Incredible Success in Guatemala

I hope you all have a very fun and lovely time celebrating Sarah's 8th birthday. My companion and I will have a celebration of our own today. We have a baptism!!! Loyda (12) Clarisa (10) and their mom, Alida are getting baptized today at four. It's been so amazing to watch their progress. We contacted them my first week here. The gospel has changed them so much. Loyda and her mom tell us all the time that the things we are teaching her and working miracles in her life. I guess she used to be a little rebellious and sad. Now she is happy and happy to help. The other day her dad came home from work and heard one of his daughters singing and clapping. He assumed it was Clarisa, but when he found out it was Loyda he was so grateful for us. We've only been able to teach him once, because he works a lot. His wife and daughters share a lot with him about us, and he is so grateful for us. He was praying for a good month or two that Heavenly Father would help them find the church where they belonged. Lots of his friends started inviting him to their church but it never seemed quite right. Then through a bunch of miracles they moved next store to a member family. His coworker, who is also a member of our ward, talked with him a little about the church and he was interested at first. His coworkers wife briefly mentioned him to us, but didn't know his name or where he lives. But, the members next door also very briefly mentioned him and we were able to track him down. The Lord really was guiding our footsteps. We came to their door three times before they finally let us in, on the condition that we only stay for five minutes and they could kick us out at any moment. Since then, we're there every day.

Sometimes, I can just imagine what it'll be like to see them together, as an eternal family, in the kingdom of God. These sacrifices are worth it, absolutely worth it. This message is changing so many lives. Really changing them. I have no doubt that I am supposed to be here and that the Lord is guiding our paths.

We hopefully have another baptism on Saturday. It's for a gentlemen named Hno Julio. He's about 50 and has had a drinking problem for years. He's now gone from the town drunk, to a praying, clean cut, organized, church going gentlemen. He's cleaned his little apartment and is working on decorating it. He showers, always wears clean clothes, greets people on the streets etc. All changes from this message. All changes from learning about Christ and applying the things he's learning. He now has about six weeks without drinking. On Sunday, when we picked him up for church he came out of his little one room, stone house with a bright white shirt, pressed slacks and polished shoes. He had his Book of Mormon and Hymnal in his hand. He came out with a smile and said, ''Look at me, pure Mormon!'' We laughed.

I know this baptism today is going to be the means to many other baptisms, including his. Hermana Hernandez and I can just feel it, this is going to be a special baptism. The spirit is going to be very present. We should have about eight investigators there and a few inactives.

Remember the gentlemen I told you about that came to church because we always greeted him in the street? He's still coming, three weeks now. After YEARS of not coming. He always makes sure to say hello to us. By small and simple things.... I don't know where his story is going to end, but I feel like it's going to be a great one.

My companion and I are getting along great. We have been fasting a lot and that helps us be united. We teach with the Spirit and in unison. We are seeing incredible success and I am so grateful for all the Lord is blessing us with. We see miracles daily, we really do.

I love you all!
Hermana Finch