Día 126

Wow, this past week was pretty crazy. We had been meeting with Olga, Graciela, and Danny, our referral from the Guillermo family, and their baptismal date was scheduled for this past Sunday. On Wednesday Olga told us that she just didn't feel sure yet and she wouldn't be baptized until she felt completely sure. Then Danny, her 16 year-old son proceded to tell her that she just needs to have faith and pray and read the scriptures to feel sure. In the beginning Danny wasn't even sure if he believed in God, so that was a pretty incredible moment for all of us. Olga committed to read and pray every day, and on Sunday Olga and Danny were baptized. Unfortunately, Graciela was not, because she had to go to a luncheon thing for school, but she will be baptized this next Sunday. It was a really special day, and when Olga saw Danny dressed in white she just started crying. Danny had asked me to baptize him, which was pretty special as well. Yesterday when we visited them, it was like Olga was a different person, and she has noticed it as well as her family. She's a lot happier, and a lot more patient. They said that as a family they've been trying to do a lot better and are praying together a lot, and Graciela is looking forward to her baptism this week. It's so cool to see the change that the gospel of Jesus Christ makes in peoples lives. The mission is really rewarding.

This past week was our last week with Elder Buxton as he should be just about in Utah now. We went to Once again last P-day so he could buy a bunch of gifts and stuff to take home. He left yesterday in the morning, so Elder Johnson came with Elder Cruz and I for the day because Elder Johnson wouldn't get his new companion until today. When we went to their pension Elder Buxton was just finishing packing and his suitcases weighed a ton. Definitely well over the 50 lb. limit... so I'm guessing he had to pay quite a bit to ship those bags. It was kind of an interesting moment when we said goodbye to Elder Buxton. I was excited for him, but I was also sad to see him go. We were together for about 3 months in the same ward, and he was my friend who spoke English, really tried to get to know me, listened to me, and gave me advice. I'm going to miss him being around, but who knows, maybe I'll see him when I go home because he's from Orem.

Today we had transfers. Last night was pretty nerve-wracking as we waited for the call from the zone leaders telling us what was up. Elder Cruz got shipped off to Provincia somewhere... I don't really remember where. I'm still in Constitución, and my new companion is Elder Seda, also from Mexico. He actually knew Elder Cruz before the mission as well because they went to the same school. Elder Johnson is also still in Constitución, and his companion is Elder Popoca, also from Mexico and knows Elder Cruz. It'll be kind of different as it is a change, but I'm excited. I have faith that President Ayre is called of God and I should be in Constitución with Elder Seda right now.

Love,

Elder John William Garrett

ps. Christmas is coming, but it's really hot so it doesn't feel like it... haha.