this week job and yerly were baptized and confirmed!!! it was amazing! job, who was an alcoholic and smoked 10-20 cigarettes as of a month ago, has completely turned his life around, and was able to be baptized on friday, and confirmed on sunday! it was a miracle for many reasons, because he wasn´t able to be at church in the morning because his brother got SUPER sick, and had to be taken to the hospital in another city at one in the morning sunday. job called to let us know, and we were super shocked, but we called the assistants to the mission president and received permission for him to be confirmed later in the afternoon with the bishopric present. there was no way we were going to let him go a whole week after being baptized without the holy ghost, especially because he has a history of addictions. immediately after his confirmation, we invited job to accompany us for a few visits as well...taking advantage of the newest member of the ward right off the bat! it was a great experience. also, yerly, who is 16, said that she is SURE she wants to serve a mission. she has started to share with her family members, and when we challenged her mom and a cousin to be baptized, and they both accepted! we are seeing miracle after miracle here in la. i love it.
we also had a fun "service" opportunity this week: we accompanied a 90-year-old recent convert to eat ice cream with us in the grass next to the little river here in town. we went to his house to visit and teach him a bit, but it was obvious that he was sad and lonely...and being a girl and all, the first thing that came to my mind...ICE CREAM makes everything better! it actually turned out to be quite an inspired idea. juan LOVED the chance to get out of his house and be LISTENED to. he told us all kinds of stories, and we just listened and helped him feel loved and appreciated. it was a super tender moment. made me think of my grandpa, and want to take him out for ice cream. LOVE YOU VITO!!! a big hug from fifi.
also, speaking of being girly and sensitive, i cried in a district meeting this week...ok ok, it really wasn`t all that pathetic or anything i promise. we were doing a demonstration, and read a scripture that just HIT me:
mosiah 27:28-29
28 Nevertheless, after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of an everlasting burning, and I am born of God.
29 My soul hath been redeemed from the gall of bitterness and bonds of iniquity. I was in the darkest abyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was cracked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more.
god knows and loves us INDIVIDUALLY. i know, because i´ve felt it. many times. he listens and responds. he waits patiently for us to return to his loving arms, and rest in his presence. the gospel allows to rest from the pains of our souls. the gospel is so perfect, and i feel so blessed to be able to share it with others. i love being a missionary, and am excited to be a member missionary for the rest of my life.
love you all,
sophia esther wright
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