On Friday we were invited to help the Sisters teach Cindy at her home in Rio Bravo. The first thing she did was offer us coffee, then tea. Knowing that the lessons were on the Restoration and the Word of Wisdom, we just smiled and said, “No, thanks,” to the drinks and breakfast. Cindy is a single mom and grandmother in her early to mid thirties. The house was full of children, toddlers, and teens, but we crowded around the kitchen table while Cindy’s sister Jodie (a recent convert) fed the children. As the young Sisters struggled through the chaos to teach the lessons in a simple way, we tried to add our testimonies, explanations, or scripture as seemed necessary. Cindy is determined to be baptized this coming weekend, and the Sisters are teaching her every day to get her ready. Behind her a table was filled with Catholic icons and statues (very common here, whether the family is religious or not). As we went on, it became evident that Cindy knew very little about anything to do with the Bible, spiritual things, or Jesus Christ. Obviously not a reader, she struggled to read a simple scripture. She didn’t know what a prophet was—thinking it was something to do with business (profit). My point is that this is typical of investigators in Laredo and maybe anywhere else—they really want something to give meaning to their lives. They are searching to fill the emptiness. Cindy was feeling lost and tossed about in life when her sister Jodie joined the Church of Jesus Christ. When Cindy saw the positive changes in her sister, including a certain happiness, she sought the missionaries and told them she wanted to be baptized, too. Interesting, isn’t it? She wants to be baptized even though she knows little about the church or Christ. She says she absolutely can live the Word of Wisdom and will read the Book of Mormon. Seeking, seeking, seeking peace and purpose in her life. Jim went last night at her request to bless her new house. At church on Sunday Cindy sought us out to hug and kiss us—seeing us as having what she so desperately wants.
Saturday night I got a text from Sister Duarte asking me if I would “help” teach the young women of 4th Ward on Sunday about the temple. I thought I would tell a story or experience, so when I got to the YW classroom, and they turned the time over to me, I was a bit surprised. Good thing I love to talk and have years of experience teaching! It turned out to be a wonderful experience! I had to stop myself when the hour was up. These girls are not our seminary group, and I was surprised how little they knew. We ALWAYS talked about the covenant path and the ordinances of the gospel. These girls (who all come from wonderful, active families) were excited to learn more about the temple, as they knew little. The stake had a Youth Conference, including a temple trip to San Antonio, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. One of the girls took a picture of the chalkboard when I finished—so thrilled with what she had learned. I loved teaching them!
Every weekend is filled with baptisms and chapels filled with seekers. It is a great blessing to be here in Laredo with these humble people. We know it is where we are supposed to be, doing what we are supposed to be doing. The 4th-Ward Bishop was released and a new bishopric called on Sunday. Bishop Alder (FBI) has a new assignment in Arizona. We believe that everyone who comes to the Laredo Stake is here for a reason. We are grateful to be part of the work. We love it here, despite the outrageous temperatures (about 110+ every day, and still 100 when we go to bed—thank heavens for AC!). We love the teens and young adults here. We love all of you. We love the gospel of Jesus Christ, His word in the scriptures, and all those who lead, serve, and build the Kingdom of God. Hugs and kisses! We’ll see some of you in August.
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