one the lamest Halloweens I have ever experienced (Luckily the two days I will miss Halloween are on the worst days of the week to have it so that makes me happy). My district leader made sure to call me and wish me happy Halloween because he knew that this day was a very important one to me, which was very nice of him. We have one of the best district leaders ever. He is very thoughtful and always willing to help in whatever way possible. He falls well with me.

This week was busy and full but I do not remember most of it.. it is kind of all a blur. I can’t believe we are already at changes again. Life is good and I like being busy. We had a special presentation about the temple and stuff for all the recent converts of Leon and it turned out pretty well I think. Couples and families that had been sealed in the temple testified together about their experiences, the missionaries all sang “I Love To See The Temple” and it was just a good experience. Except for the fact that I got super trunkey for temples hahaha. Trunkey for those of you that don’t know is what they call missionaries who miss something about their homes.

This week we had another beach baptism, which went very well. President Arredondo, his family, and the APs all came and it was a great experience. I have added photos from the trip, some with members, some with the president and his family, some with missionaries and especially some of our converts, Johan and Tino. This time we only had 2 (the other 2 investigators fell through), but I think I prefer it that way almost because I can give them the attention they deserve on their special day, rather than running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to make sure that people are feeling good. The beach was more gorgeous this time, if that is possible, and we were able to stay till sundown which was awesome. My comp and I got to ride with the president in a VAN with soft chairs and AIR CONDITIONING and it was really a treat haha.

Johan and Tino felt so good and it was such a happy experience for the two of them. Ha when Tino (the older one) put on his baptismal clothes he was parading around and dancing a bit (he is kind of strange and kooky but that’s why we love him) and he was all like, ´Soy beautiful, no?´ Hahaha we almost died laughing. What a hoot! Johan is the same age as me, his birthday is actually only 7 days before mine, but he is still so stoked about preparing for a mission! He wants everyone to feel the same way that he does and, well, isn’t that the most that a missionary can hope for one of their converts? His whole life has been changed completely around because of the help of God. They are so happy.. and I am so happy because of it. And many of our converts are still buzzing with excitement and total happiness and fullness of spirit which is something great to see.