Everyone keeps congratulating me on my 1 year mark, but I think you all must be confused because it feels like it's only been a few months. Regardless, thank you all for your love. I would not have made it to 1 year or even out of the MTC if it weren't for your constant love, support, & encouragement. So thank you all so much!
I can't tell you how relieved I am that Weston is doing well. I know that he still has a long way to go during his recovery process, but I am filled with so much joy knowing that he is going to be alright. I have prayed for him & his family constantly. We had the chance to attend the temple again last night & I put his name on the prayer roll. It sounds like he is inspiring many people & still be a missionary in unique ways. He has never been one to be sad or upset, & I know that he has such a solid testimony of this gospel. The entire family does.
Well, my week has been incredibly busy & filled with nothing but the spirit! Last Monday, we found the Mangubat family. I'm not sure if I told you about them or not, so here's a quick run down. There are 7 people in the family, including the parents. The youngest child is 9 & the oldest is 20, so all of them are able to be baptized! We taught them a great first lesson on Monday & invited them to do a temple tour on Wednesday night. They agreed. Me & Elder Harris arrived at the at the appointed time, but they did not show up. After waiting for 30 minutes, we decided that we needed to go to their house & see what the deal was. When we arrived, the mom was taking a nap & the kids were just hanging out. The husband wasn't even there. We went inside & asked them why they didn't show up. They told us that they didn't think we were serious. We assured them that we were & that we really wanted them to go to the temple. Sister promised us that they would all meet us at the temple the next night. So once again, we arrived at the temple at the appointed time & they are nowhere to be found. We sat hoping that they would show up. After waiting for about 10 minutes, guess who walks up to the gate of the temple? We toured them around the temple & went into the waiting room to allow them to feel the spirit & peace inside. When we exited the temple, they were in tears. They shared with us that they had never felt anything like that before. We testified to them that it was the spirit telling them that it was true.
After that amazing day, we invited them to come to church. They assured us that they would. We believed them, but just to make sure we decided to leave the house a little early & pick them up. Along the way, we ran into them. They were on their way to church. I was so happy! During church, I believe that they had a great experience. Many of the members were right there to befriend them & they were able to feel a great spirit. At the same time, I think it was also a little overwhelming for them. Going to 3 straight hours of church & hearing completely brand new ideas & concepts may have been a bit much for them, but I know that they felt the spirit. We are planning to visit them again tomorrow & we are going to challenge them to baptism. I really hope that it works out!
There is one problem though. The husband's job is outside of the country, Catar to be exact. He works there for 2 years & then is allowed 2 months back to visit his family & home. His 2 months are up. He went back last Friday. We gave him a Book of Mormon & told him to read & prepare himself for when he returns home again. So right now, we are going to have to baptize the rest of the family & wait to baptize him until he gets back.
We also had our MLC yesterday & it was incredible! I have never had a more spiritual day in my life. It's difficult for me to explain & would take some time to do so anyway, so I will just say that it was very emotional. President & Sister Schmutz leave in a month so this was the last MLC that they had. We ended the night by having another temple session which was incredible. I learn new things every single time I attend the temple. It was an amazing day.
Well, nice glasses Starr. You're officially a mom. Sounds like you are all doing well. I pray for you all everyday. I love you all so much. I'll see you in 12 months!
Elder Staheli
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