Wed, 17 Jun 2009: Week # [who knows?]

Dear Everybody,

Well, I'm tired. I hear that happens a lot to missionaries.

This last week was good, I think. I was feeling sick all last week, along with my companions, but I think we've finally pulled through. And we have four baptisms to plan, so it's a good thing.

Yeah, that's right, 4. Where do they all come from? I have no idea. Heavenly Father I guess. Jose, Ashley, Gisela and Lineth. Those last two are something of a miracle. Mom and daughter, and the dad is a member. They've been going to church for a couple years, and Gisela has had the missionary lessons three other times, but there was always something holding her back. But, last week we got a phone call from our ward mission leader, telling us she wanted to be baptized this weekend. Whoa. Now I know what it feels like to be in Brazil. Well, logistically speaking we won't be able to do it this Saturday, but as soon after that as possible--they both know so much, and they have awesome testimonies already. All they need is to go through us missionaries and the proper authority, and they will be able to make that covenant with God. You can see their excitement, and really feel the Spirit when we teach them.

But, as always, there is another force working against the work of God. There have been more problems getting this baptism to go forward than I've ever seen--all superficial. We can obviously tell there is something working against us, but the fact is they are ready, and we will not be discouraged. Seeing their progression despite all the hard stuff that's trying to keep them away is really inspiring.

Well, I'm going to get kicked off, so I'm going to go. I just want you to know first that I know that the Lord has His hand in our lives, and that prayer is really the way we put ourselves on the pathway He has prepared for us. Heavenly Father wants the best for us, and He will tell you where you need to go, if you just ask. I also know that every time we are transferred as missionaries, it is inspired. Seriously. I know that He knows me, and He knows what I need.

Gotta go!

Love,
Hna. Crowley