happy days

TO ALL MY DEAREST PEOPLE-

We did it!!!!! Yesterday, we had the most special baptismal service for Iris.  The chapel was full of her friends and full of the spirit. We got there early to prepare and to greet everyone and take a billion pictures.  The baptism service started at about 7. We sat upfront with Iris and her sister ((who is not a member)) so that we get have a good view of everything.  One of Iris' best friends, Julia, spoke about baptism and then our mission leader, David, spoke about the spirit- he had us all crying.  Then the young single adults sang, "when I am baptized" and it was so beautiful.  The spirit came in so sweet.  We then headed for the baptismal font and helped Iris get in and get ready-she was SO nervous.  Her best friend, David ((the one that introduced her to the church)) was able to do the baptism and it went perfectly. Iris came back up out of the water smiling so big :') we were there waiting for her with a towel and I just could help but hug her so tight.  She was so cute and jumping around saying, "I did it!! I'm a member!!  I was baptized!!  I'm so happy!!!!" over and over again.  She was so happy and you could see it in her eyes and in her face.  She quickly changed and we went back to the chapel to finish off the meeting.  She went up to bear her testimony and it was the SWEETEST testimony I have ever heard.  She talked about how she came to find the church and how she came know it's true.  She talked about everything with mom and the effect that had on her.  She said, "A few days before my mom passed away, I said, 'mom I'm getting baptized.' My mom looked at me and said, 'You know I won't be around much longer.  I won't be there in body, but I'll be there in spirit.' I know my mom is here and happy with the decision that I've made. I've never been happier."  It was so sweet and sincere and she just had a light shining out of her face.  We were able to have 6 investigators come to the baptism, so I'm hoping they were able to feel of the spirit there.   Iris was confirmed on Sunday as an official member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was able to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. What a special moment it was for all of us to be a part of it :))  The gospel really blesses people's lives. Iris is a perfect example of that.  The gospel doesn't take away our problems and trials-we're all gonna have those, but it just makes them a little easier.  What we share is a message of hope and happiness.   I have no doubt in my mind that it's all true.

Norma and Gerrard ((found out that we've all just misunderstood his name hahaha)) are doing great!!!  They are actually progressing and reading and praying. We had a QUALITY lesson with them this week.  Gerrard was being pretty negative about a few things so Hermana Bailey just kinda of put it straight.  She said, "Do you want to be happy??"  He gave the obvious answer of yes and she said, "we have the secret and we can tell you right now."  We told him about the importance of reading and praying and going to church and how that blesses our lives.  We shared examples, including that of Iris, of how the gospel makes us happy.  I think it all finally clicked for him because we've noticed that he's been a lot more willing and a lot happier.  We are SO excited to watch them keep progressing.

I know this gospel is true and that it really is a gospel of happiness.  Sad?  Read the Book of Mormon.  Lonely?  Pray.  Lost?  Broken?  Weighed down?  We have all the answers.  The gospel brings a light and happiness and new meaning to people's lives and that is all because of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.  Thanks to him, we can be clean and happy and find a new life.  He loves us SO much that he made it all possible.  He never gets tired of forgiving us or helping us or listening to us.  I know that to be a fact.

I LOVE this gospel, I LOVE being a missionary, and I LOVE you all,

Hermana Spangler