Armando :)

 So this week was great because we had a baptism! Yeah! Little Armando was baptized Saturday night, and the whole ward was there to see. By baptizing Armando, we completed a part member family. The familia Duartes couldn't be happier to be coming back into God's church. Armando is so good. He has so much faith! He said the closing prayer at his baptism and he said "I want to give everything to God and serve a mission and be prophet someday." This kid has high hopes and dreams!

Armando's little brother has Autism, which makes for some great stories. During the baptism, he was

eating an apple, and he threw it into the font. He almost hit Elder Adams! It disrupted the spirit a little bit, but it was definitely an experience to remember!

After the baptism, Armando's Abuela came up to me and asked "what do I need to do to get baptized as well?" We will be seeing her tonight! Baptisms lead to more baptisms!

We also had the opportunity to go on a temple tour with the Duartes family, and Giselle's family. It was a really special moment for me because it was the first time I had been to the Ft. Lauderdale Temple, and it was on my 6 month mark as a missionary! We aren't allowed to attend as missionaries, but Sister Soza and I snuck into the foyer and sat for a while. It was amazing. The temple is amazing, even if you can't go inside!

We did, however, have a rule change this week. We can now go to baptisms for the dead with our recent converts for their first visit. They have to have been taught all RC lessons, and have to bring their own names, but it's still amazing! We are preparing Giselle for her baptism on the 26th, and for the temple a week or so later!

Speaking of Giselle, her and Gailyn are still set for the 26th. We are a little bit worried that Gailyn's father won't give her permission. Pray for her! He is an alcoholic, and practices Santaria. If you haven't heard of it, it's pretty crazy. Giselle used to be Santero as well, but now she is a future Mormon! Anyway, they loved the temple and they are still preparing hard. Sister Lightheart, Giselle's first missionary, is coming and it is going to be amazing!

Now for Marta. Last week we had one of the greatest experiences of my entire mission with her. She was so solid, and I really love her a lot. But unfortunately we aren't sure if she will progress any further. We met her son for the first time and found out that he belongs to a church that believes that Christ was a female...and we think Marta might believe it as well. He spent over 40 minutes telling us that he is a prophet, and that his pastor has seen God, and that some people think it's a cult, but that he knows for 100% that it is true. The whole thing is super crazy, and also super sad. Satan stops at nothing to ruin the truth. None of it makes sense, but they believe in it. Marta had an amazing confirmation about the church, yet she chose another path. Someday her time will come. Can't wait for that day!

Well family, that's pretty much it! Thanks to everyone for the Christmas gifts and notes. I love you all! 

Until next week!

Love, Hna Jones