Oh! What a wonderful week it has been!
We met with J and his family again, but they are not quite open yet. They won't even read a verse of the Book of Mormon, they just say that they want to listen. But it's okay. If they are not meant to progress yet, I know that the Lord will send the perfect missionaries for them when they are ready!
AL has kind of disappeared. We're not sure what happened to her. Whenever we stop by her house, "no one" is home. We are worried something might have happened between her and her husband.
On Saturday, we had a Women's Conference given by the wives of several church-wide leaders, including President Russell M. Nelson's sweet wife, Wendy. She gave such an inspiring talk! I loved it! She taught us how to be more "holy." When we think of the temple, we think of the words that are placed in front: "House of the Lord. Holiness to the Lord." Could we ever place the word "holy" on our lives like the temple? We are not perfect, but we can try. Sister Nelson gave us a 3-day-trial to do at least one thing each day in a "holy" manner. For example: when someone says something offensive to you, when you have to make a choice, when kids are screaming or work is stressful just ask: "What would a holy woman do?" I have started it and have noticed more harmony between my companion and me, and I find myself biting my tongue instead of saying something rash in front of someone. I invite everyone to do it! I promise you will see and feel a difference!
D was baptized yesterday! It was honestly one of the most beautiful baptisms I have ever attended in my life. Of course, we had our trials. The days leading up to Sunday, I had been doubting seriously about his baptismal date. In my head I kept on thinking it was too fast and that we should postpone until this coming Saturday. In the lessons with him, I felt good and at peace, but after, I would feel doubts. I prayed a lot about his date. Friday came and he passed his interview. On Saturday night, in a lesson with him I felt so happy for him and we felt the spirit. But just before going to bed I was considering changing the baptism (and a day before!). I asked my companion how she felt about his date. She reassured me and reminded me that the adversary works with missionaries, too.
After the meetings on Sunday, D was baptized by the priesthood power of God. President Hayes and his family came as well and they really brought the spirit. It was a surprise for our ward and a half surprise for us. The Hayes family asked us to invite them to lessons and baptisms when they got to Costa Rica.. so we did! They told us they would try to make it to D's baptism, so it was a good surprise when we saw them pass us on our way to the chapel. President Hayes and his wife actually spoke in our sacrament meeting and then President taught the Gospel Principles class (the usual teacher did not attend our ward yesterday). D said he felt honored to have the Hayes family attend his baptism.
Family and friends, in the time I have on my mission, I believe D’s baptism was one of the most beautiful. When I saw him enter into the waters, I didn't see a 32-year-old man in a font of water, I saw a child of God making a covenant with his Heavenly Father. It was amazing. I felt the power of the priesthood and the power of the Holy Spirit. His testimony was filled with joy and love for each of the members that had attended and for the Lord. Brothers and Sisters, I know without at doubt that this church is true. It is the only true church on the face of the earth. I will never tire of saying that.
With love,
Hermana Whitman