This week was Stake Conference, which means I get to have a very happy reunion with lots of friends from the Fayetteville and Sharpsburg wards, my first and second areas. I got to see Diane! She looks so great, and she's preparing to go to the temple next month, one year after her baptism! I'm so excited for her, it's always a boost when I get to see her.
This weekend was very eventful because not only was it Stake Conference and we got a new Stake Presidency, but we were also asked to help with a funeral and a baptism! The funeral was for an older gentleman in our ward, and most of his family were not members of the church. We were able to help out with the luncheon after the funeral. It was really cool to see everyone's reaction to our service. There were lots of hugs and thanks given, but the coolest part was when a relative of this man came up to us and said, "I've never felt so uplifted after a funeral. I'd really like to know what your church is about." She opened up about her life and started crying, and I really hope she will be able to learn more about the church.
Then on Sunday there was a baptism for the Mendoza's 8 yr old granddaughter, Bella (I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at their house) and I was asked to give the talk on baptism. I was beyond flattered, because everyone else on the program were members of the family. And I hate to admit this, but I didn't really spend that much time preparing the talk. I mean, as missionaries, we talk about baptism ALL THE TIME. But I did think a lot about how I could cater the talk to her, as well as to Eydie, who has become good friends with the Mendozas. I ended up comparing baptism to a hug. We hug people to show them we love them, and we are happy to see them. It's just a symbol of our deeper commitment. Just like how the act of wearing white, getting under the water and coming right back up is a symbol to our Heavenly Father that we love him and we want to follow Him. And just like we can give many hugs, we can get "baptized" many times as we go to church and partake of the sacrament. Since Bella loves to give hugs, I hope it sank in a bit.
And Eydie is just fantastic. We had a lesson with her with our Ward Mission Leader about the priesthood. She's totally soaking up everything. I think the amazing thing is that the Spirit really puts into my mind what to say to her, and Eydie always says "That's JUST what I was thinking! Thank you for validating that!" And she went on to say, "A lot of the things you say, Sister Laser, have had a deep impact on me. I know you are close to the Spirit because you always know just what to say." It was so cool. She absolutely LOVED the baptism, and loved how we spent so much time focusing on the person and the baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and not just rush through it. After the baptism, she gave me the best pep talk ever about getting a job after my mission. She totally inspired me.
I love you all so much! Have a great week!
Sister Laser
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| volunteering at the animal shelter (my happy place) |
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| tong ban eye (companion love in mandarin) |
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