What an insane week. I have NEVER been more tired. Walking, thinking, speaking - it's all a struggle by the end of each night. That's good, right? :)
Our week consisted of over 100 hours spent in a car because of Zone Training, exchanges, phoenix trip, and teaching and by the end I just wanted to cut my poor sore bum off. BUT it was worth it! I learned a lot and found a lot of things I can do to improve. I'm sure you want to hear all about Elder Holland - well, me too! We got some bad new Friday that he wasn't going to be able to make it because of a change in schedule and we were all a little bummed. BUT I STILL GOT TO SEE BRYNNLEY!! It was definitely a tender mercy of the Lord. I wanted to cry, laugh, and faint all at the same time. Not very many people get to see their best friends on their missions - BLESSED! :) It was a long but amazing trip.
We're teaching Presidente Rico's sister and brother-in-law and they're progressing really well. We visited them on Tuesday and committed them to start reading the Book of Mormon. When we went back on Thursday and asked if they had read any, Olaya said, "Well, I haven't read very much. i'm still in the beginning but I read a little." We were expecting her to have read maybe a little of the intro (that's typical - especially because it had only been 2 days) but then she said, "I'm at the part where Nefi kills Laban...around chapter 7 I think." I was shocked and so excited - I have a good feeling about her! They're also trying to set me up with their son...haha don't worry dad, he's not very cute anyways...;)
The Renterias - We visited them the night before their baptism just to go over everything and they were so ready. We were really nervous Jose's jumpsuit was going to pop open at the waist (we have a limited supply over here in Deming) but prayer works. :) Their baptism was probably the best baptism I've ever been to. We got to the church to set everything up and then the Renterias came - well, at least Cinthia, Lupito, Claritza and Miley...I asked where Jose was and Cinthia said, "He's not coming, Hermana." My heart dropped. I think they noticed that all the blood left my face and that I was about to faint because then Jose walked around the corner laughing. NOT FUNNY. We got them in their jumpsuits and had a great program. There were 75 people at the baptism and a lot of them were investigators and non-members. The spirit was really strong and afterwards during our big fiesta I talked with a lot of them and the non-members want to start learning more and the investigators now have baptismal dates! The Lord is blessing us SO much. Also just a little fun fact about the baptism - Jose was wearing a Swamp People shirt at his baptism...cracks me up! Geovani was talking to Jose afterwards and Jose told him, "You're next, right man? Trust me, it's worth it." Geovani said yep, had his baptismal interview, and here we go again planning another baptism for this weekend! Let the fun begin - again! :)
The last two transfers here in Deming have been completely opposite. Last transfer when I arrived in Deming, Sister Magnusson and Sister Hale had just baptized their investigators and we had very little left to work with. But I know this is the Lord's work, so I put it in His hands. We prayed hard for the faith, help, humility, and obedience we needed to find the elect and then worked even harder. And now we're having to pray to find enough time throughout the day to teach all our investigators! It is amazing the blessings the Lord is pouring upon us and, even though it is always a little hectic, I am so thankful! Mom, it's not "just short of a miracle" it IS a miracle!
Well family, it was great to hear from you all! JULIANNA!! Happy 7th birthday! Don't forget to wear you party pants (or underpants;)) and eat lots of ice cream for me! I love you so much and can't wait to celebrate turning 8 with you! Party hard! I love you family!
Hermana Stewart
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