Literally & Figuratively "Blown" Away

The weather in Virginia only got worse this week.  We received weather warnings about dangerous winds that resulted in trees destroying homes, buildings & cars. The power also went out in lots of cities and people were without any electricity for hours! Luckily, we were safe and sound and had warm water and light the whole week!

The DC temple closed for 2 years yesterday so we planned to go to the temple one last time with Kat on Saturday so she could go in for the first time! We were so excited to enjoy the temple on its last day and due to the weather... it had to be cancelled... we were so sad... And when I didn't think the weather could ruin more of the day, as we were getting ready to go to the church and set up everything for Banana's baptism we got news that the power went out in our church building. We were freaking out! We ran over to the church and the power was on! A brother from the English ward came in and told us it was a miracle that the building had power because no other building in the entire block had power. That was SUCH a blessing. Our sweet Banana was baptized and it was such a sweet day. Like I have mentioned before, a family in the ward took her in years ago and has raised her since. Her birth family ended up coming! The spirit was so strong and we are actually going to start teaching some of her family members! We are so excited. I love Banana dearly.

Guadalajara came to church again this Sunday and she is doing really well! She is progressing so much and has such a strong desire to learn more about the gospel. She LOVES the Book of Mormon so much, her love for it is so contagious. Words can't express how much love we have for her.

We have been teaching amazing people that have a desire to know if the gospel is true but feel they are too busy to read the scriptures, come to church or pray about it so they settle with the idea that maybe it just isn't true. This was something we have worried and prayed a lot about because conversion has to be a personal effort and requires dedication. Hermana Doyle and I were inspired as we walked past the floral section of Giant last Tuesday. We ended up getting mini pots with flowers and reading Alma 32 with some investigators:

21) And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true. 

28) Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

After explaining the chapter we explain that faith without works is dead. We can't just say we have
faith, it has to be accompanied with works. So we gave them each a pot and invited them to water the plant and give it sunlight every time they read their scriptures, pray and attend to church to gain further knowledge and understanding. Like a reflection of their faith. It has been such a fun activity and our investigators have a better understanding of what is required of them to gain a personal testimony. I testify that the Lord loves us and wants us to know that He loves us and has a plan for us but we can't know if we don't do our part. I would encourage you all to water and give sunlight to your spiritual seed.

Can you tell I'm excited for Spring? Hahaha! I love you all, have a wonderful week!

Con amor,

Hermana Tapia