#BecauseHeLives

This week can be summed up by two words: rain and sun. We have had extremely hot mornings followed by crazy thunder and lightning storms in the afternoon. I love it! But my companion is not a fan of the rain.

A downpour in Mexico City.

Anyways! The first lesson I learned this week was about the lasting and seemingly permanent effects of gossip. I have never liked gossip and here on the mission I have seen just how destructive it is. We have been searching out less actives in our area since I first got here and on Tuesday we finally got a hold of another one. Before she let us in she warned us that if we had come solely to judge her than we had better leave. We assured her we wanted nothing more than a few moments to get to know her and she let us in. Throughout our short visit she told parts of her story which include some comments by sisters in the ward. I do not know if they were intended to be so cutting, but some of the remarks were unnecessary and in some instances, rather cruel. This sister has about nine years in the Church and has been inactive for about two. She wants absolutely nothing to do with the Church. mainly the sisters, and it makes me sad. Partly it is her reluctance to let go of the past so that she can move forward, but at the same time, I can understand where she's coming from. Several people, members and non-members have questioned why people who claim to be followers of Christ and members of the only true church can act so contrary to the teachings. They have been hurt almost beyond the point of letting members near them and it breaks my heart. This is their salvation! And so many need more support than they are receiving. I couldn't find a Mormon message specifically on gossiping and instead have this video with a similar outcome: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYVvE4tr2BI.

     After that sad start to the week, we taught a recent convert whose granddaughters were also listening to the missionaries for a time. One of her granddaughters, a 17 year old with a baby, opened up to us and told us she wanted to start listening to us again, that she wants to get baptized and have the happiness and peace in her life that she experience when first listening to the missionaries. She lives with her boyfriend and he also expressed a desire to move forward in the Gospel and it was just such a surprise to us! A wonderful, happy surprise. They already have the lessons and know more or less what they have to do and why so it'll be nice to explain it simply and help them remember what they already know. We will also be getting them married and that's always an adventure!

     The last highlight of this week was on Sunday with our single mom and two kids who have a baptismal date for April 12. I guess her kids are always pestering her with questions about the baptism, what it'll be like, what they'll wear, etc. My favorite question? "What do we have to do to become members of this Church? Because we love it and want to be members as soon as possible." When she said that I just marveled for a moment. People really are prepared and I am so thankful that I have had this chance to see someone wholeheartedly accept the Gospel. We got to talk with her and resolve her concerns and she even decided to move her baptism to the 11th so she can get confirmed the day after instead of waiting a week. She really is amazing! 

     I do love this work. The opportunity to meet people and help them change their lives is an experience I know I will never have again. Only two and a half months left to make the most of it!  And just because I can, here's the newest Easter video from the church! http://www.mormon.org/easter Watch it and share it!

     Love you all so much! Have a wonderful Easter week!

Love,

Hermana Bennett

Unintentional matching—harder for sisters than elders!