Maricruz went to 2 baptisms this weekend!! She is on fire. She came to church again as well, then we ate dinner with her and her LDS roommates before our lesson after church. We asked her what she was feeling and what she thought about everything she has learned so far and this is what she said, "I've been reading the Book of Mormon every day, and I know it's true. I've been praying and asking for help to understand and find the truth, and when I read this book, it always talks about Jesus Christ and teaches the same things as the Bible, and I just know it's true! But now I can't go back! I should have never picked up that book because now I know it's true and would be sinning if I ever went back to where I was before!" :) she's such a neat and spiritual lady! She's been getting a lot of resistance from her family and she's just been telling them that she feels good at this church and they're just going to have to get used to it because she's not leaving anytime soon. She also mentioned that eventually she would probably be baptized, but Hermana Woodruff and I were prompted to not invite her yet, so we haven't, although I'm sure she will soon be ready! We're seeing her tomorrow to teach her about the Plan of Salvation. Yesterday we taught her about the Godhead, and how they are three separate beings, which is different from what she was taught in her other church, so that's one of the harder things for her to accept right now. You can imagine- if you had been raised thinking they were just one person your whole life and all the sudden you're told they're 3, that would be a little confusing and hard to accept at first. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we have of the Godhead; it makes perfect sense and really brings peace.
We got to teach Viviana this week, finally! She didn't read in the Book of Mormon so we read Alma 40 with her- she has lots of questions about life after death, so the chapter was perfect for her. She voiced some concerns to us as well, which is good. That means she trusts us enough to open up and to ask real questions, and for help. She has two sons that are gay, and they are worried about what will happen if she joins our church- they're afraid they won't be accepted. It's a fair concern! We referred her to our church's website about our church's view on homosexuality (mormonsandgays.org). Hopefully that helped to answer some of their concerns. We explained to her God's love for ALL of His children, but also that we do not support homosexual actions. One of her gay sons joined us for the closing prayer the other day though, which was really cool!
Last night the other sisters in our ward had a baptism for a 10 year old girl and Hermana Woodruff and I were asked to teach the Restoration to the congregation while she was changing from her wet clothes. I cannot count how many times I have taught the Restoration on my mission, it's been probably close to half a million, but every time I share it, the Spirit bears witness to me that it is true, sometimes more stronger than others. As we were about to finish teaching, we bore our testimonies, and as I began to bear mine of the Book of Mormon, I just started to sob. I couldn't stop it and it was so embarrassing. I was so overcome with the Spirit and I received such a strong witness again that it is true. I know that it is with all my heart I just want everyone to have what I have! I know the Book of Mormon is true. I know it I know it. I think I was also overcome with my emotions, with everything that is happening right now. We are teaching some people who have been truly prepared by the Lord to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I'm filled with so many mixed emotions as I end my mission. I truly love my mission. It means everything to me and I love these people, I love these experiences, and in a way I wish I could just be a set-apart full time missionary for the rest of my life. My heart is sad to be leaving so soon, and it has really hit me hard this week. I try not to think about it, but my spirit knows it's coming, and it is really a sad feeling to be leaving something that you love so much. I do love my family and I am so excited to see you guys, but I am also anxious and nervous to come back. It's a scary thing.
Anyway, exchanges went well this week, and Heavenly Father helped me to be healthy enough during our Zone Training on Wednesday. Thanks for your prayers - it's helping! I'm feeling much better and will be back in full force in no time.
I'm glad that you were able to go to the temple this week and feel the Spirit that is there, and receive the guidance that was needed. I love the temple.
I'm glad the lessons (lecciones, not charlas) are going well with Tawnya and Lauren and that Quinn wants to join too! It sounds like it was a spiritual lesson. THE GOSPEL BLESSES FAMILIES.
We're finger painting and making fruit salads at our district activity today haha should be fun. And the flowers are blooming in the Carlsbad Flower Fields which is in our ward boundaries, so we'll be doing that soon too :). What a great area to be in, I am so blessed in so many ways!
I love you all! I hope you are all well and healthy and that you have a great week. Be strong and remember Heavenly Father and the Savior in all things.
Love,
Hermana Inman
