Qualifying the Called: The gospel is what converts people, not whether or not I look decent...

This week in Avra Valley..

My eyes got really really swollen and I couldn't even open them when I woke up. It was terribly uncomfortable. I'm not quite sure what did it. So I'm no longer wearing my contacts because I'm afraid of them. So I will be ugly for the rest of my mission. It's okay though, because the gospel is what converts people, not whether or not I look decent. I got a priesthood blessing and the next day, my eyelids were still a little red, but I could see!

We found a couple of new investigators this week, and I think they will progress pretty well, but I won't really know because...

Thursday I found out from the AP's that I would get transferred. I wasn't supposed to know until Sunday. To be honest, I was really distraught about it because I wasn't exactly sure why I would be getting transferred, considering we were told that we would stay with our trainers for about three months. I didn't want to leave my investigators, and I just was hoping that I would be put somewhere that the spirit could work through me to touch the people. I really freaked out about it. So Sunday, we got a call from the AP that tipped us off and he told me I would be serving in Tortolita with Sister Bishop! I went on exchanges with Sister Bishop this last week anyway, so I already knew her and loved her and my attitude flipped 180 degrees. I was really concerned I would be put with someone who I just really didn't mesh well with, which I know will happen eventually, but I was NOT ready for that. I need to learn to keep quieter about my opinions before that happens.

We had two baptisms this past Saturday. The service was really hectic and there were kids crying and it was insanely stressful, and yet.. the Spirit was still there. If that doesn't prove the truthfulness of this gospel, I don't know what does.

Yesterday was a really good last day in Avra Valley. We went and taught "T" what we had planned to be a drop lesson, and ended up setting a date with her instead! She apparently wasn't able to put the Book of Mormon down. She has a lot of questions, but the spirit was so strong. The whole thing was in Spanish, so I really didn't talk at all. And I didn't understand much. But I felt like crying the whole time and I could just see the light of Christ in her face and the love that God has for her.

We also solidified our baptismal date with "I". She is a tough cookie. But she told us that she knows she is ready. She will be baptized on September 14th.

I love all of you, and I am so grateful for the support that you give me.

P.s. The mace did arrive, thank you :)

p.p.s. i've received letters from adrien, abby, and mitch, so anyone else if you've sent me anything to the address on musket, i'm sorry. I don't live there anymore. send all mail to the mission home, because with transfers and everything, it'd be a lot smarter.