May 14: Joy in change

It is hard to believe that such a thing can happen to a man. I have been a missionary my entire life and now I must completely change my life. Death is scare, but also necessary for a grander existence. I have watched elder now for more than a year now stand up a bare their testimony at their last zone conference and zone leader's conference. And guess what I got to do earlier today. I did not cry. I have never been the crying type, but I could already feel seeping into my heart the anxiety that comes from missing something a lot. This feeling is counterbalance by the burning in the bosom and the determination to fight until the end. Ben, you are at the greatest time in your mission. I really learned how Alma felt in Alme 29. The secret to being happy is making others happy through love, service, and more than anything… teaching the truths of the gospel.

Maybe for a second I though that the Lord would just bless unconditionally now after so long of faithful service, but I was kindly reminded otherwise. We have a number of great investigators right now, but others who are still facing trials (go figure, missionary work is still the same). Cathy Mercado did not come to church this last week because of feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and doubt. Her spirit is so receptive to the Holy Ghost it amazes me, so I thought she was on a one way street towards baptism. I worried if she would give up. She has been member friends texting her. So last night when we finally were able to teach her our hopes were comforted. She is going great. Jade Padilla has been progressed quite differently. We first taught his family and he listen just to be nice, but he ended up being the only one home every time we would visit. For about three weeks now we have been telling him over and over to pray about the Book of Mormon. He has said he has, but just has not yet received an answer. This would have worried me at the beginning of my mission, but now my faith is so firm on Moroni's promise that I know on one can read, ponder, and then truly and correctly ask God about the Book of Mormon without receiving an answer. So he has come to church two times now and last night at ward FHE I just told him. "In preparing for your baptism, think about who you want to baptize you." He replied, "kayo na lang" (how about you). He now reads the Book of Mormon every night and just feels better and better about it every day.

Last Saturday was pretty fun. After waiting a while for the bishop to arrive at the baptism of Sister Hidalgo, we could not find any other baptismal closes, but small one that barely fit her. She is a pretty shy lady so she almost did not consent to taking a picture. I really have seen the changes in her since accepting the gospel. Before we had her change she said that in her dream she was dressed in white. We just said that she will understand that later. I really had to wonder about this one though. After I raised her from the water, she stood with a very ridged expression, almost painful looking. I led her out of the font and asked how she felt. The blessed relief society sister cheered for her as she came out. Then she responded, "nakita ko siya" (I saw him). She then announced that again to everyone when we bore her testimony. We will teach the family next week when they return from the province.

I sure hope we can talk tomorrow. I have excited to wish you happy birthday mom. I love you all so much and wish I would show it more. I will call you around 8 in the morning to give you the number of the land line. We already have some appointments tomorrow morning but we will have enough time to talk. As surly as the Lord lives, this work will move forward and bless the lives of many.