simplicity

Tuesday we felt like it was time to set a baptismal date with Chris and Jessica... SO... We asked Heavenly Father and He said to teach a lesson on eternal families in the temple. We taught the lesson and the room felt as if we were in the temple. The solace in the room taught them more then any word I could ever say. Chris' mother was totally there as we talked about her. Chris told us that it would take him a while to be baptized. He didn't grow up with a belief of God. The Spirit was strong so we took the moment to invite them to fast about a baptismal date on fast Sunday. The words slipped out of my mouth so comfortably, it was natural. They both looked at each other, then back at me and agreed to try it! The Wilson's took the Smith's to see Meet the Mormons. It brought so much clarity to their minds and provided a perfect mindset for their fast the next day. We get to branch council and start talking about the Smith's only to have Brother Wilson provided information that made me drop to the ground!

After we had left Tuesday night, Chris turns to Jess and said "well, you know what we need to do already." WHAT. So they came into the fast knowing that they'll be baptized, the fast confirmed to them that it is right. Chris then turned to Charlie and said "Charlie, do you believe in God?" "Yes." "Why do you believe in God?" "Because He loves me." Chris believes in God. We complicate things as we get older. He loves us, it's that simple.

Jessica and I were talking after church about how coffee will be a struggle, but she's so grateful that she's seen the day where Chris is more ready than she is. Her prayers have been answered. She expressed her desires for Charlie, how BADLY she wants for him to serve a mission, and have an eternal family. It brought me to tears realizing how the Lord works in His own way, in His own time. I trust His plan. Jessica wants us to come over Tuesday and set a baptismal date with them. Also, I'll just throw in that they LOVE the Book of Mormon and see a difference in the days they do read, and the days they don't.

Ariez Ortega (15) walked out of her baptismal interview BEAMING with light. She yelled "I finally felt that warm feeling everyone keeps talking about!!" We jumped up and down with JOY for her baptism in a week!!! Also, Jesse and Silvia have breezed through the Book of Mormon! THEY HAVE LOVED IT, it aligns with the Bible so well for them and makes logical sense. We watched the Restoration Friday night with them, a girls night, with smoothies and blankets on their bed. Best Friday night. The Ortega's home is a party for us. They have about as much energy as I do, we are really similar.

Chuck Segars bore his testimony on Sunday. I was in PIECES. Sunday was the most incredible day!! I lost it! I almost wanted to leave because love penetrated my heart so deeply I didn't know what to do.

I don't think I've ever experienced this kind of love, it FILLS MY BODY AND SOUL, motivates, cures, does everything. I am experiencing the highest of highs right now like I have never experienced before. I am learning more from it than ever. Words cannot be written about the way I feel about this branch.

What I love about the Yarmouth Branch is how much they care for the people we teach. They pray for them BECAUSE THEY LOVE THEM AND THEY ARE THEIR FRIENDS, not because we make cute bookmarks to remind them. They love them. Missionary work is not "work" at all.

Gotta go... emails were cut in half this week! Love you!

I didn't even GET TO EXCHANGES WITH MY MISSION BABY SISTER COLLINS. TALK ABOUT THE BEST 24 HOURS OF MY MISSION!!!! She is incredible in every way...

I cooked salmon... best meal I've made on my mission.