Hello Family! Man, what an amazing week this week. I´m so blessed to be finishing my mission like this, feeling like one of the happiest missionaries in the world! I was kind of scared about getting so close to the end, but then one of my friends gave me the advice to just continue on like any other week in the mission, and it would be great. And it has! I love the mission so much, and I`m going to take advantage of the little time that I have left.
Well, the best part of the week: Paloma was baptized on Saturday! And man, what a special baptismal service we had. We put a lot of effort in making it really memorable, and although we were really tired Saturday night, it was all worth it. She is going to be one of the best members here in San Francisco, and I won`t be surprised if she goes on a mission as soon as she turns 19. (Which is in about a year and a half) She was so happy in the baptism, and that means that we all were too. :)
To make the baptism something really special, we spent all week getting everything ready, and setting everything up on Saturday. I can dare say that this was one of the best prepared baptisms I`ve had. We filled and heated up the water, baked cookies in the morning, cleaned the chapel, bought everything necesary, and just basically got everything ready. And all the members loved it. We had about 50 people in the baptism, which was a lot more than we expected! And at the moment of the actual ordinance, the spirit was so strong. Amazing. After everything, we just felt so good and spiritual. This probably will be my last baptism in the mission, and I couldn`t have asked for anything better.
We found some really special investigators this week. Cata and her daughter, Santa. They`ve had some problems lately, with a divorce, financial problems, health, anything you can think of. But I can`t imagine a happier little family. They have so little of what the world regards as important, but they don`t let it bother them. It breaks my heart to see them struggling so much, yet they always find a way to make some food for us, or give us something to remember them by. But that`s just how they are. I hope that I can be so loving like they are. They are also progressing really nicely! They came to the baptism on Saturday, and are looking forward to our cita with them on Tuesday!
We went to the temple again. :) The temple closed down this week for maintenence, and will be closed until after I leave, so my group went to the temple for the last time! And while inside, I just felt such a confirmation that what I have given the Lord these last two years have been worth it. I know He has accepted my sacrifice. And I will be forever grateful to Him for the opportunity He gave me to serve a mission, especially here in Guatemala. The temple is such an amazing place, and I can`t wait to be able to go whenever I want!
Last Friday I hit two years in the mission. Can you all just think of how long that is? That is two amazing years of straight up missionary work. Non-stop. It`s been amazing, but surprising that it`s all coming to a close so quickly. I find myself thinking about past experiences in the mission, and realize that it`s true: These really are "The Best Two Years" as everyone says. I couldn`t trade this time for anything, and I keep thinking what a privilage it has been to be a missionary.
Well, as of now my last full week in the mission is about to begin, and I´m set to be one of those missionaries that works until the very end. It´s the least I can do with all the blessings that I have received while being here, right? Right. So here´s to an amazing last week in the mission! Until next time!
- Elder Stuart
P.S. Alma 29:9
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