Week 45 – Ramirez Family Baptism

On Monday, we had Family Home Evening with the Masello family and the Ramirez family and it was so good. We played a couple games and then talked about Jesus Christ and his example. We first walked in, and I noticed something different about Gabriel but I wasn’t sure what it was. I realized that he didn’t have his earring and he’d cut his little man bun he had. We asked him why he cut his hair and he said “I just didn’t feel comfortable with it. I felt like it was the right thing to do.” It’s so cool to see the Spirit already working in their lives and see them making such good changes for their future.

Tate trying to open a package with 2 spoons while blindfolded and with socks on hands

On Wednesday, we had another awesome lesson with Marta. She reads and understands the Book of Mormon so well. She told us that she wanted to keep following this path and become part of the Church! She’s awesome and we are super excited for her.

On Thursday, we had a lesson with the Ramirez family. We walked in, and they surprised us with dinner again so that was super nice. Gabriel and Liliana were both showing us all that they have learned in the Gospel Library app and showing scriptures that they’d marked. They’re having a race to see who can finish the Book of Mormon first. We were talking about their baptism and how excited we are, and Gabriel said “More than anything, I just want to get sealed in the temple as a family. That’s my goal.” It was so special and I’m so excited to keep helping them learn and see them progress in the gospel. I love that family so much.

Tate teaching a Mission Leadership Council workshop

On Friday, we had a crazy day. We had a leadership conference where we were with all of the leaders of the mission and that was awesome. I was by the far the youngest so that was pretty weird. But we gave a workshop and that went well. Then, we had splits with the assistants which was good! We had an activity about Come, Follow Me, and saw lots of tender mercies together.Saturday was an incredible day. Gabriel, Liliana, Ailin, and Marcos Ramirez were all baptized! It was so special and the Spirit was so strong and I could feel so much joy and happiness being with them on this special day. I was able to baptize Liliana and Ailin, and my companion baptized Gabriel and Marcos. The water was pretty cold, and poor Marcos was shivering super bad after. We asked him how he was doing and he said “It was really cold, but worth it!” I love that family so much and it’s been such a huge blessing to be able to find them and help them find the joy of the gospel. I’m so excited for them to be able to be sealed as a family forever one year from now. I love the mission and I’m so happy for the Ramirez family.

On Sunday, there were confirmed and received the gift of the Holy Ghost! It was so special and cute and happy. There were lots of cute things that happened. Liliana was bawling as she got confirmed. Marcos, right after getting confirmed gave Gabriel the biggest hug with the biggest smile on his face. Gabriel stood there the whole time with tears streaming down his face watching his family. And after, Marcos came running over to us and just gave us the biggest hug. There were lots of tears haha, I was a mess. I love that family and I’m so excited for them and their future in the church. Hopefully, in a year, I’ll be able to go to their sealing.

I love the mission. I’m really happy. I hope all is well at home. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you! I love you guys, thanks for everything.