The Best Christmas Gift 

On Christmas Day we were able to Skype with Linnea.  That was my best gift!  It was so fun to be able to talk to her and SEE her.  She had fun talking to all her siblings and cousins and aunts and uncles who were at our house for Christmas dinner.

The next day we got our weekly email from Linnea and she shared this:

This week we had a miracle baptism. His name is Joaquin. We have been teaching Joaquin for about a month or so and he is the definition of a changed man. His wife and 2 oldest kids were baptized Dec 2 and he wanted to be baptized with them but he had not been to church and we hadn't taught him enough for him to be ready. Joaquin was someone who NEVER let the missionaries in before and even made it uncomfortable for his in-laws who were living with them to receive the lessons in his home. The thing that made the biggest difference for him I think was going to Temple Square. We took his wife and kids before their baptism and he decided he wanted to go, but on the condition that we don't ask him any questions. We showed him the temple model and the movie God's Plan. He got teary-eyed when he watched the movie and we asked him if he'd like to have an eternal family and of course he said yes. We took our time with him and really made sure he felt comfortable and felt the Spirit. It was hard to get him to pray or participate in lessons at first because he felt embarrassed but through much help from the Lord we were able to overcome that fear. You could just tell from the look in his eyes that he was learning something that he was searching for his whole life. We even helped him quit smoking! (a long-time habit for him) Joaquin definitely made a complete turnaround and was a golden investigator with a dusty exterior at first, but with lots of hard work and prayer we helped this family become more united through the gospel of Jesus Christ and there is really nothing better than that. Joaquin is the sweetest man ever. He always makes sure we have a water bottle or food. He invited us over for a special lunch before his baptismal interview and made us delicious quesadillas and frijoles! So good.

mucho!

     This Wed is transfers and I will find out tomorrow if I leave. Either Picuasi or I will leave here I think. I doubt we will both stay again for another transfer. I don't want to leave because I love the people but I at the same time I am okay and ready to leave if thats what the Lord wants.  It has been freezing here but no snow! Not even a white Christmas! I want it to snow because everyone says it will be warmer but at the same time I don't want it to snow because I hate the wetness, but we shall see.

Linnea and her companion, Sister Picuasi...from Ecuador!


Linnea LOVES getiing letters from all of you.  Please don't stop writing her even if she doesn't respond.  She keeps so busy and has little free time.  There is not a weekly email that comes that does not mention how much she appreciates hearing from home...