Week #74 - Esperanza

Hello everyone!!

Well, this week sadly Angel did not get baptized. He´s a 13 year old but spiritually he´s 50 years-old! He passed his interview on Friday, all ready to go. His dad signed his baptismal form and gave him permission to be baptized. His mom never wanted to talk with us and never really cared if he got baptized or not. But when we passed by his house on Saturday to pick him up for his baptism, his mother said he wasn´t home... and we got worried. When we told the Young Men´s president, he said he´d go pick Angel up later when we got to the church. We got to the church and later, when Gianmarco the YM Pres. passed by Angel´s house, he saw him outside and Angel told him he was waiting until his dad came come from work to accompany him at his baptism. When his dad arrived, he told Angel to get ready for his baptism and then they´d leave. But his mom started arguing and fighting with his dad when they were about to leave to go to the chapel. Angel ran to his room really upset, crying. Angel had told us that she feels that God has gone against her ever since her mother died. We hope and pray to talk with her and give her words of comfort so that she understands the importance of baptism and that she can live with her mom forever. 

I felt so much sorrow for Angel, but the Lord comforted us so much just moments after receiving the sad news. The bishop presented a new convert to us who had been thinking seriously about serving a mission and asked us what motivated us to come. Hector also came into the chapel with a reference for us he invited to the movie night activity. We were able to remember that the disappointing moments don´t define our mission, but the way we react to them plays a huge role in what we come to be because of the mission.

The most important job I have had, and will EVER have in my life, is working to become more like my Savior, Jesus Christ. And out of all the jobs I will have, it´s definitely the hardest, but most fulfilling.

We practiced the song we will be singing tomorrow at the mission conference with Elder Alonso!! And we are super excited. 

Marta Sofia ALSO needs the permission from her parents this week for her baptism on Saturday. Her grandpa is super Catholic, but her dad is a member and her mom isn´t. She has 8 generations completed in her family history tree and goes to seminary every day. I pray that BOTH her parents can come to the conclusion that she is ready and that Marta Sofia will know what to say to her parents to convince them. 

Gosh, last week was crazy and crazy fast! We are super excited for this week. I have felt a lot of opposition recently to all the things we are doing, but it has only motivated me to work harder to help others live the gospel of Jesus Christ!!

Also a Venezuelan we´ve started to teach named Gustavo has been coming to English classes and came to a baptism that the elders in Victoria had on Saturday. He also sacrificed going to work to come to church on Sunday so we´re excited for the faith he is showing!  He also likes to sing... and the last time we visited him as we were leaving, he started singing: ¨te voy a extrañar...¨ jaajaj... felt a little “uncomfty” hahah, but it´s good...

Have a great week!! Love you all!! 3 more weeks!

Hermana Doney