Week 22: "The most wonderful sound I have ever heard is the sound of running water in the church!"

Week 21: Nicole didn't have time to write a big email, but she sent quick, small emails to her immediate family.

BAPTISM.

Laban got baptized on Saturday! And then confirmed with the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday. They were both such wonderful experiences!

The baptism went perfectly. There were actually two people who got baptized into our branch: Laban and his friend Omid. They have such incredible stories. The three best parts: I got to SING IN ENGLISH for the musical number. Anziano Gardenhire did the accompaniment from the hymnal on the fly. It was really cool. We were practicing before the baptism and Laban was listening, and after we finished he said, “From today forward this is MY church. How does that sound?!" :D It was awesome. Everything went really smoothly, a member of the branch performed both baptisms, which is AWESOME, and then Laban gave his testimony. It was really sweet because he talked about how he knows he has changed, he is happy now, and that he wants to live the commandments. I was so stunned that Heavenly Father chose to use me, the imperfect missionary that I am, to help one of His sons make an eternal promise with all the blessings that entails.

The confirmation, which was one of the sweetest blessings I have ever heard, was given by another member. This member had served in England about 12ish years ago so he speaks perfect English. Before the blessing, Laban asked if I would take pictures, but I tried to explain that because of the sacredness of the ordinance that we don't take pictures. I wasn't sure he understood, but then afterwards he was really touched and it was obvious that he understood at that point.

We found 2 new investigators this week, Elisabetta and Vera. Vera lives in a teeeeeeny little village (there is one street. ONE) with a monastery. It was one of the most beautiful places I had ever seen! We also got a list of all the members in our branch AND we finally found a map of the branch boundaries, so we will be able to start tracking down less actives. There is so much work for us to do here! And on top of that, we were told at zone conference by the zone leaders to start going through all the contacts in our phone so that we can build on the work other missionaries have already done (like getting phone numbers of people) and setting up teaching appointments. We have seen some miracles already!

I am sorry my emails are always so vague. I wish I could write about all the little things that happen, but there is never enough time! I am going to send pictures today, so I can't spend as much time writing. Sorry!

I am so happy!!!!! Also, shout out to Ale, who is just about to send in her mission papers! (We are hoping for the Federal Way, Washington mission....vediamo (let’s see!) ;)

I love you all, I hope it is a great week, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! I am grateful for all of you :)

Love,

Sorella Decker