Meet Hermana Oropeza and Grismeily!

Grisemeily's Baptism: Mom, rando, me, comp, Grandma Elva, Grismeily, aunt, uncle

Hi family!

This was a good week. We had lots of tropical rainstorms (starts suddenly, rains gatos 🐱and peros 🐶for 15 minutes, and then stops) and one day, lightning struck super close ! I was studying at my desk when everything flashed white a few times and then I hear these sonic booms. It set off all the car alarms. I didn't think much more of it until Sunday, when it got brought up in Relief Society. All the abuelitas (grandmothers) start going off about it and wildly gesturing. One sister thought it was the Second Coming, and that the Millennium was starting in her house. Love Dominican Relief Society. 👵

I also had intercambios (switch missionary companions) with Hermana Oropeza. She is the best!! We had lots of adventures together. She made me a mango smoothie. I love how she loves and knows the Bible inside and out. Also she knows exactly what to say in every instant, and she's creative in finding ways to talk to everyone. I learned so much.

Cool rain clouds and a silver lining!

I finished the Book of Mormon in 65 days! I learned so much. I realized a common theme is that you either choose to be on God's side, or you're on the wrong side. You're a Nephite or Lamanite. In Moroni, you can either give a gift with a good attitude, or God counts it as if you never gave a gift. You either pray with real intent, or God doesn't receive it, and it profits you nothing.

Also, why is it that whenever we try to teach someone the Restoration, and we begin recounting the First Vision ("I saw a pilar of light...."), something always interrupts us? If there are children nearby, they always get up and bug whoever is listening. If we're outside, a bunch of loud motorcycles pass by and we have to wait 30 seconds. I don't remember ever being able to get all the way through without something happening.

Also! we had a surprise baptism this week! Grismeily has gone to church her whole life, but her parents are less active/ non-members, and she's 9 years old, so it counts for the mission! It's so weird to have baptisms in a legit ward because someone else fills up the font, cleans the church, and organizes the program for you! We just showed up and enjoyed the whole thing. Also half the ward showed up to support Grismeily. And there were refreshments afterward! I think I like being in a ward.

I hope everyone has a great week!! Love you all!
Hermana Ludlam