Hey family,
I hope all is going well! I cant believe that winter has almost passed in the US now. It actually doesnt seem like it even happened as Im in a really hot internet cafe. Gotta love Nicaragua.
Its hard to believe that I have been on my mission 11 months now. I have loved it.It has been very difficult at times and I have really come to learn what having a trial of faith means. But I have also learned about how blessings come after the trial of faith and have been so blessed in this past month.
As you saw in the pictures, Camilo and Marixa got baptized on Saturday along with Keyla and Marixa. Honestly, it was a miracle that Camilo and Marixa got baptized on Saturday. As you know, last Sunday, everything was good to go and they were all set for their baptismal date. Then we got there on Wednesday and Camilo said that he couldnt do it on Saturday because his work companion wouldnt cover for him. We said it didnt matter because we could just do it on Thursday and Friday. Then Camilo said that he needed more time. I was super confused because Camilo has been saying for weeks that he is so ready and he just wants his wife to be ready to so they can get baptized together.But then after our lesson Marixa slipped out of the room and he whispered to me that he felt like she just decided to get baptized to follow him and he didnt feel like that was right. We prayed and fasted that day to help them make the decision to do it this weekend. The next morning, Adali (marixas son) called me and asked if we could go visit them because his mom said whether or not her husband could or not on Saturday she was going to get baptized. We agreed and went to go talk to them. It was so backwards because she was the one that was hesitant about it all these weeks and he was so sure. When we got there we werent sure what we were going to talk about with the both of them. I asked, "Is there any questions you have or what would you like to talk about today?" Then Camilo said, " Well baptism is the most important thing right? It seems like my wife is decided and we want to get baptized this weekend." We were so excited! But then there was still the difficulty that his work companion didnt want to change with him. We asked how much he made in a 12 hour shift and he said 150 cords (about 6dollars- so humbly to think that a man that is in his 50s and has kids and grandkids is only make that much as a security guard when I could make double that in an hour). We offered to pay double that so he would cover. Thankfully he did and Camilo and Marixa were able to get baptized on Saturday with the family of Marixas son, Adali. It was such a wonderful day.Due to all the baptisms of families we have had, President Arredondo said that Ocotal will be made into a branch in the very near future. Im so excited for all the growth.
Ive learned this week a lot that we lose our fear, sadness and loneliness in our service and love for others. I have so much love for the people and members Ocotal.
We also had the wonderful experience of seeing the temple dedication in Honduras. We went with 35 of the branch members to Esteli and were there with 5 other branches from Sebaco,Ciudad Dario, Rosario, and Esteli. A ton of our converts were able to come and it was a great experience for everyone. President Uchtdorf and Elder Holland were there along with Elder Martino and Elder Amado. It was an amazing week and Im so happy to be a missionary.
Keep looking and praying for missionary experiences. I love all of you and pray for you often.
Hermana Anne Pearson
PS Thanks to the RS who sent me gold star. its funny that I had to come all the way to Nicaragua to try Goldstar. it was good but Skyline was DEFINITELY better. but i also ate it cold on a piece of bread because we dont have a stove. you have to be creative as a missionary.......
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