29 Days

 Once you are reading this, I have one more email left to send home before I am released as a missionary. Preparation day was one to remember. For memorial day, we decided to do a cookout at the Lakes. We ran some pickleball, spikeball, cornhole, and monopoly deal. We definitely got our UV that day. Elder Woolsey, if you are reading this, I 1v1ed Elder Stevens in pickleball and beat him 5-0. We then ended our memorial day at another cookout with members. It was last holiday as a missionary. 

One week ago we invited Mayra to teach us the message of the restoration. We sent her to preach my gospel and she was in charge of studying and then doing a practice teach to us. She studied for 8 HOURS. She literally stayed up until 2am so she can make sure she knew all the information and could teach it. She definitely delivered during our lesson on Tuesday. She has been so prepared by the Lord for this time. 

Wednesday was our outdoor zone conference. It was sad to hear that this was my final one. This was my third outdoor one which was really cool. We went on this 2 mile hike that was pretty steep, it was the most elevation I have went up the whole time being in Michigan haha. It was 90 degrees and sunny. Beautiful day for a final zone conference. I can report that everyone was very stinky by the end of it. 

We met a new friend this week named Theresa. We pulled up to her home and she introduced herself as,"the black widow." We were so dead. The reason she said that is because she has outlived three husband's and she's black. She is really willing to study out the message of the restoration and act in faith. She is just the sweetest lady and I had to bring her up. 

Friday was interesting. It was the longest day ever and I do not want to relive it again. My allergies have been acting up and it almost has been a hindrance to the work. All I want to put about this day is I am glad I do not have to relive it again. 

It happened. Saturday, Mayra Calvillo was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The turn out was phenomenal. We had around 40 people attend the baptism. She felt so loved. GUYS, I do not think you realize how insane that is. There have been weeks that I've been here that there were not even 40 people at church on Sunday. About an hour before her baptism, Mayra pulled up to the church building and she made us dinner. She made homemade Mexican Spaghetti, horchata, and to top it off she decided to make us cinnamon rolls. We are so spoiled. Mayra was found, taught, and baptized in 29 days. She spoke with us that she is thinking about preparing to serve a mission. What a glorious day it was in South Haven. The first convert baptism in 2.5 years. The Lord provides!

Fast sunday is always brutal, but we did it. My last one as a missionary. I have one more email left. This upcoming week is my final week as a missionary. That is surreal. I am not going to lie to everyone, I baptized Mayra and I feel like that's why I was sent to South Haven. It is going to be a long difficult week for me to be diligent for the Lord. I know I will do it. Additional prayers are always appreciated.

I shared this thought at Mayra's baptism. This is from President Nelson,"Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy." The ability to make covenants with God is mind boggling. We have access to a special kind of love and mercy. Talk to you next week.