Let's just say my dear friend Kasey has some strong feelings against ohio when it comes to sports... (She's from Detroit.) Now onto more important matters...
Monday night we had a lesson with Arturo that was a real turning point for him. He has noticed himself changing so much that it has scared him a little bit, but finally recognized that Heavenly Father wants him to be baptized and he was just fearful. After knowing he had his answer from God we didn't feel fearful that he would feel pressured into a baptismal date and committed him to pray about getting baptized either this weekend or next weekend. It's so important that people recognize we are not here as missionaries to force or convince or even convert but to be guides so that individuals can receive clear answers from God and act on them. The next day I dropped by with a member while Sister Schafer was teaching a lesson and Arturo's mom was home with him. We intended to just drop off what we needed to and leave but he asked us why we were leaving so soon and so we offered to share a short message with his mom. I wish I had a picture of the look on arturo's face as we taught his sweet spanish speaking mother about the book of mormon and the message we share about christ. Her english is okay but I used a lot of spanglish just because I enjoy the practice. He looked so touched as he saw how accepting his mom was of what we said. She accepted our offer to send the spanish sisters over and we alter found out that they went over the very same night and began to teach her! Arturo informed us that he wouldn't be ready for baptism on May 2nd but he felt strongly that May 9th (this saturday!) is the day for him. I can't even express the joy that has been in my heart all week! He is so excited and has gotten close with a whole apartment of guys in the ward that are all very supportive of him. The fellowship people receive in YSA in incredible. We had zone conference on Friday and Sister west was ecstatic when she heard the news, hopefully she'll be able to make it on saturday:)
Next miracle of the week started on thursday night and didn't stop there. A non member girl named Ever who we used to teach because of her returned missionary roommate texted us and asked us to come back and teach the lessons again. ever since we stopped teaching
her at the beginning of April she has been coming to church and feeling a lot more open to learning about and living the gospel. Luckily we've stayed in close enough contact that she felt comfortable asking us to come back! The second part to all this happened Saturday when we went over for dinner and to teach a lesson. Recently, a new roommate named Sydney who is also not a member moved in and after hanging out with some of her mormon neighbors recognizes a difference that she wants in her life. Having lived up at the U of U dorms prior to her move in, she was sick of all of the drinking and partying she was surrounded by. She had already decided to come to church on Sunday and when we asked if she was wanting lessons too she immediately accepted. that short 30 minute lessons was completely led by the spirit and a sweet peace filled the room as Sydney and ever both expressed the light that they have recognized that they want. ever's family, who live in a nearby city have also been taking some discussions and are all going to the Payson temple open house next saturday. Another neat thing is that both Sydney and ever feel like it is not a coincidence they are here at this time in there lives despite the fact neither of them were looking for religion. It just goes to show that God places us where we need to be when we need to be there.
In closing, I want to challenge all of you to join the Capitol hill ward in what they are calling "Red5". It stands for Read Every Day 5 pages (of the Book of Mormon) I can promise you that if you do this, after 100 days (which is how long it takes) you will receive a renewed spirit in your life regardless of how many times you have read the book before. this is an invitation to members, non members, and those who are members but don't actively live the gospel. If you decide to take this challenge, please email me and let me know- I would love to hear all of your experiences! I am so grateful for the added light I've received from studying the Book of Mormon and I know only good things will happen for those who choose to read it cover to cover :)
Have a splendid week!
Love,
Sister Pearson
P.S. If you didn't pick up on it last week I did in fact cut my hair. :)
Pictures: Liz's baptism, our ghetto apartment with our ghetto vaccuum (I've officially been living there over a year), burrito project!, Making cookies for the people we teach!, Zone conference sporting our brand new mosquito head nets one of our recent converts was adamnt about us using this summer:)
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