This week. I don't know what to say. I'll start off by saying that Sister Young is officially getting transferred. I'm really sad about that because we had so many good times and spiritual moments. But it's time for a new chapter in my mission.
So yesterday, Yvonne got baptized!!! I don't think I have words to describe the experience! As a missionary, you think that you'll get used to that feeling, but you never do. It's powerful and amazing every time someone you love enters the waters of baptism. It was amazing with Yvonne because she has had so many struggles lately and so much opposition. But her testimony is so strong that she knew she had to do this and she followed through!
It was a wonderful service. I was able to play the ukulele and sing with an elder in my zone and it was awesome. We sang Nearer, My God, to Thee and it did more good that I thought it did. After the baptism, non-members came up to me and told me that it was awesome; surprisingly, it opened up a lot of people. Music is amazing, folks. We got to be with Yvonne back in the dressing room after she was baptized and it was a sweet experience. She was speechless and sobbing for lack of words. All we could do was hug her and tell her how much we love her! It was honestly one of the best baptisms I've ever attended. Afterwards, she was talking to all of her sons and she challenged them all to read the Book of Mormon and to take the missionary lessons. She bore her testimony to her family and they all agreed to do it! That was definitely a miracle.
The icing on the cake? The ward was phenomenal. They were all so good to her and she met a whole new family yesterday at church and at the baptism. It was an incredible experience that I'll never forget.
There were a lot of investigators and non-members there, too so it was amazing!
The rest of the week is a blur compared to the baptism, but it was great. We've been working hard and it's been raining!
Oh and Mom: I was able to testify to Yvonne about the gifts of the Spirit based on that letter you wrote me that one time. The one where you promised that I would be able to memorize things if I could learn everyone's names. She thought it was so inspiring that I can now memorize songs, scriptures, and names. So thanks!
The week was great and this next week will be an adventure! I'll have a new companion and will continue to work hard! Life is good on the mission and I wouldn't trade even the worst days for anything. If any of you are even considering serving a mission, do it. You will never regret the wonderful experiences and happiness you'll feel on your mission. I love you all!
"Then with my waking thoughts, bright with my praise; out of my stony griefs, Bethel I'll raise. So by my woes to be Nearer, My God, to Thee; Nearer, My God, to Thee; Nearer to Thee."
Sister Julie Catherine Harris
Oh!
So the reason for the subject heading of my main letter:
Two hours before the baptism started, something very scary happened. We had just gotten finished setting everything up and filling up the font when we got a call from Yvonne. She sounds really run-down and tells us that she won't be able to make it to her baptism. I asked her why and she said slowly, "I've changed my mind." There was silence for probably a whole minute. Sister Young and I looked at each other and our hearts were not only broken, but strewn on the street and run over. It was a sad moment. Then on the phone, Yvonne says, "I'm just messin' wit y'all. Do I need to bring socks?" OH MY GOSH. We were irate. We started laughing so hard out of pure relief even though it was not a funny joke. When we saw Yvonne at the baptism, she started cracking up because she thinks she's hilarious. It was a cruel joke. haha.
I love Yvonne. But we will get her back!
Just a funny story that I forgot to tell in my letter!
Love, Sister Harris
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