11/08/21: El Bautismo

 On Saturday we were able to baptize Araceli and Franco! As well after the confirmation in church the next day, Araceli's new baby was blessed and given a name, Micheal Putare Arana. The baptism was a amazing experience, but the true reward is the change that we've seen in their lives that comes from the gospel. Their whole family has committed themselves to the Lord and His gospel and it's truly a blessing to see how this commitment has changed their lives for the better. Their parents want to get baptize right after their get married, all their younger siblings are enjoying primary and making new friends, and their oldest brother, who was considering running away from home, now participates in family home evening. From this experience I've learned the true blessings that comes from baptism is the change and inward conversation, the actual baptism is just a outward manifestation of this inward covenant. 


If I've learned anything this transfer it's how to work hard an give your all to the Lord. On Sunday we were doing our weekly planning and review goals from the last week. We had a goal to find and teach 15 new people this week. By Sunday afternoon we had only found 7 new people to teach, and I thought "oh well, we'll get it next week I guess" But my companion told me "let's go! We have until 9:00 tonight to find 8 more people!" Later that night, we finished our brief lesson on the restoration with the 8th person of that day while walking home. I was exhausted when I got home, but it felt good to know we completed our goals and work to spread the gospel.

That's same night I got some sad, but also exciting news, I'm being transferred out to Montero. It exciting because new area, new experiences and change. But also sad to sad goodbye to all the amazing families and friends I've made here in Campa Rosa, and especially my companion. I've been blessed with an amazing start to my mission, and I pray to have the strength to face all challenges in the future 

Talk to you all next week!

-Elder Allen



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