Week 39: Raymond (9 months)

It's crazy to believe I've been a set-apart servant of the Lord for 9 months. They have flown by! Definitely the hardest & most joyful 9 months of my life. 

This week, I was able to watch 2 of my greatest friends, Cornelio and Jeovani, be washed clean as they were baptized by restored priesthood authority and received the gift of the Holy Ghost to guide them always. Here are their stories:

Cornelio is a middle aged man. He did not have a lot of hope in life. Last month, my companion and Hermana Rogers went up to him on the street (their exchange goal was to talk to everyone) and asked if he was interested in hearing a message about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ! That next day, Hermana Cordova and I went back, taught him about the Restoration and the Book of Mormon, and invited him to be baptized, which he accepted!! Since then, we have seen his hope restored as he has learned of Christ, read the Book of Mormon, listened to living prophets, and visited the temple. He was so excited to be baptized. Seeing his smile afterwards made me so happy. He said after he got baptized he felt someone sit down next to him and felt it was the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for Cornelio!

Jeovani is from my last area (Cerritos). He was able to watch his mom, Brenda become truly converted unto Jesus Christ and be baptized (in July) and he wanted to follow her example. Brenda wanted Jeovani to learn for himself and make this decisión independently. Hermana Young and I, and later Hermana Jackson, were able to help him learn about the Book of Mormon and the Plan of happiness that God has for him. He had the biggest smile when Enrique baptized hum yesterday. I am so grateful for the opportunity I've had to see this little family become united in Christ. 

This week I have been pondering on joy. Lehi taught: "men are, that they might have joy" (2 Nefi 2:25). President Nelson taught: "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." I am learning to seek joy through Jesus Christ and His atonement. I know that He lives and loves me! And he loves each of you!

Have the best week!! Praying for yall:))

Hermana Dudley

1. Brenda's house after the baptism.

2.Exchange w/ Hna.  Rogers

3.zona Santa Ana Oeste in front of the Newport Beach Temple 

4.Stake Primary Activity. We got to help them be missionaries for the day!

5.Lesson w/ Paula, Hna. Garcia, y los Wrights

6.Bautismo de Cornelio

7. Alex drew me this adorable picture of us! I sure miss that kid

9.mis compás

Pictures of Jeovani's baptism coming soon...