Oh, man. This week.
This week I got to
witness the baptism of my darling little Aprilia! She may only be eight
years old, but she is wise beyond her years. She knows what it means to
have a testimony and she truly understands what the gospel is really all
about. During her baptismal interview, Elder Apulu asked her what
repentance means. She paused and thought for a minute, and then said,
"Change."
It has been so incredible to watch the change in her entire
family. Their mom who never used to say a word to us now has been taught
the restoration, has had us over for family home evenings, and invited
us to Aprilia's birthday party. Latetia, the oldest sister, used to mock
Natalya for not drinking and would leave every time we came over, now
talks with us for hours and tells us how glad she is that she knows us.
She has so many questions to ask about the gospel and is always so
excited to learn more. Last week we taught her the plan of salvation and
challenged her to pray about baptism, and she did! She said prayed and
then she had a dream that she got baptized in a silk dress. She told us,
"Now I know I need to get baptized! I just need to know what day!"
There is such a different spirit in their home and it has been so
amazing to watch the change in each of them. Natalya is so happy that
her family is beginning to follow in her footsteps. For Aprilia's
baptism, our primiary president gave her framed pictures of Jesus Christ
and of the temple, and Natalya put them in their living room so
everyone can see them every day. She is such a good example to her
family. It's amazing to see how one person can be the catalyst for the
change of a whole family. I've been so privileged to be a part of their
lives and their change.
I feel like I've finally gotten the hang of what
missionary work is all about. It's about helping people to change. It's
about uniting families in the gospel. It's about loving people and
helping them to see how much Heavenly Father loves them too. And it's
about moving on when your work is done.
The transfer news is in and I am bidding farewell to
Point Cook. I'm sad that I won't be able to continue to be a part of the
Solomon's conversion, but I feel at peace about the change. I think
it's about time to go wherever the Lord needs me.
I love you all! The church is true! The gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families in a way that nothing else can!
xoxo Sister Larsen
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