Sarah's Baptism!!!

Sarah was Baptized this Week!

 

A week or two ago Renae asked me about Sharon who was going to get baptized a few months ago in Fuquay. She hasn't been baptized yet and I just found out that a month or so ago she had a stroke and is now in a rehabilitation center.

So this week has been a little crazy making sure we have everything planned out for Sarah's baptism on Saturday. But we were able to get everything worked out and it was an amazing afternoon.
 

So on Monday was had dinner with the Oakley family and they had invited their neighbor, Derek, over as well. We were able to share a message about God's love and we all went around the table and gave one reason that we know God loves us. Some of the children said things like "food,"  "family," and "nature." When it was Derek's turn he said, "because He tells us in the scriptures." I think we were all a little taken aback by his reply and the faith you could feel he has in the Bible. But it is so true! Everything around us is evidence of God's love, but we also have His words telling us of His love. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoso believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Tuesday night we had a Relief Society activity where we learned to make tamales! We have a few Hispanic families in the branch and Sister Perez was asked to teach us how to make tamales. There is a language barrier between the Spanish speakers and the other sisters, because not everyone knows Spanish. Luckily there are a few women who served Spanish speaking missions and we also have a bilingual sister from Colombia, Sister Hickey, who can translate for us. We had a lot of fun learning to make them and they are SO good! Sarah came to the activity as well! It is like she has always been a part of the Relief Society and before she left she made sure to tell everyone about her baptism that was coming up. She's just the best! Just as we were about finishing up eating, the Elders showed up! They claimed that they needed something out from the library, but I think they really were just hoping we would feed them some tamales, and they definitely got fed! Elder Sosa and Elder Park and great Elders to work with. They have a love for the people and a love for the work.
 

Wednesday we had interviews with President and Sister Bernhisel. It is always great to talk to these amazing leaders and find ways that I can improve and to see how I have already changed over the last 9 months I have been in North Carolina. Something that hasn't changed though is my favorite scripture! Alma 26:11-12 "But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever." I have seen this over and over again in my life. I am so weak, but I know that I can do anything and everything that God needs me to do as long as I trust in Him and follow what he tells me to do.
 

Thursday we had a visit with the Snows. They are couple who's children are gown and they do not come to church because of health reasons. We had a great visit, but Sister Hunt and I are a little more nervous for summer. They told us a lot about the bugs, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, and cockroaches. I think I was very very lucky this last summer to be in a place that isn't quite so "country" as we call it. We learned lots of tips about how to keep things out of your house, like putting borax in all the cracks around your house and it will kill all the spiders and cockroaches. Needless to say, Sister Hunt and I are both buying a box of borax today to see if it will help.
 

Friday we had Josh over to the Binghams for dinner. The next day he came to Sarah's baptism, and then to the Moon's house right after for pizza and a movie. We watched Legacy and Johny Lingo. And then Sunday night Josh came to the Smith's home for dinner and a lesson. Basically he's been in a lot of homes and has been able to feel the spirit in all of their homes.

I Just LOVE Sarah!

 

Saturday was Sarah's day! Sadly, Sarah's son Jason wasn't able to attend because of work, but she had some other family members, including her daughter, come and support her. We also had a lot of people from the Pittsboro Branch come in support. I ended up playing the piano because the two people in the branch who play the piano weren't able to make it and the songs that Sarah wanted weren't the easiest for me to play, but it all worked out in the end. It was an amazing day and Sarah had lots of love and support from everyone there. Sarah is just amazing and is going to do so much good here in the Pittsboro Branch.

 

I love this gospel and I love the happiness and the blessings it brings! Have a great week!
 

Love,
Sister Shurtz



Sister Hunt and I Have a Lot of Fun with Sarah!

Sarah Thinks I'm a Bit Tall for Her!