I lost my plack this week and this seriously feels like heartbreak. I wore it every day and it had cute stickers on the back from my favorite little kids in Hermosillo. Seriously emotionally affected and having a hard time getting used to my new one even though it's the exact same HAAHHAHA but it's just not the same. #hearthurts #worsethanabreakup
Okay but on a not-so-dramatic note, WE BAPTIZED 3 OF OUR FRIENDS THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!! Seriously it was all just a miracle. Let me explain all 3.
- Jorge, the dad, is the nicest person ever and the most prepared person I've ever taught. He says the most sincere prayers and has such a serious desire to know the gospel. This is his first experience ever attending a church and I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes bishop one day he's seriously that awesome guy. His next goal is to get the priesthood to baptize his daughters.
- Luis is just the biggest light and my heart aches when I think about him cause I just love him and think he's the sweetest little boy ever. We found out this week that 10 months ago he saw his mom take her life, and I know without a doubt that while we taught him the plan of salvation he felt peace and we weren't the only ones helping him, both sides of the veil helped in his conversion. He stayed strong with his commitment to getting baptized all
week even if it meant coming alone to
church again BUT with a miracle his stepmom and 3 siblings came to support him!!!!! His brothers now want to follow in his footsteps and his stepmom felt something real in the church and asked us to please not give up on Luis's dad (he struggles with addiction) and continue visiting daily. The faith of this 12-year-old to get baptized is quite literally inspiring the whole family and changing their lives for the better.
- Aaron, the 3rd friend is a 14-year-old little boy and was SUCH a miracle. He hadn't shown up for sacrament and we were getting worried cause it was getting close to the start of the baptism. He had been texting us saying he wasn't sure if he could come because his grandparents and aunt (they are raising him) changed their mind and were convincing him he needed more time. It was 2:40 and the baptisms were supposed to start at 3, we
said a prayer and decided to risk it and take the 20-minute taxi to his house. Of course, the house was at the top of the mountain and the taxi driver was a jerk and decided he didn't want to take his car to the top, so we jumped out and decided our only option was to run. We quite literally rushed up the mountain, literally climbing, while getting attacked by dogs. The whole time unsure of what was going to be our outcome because Aaron never agreed to come with us. Nevertheless, we pressed forward and when we knocked at the door, without saying anything to him or his grandma, he walked out with his backpack on and said "I'm ready let's go". I'M SORRY WHATTTTT??? Nothing else to say other than God answers prayers and we just need to trust and press forward with faith. We then got in another taxi and the car literally died. Like, wouldn't start the moment we got in it. Are we kidding? At this point, it's like 3:15 and our 2 other friends were waiting in the church having no idea where we were. I immediately said another prayer and THE CAR STARTED! We rushed back to the church and made it around 3:35. Perfect timing to start a baptism if you ask me.
Seriously though the faith of these 2 little boys inspires me more than anything. Luis with his commitment to get baptized all week even when his family never agreed to come, and then Aaron who did get baptized with no family there. Thankfully Luis's cute family stepped in and said "We are representing his family today." Like crying I love how the gospel just brings everyone together into a family. And there was a room FULL of members to support.
I was just in awe all Sunday watching these boys get baptized. Reminded me of the talk by Brad Wilcox at this last general conference about the youth of the noble birthright. And how Christ said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." The scriptures teach us to be like children, submissive, eager to learn and follow the will of Christ. Watching these boys get baptized was a testament that God IS hastening his work and he truly does want all the kids to come to him.
Not only am I inspired by these boys, but I learned that we can't just say a prayer and hope God delivers. We MUST get up and work, hike the mountain if we need to, and after triumph, God will prevail. But we must work and work and work because miracles do come but not without effort.
Best Sunday of the mish and I'm pumped to see what else we can accomplish in these last 2 weeks of the transfer.
Lots of love,
Hermana Steuer
Photos ^^
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