Family and friends,
The church is true!!!!!
The most amazing thing happened this week with Claudia. Last week we went over to her house after church to follow up and see how it went. She told us she absolutely loved it- and then told us about a dream that she had. She had a dream that she was in one of our church buildings, and the branch president was giving her a blessing. She couldn't see us, but she could feel our presence in the room, and the room was filled with light. She said that President told her some very specific things for her life, and that God has something very important coming her way, that He has a work for her to do. She told us that she felt like that was a sign from God telling her that she was on the right path.
Yesterday Claudia came to church and loved it again. Sister Yánez and I made plans to visit her later that night to follow up with her and see how she was feeling about her baptism this Saturday. We called President Aguilar (branch pres) to ask if he could come visit some of the people we were teaching- and he said he could!
We met at Claudia's house at 7:00, and Pres. Aguilar had brought Brother Valdez-one of his councilors. We sat down in her humble home and started talking. We were planning on talking about temples and family history, but then all of a sudden Sister Yanez asked her how she was doing with the word of wisdom- totally inspired by the spirit! Claudia shared how she's been struggling for years to stop drinking, but has been feeling the spirit stronger than she ever has before since we've been coming by. She has felt inspired by the relief society sisters, and really wants to stop. Bro. Valdez was able to share the most perfect experience from his own life with the word of wisdom. We helped Claudia make a plan so that she can keep the word of wisdom- and then I asked her if she wanted a priesthood blessing to give her strength. She said yes, and President Aguilar gave her one of the most powerful blessings I've heard- just like in her dream.
I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ, and that the same power and authority that He gave his apostles when he was here on the earth is here today. I know that the gospel changes lives. You can see it in Claudia's face. We've only known her for a short time, but she is so much more full of joy and peace because of the gospel.
This little email just doesn't do it justice. I wish all of you could've been there in that room! Being a missionary is such a sacred experience, and I'm so grateful to be here- and to be with a comp that follows the spirit so well! 💃