It has been another crazy, amazing week here in Valle Real. I have learned a lot in my time here and have seen the hand of the Lord in every step.
This week, Ami and her sons were baptized. I cannot explain the joy I feel and the changes we have seen in each member of the family. I love this family with all my heart. They are the most beautiful family and remind me of my own.
When we first met Ami, she wanted to talk to us so she could learn better english. At first, we couldn't really find her and didn't think she was interested in hearing the gospel. One day, about 2 months ago, we went to her house and taught the Plan of Salvation. I think that was a big turning point for her. She was amazed by the message and said that she never knew this plan existed. That Sunday, the week of my birthday, she went to church for the first time. Her testimony began to grow as she came to church for a while and was reading the Book of Mormon and praying. As her testimony grew, she wanted to get baptized, but had a lot of opposition from her family. She did not want to go through with her baptism without family support. She really wanted her sons to get baptized as well.
Her sons were shy for about a month of us teaching them and did not want to come out when we taught their mom. Little by little, they also started joining the lessons and learning about the gospel. Her oldest son, Alejandro, was baptized about 4 years ago, but has not been active for all this time. Through the process, he has been able to reactivate himself in the gospel. He has been a big blessing to his family as they have all grown in the gospel together.
I have seen how the gospel really does bless families. I cannot describe the changes we have seen. This is the Lord's work. As a family, they have all entirely changed. They have had some difficult family situations, but through the gospel, much of the pain they have felt has been healed.
Alejandro, the oldest son who is a member, about a year ago, had a dream that all of his family was dressed in white, being baptized in the church. He did not know when it would happen, but he knew that he would be reactivated and his family would come unto the Lord's church. Alejandro is now in mission preparation classes, filling out his mission papers, preparing to serve a fu-time mission for the Lord. On Saturday, he baptized his mom!!! This will be the first of many baptisms he will be part of in his life and on his mission.
Ami has a calling in the young women's presidency and Hugo (12) and Adrian (17) received the priesthood on Sunday. They will be blessing and passing the sacrament this next Sunday. They have already left with us to do visits and teach their friends who are not members. This is true conversion!
We went by their house the day of the confirmation and they were all so happy. Their light fills an entire room. Ami said that there is a hole in her heart she never knew was there and it has been filled with love, light and truth. Miracles, miracles, miracles. The Lord changes lives. I know that as we live the gospel, the Lord can make more out of our lives than we ever could alone.
I know the church is true. I love being a missionary because I get to walk alongside my Savior as He does HIS work. As long as we are diligent, obedient and humble, the Lord uses us to do all He needs us to do. It is a privilege to be here, serving for the Lord.
Thank you for all you do! Love you all so much.
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