My first exchange was really good! I was with Hermana McKay
in Windsor. This week I’ll go to Napa with Hermana Ordonez. My day with Hermana
McKay was really good. I learned so much from her. I felt like I was the new missionary
learning from a more experienced missionary. We had some miracles. One being we
were able to extend a baptismal date. The lesson was really good and it was
just natural to invite her to a baptism. She accepted and the Spirit was very
strong.
We also had a few miracles in Novato. Two investigators came
to a baptism. One told us afterward that he decided during the baptism he
wanted to be baptized. We were so happy for him! He told us that he would pray
about a date this week and tell us on Saturday. In his prayer he asked that his
baptism would be soon. It was a pretty neat experience.
Our other investigator, Katiuska, is doing so well! I just
love her! She’s still in high school and going through a hard time with her
family. But she is seriously thinking about baptism. After the baptism we lost
her and then found her in the chapel praying. We snuck out and found a room and
prayed too. It was a sweet sight to see.
So we had a good week! Many of our investigators are
progressing and some of our less-actives. The Lord is so good!
I feel like there's more to tell you but I can't remember.
Oh! The branch went to the temple yesterday and Katiuska and
another investigator, Javier went too. We haven't heard anything from them but
we're hoping it went really well. Katiuska has told us many times that she
wants to go to the temple. She knows what she needs to do to enter and has been
thinking about baptism. We’ll be extending a date to her and we're praying she
accepts. I just love her! She’s a strong teenager. I hope I’m here for her
baptism. Katisuka is from Peru. Interesting name I know. It fits her though.
She’s a painter.
Which reminds me. We have a baptism scheduled for the end of
the month. Michelle is the wife of a RM. She has been taught before, but this
time she's more prepared. In her prayer she expressed that she thinks that all
she was waiting for was to be invited to be baptized. She’s excited and we'll
be having dinner with them tonight. I’m pretty excited for her as well. Her
comment reminded me that all we have to do is invite them. We need to have the
faith that they have been prepared by the Lord and they’ll accept the invitation.
We have been called to invite others to come unto Christ by receiving the
restored gospel and being baptized. It’s such a great calling! I love being a
missionary!
I had an interesting experience that I wanted to share. We have
two new elders to the branch and it's been interesting getting to know them and
working with them. They’re good missionaries. But what is interesting is
through all of their questions about what I like to do and what I did before my
mission caused me to think. I don't remember what I like to do. Well, that's
not completely true. I know I like to cook and sew and play with children. I
know I love, more than anything, to be with my family. But besides those basic
things I don't remember. What I love doing is missionary work. It has become a
part of who I am. I love sharing the gospel! I love bearing my testimony to
everyone. It’s amazing how the Lord has changed me! I love it!
Sounds like you had a good Easter. Ours was very different.
It didn't even feel like Easter really. Besides Easter talks nothing was
different from any other Sunday. I guess they don't celebrate Easter here as
much as they do at home. Or maybe it's because I’m a missionary that it was
weird.
I really enjoyed the package. I had a few chocolates and
brought the rest to church to share with the children after. The gum I had
during personal study to keep me awake and focused better. It was kind of fun!
I love the little picture! I smile every time I see it. And the cards are the
best part of it. I cherished every word.
I keep praying for health too. It’s a hard balance between
caring for myself and getting lost in the work.
I hope you don't recognize me when I get back. I hope that I
have changed. It feels like I haven't changed at all but I suppose I have in some
small way.
I love you!
Forever Love!
Hermana Stephenson
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