Winter Wonderland

October 28, 2013

Dearest Family and Friends

This week we had the most gorgeous weather- around 17 degrees the whole week... but then yesterday we got quite the surprise.

Delfino is getting baptized next Saturday!  We taught him twice and he is so ready and excited to be baptized.  He did have concerns but after a very thorough lesson on repentance and a priesthood blessing given by Bro. Horton, he's ready.  I am so excited, but it's weird.  I feel like the two missionaries in The Best Two Years when the man says he wants to be baptized.  We jump up and down and then realize: "Now what do we do? We've never gotten this far before!"  Thankfully, Bro. Horton is taking care of most parts of the baptism- we just have to finish teaching everything before his baptism.  Pray for him, please.  His boss said that he probably can't have Saturday and Sunday off (for the baptism and confirmation) but I told him 1 Nephi 3:7 and that if the Lord commands him to be baptized, he will provide a way.  

Lorena has enjoyed seminary every day this week and she is hanging out with the other young women at other places besides church.  It's great that she has made good friends!  She enjoys our lessons and always has lots of questions!  We are making a goal with her to be ready to do baptisms for the dead by the end of November (the next youth temple trip).  Susanna's baptism is approaching so we taught her the Word of Wisdom.  She's 10 years old but LOVES tea.  So we had to put all the tea on the top shelf where she can't reach it.  Lorena has been helping her resist, but she goes on and on about how difficult it is for her.  She's doing great!

We haven't been able to meet with Rob, but we have a lesson scheduled for next week.  He has been reading and he says he has a lot of questions.  Bro. Horton says he want to come with us. We were able to meet with Elsie.  She is a new investigator.  She loves the Bible and says "God's words have ceased."  But she agreed to read the Book of Mormon and we will go back on Tuesday!  

Our ward is so amazing.  Everyone comes and offers to go to lessons with us!  They all want to help out and are asking whom they can pray for.  I love the support.

Guess what?  We won the "cleaning inspection" award for our apartment! 

The Lord works in mysterious ways.  This week I had quite the cold, probably because of the changing weather.  I lost most of my voice, but it was such a blessing because it forced Sister Martin to open up and teach :) It was great!  She definitely gained some confidence this week.  No worries, Bro. Sheppard made me some miracle cure out of Cajun peppers, honey, garlic, etc. and my throat feels much better! 

Thanks for the prayers.  I can feel them!  

I love you all so much! 

Sister Crystal Gardner