Week 69: Temple Trip Take Two

So last week I wrote about Alexa getting baptized right? Well last Saturday we all went to the temple. You know how last time we went for Yulieth, they closed as soon as we got there because the plumbing was backed up? (It's a 2 hour drive there and 2 hours back) Well we got to go with Yulieth again and got to bring Alexa this time. They drove up together and we rode with another member who went earlier, and so we got there in time for the endowment session as well. It was my first time doing any ordinances in the temple in 15 months. It was so good to be back. After the endowment we got to do baptisms with Yulieth and Alexa, and they both shared their testimonies in church yesterday about their experiences. It was so cool. It's incredible. I wish everybody was like them. They actually kept commitments and decided to plant the seed to see if it grows. It makes me think of Elder Bednars talk last conference, speaking about the message of the restoration, he said "I invite all to learn about and prove this message." I remember having doubts before the mission for a time  and then during the mission, and I don't understand why I spent so much time just wallowing in darkness and doubt. Like, do you really wanna know if it's true? Prove it, test it, read, get moving.

Anyways, looking back, I still think those struggles were necessary, and I wouldn't remove them if I could, but I also dont want to go back to where I was. I'd rather stay in the light.

Yesterday we went to the hospital to give someone a blessing, and as we were walking in, this guy stopped us to chat. At first we thought he was a member, cuz he seemed really familiar with missionaries, but then he was like "have you guys ever studied protestantism?" And then started trying to bash us. It lowkey just made me laugh, but I also just think it's funny to watch people try to defend solascriptura. We didn't talk long, but he got our number and said he'd send us some videos.

Also we have another friend named Yaline who is just so amazing. She knows a lot about the Bible, and is getting baptized next month! She loves the Book of Mormon and last visit we taught her the plan of salvation, and the kingdoms of glory. It was so awesome, because it was all completely new bit so powerful. It was funny because after teaching all of it, her friend came over, and then she was like "teach all of that again. That was beautiful." She's awesome. Please pray for her as she prepares for baptism!

- Elder Wride