And the Oscar goes to........

Hello all,                                                                                                                  Feb. 11, 2019

 I have thought several times that my mission could be a movie. It is hilarious, touching, heartbreaking, and uplifting. I think that by now it has probably gotten a couple of Oscar nominations, if I do say so myself. This week, and especially weekend, confirmed that idea. 
The most courageous teenager ever!!! Iris!!!


Camila was baptized today!!! LOVE this little girl, and her amazing family!


CORNELIO: Is a grown man who once, for many years, had an addiction to drinking. Less than a year ago, he had an accident, and is now super against drinking and can hardly walk with his broken and badly-mended leg. We contacted him like 3 or 4 months ago, because he was sitting outside the house of somebody we were teaching. We never really returned with him, but at the beginning of this cambio I remembered him and we felt like we should go over there. We went, had a terrible first lesson because he was basically sleeping the entire time, and we decided that we had to give him another chance. Every single lesson with this man has been better and better. He has grown more talkative, his memory has improved, and this Sunday was his 3 Sunday in a row at church with us. 

Cornelio was baptized on February 9, 2019. He shaved his beard for the occasion. And I am so proud of him. Something I will never forget, him having to sit in a chair in the baptismal font in order to be baptized. He told us after that before, he had felt a big weight on his mind/forehead, but the moment he was baptized, it vanished. He is pretty happy.
We all live together! These women are amazing examples to me.

CAMILA: Is a little girl whose aunt and grandma are members of the church, but her parents, Varinia and Cristian, are not. The missionaries that are in the same area as her grandma sent us the referencia about a month ago and we went in search for this family. Her parents are amazing, Varinia is the woman I talked about last week. I love this family, and Camila is the great example for them. Her parents have to get married still, but Camila said to Elder Mitchell in her baptismal interview that a week ago she felt so strongly that she had to get baptized. She loves reading the Book of Mormon and loves telling us all about it.
We had a little celebration after the baptism. Camila invited us to enjoy cake with her!

Camila was also baptized on the 9th. She is terrified of water but was so so brave. Her aunt, who went on a mission 4 years ago, showed up as a surprise and gave a small talk at her baptism. Many tears of gratitude were shed, and everybody was content. Camila is a miracle for her family.

IRIS: She is the joven that her parents told us that she would never be interested in religion. The first time she heard the story of Joseph Smith, she knew it was true. She takes these things seriously and loves going to church. Sometimes, her parents don't give her the greatest support, but she goes onward anyways. On February 9th, she was absolutely terrified, and told us that she was just going to watch the baptisms. I told her that she was the bravest teen I have ever met, and that whatever she chose, it should be her decision. She came, watched the baptisms, and was touched. She told us that she was also going to do it. So she threw on a jumper and we took a few photos.
Iris with Angelica and her support system!!!
The happiest day!!! So in awe of Camila and the others that were baptized today. Special day!

Iris was baptized on February 9th, and I told her right after that I still believe that she is the breavest teen I have ever met. She is so sensitive to the Sprit, and continues fighting to keep her head up in her home as she defends this wonderful decision. We sang a special musical number, number 139 "Ama el Pastor las ovejas" (don't remember what it's called in english) and she mouthed along every word. 

I love my mission. Where else could I met super heroes like these? Who would've thought, that behind all these banana trees and mariachi I would find pure gold? Gold. Just like the Oscar trophy. :)

Have a great week! I love you all!

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