Hello from Washington! Seattle to be correct. It's been a glorious week with many beautiful experiences. A little over a week ago, we woke up to snow. Didn't think I would see that this year, but yes, there was an inch or two all over. I don't love driving in it, but it was a gorgeous welcomer to the Christmas season. The city looked cleaner and somehow when the weather gets colder, the people become warmer. Hermana Wrubell and I have been jamming out to Silent Night and Joy to the World in our car all week. I love Christmas!!! It already feels like December is flying by.
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| Our Ghetto Fabulous Christmas Tree |
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| Hermana Wrubell and Hermana Stoddard Feeling festive in their Christmas hats! |
I have had the opportunity to go to the Seattle Temple twice recently. Last week we went with a recent convert and two members from the Branch. It was so cool to see them do baptisms for their fathers who have passed on. It was also "da best" doing baptisms and confirmations in Spanish. It's so much fun hearing Spanish not only at church, but on the streets and in restaurants and finally knowing what they are saying. It's hilarious when they think it's 'going over this white girl's head' until I respond back in Spanish! Love it! Today we went as a mission to do an endowment session in the temple. I love the strength and peace that a receive from going to the House of the Lord.
Happy day! I had my first baptism this week!!! Let me just try to explain to you how much I love this family. So the Giles family is ginormous...they are all members, but inactive. We have been having Family Home Evenings with one of the daughters, Monica. She has three kids: Arleth (9), Alondra(5) y Mateo(3). Sometimes they drive me crazy, but basically I love them with all my heart. Our branch mission leader, Temo Chavez, comes to those lessons with us. He is basically the adopted father of the kids. Through him, we have been able to reactivate Monica and her kids. We were able to teach Arleth all the lessons and she was baptized and confirmed this weekend.
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| The Sisters with Arleth on her Baptism |
The gospel has changed this family so much. Hermana Wrubell and I were talking about it last night after FHE. Their home feels drastically different. There is so much more peace, love and joy. Also, we just love laughing with them. The other night Monica was laughing so hard that she literally fell on the floor. Then Alondra spilled her drink in Temo's lap so it looked like he wet himself. And then Monica was asking about polygamy while I wasn't fully paying attention. I just said, "Si." Everyone started laughing and then I realized that I agreed that Mormons can have more than one boyfriend/ girlfriend. Haha oops! Note to self: Know what you are agreeing to BEFORE you say "si." We have made some fun memories, including decorating their Christmas tree.
Less active work is so frustrating, but never give up on anyone. You never know at what moment they are going to change.
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| Decorating the Tree |
We had a funny experience with a very drunk Samoan man. He prayed for us "Holy people" because he was scared that we were going to get snatched. So many great experiences from knocking doors. Yesterday we talked to this 17 year old girl that said she was Atheist. I just don't think she knew what to believe. Basically she told us that she is used to the way she is living and doesn't want to improve it. We bore her pure testimony, but she didn't care. She said she has never felt true joy and that she doesn't care to feel it. My heart literally broke in two. Why wouldn't you want to be happy? Why wouldn't you want to partake of blessings? Why wouldn't you want to feel loved? The mind set of some people...they hold themselves back from their own happiness.
But there is something you can do to help others. Even those that don't think they need to be helped. In this month's issue of the Ensign, there are pass along cards for He is the Gift. If you haven't seen the video, watch it. If you have watched it, share it. It's only 2 minutes long, but so powerful. Help the world, especially loved ones, friends and neighbors remember the true meaning of Christmas. Peace and blessings, peace and blessings.
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| At 5'6" in flats, I am a virtual GIANT!! |
Con Amor,
Hermana Stoddard
Week 23 Challenge:
Week 23 Challenge:
See Week 22 for additional pics!
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