Katie's Mission Blog: July 30, 2024-August 5, 2024-Week 65-Loma Nueve

Well, this weekend the most magical and special of all special things happened -- a whole family got baptized! I remember way back when in my first transfer my trainer telling me she had never had a family baptized, and that was her goal. I also remember at the start of this transfer saying how it would be a dream to see a whole family baptized. This doesn't happen very often. I feel very blessed to see the family Rayths baptized this weekend, all five of them, with lots of smiles!

The story of them is one day we were waiting on someones patio during a huge rainstorm. When it rains here, it is almost impossible to talk because of the tin roofs. So we were just sitting in silence, listening to the rain, and responding to some messages. But, on the side of the house there is a gated alleyway, with a few houses behind it. San Miguelito has a lot of houses that are practically inaccessible and all stacked on top of one another. While we waited, Hermana Bran saw a girl walk past that she recognized, and said we had to go back behind the house and meet her and whoever was in that house. We go back behind and we meet the Rayths family -- Delvia, Jahn, Jaimy, Janitza, and Jhafeth. (Turns out, Hermana Bran had dreamed about them before she had even gotten here, and they were blessed in all white, and together we were teaching them the gospel. CRAZY.). They are so sweet and came to church the first week, and then the second. On the second Sunday (the 28th), the mom, Delvia, said she had made everyone pray to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet and she told us that she had a dream where Joseph Smith came to her, and told her this was all true and that the Book of Mormon was true and she must read it to know for herself. WOW! So, this week was packed with going to their house and helping them understand even more about the gospel. Then, the day of their baptism came, they were so excited, all smiles, and there was so many people and members there. It was so special! It made me realize that the whole purpose of the gospel is to be together eternally with our families.

I sure love my family. I miss them so much, but something that Sister Kannapien taught me was that missionary service is being separated from your family for a time so that others can have their family for the eternity!

A recent convert from Veracruz wanted to go out with us for the day because she wants to serve a mission!!