What another amazing week! I don't think
I have ever felt so tired in my life. I mean I literally could not
keep my eyes open when we were in a bus traveling from one part of the
area to another. I felt like a crazy wild man running around all week to
make everything work out. HAHA, in the evenings we would crash into
our beds and I slept like a rock every night!
We saw a huge miracle this last week as we helped
the Padilla Family get baptized. They are a wonderful family that I had
known for a while. I met them the third day in this area when I felt a
clear, strong impression to contact the mom. We tried passing by the
next couple of weeks to start teaching the family but the father always
told us no. However, we kept saying hi to them as we passed their
"sope" and "quesadilla" stand. One day when we were passing by I
recognized the father of the family helping her make the food. We went
up and introduced ourselves and he responded asking if we were Mormons.
When we explained that Mormons was a nickname we have, he asked me why
in our church we teach people to want to kill others. Quite surprised
by his question, I asked him if he really thought that our church taught
something like that. He answered no and then on his own invited us to
come to his house the coming Saturday.
That first lesson went super well, they came to
church, we got them married, and this last Sunday THEY ALL GOT
BAPTIZED!!!! I will never forget the miracle the Lord showed us. It is
such an example of the last verse in Alma 32. With faith, patience,
and diligence we WILL see miracles.
We also found a new family that in the first lesson
told us that they knew we were sent by God and that they would do
anything we told them they needed to do. We had decided to knock doors
and theirs was the first one we had knocked. They all agreed to be
baptized this coming Sunday and loved church. When we talked about the
Word of Wisdom, they were more than willing to make the sacrifice to
stop smoking. Overall, the greatest blessing I have found in knowing
this family is the difference in happiness and light I see in every
progressing visit. In the first visit they sadly informed us about all
the trials they were currently facing and their failing health. The
Spirit is definitely entering into their lives as they are starting to live
the gospel. I really enjoying noting the difference that people have
before and after the lesson. You can tell the difference in their face
and especially in their eyes. They are SUPER excited for this coming
Sunday!
So its abnormally cold here and am actually using
long sleeve shirts! I am enjoying the "cold" weather but I know it is
nothing compared to the snow that you are currently having. HAHA, so
funny side note: lately on the days that I wear my glasses, everyone
tells me that I look like Robin Williams...HAHA. Investigators, other
missionaries, members; they all tell me that I look a lot like him. I
don't see it but I find it pretty funny. I have lost a lot of weight
and I am grateful I look like a famous actor and not like a famous sumo
wrestler.
I really am so grateful for every single one of you
and your loving and encouraging words. They mean so much to me and I
love reading your letters and knowing whats going on back home. I know
that they Lord is showering blessings upon me here in the mission for my
service but it is also fulfilling to see these blessings being poured
upon you guys. I love you, every single one of you!!
LOVE,
Elder Janis
