A sweet Cameron story: When Jill and Cameron were here for Thanksgiving, we had some adventures in San Antonio from the River Walk cruise to Sea World to the Alamo, but our first stop is always the beautiful San Antonio temple. We love to pick up this and that at the distribution center while we are there. We were “shopping” along with a few others who were at the temple that day, and I overheard the clerks talking to a man there who was obviously a stake patriarch. As this brother went to leave, he came up to Cameron and asked if he could have a hug from “this celestial being.” Even though Cam didn’t have his “free hugs” t-shirt on, he was happy to oblige. With tears in his eyes this kind man hugged Cameron, saying that he could feel Cam’s spirit and that he was sure Cam was the most righteous person there. (Obviously he doesn’t have to get Cameron up in the mornings! Ha!)
What a marvelous week we had here in Laredo! The week culminated with three very beautiful testimony meetings. In the Spanish-speaking wards people line up to bear testimony. Literally. It was very touching, and the Spirit was strong. In second ward our good friend Brother Orozco was sustained as the new bishop. We will miss him as YSA advisor, but what a great bishop he will be! He was at seminary this morning to find out what youth he needed to work with to get them to seminary. He and his family will be sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on December 29—the same day and place as Colton and Anne. Bishop Orozco only speaks Spanish, and we know he will have a tremendous influence on the youth, as he has had for many years with the young adults.
It was awesome to meet Elsa at 6th branch yesterday for her first church meeting. We watched her pay her tithing—really like the widow’s mite—determined to keep that commandment following the missionary lesson they had given this last week. She is scheduled to be baptized on Dec. 19, so we can be there. She loved the testimonies that were born and the spirit of the meeting and the people. Elder Flanagan is preparing to do the baptism in Spanish, as Elsa does not speak English. Elsa and Idalia parted ways, so Elsa is living in a church downtown where she is now a caretaker. Her home in Nuevo Laredo was broken into (literally, by smashing a hole in the wall), and everything was stolen. We are trying to help her find steady work here. Elsa says she used to watch the missionaries come and go in Mexico and wondered why they didn’t come to her, knowing in her heart that she needed what they had. Now she rejoices in finding the gospel of Jesus Christ!
In fourth ward Idalia was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was so excited. She wanted to know what was next. She was glad to hear that the ward Christmas dinner is on Saturday because she wants to “be involved in everything.” Her baptism was a trial. She was so afraid of the water, petrified about getting in and out of the font with legs that don’t work, and not knowing how it was all going to work to be immersed. The second attempt was successful, but there was some screaming and crying even as everyone worked to get her out of the font. She was faithful and determined, willing to do whatever it took to make her covenant with God.
The Sisters texted us to come and bring an investigator to church for the first time in 4th Ward (English). We met them at Josie’s apartment, and took her to church. In fact, those sisters had about ten first-time visitors there yesterday. Josie (65) is quite a character. She came to dinner with the Sisters and a pair of Elders, and when we took her home, she invited us in to see her Christmas wonderland. Her whole life is wrapped up in her “stuff.” She has lived quite a rough life. Her siblings are telling her not to listen to the “Mormons,” but that makes her more determined to hear the gospel. She is spending the holidays in San Antonio with family and friends. She came out of the three hours of meetings with questions for us about the temple. Although our assignment is to teach the young people here, we are grateful for the experiences to influence others with our testimonies and lifestyle.
The powerful testimonies that were shared in 4th Ward were a blessing to all of us. Sister Niggliazzo’s words were inspiring and really helped us teach our seminary lesson this morning on forgiveness (D&C 64). She is a beautiful, articulate mother, teacher, and attorney. Her husband was just released as 4th branch president to be a counselor in the stake presidency. She told about years of bad feelings toward her father who abandoned their family and disappeared when she was young. Her story has a happy ending, as she told of rescuing her father who was found wandering in NorthCarolina with no memory of his name, addictions, or past life. She was able to develop a sweet, forgiving relationship with him before he died this year. Others bore witness of the difference the gospel has made in their lives as they try to change their lives and focus on the Savior.
The Sisters asked for an invitation to dinner, and we were happy to have them come. We had ribs cooking in the crockpot when they informed us at our middle meeting that they had also invited the Elders. This week is transfers, so about half of our missionaries will be going somewhere else. We love to have missionaries to dinner, especially when we are losing some of these young friends this week. The more, the merrier, BUT we did not have enough food for six of us. Yay for the Instapot! We pulled out frozen chicken and fixed a second menu of crack chicken. (Hurray for ribs for us today!) So, we invited Josie and seven of us shared a meal. The yummy pecan pie was shared in tiny pieces with lots of whipped cream. If they can eat what we eat, they are welcome to share our meals!
Much love to all of you! May we all focus on the love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. May we take every opportunity to “Light the World” this Christmas season. Our prayer is to put aside the world and draw closer to God. Please pray for us. We are excited to come home for a few days at this fabulous time of year.
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