Commence food inhalation. Say hello to newly baptized Kino! Isn't he adorable? He and his cousin Akira got baptized on Saturday and it was a beautiful service. The spirit was intense and despite Akira's nerves at the beginning, she was beaming after the baptism and especially after receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Naturally, being polynesian, they ahd a giant eating afterwards which we restrained ourselves at since we had dinner to go to in an hour. Problems of serving in utah... we are so spoiled sometimes! As wonderful as physical feasting is, I'm even more grateful for the grand spiritual feasts I've had throughout my life and mission. And as we are approaching a great day of feasting and gratitude, I feel the need to express my gratitude in list form.
11 Things I'm Grateful for (I'll stick with 11 since that's the number of the month November and I'm short on time;):
1.A beautiful earth to live in where we can experience life at the fullest and delight in God's many creations
2.Loving parents that have been patient with their children and raised us in the light of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ
3. Jesus Christ who is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Without Him none of us could fulfill our purpose in this life.
4. The sacred promises or covenants that Heavenly Father gives us the opportunity to make through baptism and the temple
5. Health! I;ve been so blessed to have few physical limitations thus far in my life. Being able to run, hike, swim, and even just walk is a huge blessing!
6. My family- They are my best friends and have shaped me as a person. I can't express how much I love them for their strength and examples to me!
7. Living in America, which truly is the land of opportunity. There are so many that don't have the opportunity to get an education or rise out of poverty due to the land they are born in.
8. A loving, personal, living God. I know that He knows me better than anyone.
9. FOOD! Who isn't?
10. the Gift of the Holy Ghost- I can't imagine my life without this special gift that comes through those having priesthood authority from God. It has led me more times than I probably know especially in the past few years, and I really do rely on it to help me make not just good decisions, but the best ones.
11. MISSIONARY WORK! There is nothing more fulfilling, more inspiring, more joyful than what I am doing now. Since the start of my mission, there has come into my heart an immense sense of peace and direction that I am doing the work of the Lord and I am so privileged to be doing this!
So there's that. Enjoy lots of turkey for me this week, I might just be eating pig (we're eating with tongans again:). This past week has been incredible. I've learned the power that a simple invitation can have on someone else. The young men's president in one of our wards- probably one of the most missionary-minded people I have ever met, found us two new people to teach simply by inviting his neighbors to scouts and church! It's silly how afraid some people are to just extend a simple invitation- maybe someone might say no but the last thing that will happen is that they get deeply offended which seems to be everyone's fear. One of the boys we've started teaching has the sweetest mother who was raised catholic but wants her son to be able to choose what is true for himself. She brought him and his 4-yr old brother to church on Sunday and it was so beautiful to see them sitting as a family. She says she jsut wants the lessons for him but I think they'll end up being for her too:) She just has a light! Hopefully the father and older brother will listen in too.
I'll stick some pictures from the baptism in- it really was wonderful! Thanks to everyone for the love and support and prayers, I can feel it everyday!
Love,
Sister Pearson
Akira!
One of the youth in the ward who is preparing to go on a mission had the opportunity to baptize Kino. It was really exciting for both of them!
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