Our Friend - The Artist

We got to watch the broadcast of the Relief Society meeting yesterday! It was so good. I thought I saw mom in the audience... I think it was just wishful thinking. Or maybe it’s because all white people look the same.

So our friend that we have been teaching for a few months was baptized on Saturday! As I have told you, his investigation began strictly out of curiosity. He is an artist. He loves philosophy, history, and is a deep thinker. He asked many questions that challenged us and really made us think. When he was first invited to be baptized he was quite reluctant. We would meet every week and he went to church every Sunday . . . but the transition of curiosity to conversion was quite gradual. But, little by little his heart was softened and the key factor in his conversion was when he began to pray to know if the church is true and if it was a path he should take. For days he didn't feel like he received any guidance from God; but over time he had a strong feeling that it was something he needed to do. He said that he couldn't deny what he had felt and that God had communicated with him. The baptismal service was beautiful and the ward loves him. He is a great person and I have no doubt that he will be a strong member. 

So there is a wonderful family in the ward that we are really close to. The mom feeds us often and likes to give us sandwiches to take with us. I failed to explain to her in the beginning that I don't eat meat and now I feel like it’s too late because after all this time she will naturally wonder why I didn't tell her earlier and what I've been doing with the food. So far I've been good at hiding it but this past week it was a little challenging. She gave us fajitas with beef and cheese and then she sat down to chat and watch us eat. I made eye contact with my companion; we both knew I was in an uncomfortable position. Before even touching her food, my companion starts eating off my plate. The lady watched her with the funniest expression. Hermana Morales just smiled and said, "I'm really hungry." I sure love my companion. She's got my back, even if it makes her look selfish. 

I saw the president of the D.R.! We were walking and many police cars passed and then a nice SUV. President Danilo was sitting in the front seat. I was freaking out, "It's Danilo! It's Danilo", My companion laughed at me and asked who Danilo was. I was so disappointed in her for not knowing. Then when we got home I told the other sisters I saw Danilo and they didn't know who he was either. Lame. I thought it was cool. 

Once a month we have a leadership meeting with President Hernandez and his wife, the zone leaders, the district leaders and the hermana leaders. There are three missionaries that speak and then the A.P.s and President speak. Everyone else takes notes and then the Z.L.’s give the same talks in their own zones. I have been assigned to speak this week. I am SO nervous; especially because my Spanish isn't that great. Pray for me!!! I'll let you know how it goes. 

Thank you so much for the packages!!!! I got one from the fam, from Grandpa Gwen, and from Shannon and Hannah. You all know me too well and sent me some of my favorite things. Thank you SO much!! I love the treats and already wore the new skirt; it’s nice to have something new in the wardrobe. 

I am so sad to hear about the passing of Ann Ostler. The Ostler’s are so wonderful and I cannot imagine how tough that is.

I love you all so much. Thank you for your emails; I laugh so hard at your stories and love your insights and updates. I'll find out on Sunday if I get transferred or stay. I will let you know. Hope you have a great week! 

M

"Life is the acceptance of responsibilities or their evasion. It is the business of meeting obligations or avoiding them. To every man the choice is continually being offered, and by the manner of his choosing you may fairly measure him." 

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that really matter."

                        - Martin Luther