Feb. 5, 2018 ~ Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all things (Week 30)

Hola todos! 

OHH WOWWWWW! Yep, you know what that means! This was the absolute craziest week ever. BUT. It was also one of my favorites.  

1. Areseli got baptized yesterday!! It was such an incredible experience. Buckle up for this crazy story... 

So, Areseli has been an investigator of the elders for a while. She and her boyfriend have never been able to be baptized because they lived together (separating wasn't an option because neither one of them made enough money to live solo, but they couldn't get married because her boyfriend didn't want to). So, for months, they have been coming to church and meeting with the elders, without progressing the way Areseli wanted to.

At district meeting on Thursday, Elder Taylor received a message from her saying that she had left her boyfriend and she was sitting at a park. Because he and his companion had an appointment, (our appointment had cancelled 20 minutes prior to all of this) they weren't able to go visit her. He asked us to take her food and see how she was doing. We got her a burger and were able to find her sitting under a tree at the park, where she greeted us with hugs and said, "Welcome to my home!!!" Haha. She was so happy! She told us all that had happened and also informed us that she had no money, no food, no car, and no place to stay... But she asked if she could get baptized on Sunday... Haha talk about 'seeking first the kingdom of God'.

That day, because she had made her decision to put God first, everything worked out for her. She was offered a job and was given the perfect amount of money that she needed. Her car, which was in the shop & wasn't supposed to be ready for a few days, was available that night. The part that her car needed, should have cost more than $500, but was given to her for less than $200. Her boss found her an apartment for less than $600 a month (that's really cheap here) & she could move in THE NEXT DAY. A member gave her dinner. The mechanic allowed her to sleep in their office. Literally everything just kept falling into place. And, what's even crazier, is that all of our appointments cancelled. At first, we were upset. But it turned out to be a blessing, because we were able to spend the entire day with her and help her work everything out... It was so humbling to constantly hear her say things like, "God is always with me", or "God is preparing my way," or "I'm not worried, God will help me." (This ALL happened on Thursday).

Areseli was interviewed on Friday and was beyond excited for her baptism! Before she left the church that night, she had her baptism dress and the elders had a lot of the program planned. (It was so great to work side by side with the elders for her baptism. They're such amazing missionaries.)

On Saturday morning she called us and asked us to meet her at the church. Of course, every thing that could have gone wrong went through our heads. (Satan has no chill). She met us at the church and told us all that was going on with her... (Without going into too much detail,  we were stressed out of our minds that her baptism wouldn't happen.)

While we were there, all of our appointments cancelled again (in a manner of 20 minutes), but again it worked out because we were able to only think about Areseli for the day. We rushed to the room of her boyfriend while he was at work, and threw (literally) all of her things into suitcases and boxes. I felt like  I was in a movie. We loaded up her car and ours with her things as quickly as we could, and then drove to her new apartment. We helped her unpack her things and stayed with her most of the day. It was such an adventure. Haha my stress level was pretty darn high. We periodically checked on her throughout the remainder of the night and so did the elders. It didn't help the situation that her new roommate had a party with lots of beer her first night there. But Areseli locked herself in her room and read the Book of Mormon. 👍👍 Isn't she amazing!?

Sunday morning rolled around and she came to church! And so did her boyfriend. Haha AHHHHH. But everything was cool and kind between them, and she was super happy! It was cool to see that he also seemed really happy for her, too. After Elder Taylor baptized her, she just stood in the font next to him and grinned. We had to motion for her to get out. Haha. Pretty sure she would've stood there waving at people for another 5 more minutes.

Once she got out, she hugged sister Cordero and I and told us that she had never felt so clean or happy, and thanked us a million times for helping her to do what she needed to do to get there. She also told us that the water was freezing, but that she was so happy that she didn't care. Hahaha. I was so relieved. And she was too. She has wanted to be baptized for a really REALLY long time, and I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of it. She will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

2. My companion and I sang "I Stand All Amazed" at the baptism... in Spanish. 😊

3. Other crazy news: I'M TRAINING. I found out Thursday morning, which also added to the craziness of that day. I don't know anything about my new companion, except that she is the only Spanish speaking sister coming in. Please feel free to message me your advice on training! :) also, I am sure that we are both nervous about the whole experience, and could both use your prayers. ❤

4. I went on exchanges this week with Sisters Zavala and Ramirez. They're both currently in training, and they're both from Mexico. We got to speak Spanish the whole day (they're learning English) and it was so fun!! They're great missionaries. I already consider them some of my best friends here. (I took them to lunch at Chick Fil A, and we ran into these other two sisters there!😃)

5. We had a scripture reading night with Sofia. I LOVE HER!

6. I'm really going to miss Sister Cordero. I love her!

7. My BFF Sister Larsen, goes home to Utah on Tuesday. I'm going to miss her so much. 

8. We are teaching an awesome mom and her son. Please pray for them! Their names are Erika and Abel. They came to church on Sunday and loved it! I am really excited to teach them :) 

9. Please pray that Raymond will be able to come to church. (To any of the therapists in my family who are reading this: any advice on how to help someone overcome their anxiety/fear of coming to church?) Also, please pray for Angela and her family! 

10. Sister Cordero and I had her traditional Valentine's Dinner last night, since we won't be together for Valentine's Day. It was really fun! And yummy! 

11. Funny story: I have learned that I will forever have my Brooks genes... Unfortunately, hangriness doesn't go away once you become a missionary... around 3 o'clock yesterday, my companion sweetly turned to me and said, "Sister Brooks, why don't you go break your fast and get something to eat."

😂😂 Haha my poor companions who have to be with me on Fast Sunday! After I ate, I was fine and laughed as she teased me about being a baby who literally just needs food to be happy. Haha here I am trying to overcome the natural man (woman) in me, and I literally feel like Paul Blart who needs to refuel with food every 27 minutes. At least I made it to 3:00. 😏

I saw this scripture from the Book of Mormon come to pass this week....So amazing:

"Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

(3 Ne 13: 31-33)

I love you all!!

Love, Hermana Brooks