Well, it's been another incredible week. Mikalai got baptized on
Saturday! It was beautiful and even with a few hiccups along the way,
it all worked out in the end :) I was asked to speak on Baptism which
ironically was the first time I've spoken at a baptism (usually I'm
involved in the music) as it was also probably my last baptism on the
mission. It was a huge turnout with lots of friends and family. She is
so amazing and was so grateful for us. I am so grateful for the people
I have been able to meet and teach and prepare for baptism. They are
all special individuals that I know I was meant to meet.
We have had some great success with teaching Mason, a 16 year old boy
who is just so prepared, as well as Frank, a 70 year old man who is
intellectual, but very interested as well. It is so refreshing to meet
and teach people who are willing to act on our invitations and where
they feel that these things are true instead of just fighting it or
thinking it sounds good, but not willing to act. I feel like I've come
to understand finally what the term "long-suffering" means. I've been
in this area for over 5 months now and I remember for most of it, the
work was slow and I wondered if I'd bring anyone to baptism before I
came home. It took a lot of diligence, and praying, and planning and
re-planning and more praying and more diligence, but now we have had 2
baptisms in ONE month and are teaching more people who really seem
ready and prepared as well as more expressing interest. It's the darn
principle of patience, but I tell ya, it truly pays off! I appreciate
it all so much more because of the time it took and it couldn't have
come at a better time!
I attended my "departing temple trip/devotional" on Friday. This
transfer is a really different because all of us missionaries are
going home on different days and so we did our temple trip a little
early as an elder finished his mission this weekend. It was still a
bit surreal as I still have a couple weeks left, but what an
incredible experience. It was so special to be in the temple with my
mission president and his wife, the office staff and fellow
missionaries that I've been able to serve amongst while on my mission.
There was a great spirit there. We had dinner at the mission home
after (haven't been there since the first day I got out here in the
field!) and then had a little testimony meeting and some words of
wisdom from our mission president. What an inspired man. I needed to
hear the things he and so many others said. It got a little real as
the elder who was finishing first's parents walked in to be reunited
with him. Sister Edstrom and I looked at each other like, "Holy cow!
That's going to be us soon!". Again, a little grateful I still have a
couple of weeks to prepare still.
This journey just continues to be incredible. It is not easy, FOR
SURE, but boy is it worth it! I'm growing and being broken down and
then being strengthened constantly. It's a bit overwhelming at times,
but I know I'm being prepared for many things every day.
I love you all and thank you again for your support!
Love,
Sister Wightman
❤️
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