August 22, 2011 La Serena, Chile

Pablo and his children

Cake at Pablo's house

From: Alison Royal
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2011 8:48 AM
Subject: Hola! The last week of the change!

Hola y Hello!
This upcoming week will be the last week of this change! I cant believe it! The next time I write you, I will know my fate! Do I stay or do I go now?? Haha. I really have no idea. But what I do know, is La Serena has become my home. I love this ward. I love these investigators, I love these members, I love the Dogs that follow us around, I even have grown to (not love) but to laugh at the Drunks and scary men on every corner. Haha I feel so at home here. I know this sector like the back of my hand.

So this upcoming week we have the baptism of Monica! It is a mix of bittersweet feelings for me because Fransisco didn't go to church this week, so he will be baptized in 2 weeks (very likely the week after I leave). I am fighting feelings of frustration because I have put so so so much work and prayers and fasts into this man! I have watched him changed from being full of doubts and almost not believe in God, and slowly seen him change and gain a testimony. Two days ago, we had his baptismal interview and he told us he was so sure of his baptism anddidn't have anymore doubts. I know the most important thing is that he is going to be baptized, It with or without me. Its the Lord´s work, not mine.

On the bright side, Monica also passed her interview and is well prepared for her baptism. I am so grateful for that, because I have also worked with her for a very long time, and she too has progressed so much. Before we knocked on her door, she didn't have any belief in God, but she is a woman of strong faith and is receiving the answers to her prayers!

Speaking of answers to prayers, I have received Lots of answers this week! I don't know how much detail I have talked about this, but this change has been a change of trials. I feel very spent and exhausted. But this week, I have felt the Lord giving us the success that we have worked so hard for. This week we put 5 baptismal dates with 5 investigators. 3 of the five are the family of Pablo. They all accepted to be baptized in September. Also, Manuel (remember him from 2 months ago?) He and Yamila are going to get married in October and have accepted a baptismal date for after, and A girl named Josleline also accepted a baptismal date. It is such a thrill to invite people to be baptized and here "YES!" as their answer.

OK, I know this letter is not my best work, but I am short on time today! But I write it with LOTS of Love and Happiness!

I LOVE YOU ALL! Pray for Guillermo, He needs extra prayers this week!
I pray for you all and am so grateful for your support!

Hermana Royal