Hi Y’all! This past week was both full of change and celebration. The big change is my transfer to serve in the desert valley for the first time and the responsibility to immerse myself in Spanish work. I am grateful for the calling to speak Spanish because I was raised a Spanish speaker. I look forward to improving my language skills. The celebration happened on Saturday. As a result of the transfers, I could not physically attend the baptism of my friend I had been teaching. However, through the wonders of technology, I was able to remotely attend the baptism service – thanks to Steve Williams, our ward mission leader in Show Low. When you look at the group picture, you will see a very small image of Elder Epperson and me video conferencing into the baptism.

The baptism service was wonderful, and I felt the Spirit so strong as I witnessed how my new friend’s life has changed for the better. I was pleased to see that many members of the Paloma Ward attended and participated in his baptism service. The members of the Paloma Ward are great examples of how to love and support a new member of the Church of Jesus Christ. The talks given on the Holy Ghost and Baptism were excellent. I have been thinking about the covenant (promise with God) that we make at the time of our baptism. One of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon in Mosiah chapter 18: 8-10 explains this covenant.

And it came to pass that [Alma] said unto them: Behold here are the waters of Mormon and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they might be light; yea and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God in all times and in all things, and in all places that yea may be in even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection that ye may have eternal life. Now I say unto you if this be the desire of your hearts, what have ye against being baptized in the name of the lord, as a witness before him that ye may enter into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his spirit more abundantly upon you?

I love this Scripture because I know that baptism is a life-changing event that brings great blessings including a remission of sins. It is a big step in life, but a step I have never regretted. I know for sure that because I was Baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I can be forgiven of the mistakes I have made in life. 

This week, we visited with a neat member family who own a pizzeria. They served us a humongous pizza that left us all very full and content. Eating a tasty pizza is a lot like feasting upon the words of Christ. “Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the words of Christ and endure to the end, behold , thus saith the Father, Ye shall have eternal life.” (2 Nephi 31:20) Christ’s words fill us with faith and hope and we become much happier when we consistently study His words. Scripture study should be our daily feast. We all can partake of Christ’s salvation, love and care. He is always there for us. He is the one who paid the price for all of us so that we can have joy and happiness. Because of Him, we can all start again (the Gospel word is ‘be born again’) and become better and change. I am grateful for the Love and Support that He gives me each day!

My love and prayers go out to each of you. I Love you all. 

TUNE IN NEXT WEEK TO HEAR ABOUT A BIT MORE OF MY MISSION EXPERIENCE HERE IN THE VALLEY OF ARIZONA! ❤💙💜 

BUENE SUERTE MIS AMIGOS!! 😃😄