Many of you may know that I have a tradition of going "sun-rising" on my birthday. And guess what??? All of the missionaries surprised me with a sun-rising trip this morning and it was flawless. The zone leaders even brought donuts and I brought my $5 dollar Walmart kite and we had a riot.
We even saw this really cool man on the pier catch the biggest barracuda I have seen. It took him all of 15 minutes to get the fish tired and then he reeled it in. It was a fight to say the least. The sisters also decked out the house in birthday decoration and the zone leaders are making me crepes. The missionaries make me feel spoiled rotten, I love them all so much.
I believe the biggest highlight of this week was getting creative with the sisters. We had a lemonade stand and the Latins just LOVED it.
We had two different flavors and you wouldn't believe how big of a hit it was in the 99 degrees weather. We had Books of Mormon and fliers to our fourth of July party that night. A cute Cuban named Carlos was just thrilled to see us and told us he would try to make it to the party. Naturally, we got talking about our testimonies and personal experiences that we have had with Christ and instantly I could feel of his strong faith.
This experience reminded me of the story in the bible when a woman who had suffered a blood disease for 12 years was healed by the Savior. Jesus could feel this woman's faith when she touched Jesus' mantle and as a result, she was immediately healed. We spoke with Carlos for only 3 or so minutes but I could feel his faith. It was a touching experience. Later, to our surprise, he came to the party, and to say the least, he loved it! He was the first to play musical chairs and join in on the Latin food and fun. The members even attempted to barbecue hamburgers and they didn't turn out half bad. Later we gave him a very spirit-filled chapel tour and he later told us that despite his unwavering dedication to his congregation he would do whatever Christ told him.
If that meant to leave his church and join ours he would do it. I haven't met someone with a love for the savior this deep in a long time. We have lots of faith that Carlos will find the truth of these things through the spirit.
Another awesome highlight of this week was going to the temple for the first time with Abraham to do baptisms! Immediately as we walked in I could feel a distinct difference of the spirit. There is no doubt in my mind that the power of God has been restored in these last days through a modern-day prophet. Abraham was able to baptize us and Kelly (his girlfriend). It was an experience that we will never forget!
When Abraham got in the font he said, "thank Goodness this water is warm." because side note: when he was baptized the water had been sitting for a while and it had gotten really cold. jaja we invited him to come back at least once a month and as we were walking away He said, "Oh don't you worry. I will be coming back a lot more than that!" I truly do believe that we are endowed with power from on high and are armed with light and purity as we come out of these sacred temples.
Recently we have been having a grand ole time singing to the elderly. the spirit is so strong and there is nothing better than seeing a sad lonely face light up with the joy of Christ. There is this cute old man who lives in the rest home we visit and he loves to follow us around the whole time and he has our whole hearts.
ALSOO I had the biggest jaw-dropping experience of my life. Karen showed up to the 4th of July party this past weekend and I legit died. I will keep you all up to date on what happens. She didn't come to church this past week but we keep praying that she will find a life-changing experience with the spirit that will motivate her to act.
God is Good. he always gives us unlimited second chances and for that, I am forever grateful. Love you all and happy late fourth of July!! Live it up because today is the best day of the year!!
xo,
When Abraham got in the font he said, "thank Goodness this water is warm." because side note: when he was baptized the water had been sitting for a while and it had gotten really cold. jaja we invited him to come back at least once a month and as we were walking away He said, "Oh don't you worry. I will be coming back a lot more than that!" I truly do believe that we are endowed with power from on high and are armed with light and purity as we come out of these sacred temples.
