Letter from 11-7-11

Dear Mother,

  Well, can I say that we had an AMAZING end to our week last week?  Because we did.  On Sunday we had the privilage of seeing three of our investigators be Baptized.  Joseph Cardoza is 28 and he met with the missionaries over a year ago and if there's anyone I've ever met who had been prepared to hear the Gospel it was amazing to teach him, and we'll continue to do so.  The other two baptisms were the 14 and 12 yr old sons, Clinton and Clanton Atti, of our Marshallese investigators.  Their parents Paul Obet and Neijon Nashion have to wait till December till they can get married and then Baptized.  (Hence the two different last names.)  But, the boys are going to be a huge help in getting their parents to the waters of Baptism.

  Well, now comes the interesting part.  We've Baptized two of our investigators and we've still got four with a date, but we've got to keep finding those people who are prepared to hear the Gospel.  It's rough, but we just found out that Elder Dennison and I are staying in the area, so I know that the Lord has prepared more people here to hear the Gospel.  I'm excited because I've been in the San Diego 1st ward for four and a half months already and this next transfer will make it six!  In my first six months I served in two areas and one of them was in the Hmong Branch!  Talk about time flying, it's literally speeding by (can anyone say "Jump into Hyperspace"?)!  I feel like I should still be in the MTC, but I've learned sooooo much while I've been out here, and I know that the Lord only has more to teach me if I but rely on him.  I'm a little anxious too because I'm getting to that point where I'm "over the hill", but I'm excited for the future.  I know all things are possible and safe when we do what the Lord wants us to do.

  To answer your question Mom, I was able to Baptize Adelina back in Lemon Grove, and I've been asked to confirm a couple other people.  I LOVE EXERCISING THE PRIESTHOOD I BEAR!  Some of my best experiences here have been when I've had the opportunity to bless others through the power of the Priesthood.  I've got A TON to tell you when I get home, they're just very personal.  They'll just have to wait for a little bit.

    I love all of ya'll very much, and continue to pray for all of you!  Keep the faith and know that the Lord is in control!

 

Love,

 

Elder Wise