On Thursday we had the privilege in going to a small city with the name of Viviate, to officially marry Juan and Soledad! The four of us rode in Perci's little red car (cautivita) an hour and a half to Viviate, where we were able be the witnesses in their marriage. We have been working with the Mendez family for about 5 months now, and we were finally able to take the last necessary step in Juan's preparation for baptism. The two have been together for more than 15 years and have 7 children together, but despite the time and experience together it was so great to see the smiles on their faces as they signed those documents to fully commit to each other and their big family. Afterwards, Juan invited us all to a delicious plate of "chicharrón de pescado" to celebrate.
Saturday was the baptism! Wow, what an amazing spiritual experience it was. All of his 7 kids were able to attend, and he gave a powerful testimony of repentance after being baptized. I am so grateful for the opportunity that I have had to work with the Mendez family over the past few months. I have truly seen a miracle in Juan and his conversion to the Lord. Despite his rougher background and all the challenges he has had in his life, Juan has truly converted to the Lord and has changed his life. We are now working with him to recieve both the Aaronic and Melchezidek Priesthood and prepare him and his family for the temple. I have so much love for him and his family, and it will incredibly hard to say goodbye to them in the next few weeks.
Saturday morning we were able to participate in an activity that our ward put on called "missionaries for a day". All the young men and young women in our ward spent the morning and afternoon at the stake center ("MTC") learning about missionary work and what a mission is all about. Elder Ospina and I gave a lesson on the importance of the Book of Mormon to the young perspective missionaries and then had the honor to pin on their personal nametags before going out with them to do some visits. What really made the experience great was to see our recent convert Shnaider there with his scriptures and nametag ready to learn. He was able to come with us to visit some of our investigators this week and even taught the law of chastity to one of them! He is learning so much and like Ive said before, has so much love for the gospel. He will be a great missionary someday, and I cant wait to say what things he will do. I love that kid.
In these days I have just felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity that I have recieved from my Father in heaven to serve in this mission at this time. I love being apart of his army. I am seeing so many miracles daily that are too many to explain. It is truly amazing! I will continue working until the last minute of my mission. I love this work.
Avanza Su verdad!
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