We
had another amazing lesson with Jeaneth. She is so motivated and eager
to learn the truth. I respect her so much more for wanting to know the
truth and actively searching for that truth, rather than wanting to
become baptized for welfare, which is a common issue here. However, on
that note, I have seen many people join the church for that reason alone
and then become converted to the gospel afterwards. Never doubt the
Lord and His ways! :)
We met the cutest deaf
little girl named Idhalia. She has autism, and is not accountable, but
she is so sweet. It is such a tender mercy to talk to her mom (who is
hearing). Her mother is always so happy and desirous to chat with us.
She loves the idea of us coming over to play with her daughter and
serving her. Although Idhalia is not accountable, we will continue to go
over and visit her. Maybe through our service, the spirit can soften
her mother's heart to want to learn more about the gospel.
Wednesday
we also got to go down to the temple to have a temple tour with Annie,
Adriana, Alisa, and Jazmin. To say it was amazing is an understatement.
Annie and Adriana were incredibly focused and drank in everything the
sister tour guides told them. Jazmin and Alisa asked many questions
themselves. I think the miracle in this was before we left for the
temple trip, Annie told me she was not sure she would go to temple
baptisms on Friday. After the temple tour, she was dead set. If I could
high-five the Holy Ghost, I would.
On Thursday
we went all the way down to Lake Forest, which is in the middle of the
Irvine mission. Quite the drive. We went to go see a new investigator,
Michelle, but she was not home. So, instead of heading all the way back
up to Anaheim, we went a little further south to visit Albertina and
Serafin, who are wonderful members of our branch. For the longest time
the branch boundaries where they live were not open to the missionaries,
but now that the boundaries are open, we can visit them! Serafin is the
studliest old gentleman from Cuba. He speaks fluent Spanish, but is
hard of hearing and signs in Cuban sign language. Heads up, Cuban sign
language is nothing similar to ASL. But he is so nice and, again, a
stud. Albertina, his wife, knows ASL, MSL, CubanSL, and some GermanSL.
She's amazing. While we were there, Serafin cooked us Cuban potatoes.
It's like mashed potatoes rolled into a fist-sized ball and then fried.
It was delicious.
Saturday was the best day
ever. TEMPLE BAPTISMS WITH THE DEAFIES!!! Veronica and Juana were in
their white dresses (because they think they have to wear white) and
were as cute as can be. Serafin and Albertina were there. Annie was
there. And many other members of the branch. The elders do the
baptizing, and the sisters go and interpret the confirmations. My
favorite experience in this was interpreting for Xa. Xa is like Veronica
and Juana in that she does not sign, but knows a few basic signs. I had
to sign what was being said, as it was an ordinance, so I am not sure
how much Xa would normally understand. However, as I signed to her, her
eyes glowed and seemed to understand everything I was signing to her. It
just teaches me how much the spirit teaches people when means of
communication otherwise fail. Also, at the baptisms, Elder Bouck had to
do baptisms in English, ASL, and Spanish. It was kind of a shining
moment for him :) He is doing great as the new district leader.
My favorite scripture this week: Psalms 55:16-18,22.
Love you all! :)
Sister Smyly Crawford
Sister Crawford,
Dahila, her daughter, and Sister Stucki
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