“I feel so blessed to
know this special family and to help them follow Jesus Christ. I know without a
doubt that the Gospel blesses families and brings true happiness to them like
nothing else in the world can.”
Hello everyone!
Thanks
for your letters this week, they were really nice. I can't believe that this
Friday is my birthday either! Last year on my birthday I already knew that I
would be out here by this time, but last year that seemed so far away, but now
here I am 9 and a half months into the mission. It's pretty crazy!
This week was really good! Tuesday and Wednesday were
good days of lessons and contacting. I walked with our district leader, he does
one division with each elder every transfer. We went to Alfredo and Laura's so
he could interview them for baptism. It went well, Alfredo and Laura, and
Chaquito (whose real name is Ken) all did great! The rest of that day we taught
lessons and did contacts, it was a really good day.
Friday we had a zone meeting in Matola. Afterwards Elder
Reed and I decided to stop and get lunch before going home. So we went to
KFC-Yeah, I said KFC- it's the only fast food chain in Mozambique. It was
pretty good, like KFC back home. I got chicken sandwich and fries and a drink
for 275 meticais ($9, kind of expensive, but it was good).
Saturday was the big day of the wedding and baptism. It
was a really special day. It was a double wedding and baptisms it was a really
good ceremony. Alfredo showed up first in his really nice blue suit. Shortly
after, Laura arrived, driven by the couple acting as the witnesses for the
wedding. Her dress was really nice too. They were a great-looking wedding
couple.
They had a lot of family there too; half the people in
attendance were their family members. The wedding ceremony, done by the branch
president, President Mulungo, went well. There were some of the relief society
sisters singing as the couples signed the marriage book and kissed. Then we
went outside to take pictures before they changed into the baptismal clothes.
After the baptism, we sang and had a prayer to close the ceremony. Then the couples cut the cake. There was just one cake there for the two couples, but it was a huge cake. There was more singing and presenting of gifts, then it was pretty much over-But not for me and my companion. There was a party afterwards at the house of Alfredo's father, and we were invited. There were tables and chairs and lots of music and of course food. It was nice. We ate, had more cake, and watched some people dance, and congratulated the couple again.
Yesterday (Sunday), they were confirmed in sacrament
meeting. They asked me to do the confirmations, so that was a really special
moment. They were both super happy that finally the day had come and they are
now married and baptized and confirmed members of the church was super happy
for them too. I had the opportunity to be with this family from the first time
we contacted Alfredo in the road, to the first lesson (almost exactly 3 months
ago) until their baptism and confirmation. I feel so blessed to know this
special family and to help them follow Jesus Christ. I know without a doubt
that the Gospel blesses families and brings true happiness to them like nothing
else in the world can.
We
are continuing to help other families get to baptism as well. Yesterday, five
of our investigator families came to church, the highest number since I've
gotten to T3. The work in this area is going really well. There are miracles
happening every day.
I'm
glad to hear that things are going well with everyone at home. Elder Reed and I
are getting along well. He's pretty laid back and easy to get along with, he is
also a hard worker.
Mom
and dad, I am glad to say that I am thankful that I haven't gotten really sick
so far on my mission and also that I haven't gotten bit
by mosquitoes lately, it hasn't been a problem, only once in
Quelimane it was really bad, but it seems like mosquitoes don't
like me so much anymore haha. Mom it’s fun that you are always curious
of things that I don’t even think of, but since you asked, I use Colgate
toothpaste and dove shampoo. You can find brands like that here in Maputo, but
not in smaller cities or towns like Quelimane- at least not while I was there.
The weather here has been pretty good. It's been hot, but not too bad. It
should be cooling down more here in the next month or so.
Well,
I hope you have another great week. I’m sure you will be thinking of me this
Friday for my birthday. You know that I love all of you so much, I thank
you for all you have done for me and all you continue to do for me! I know I
will also be thinking about you and Dad and Jacob a lot on Friday. I look
forward to hearing from you all again next week!
Love,
Josh
Elder Rebollo’s birthday is this Friday Feb. 28,
If you would like to send him a birthday greeting here is his email address:
joshua.rebollo@myldsmail.net
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