Glorious Day

Hello!!

Wow! This day has been fairly amazing already, and the email that I received from mi Madre was full of amazing news. I don't even know where to start or anything. Gah! Okay, I'll start with the zone activity today.

So today we got permision from President Ghent to watch a Disney movie, and we chose to watch Tangled. That was a wonderful movie, and it's probably moved up to one of my favorite movies. And, as with most movies that are fairy-tail-y or have happy endings and whatnot, this one made me cry in a couple of spots. Well, okay, I only teared up in one spot, the other I did actually cry a tad. For those of you who have seen it, it happened when the king was getting ready to release the lantern on Rapunzel's (I probably butchered her name) 18th birthday. I seem to be sympathizing (I hope that's the word) more with fathers as of late, and I'm not quite sure why. But the king was so terribly sad, and I felt like I could feel his pain for a second, although I'm sure I didn't feel anything close to the pain he felt, and I hope that I never do feel that pain. But anyway, it was an amazing movie, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who has yet to see it. After we watched the movie the zone made pizza in the oven in the stake center (where we were watching the movie), and also one of the sister missionaries made apple crisp. And to top it off, I got more pouch, which is always a treat for me (pictures were included!!). All in all it's been an amazing day so far.

Congratulations to Denise Selino on the birth of her new baby boy! What exciting news that was to receive. Woo!!

Also, what exciting news it was to hear that Elder Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy (I think that's right) wanted to hear more about the story of our family so that it could be used in a training session for the Seventy. That truly is very humbling, exciting, incredible. I don't know if our story is that noteworthy, but I do know that it would not have been possible if it weren't for the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice, we have been able to return from the unknown path, from a road of darkness and sadness, and we have been brought back to the iron rod and are on the path to eternal life. We truly are a family now, even if some of us are seperated by a few miles. We have all received a conversion that goes more than skin deep; even Robby has felt the difference I know. We could not have done any of this without the Lord. I testify that the Lord does work miracles in these days, just as He always has done. All one needs to do to experience these miracles is to trust in Him and give Him everything. He will never lead anyone astray, and He will always be there to guide us and succor us when we are in need. We were in need, and He blessed us tremendously, and He continues to bless us tremendously.

We had a baptizm this Saturday! Adriana was an investigator with whom we had been working for awhile. It was difficult to find time to teach her because her work schedule conflicted with the times in which we could teach her, and it was difficult for her to attend church (in this case, difficult=impossible) due to work, so we were feeling a bit down a while back about her chances of being baptized. However, a miracle happened; she found the courage to quit her job so that she could attend church. She did that and has attended church ever since and received her baptism and confirmation this weekend, and I know that she is receiving the blessings. She has a new job that allows her to sanctify the Sabbath and she has the opportunity to receive eternal life. She really is an example of faith and courage for me, and I hope that I can have her faith someday. I included some photos of the baptism, in which you can also see my companion, Elder Papworth.

As a zone this month we've set a fairly lofty goal for baptisms. We decided that we would be able to baptize at least 75 people in this month. The zone record currently is 28, so to baptize 75 people will be amazing. As of right now we're at 10, so we have a bit of work to do, but it is more than possible. With the Lord on our side, we could end up baptizing 100 or more. Elder Papworth and I have made a goal of 16 baptizms this month, which would almost double what I have done in my mission. Believe me, we are praying our hearts out for this. Now to only extend those invitations for baptism.

So how am I doing today? Fantastically. Today is a glorious day, and this week shall be a glorious week, even if it does rain every day. I know that I am in the work of the Lord, and that through me the Lord can work many miracles; I just have to allow Him to do so. I am so thankful for my Heavenly Father and for my Saviour and Redeemer Jesus Christ. I can only hope to show them a fraction of my gratitude through my hard work. I love all of you, and I am glad that you are all still doing well. Keep staying strong in the Lord, and He'll keep blessing you. The scriptural thought for the week is Ephesians 4:5; "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." The Lord Christ established one church when He was on the earth, established on the foundation of prophets and apostles, which fell into apostasy and disappeared from the earth after the death of His apostles and after His asencion to Heaven. That church has been reestablished in these latter days by Jesus Christ Himself through the prophet Joseph Smith. The only way to receive all of the blessings of the Father is through Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ established only one way in which we can follow Him. I know that this is true, and I leave it with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I'll sign off for now and talk to you next week. Have an amazing week all of you, and I love you all very much. ¡Chao!

Love,
Elder Schomburg