Flickering Lights


Along with various shenanigans, witticisms, inanities, and other words I can't define, we got to have 3 new members join our ward these past few weeks. 3 kids of the family we have been teaching were happily baptized. I got to baptize the two boys and my companion the little girl. The rest of the family we are hoping will be baptized with them with a bit more time. They were a bit of a rowdy bunch just itching for a chance to get into the water. The girl had been singing to us for a week about how she was ready to be baptized and showed us somewhat of a backward swan dive to mimic how she thought the baptism would be. When the time finally came for me to baptize the two boys, the first boy attempted to race me into the font. After a bit of explanation, I got to go in and have him there with me. I looked up at everyone once we were ready and felt a brief surge of confirmation as I looked into the faces of other missionaries, friends, and members. I felt and still feel a warm candle burning as I thought about the little boys and the lessons we've had together. I had that small chance to think about them before I performed the ordinance. 

After the two boys were changing in the bathroom, I got the chance to wait by the font, airdrying and waiting for my turn to change. I got a few moments to look at the font and just feel that same little flickering light and have it burn brighter as I thought about what that font meant. I thought about the promises that have been made there and how the choice I made to come to Mexico is something that is sacred and can be sanctified for me. That was feeling was repeated when I heard the words of the Bishop as he spoke about the future blessing of these boys to be able to serve a mission like me and my companion in a few years. I realized more why we talk so much about baptism here.

 

Here in Providencia we have also found more families and more members to talk to. It's been a fun exchange and I'm finding myself being me more in this Mexican estate. I've had lots of opportunities to tell stories and to make fun of my gringo self and to watch my friends laugh at its truth. The nice thing is that I've been told I'm not quite as gringo as other gringos. Meaning I'm slowly de-gringo-ing. There's been one family in particular that feels almost like an extended family of my own. We haven't had too many chances to teach them but there is a strong spirit there and I feel like I can fit it. 

 

This week I had a chance to hear about the conversation of Saul and what it means to know who Christ is and to do things in His name. There's the same flickering spirit in that idea and I hope to help it grow.

 

Elderito d'Evegnee

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