Wednesday: one of the sisters we take care of found out that her dad passed away. We went immediately there and spent the day with her. Her dad got sick a few weeks before her mission and she said that she knew he wouldn´t make it very much longer. I was shocked at how well that she handled the situation but she just kept telling us she was already prepared and knew it would happen. She called a bunch of people fromher family later and we stayed the night with them, ordered acai, pizza, tried to make the day as good as we could considering the situation. It ended up being a good day and that is the hardest news to take but she is handling it so well.
I was pretty worried the whole day Wednesday about Nadejna because we passed by her house but hadn't gotten the opportunity to really talk with her and were planning her baptism for Sunday. Wednesday night, when we were with the other sisters, I said a prayer just asking God to help us make everything work out. That night, I dreamed that we were at her house talking to her and she told us "I haven't doubted the Spirit this whole time, why should I start doubting it now?" For 20 seconds of my dream, we were at her baptism, and then I woke up. But when I woke up, I had that confirming feeling that everything would work out and that she would be baptized on Sunday. And
sure enough, we went to her house first thing Thursday and she was feeling a little nervous but we were able to talk with her and help her feel more prepared. Went Friday too, and Saturday was the interview. Afterwards, she talked to us and told us how grateful she was to have met us.She told us that before she knew us, she cried alot, and that 'now she doesnt cry anymore.' She said she is becoming a different person and that she was finally ready to restart and follow Christ 100 percent. She cried, Sister Seumanu cried(she cries almost as easily as Miranda), and I admit I got a little teary eyed too. I could write a million more things that she said but it was a really special moment.
Sunday got even better with her baptism. Nazare and her husband drove us early to the chapel Sunday morning and we got everything ready. The only thing that was missing were the white clothes for the baptism, nowhere to be found. The elders had them last, also nowhere to be found. Or contacted, after trying to call them. Baptism was scheduled for 1pm and at 12:55, everyone showed up, including the elders with the clothes. About 30 people ended up coming, which was so rewarding because we spent all Saturday night going to members houses and calling and trying to convince everyone to come out and support. Our ward is only about 40-50 right now, so 30 people is huge!! The Spirit was so strong at the baptism, in the messages shared, and at the end Sister Seumanu and I played the same song with guitar and everyone joined in on the last verse. Nadeja cried 3 times and after her baptism int he bathroom she gave us a big hug and whispered "you guys are so special." AH this woman has my heart and yesterday was such a good day. I know without a doubt that this is truly the church of Jesus Christ and that He has the power to change hearts. He answers prayers, and I feel so so blessed to have been part of the answer to Nadejna's.
I will wrap this up here cause I am so happy I am writing a novel but I hope you all have a great week and Memorial Day :)
Love,
Sister Lauren Mather
PHOTOS:
leadership council!!
"what are your district meetings like?"
pizza and açaí, much needed
nadejna's baptism <3 <3 <3
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