December 09, 2013

Family,

Adelfa was baptized. *SIGH* It was beautiful. Let me just give you the story in full.

So, as missionaries, we keep track of everyone that we teach. When people aren't progressing, we hang on to their records for future missionaries to go through and give them another try sometime down the road. Well, when people start in a new area, they usually go through the "formers" to see if there is anyone that they feel like they should go visit. So, when I got here, we did that. We felt like we should go visit Adelfa and her daughter. From the record, it sounded like Adelfa's daughter, Estrella, was more interested. When we knocked on the door, Jorge (Adelfa's son) answered. We asked for Estrella, and he went to get her. We offered to say a prayer with the family. They accepted. After the prayer, we invited them to be baptized. Jorge said, "I don't know about them, but I am going to get baptized. I'm working with my bishop in Naples." Come to find out, his wife and children are members. As we were leaving, he begged us to come back and teach his mom and sister. We did. Come to find out, Jorge had given Adelfa The Book of Mormon and she was already in 2 Nephi. We started teaching her about baptism the first time we met with her, and she said, "Stop trying to convince me to be baptized. I already want to be baptized." HAHA so, we stopped. We taught her the Restoration and the commandments and two and a half weeks later, she was baptized. She accepted everything. She loved everything. She loves Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon. When she came out of the water, she cried.

I wish that you all could have been there. It was beautiful. Ella es Cubana! When they announced her baptism in Relief Society, she raised her hand up high--so proud. After her baptism, one of the members was crying because she had felt the Spirit so strongly. Adelfa went over and gave her a hug and a huge besito. She is already "comforting those that stand in need of comfort." DANG! I love her!

In other news, I'm still good looking.

I love you, Family. Les quiero muchisimo!! I hope that everyone is happy and healthy. Next P-day will be on Tuesday because of transfers, so we'll see what happens. Also, I get to talk to you on Christmas. Someone hook mom and I up with a Skype account, so that I can see your beautiful faces. Love you, LOVE you, LOVE YOU!!!

Hermana Gardner

La Cubana Tropical

P.S. Tell dad that the pineapple was GROWN here in Florida. I've seen a few pineapples growing at members' homes. Also, I expect pictures of the Christmas tree!