Adventures of a Mississippi Miss: In Love With Being a Missionary

This week has been incredible. Yesterday was hands down, the best day of my mission so far. So many awesome things have been happening here in Ocean Springs. Sister Thompson and I have some added fire in our steps, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for this gospel and answered prayers.

Last month at our Zone Conference, President Olson said that January would be one of the greatest months for our whole mission. I kind of laughed at that, and thought "no way! We have nothing going for us in January, and this is the month we get to share the Christmas spirit AND call home." But boy, was I wrong. This month will honestly be one of my most favorite and memorable months of my life.

Sister Thompson and I Like to Match

This month our area has really turned around, and the blessings have been pouring upon us, it seems.

Yesterday, Desirae was baptized!! After much prayer and fasting, we were finally able to help her make those covenants and it was a happy day.

The morning started in Gulfport at our Stake Conference. There was a special meeting for investigators, recent converts, and returning members before the general meeting. So we were there with Desirae, Josh, and Diana. Elder Arnold spoke to everyone and gave a really great talk on the story of when Peter walked on water. He talked about how Christ put his arm around Peter and helped him back to the boat, and likewise he will do the same and carry us home. Something I believe with all my heart.

Then we went to the general session which Sam came to as well. Sam is the son of Sister McClain. He recently started living with the McClains and he came to church last Sunday. We went to visit him on Monday, gave him a Book of Mormon and got to read it with him last night. He's so cool, y'all. We're best friends. And we're so glad he came yesterday and has been asking us more and more questions about the church and talks about becoming a member.

Then the baptism!! Oh, it was beautiful! So happy! Desirae and Arnold were just smiling the whole time! They are so cute! And I don't think it could have gone better. Sister Thompson and I spent like a million years cleaning the font on Saturday night, and preparing for the baptism, but it was more than worth it. And now people won't have to be shocked when they find out that she's not a member, because she is!! Absolutely love her, and feel so blessed to be here and to have been a part of that experience.

Cleaned the Font for a Million Years

Desirae's Baptism

While she was changing, we opened it up for everyone to share testimonies. And you know who got up? Josh did!! He shared his testimony that the Book of Mormon is true and that the gospel has been restored. Talk about a proud missionary moment!

Sam was also at the baptism and while we were talking after, Josh came and told Sam all about how he can come to know that what Sister Thompson and I share is true, just like he has. Josh really wants to get baptized.

There were some other great things about yesterday, but this is already really long. But I am so grateful to be a part of this great work, and watching the gospel change lives is changing me. I love it here.