T3W4 Juarez Family Baptism!

Dear Family,

How is everyone? Did John end up coming today? This week was amazing for me. I hope everyone else had a good week too. Through all of the great experiences I've had this week, I've truly thought about the family and wished you could have experienced them with me.

Late Wednesday night we called to check on the Juarez family to make sure keep their excitement up for their baptism and Hermano informed us that he didn't think he could go through with us. He told us he didn't think he had received a strong witness of everything and was feeling nervous about the whole baptism. We became very concerned and decided to fast for him. Elder Nelson, Hermana Dewey and I fasted until Thursday night. The fast was amazing and although it was hard with the hard work we put forth as missionaries, it was worth it.

We went to the chapel Thursday night to sneak a peek at the Cub Scout Den Meeting. It was the Pine Wood Derby that everyone has been waiting for. Hermano Juarez was a judge and his son Gustavo took second place. There were so many little boys there. A month ago we passed by Hermana Alcantara to invite her to church. She hadn't been in years. She has two boys of scout age and their 11 year old cousin that lives with them too. We reactivated them and got them really active in scouts. They were there and presented the flags and everything! All in all we had 6 investigators at mutual on Thursday night. It was great to be there and cheer them on.

We asked Hermano to talk to Bishop about his worries as they have become friends over the time we have taught them. Bishop agreed to talk to Hermano Juarez after the Pine Wood Derby. Bishop had some other things come up right after the Derby but Hermano waited around until he was available. His wife said he didn't get home until midnight after talking with the Bishop. We talked to Bishop the next day and he said that the Spirit was so strong in their visit. We ended our fast and felt good about the whole situation--that the Lord would have it happen according to his will. I was amazingly no longer concerned and felt a peace that Hermano would make the right decision. If he really wasn't prepared, it was ok.

Friday we had our zone temple trip that we get to take each transfer. Going to the temple was such a special experience. We put Hermano Juarez's name on the prayer roll. In the Celestial Room I felt an overwhelming presence of the Lord. I received an affirmation that He is content with my work here. Many other special things happened on that temple trip. We ate at BJ's Texas Barbecue with the ward where some of the Louetta Ward members work. They remembered me and "hooked us up." They treated us really well. I love the Texas Barbecues here. Brisket is simply delicious. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

We returned home from the trip and visited with Hermana Juarez and Diana (age 9). The boys of the family, Gustavo, Julio, and Hermano went on the father-son campout. Hermana informed us that before they left Hermano told her that yes he was going to get baptized. We were sooo happy! He hadn't been very open to her about his feelings about it until that point.

We had the baptism last night. It was such an amazing baptism. The room was packed because everyone was there to support them! People were crying by the end of our special musical number "Divina Luz" performed by the missionaries. When Julio baptized his father, his younger brother, and sister, Hermana Dewey and I almost cried we were so happy for them. We found a picture of the temple at the distribution center when we went to the temple so we will give that to them this week. Pictures of the baptism will be in the mail shortly!

We were sad to hear that Antonio left to Mexico because he was unable to find work here. Two days before we left we taught the word of wisdom and committed him to living it. His mother, Elvia (age 75+), told us that before he left for Mexico he threw away all his cigars and brought his Book of Mormon with him. I just know he will get baptized. Some Elders in Mexico will be so lucky when they receive his information from us.

So much more has happened this week but I'm sure everyone has probably stopped reading this by now. I hope everyone looking to have continual spiritual experiences in their lives as well. We all need spiritual renewal- not just missionaries.

I love you all!

Camille