I can't describe the JOY I've felt this past week. Miracles upon miracles. Last Sunday, we were able to visit a few investigators we hadn't been able to reach this transfer. Yesterday, three of them came to church. Our investigator Flor brought Renata and Maria (Flor lives with their mom, and we have taught all of them before). Flor was avidly taking notes in Sunday School, and was participating during both classes. She told us that she feels something different there, and wants to come back again.
Last night, as we taught a lesson at their house, I felt the Spirit so strongly that Flor was prepared for our message. You can see it in her eyes that she has real intent. As we invited them to be baptized, it was evident that Flor was interested. She asked about the process & what she needed to learn. I know that we can work with her & that she can be prepared to be baptized. Renata, who is 10, has wanted to be baptized for two months, but we are working with her mom, Betty. Sadly, Betty seems the least interested out of the household, but we will continue working & praying for her. Renata is an amazing seeker of truth! Last night, she started crying (as we were teaching the Plan of Salvation) and asked what would happen if someone died without being baptized. She then explained, "It's that I love my mom & I don't want her to die without being baptized because I want to live with her forever." I pray that as Betty sees the desire of her daughter, her heart will soften to our message.
Besides those miracles, it has just been a really great week! I appreciated all the cards and packages and messages for my birthday. It was a great day & I am excited for what's in store now that I'm 23! EEK. Most people still think I'm 19, which is fantastic. I'll just look young FOREVER! :) But, the missionaries are awesome. The elders invited us to lunch for my birthday & then they stopped by with a "Christmas" candle & my favorite mints...and Pokemon cards. I love them! We also celebrated at the Bloms on Sunday and I can't tell you (yet again) how grateful I am for them! It was truly like being with family. And, because they knew I have this no treats challenge, in lieu of cake, they had a delicious fruit platter. It was beautiful. And tasty. But, more than the food, it's just the family. They have pure love for the missionaries and will do anything to help us. I'm so grateful to know them!
On Saturday, we helped with a service project which included splitting wood & stacking it into wood piles. I can't tell you how many stumps we split and cut...but we were there from 8:30 until 3:30 :) I was a long day and good work. Plus, it always makes me laugh when people think I can't pick things up because I'm a girl...I guess I get the strength from mom, because she's always lifted heavy things too... It's kind of funny though. "Wow, Sister Peacock...you're strong!"
I'm sure other things happened this week...oh yes! We got ipads. That's exciting, right? So,we've been moving all of our area information from a 4" binder onto our ipads...one sentence at a time. It's pretty awesome though being able to use the gospel library app. Seriously! I was reading Preach My Gospel and then saw an article from a 1983 Ensign & I looked for it and BAM. I was reading the article. Technology these days, eh? :)
Missionaries and members keep telling me they think I'm going to be transferred after I finish training Sister Acosta. I know that is a possibility ... and that I've been here for almost 6 transfers. I've never wanted to say or think "Where do I WANT to be?" Because I do, with all my heart, want to be where the Lord NEEDS me to be. So, why would I ask for what I think is best? It's true, there are people here who I really feel will progress immensely this next transfer, like Flor, and I would love to see that happen. I do love the people. They are my family, my home. I know that the Lord is guiding His work & that He will send me or keep me where I need to be. If it is His will, maybe I will see Flor progress to baptism. But, all in His timing & His plans. So, we'll see what happens, eh?
This work is amazing. I am so grateful to be a missionary and for Him to use me as an instrument in His hands.
--Sister Peacock
Pic 1: After the service project we stopped to see the Connecticut Shoreline before heading home. This is Elder Solis (he's our zone leader from Mexico..and he's turning 27!), Hna Acosta, me, and Elder Terry (in our zone)
Pic 2: The Blom birthday cake :)
Pic 3: Opening a package from Zach and Jenni
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