GUESS WHAT????
Yes, Olga and Kate got BAPTIZED yesterday!!!! Oh dream! It
was probably the most stressful but also one of the happiest days of my life.
Let me tell you why.
Everything was in order for the baptism to start at 6:30. We
had already battled out building time and we were put on strict order to have a
punctual baptism because there was another one starting right after us at 7:30.
Rides, Programs, and every other detail had been attended to so we waited
excitedly for Olga and Kate to show up with the member who was supposed to
bring them.
At almost 6:30 exactly, the designated driver member walked
in without our dear baptismal candidates. HORROR. In rapid desperation we
called the next closest member who lived near by to see if she could turn
around and bring Olga and Kate. 2 seconds later she walked in.
We had a perfect turnout, the room was packed and full of
excited little Latinos waiting for a baptism that would not happen unless we
actually had the people that needed to be baptized. Olga and Kate live on the
exact opposite side of the whole valley, they literally couldn't live further
than where we were having the baptism and still be in the stake. I literally
felt my stomach drop.
In a matter of seconds, we decided that Hermana Hernandez
would go with one of the Hermanas alllllllllllll the way down to the southern
tip of the area and back to bring Olga and Kate. They left immediately and
after a brief explanation to the ward that they would have to wait for 30
minutes, I settled into prayer-panic mode.
As missionaries, you work SO HARD to build the trust and
love of the members and when moments like this happen, you begin to fear that
all is lost. However, our amazing ward patiently waited 45 minutes while I
played every hymn and primary song I ever learned or thought about learning on
the piano. The darling little Latinos sang their little hearts out while I
poured my anxiety into the hymns. It was actually pretty spiritual!
FINALLY Olga and Kate walked in the door, they were dressed,
and ready to go at 7:20. The weight and pressure of the world seemed to lessen
substantially when Kate and Olga were finally baptized. Ahhhh... It felt so
good to see their faces lit up with joy and peace as they climbed out of the
font. That feeling made all the stress worth it.
Right after the baptismal ordinance, we moved everyone to
the primary room so the other ward could do their baptism. Los Americanos were
very patient with us. The rest of the meeting went smoothly and was very
spiritual. They both felt SO LOVED and the support of the ward was incredible.
I couldn't believe how kind everyone was about having to wait and how loving
they were to Olga and Kate. They also had a huge turn out at the after party,
which was a huge tender mercy.
Despite all the craziness, the adversary DID NOT WIN. We
persevered through the trial and with trust in the Lord, we saw SO MANY TINY
MIRACLES that are too numerous to mention. I have the best companion and I
couldn't have made it through any of this without her. It was a day of joy,
peace and love. I know Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are so please when
their children exercise tier faith to come unto Them. Olga and Kate are
examples of pure faith and a strong desire to follow Christ. They are both
cruising through the Book of Mormon and are becoming more involved in the ward
as the weeks have passed. I know they will be a great asset to the ward and
building the kingdom of God here on the earth.
The gospel is so true friends, I am nothing without it. I
know my Savior lives, His sacrifice is REAL.
I love you all and I hope that you have a wonderful week!!
Be Safe&God Speed.
Love, Hermana Tobler
Went to the temple with President Mullen and all the exiting missionaries. LOVELY experience. Yes, all who are leaving are sisters. SISTA POWA.
Sister Ogden <3
Sister Thomas Exchange #2
BAPTISM OF KATE AND OLGA :) <3
FAVORITE people in the world.
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