08/05/20013

Lots of kids and Baptism

 

Kids love photos! If we so much as pull out the camera, they go crazy! These are only two of many.

 Madelin and Sofi. I just had to include this because I burst out laughing every time I see Sofi's face.

  

Gustavo and Madelin. Hanging out after Gustavo's baptismal interview.

 

 



This week marked a very special day for me. Wednesday was my three year 'aniversario mormon', as my companera put it. Besides a beautiful card that my companera made in the morning, there really wasn't anything out of the ordinary from our usual missionary activities. But I was filled with gratitude and reflected a lot on the many experiences I had that led me to be baptized. It was truly marvelous. It seems like I have known this gospel all my life, but it has only been three years! What wonderful experiences I have had since that time, and now, I am on a mission! Ok, enough reflecting on that now. If you want to know more about it, feel free to ask me. Now for the present:

This week has been ajetreado! We have been focused on helping our three investigators prepare for their baptism this Sunday. This meant that our plans often changed to fit around what best suited their needs. We helped Minday and Gustavo practice with the baptismal interview questions. They know everything but often get confused with the names of things. For example, we asked Gustavo about Repentance and what he thought of it. Repentance is the opportunity we have to forsake our sins and be forgiven of them (that's the long and short of it). It's a really good thing. But he said 'Mal. Siento muy mal...' No Gustavo...it's a good thing. We explained it several more times before the light clicked on. Cute kid! We also tried to get the permission of Gustavo's father. That was interesting. He's concerned about his son falling away from the committment he's made but he fails to see the connections that if he doesn't support his son in the decision Gustavo's made then YES, he could fall away. But if he supports him in this good decision, how likely he will be to continue. It's more of a self fullfilling prophecy. The father still didn't give his consent, but his mom was ALL for his baptism and is preparing for her own baptism. With her signature, Gustavo was set for baptism

Yesterday we had all three baptisms! Mindy Geronimo, Elias Perez and Gustavo Santos. Because there were so many people that were involved or wanted to go watch, we had a bus come pick up everyone and take them down to Cuilapa. I couldn't help laughing at the not very subtle bright blue and green bus that pulled up infront of the church. But it was a blessing to be able to use it and help everyone go support their friends and family members.

In Cuilapa, things did not run smoothly. The Elders were late to open the capilla, so we had to set up the baptismal font room with chairs for everyone and get everyone dressed in their baptismal ropa. Next, we moved everyone out for photos, then we filed back in to start. Everything was going great until we realized that the door to the font was locked and the Elders had left the key at their house! They RAN and Hermana Sanchez stalled while 'they prepared for their baptisms' by directing two of the slowest, longest hymns in the hymnal. I was trying so hard not to laugh. The Elders arrived and after that, everything went well. Such a sweet spirit in a baptism! I'm so happy for them and for their families that were able to be there to watch.

Had lots of fun this week playing with kids. They absolutely love having their photos taken and usually I'm happy to comply. There are several kids that love to follow us and give us hugs. I love it! Aww!! Such innocent, sincere love.

Funny story with Gustavo. We were saying goodbye to him and his mom. Gustavo received a hand shake and his mom a kiss on the cheek. He piped up 'I want a kiss too!' Oh we were all dying of laughter. So funny.

Ok, that's all I have time for. I love you all and hope to hear from you! Keep marching on. If things seem tough, push through because the Lord knows your efforts and will bless you.

Love!

Hermana Schultz

 

 

Our 'Baptism Bus' for the day.

The baptismees and practically all of the Laguna Seca members.