¿Cómo están todos? There is no way it's been a week I feel like I emailed just two days ago. The weeks are going by so fast! This week was filled with lots of lessons, beautiful people that I love, una fiesta navideña, humbling experiences and a wonderful baptism for my sweet girl Winter.
Winter had a wonderful baptism! I'm so proud of her and her example to her family. We had the young women sing and the primary children give the talks and prayers. Then Elder Nash who found Winter and her family baptized her. It was so wonderful to see her family there who hadn't been to church in years decide to attend and be reminded of the spirit at church they have been missing since they stopped attending. President and Sister Huntsman came to the baptism as well and loved it, they support and love us so much. Winter loved her baptism and we are so happy for her. We had hot chocolate and cake at her house last night after her confirmation and she loved talking about her baptism and receiving the holy ghost. Despite being so young she has a mature and bright spirit. She also decided she wants to "be like us" and serve a mission when she turns 19! I'm so proud, I really love my Winter girl. Winter is squatting in one of the pictures to not embarrass me for being the size of an 11 year old, hahaha! Also we found out her baptismal suit was on backwards 5 minutes before the baptism started so try to not make fun of me, it was only my second baptism okay! That's my defense! jajajaj!
Winter had a wonderful baptism! I'm so proud of her and her example to her family. We had the young women sing and the primary children give the talks and prayers. Then Elder Nash who found Winter and her family baptized her. It was so wonderful to see her family there who hadn't been to church in years decide to attend and be reminded of the spirit at church they have been missing since they stopped attending. President and Sister Huntsman came to the baptism as well and loved it, they support and love us so much. Winter loved her baptism and we are so happy for her. We had hot chocolate and cake at her house last night after her confirmation and she loved talking about her baptism and receiving the holy ghost. Despite being so young she has a mature and bright spirit. She also decided she wants to "be like us" and serve a mission when she turns 19! I'm so proud, I really love my Winter girl. Winter is squatting in one of the pictures to not embarrass me for being the size of an 11 year old, hahaha! Also we found out her baptismal suit was on backwards 5 minutes before the baptism started so try to not make fun of me, it was only my second baptism okay! That's my defense! jajajaj!
After much fasting, praying and tears we decided we will have to stop teaching DJ within the next few weeks. He recently had something happen that lead him away from us and back into his addictions. Because he is ashamed of his actions he has been overcome with a feeling of unworthiness and has been avoiding us. The other day we got to talk to him on the phone. When I spoke he got emotional and said how great it is to hear my voice and how I have been a light in his life that he doesn't deserve anymore. I tried so hard to testify to him otherwise but there was only so much I could say. He is very unhealthy and unhappy. We love him but can't do much for him anymore. It really breaks my heart to watch him make bad decisions. I thought, maybe I didn't teach him well enough or maybe he didn't feel God's love for him through us. But at the end of the day everyone has their free agency which is the freedom to choose our own actions. But it's been hard letting him go and being so limited on our ability to help him. But I have faith that he will change his habits and come into Christ, while I am serving or in years but I know it will happen. All I can do now is pray that he will remember all he has been taught and apply it to his life.
All other investigators are progressing at their own pace, I love them and have met wonderful people this week that I can't wait to continue teaching!
The weather was horrible this week. It was ice cold outside + 400 mph winds + humidity + snow + shivering so bad our bodies shake and we can barely move - the sun ÷ the time it takes us to walk around from appointment to appointment and talking to people on the streets who are equally as cold and hate us for stopping them = December in Virginia. It seems that no matter how many layers of clothing I wear the humidity slips the cold air through the layers and into my body. Hand/toe warmers are basically the reason I'm still alive. Hahaha! I was also overcome this week with a feeling of homesickness now that Christmas is right around the corner. I was filled with loneliness and a longing to be with my family to celebrate this time of the year. Determined to stop being selfish and seek council from my Father I said a prayer and tried to have an attitude of gratitude only thinking about the blessings of my day. Later that day I read a conference talk given in the Christmas devotional given just a few weeks ago. A talk by Elder Kevin R. Duncan really hit home for me in his talk, Heavenly Gifts. He talked about Christmas as a new missionary in Chile and explained much of the struggles I am having, his words were just what I needed to hear in that moment:
That's all for now! Talk to you all on Christmas next Monday! Love you People!
Con amor,
Hermana Tapia
All other investigators are progressing at their own pace, I love them and have met wonderful people this week that I can't wait to continue teaching!
The weather was horrible this week. It was ice cold outside + 400 mph winds + humidity + snow + shivering so bad our bodies shake and we can barely move - the sun ÷ the time it takes us to walk around from appointment to appointment and talking to people on the streets who are equally as cold and hate us for stopping them = December in Virginia. It seems that no matter how many layers of clothing I wear the humidity slips the cold air through the layers and into my body. Hand/toe warmers are basically the reason I'm still alive. Hahaha! I was also overcome this week with a feeling of homesickness now that Christmas is right around the corner. I was filled with loneliness and a longing to be with my family to celebrate this time of the year. Determined to stop being selfish and seek council from my Father I said a prayer and tried to have an attitude of gratitude only thinking about the blessings of my day. Later that day I read a conference talk given in the Christmas devotional given just a few weeks ago. A talk by Elder Kevin R. Duncan really hit home for me in his talk, Heavenly Gifts. He talked about Christmas as a new missionary in Chile and explained much of the struggles I am having, his words were just what I needed to hear in that moment:
"If Christ had left His heavenly home and come to earth to suffer and die for us, I could certainly leave my home and put up with a few little discomforts to share His wonderful message."I am here for my Savior, to express gratitude for all He has done for me, these little discomforts are nothing in comparison to all He has done for me. This reminder was the turning point in my week. I just remember I'm working for my Father in heaven and my Savior who have done so much for me and suddenly cold weather, homesickness and tiny struggles really don't seem so bad. :) I am grateful to be here. I encourage you ALL to listen to that talk it is incredible and I bawled like a baby the whole way through! Hahaha!
That's all for now! Talk to you all on Christmas next Monday! Love you People!
Con amor,
Hermana Tapia
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