Wow, what an amazing week!
I can't even remember all the miracles that have happened, that's how amazing. :) But the most amazing miracle was that after THREE years of meeting with missionaries, coming to church, cleaning the church building, feeding us dinner, etc., Geovani was baptized!! The day of the baptism was a tough one for him. We texted him when he was at work and asked if he was excited (and told him he needed to wear white underwear and a smile...haha) and his response was, "More like nervous. I feel like just running away!" After Sister Magnusson threatened that she would hunt him down if he did, we calmed him down and told him he didn't need to worry about anything and that he just had to sit there through the service. He felt a little better but Satan was still working on him. We told him to be at the church around 6:15 so he could change and relax. The baptism had a bit of a panicky start. We were there at 6 to fill the font and set up everything and 6:15 came and went and Geo didn't come. 6:30, 6:40, 6:50 - time was ticking and we were stressing! We tried calling him/texting him and nothing. 7:00showed up and thankfully Hispanics are usually late getting started but still no Geovani. I pulled Hermana Magnusson aside and we said a quick prayer and as soon as we ended it, I felt just a great peace come over us and knew everything would be okay. We walked back into the foyer and Geovani walked in. SWEET RELIEF! haha He changed and although he was a little nervous through the whole thing, it went really smoothly. Afterwards he came and told us thank you for everything with the biggest smile on his face. I haven't gotten to work with him for that long but he has changed so much in just these last three months, it's insane. His girlfriend of 8 years told us that after he received the Holy Ghost on Sunday, he was a completely different person. Apparently he was driving home and usually hates this one dog in their neighborhood but this time, let it cross in front of their car as he said, "You can go, beautiful dog." That's weird for anyone to say, especially Geo. I LOVE this gospel!
This week was also transfer week - always come with anxiety, excitement and a hint of nervousness...but this transfer has come with a lot of nervousness. We were in our apt planning and we always turn our phone down during planning to not be interrupted. After we finished, we checked the phone and saw that we had a missed call from President Killpack. President only calls you if 1) you are receiving a leadership position or 2) if youre training...basically I was ready to throw up. We called him back and found out that Sister Magnusson is moving to a YSA ward in East Tucson and that I would be receiving a greenie to train! I was really excited but all of a sudden, all of my weaknesses as a missionary and person were really evident and I almost told President to pray about it again. haha Just kidding - I'd never do that. :) So we packed Sister Magnusson up and got to Tucson at 2am on Tuesday morning...and then had to wake up at 5 to go to the stake center. My new companions name is Hermana Dana and she is awesome! She's from Rexburg, ID/Star Valley, WY, has already given out 3 copies of Book of Mormon, is super down to earth, and loves working hard. I'm excited to learn from her. We're already making some goals together and I know it's going to be a great, hard, and growing transfer. I'm a MOMMA!
Sorry I don't have much time for anything else but I want to share this thought with you. I came across a quote by Elder Joseph B Wirthlin this week that says, "Our destiny and ultimate fate depend upon our daily decisions...Tomorrow's joy or tomorrow's despair has its roots in decisions we make today...Those who stand at the threshold of life always waiting for the right time to change are like the man who stands at the bank of a river waiting for the water to pass so he can cross on dry land." It made me think about how often we say how willing we are to do really hard things for Christ/our testimonies but how often we don't even do the little things. Mist is made up of millions of little drops of water. Just like that, the mist of darkness in Lehi's dream isn't necessarily the bit temptations of the world that caused the people to fall away - the temptations that are easy to resist - but a lot of the time it is the little things. The little things we need to be doing, that sometimes we slack on. Disobedience is a sign of selfishness and the result of this selfishness is sadness. The opposite is also true - obedience, or selfLESSness, will always lead to happiness. I know Dad, I'm finally learning what you've said for years;)
Julianna, I taught you well! Birthdays should be milked - no chores, hw, or piano and all the breakfast in bed, ice cream, and cake you want. :) Your cake looks awesome (you done good, mom) and I'm glad you had the "best birthday ever!" What did you get? Send me more pictures, por favor:) GIRLS CAMP?! Holy smokes, mom you're in for a treat...and a lot of work. haha What's the theme? I'll start thinking of ideas too. Cam, there's a NEW, new temple video?! Or is it the one that was released in August-ish? Madi, send me your story when it's finished! That's awesome. Sara, thanks for the email...;) Maren, have dad send me a video of you dancing. Maybe while singing Taylor Swift....man you're so talented! I love you all so darn much and can't imagine what I'd ever do without you. Keep doing the little things - reading daily, praying, choosing to follow Christ always and I know you will see the blessings. You're all AMAZING! LOVE YOU!
Hermana Stewart
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