A baptism, trials, and choosing happiness

Here are some of the fun things that happened this last week:

On Thursday we had a conference with Elder Zwick of the 70 (he just gave a talk last April). He talked all about iPads and serving with a pure heart. I feel so inspired by it all! 

Baptism buddies in Bradenton

On Saturday we went to a baptism in Bradenton with our investigator, Celfia who is going to be baptized this Saturday. It was just what she needed to progress. Our relief society president brought her and she was able to make some new friends. She even found people from her home country (Honduras). She tells us that she is very excited for her own baptism. It's very very enriching to teach her. She is an amazing hard-working woman. 

Me and Celfia's daughter Ashly

Here is a funny/slightly sad story from this past week: Saturday was the dream day. Perfect weather, perfect lessons, good member-presents, a baptism, getting to see old companions, and just an overall sense of accomplishment. 

The next morning we woke up got ready only to find that someone hit our car sometime during the night! "Ok", we thought, "We'll let the mission know, no biggie." Go to church, everything is good. Get out of church to find our gas tank cap askew; someone siphened our gas! We barely had enough to make it home. 

Luz and Eladio's House

Still in our heads was the thought, "No problem, we have bikes." So we led out on our trusty two-wheels and taught a few lessons. Then as we were riding towards Danny's house my tire popped! So we had to walk. Satan was clearly trying to keep us from teaching people that night or something! However he didn't stop us, we had two amazing lessons talked to people along the way and made it home just as the clock ticked 9:15. No earthly force can stop the sister missionaries. It was probably one of my favorite days this week.

Biking in 50 degree weather

We met/taught a new family of Peruvians. They have all the right questions and their son has already decided that he wants to serve a mission. Haha! They are progressing really well.

You know you're in Florida when ... what?! 

Something I learned this week is that we can be happy all the time and that it is a choice. Our whole lives are meant to make us happy. Every commandment, every word that God gives us is to make us happy. "Men are that they might have joy." Jesus taught those he served to "be of good cheer" and to bring our sorrows to Him.  I know that we can be happy all the time. I also know that nothing has made me happier than doing missionary work (well other than maybe going to the temple with my family). 

I hope that all of you will strive to help the Lord in his work here upon the earth this week. Success is in the invitation. 

I love you all! 

Con amor,

Hermana Mathis

Missionary attempts to cook good food

More Valentine's gifts