Update!

So I said that last week I would report on the baptism we were going to have Saturday. The baptism was postponed a week, but it was for a good reason. For Neto and Zenaide to be able to be baptized, they needed to get married civily. So we went to the cartório (I don't know how to translate it, I forgot) to sign the documents and start the process. The only unfortunate thing is that it takes a bit of time to go through the process. The soonest we can hold the wedding is this Saturday. It's fine that way, because it just happens to fall on my birthday! What a great way to celebrate my birthday!

It's great to see them every time we visit. Every time that we're there, they're either reading the Book of Mormon together and talking about baptism or something about church. It's been simply amazing to see the change that has taken place in their life. I stop and think about my part of the process. I can't really explain, but we as missionaries really don't do much. I say that in terms of helping strengthen families and creating more unity in the home. All we do is teach the gospel. I've seen it many times during my mission, how home life changes dramatically as the people hear and accept the gospel and start to prepare to make and keep sacred covenants. Many people have said of the difference that has occured. We didn't help them with this. I think it's simply the Spirit that comes into their homes that cause this great difference.

I've also unfortunately seen the other side of it, where a family doesn't apply gospel principles in their home as we've been teaching them, and this great change doesn't occur. This is probably a fault of ours, not theirs. We could have taught better, or meet their needs better. Unfortunately we're not perfect. I hope one day that the seeds we planted will sprout and they as well will be able to enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel.

I'm learning so much, every single day. I hope everyone is doing well! Next week for sure I'll tell you about Neto and Zenaide's baptism!

Love you all!
Elder Rackham