We had our baptisms this week and President Lopez attended as he played such a huge part in JB and H's life as he interviewed them for baptism! That was a crazy day as we ran out of baptismal clothes because there were 4 being baptized. Those being baptized and the baptizers all needed clothes etc. But, it was a remarkable time and it was a baptism I won't forget because they both grew so much along with MM the third that was baptized and when they entered into the waters of baptism, they cried as they shared their testimonies, even I had tears. They have great testimonies and will grow to be great leaders in the church!
On Sunday, we sure were tested as every little thing was going wrong as we were preparing for the confirmations of those that were baptized. We were also preparing for our musical "Restoration Sunday" where we performed the restoration through songs in Sacrament Meeting and Sister Polatis and I played the piano for them all and I have been so impressed on my piano skills here in the mission as I played for the last big group number "As sisters in zion/we'll bring the world his truth" for the end! It was a test of faith for me to try to play the piano but I was blessed as I was able to get through it! It was so fun!
Funny story, we were singing "Lead kindly light", as our part with Sister P with no piano and I was singing the 1st verse, her the second and us two the third combined. While she was singing she pronounced one of the words so FILIPINA and I started to chuckle, but it wasn't that obvious and I pulled myself together. But, I guess me laughing made her start to laugh and so she hurried singing the 2nd verse and we both at this point had just lost it while still trying to present this musical number. We couldn't stop laughing and with one of us stopping laughing, the other would start again and it was one big cycle! The congregation at the point was laughing and so we just smiled and sat down! HAHA. We were a little embarrassed that that happened as we put together this fireside and needless to say the ward hasn't let us live it down! But, it all was a success and we were happy with it. All the members said how much they loved it and want more, so we're going to make this a tradition in this ward, involving the members more next time and doing it on different topics so that the ward is familiar with the gospel in a creative way and enjoyable to all who participate! I was thankful for all that participated and sacrificed their time like we did to make it all possible!
This week I truly felt the love of my Savior as I watched so many enter and follow his example. We celebrated the life of our Savior as it was Easter and how grateful I am for his sacrifice and love for me individually! I know that He lives and wants all to follow His example, no matter how small of big! I know that there are so many people waiting to enter and hear the gospel, if we remember to help others by being a missionary because we are His missionaries to bring the world His truth! I know this gospel is true! I know that the gospel was restored through a prophet Joseph Smith and becuase of the sacrifice of so many, we have this wonderful gospel restored back on earth today!
I love you all and pray for you always! Thank you for the prayers in my behalf, as we're seeing the blessing come in abundance! This week we'll be preparing for S's baptism on Saturday!
xo
Sister Arnold