MAR_26_18_GROUP_GBRG

Hey Everybody!!

Man. Wasn't this last week just so ridiculously awesome?? SO MUCH HAPPENED within the church, as well as here in Pennsylvania. Life is good.

Also, it snowed like 4 inches last night. So that happened. Just another day in the life of a Pennsylvania missionary, I suppose.

This week was just GREAT. I think the most pressing news?? WE COMMITTED OUR INVESTIGATOR DIANE TO BAPTISM. We were somewhat wary of inviting her to be baptized, but we both felt prompted to at the conclusion of our last lesson. Elder Li began to talk about baptism, and just like that, we were on the SAME PAGE. Comp unity right there. I then extended the fateful baptismal invitation.... "Diane. Er... Um. Will you *ahem* follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God?" It's always a rush, lemme tell you.

There was a brief pause. Then she said. "Um yeah. Obviously. That's why I'm taking these lessons, right?? I want to be baptized!!"

HALLELUJAH. GOD IS GOOD. We committed her to be baptized on April 28th, a little less than a month away. She seems super solid, so we're excited to continue teaching her, and eventually, get her on the Covenant keeping path towards our Heavenly Father!!

Our investigator, Bri, is also progressing like mad. She should be baptized sometime within the next few weeks, although we don't have a solidified date yet. She was messaging us all throughout General Conference, exclaiming at the various announcements and talks. She even messaged us and asked us if President Nelson had announced any new Temples yet...? LIke, what did we do to deserve such a prepared investigator?? I  don't know, but I'm grateful for her willingness to learn. 

NOw, about General Conference. That conference... just... wow. It was historic in any sense of the word. It was amazing. While there were many surprising announcements concerning the composition of Priesthood quorums and the ministering of priesthood power, I believe the best part was undoubtedly at the beginning. We had the opportunity to stand and sustain our Prophet President Russell M. Nelson. As I got to stand with the Elders beside me, I was extremely humbled, yet full of gratitude at this time that I live in. It's a great time to be a member of the church, but most importantly, a great time to be a missionary.

The only way that I can describe it is "spine-tingling". God is real, and has called a prophet. I know that.

A brief explanation of the pictures I'm sending today:

1) Elder Li and I had the opportunity to go to a Baptist Easter Service yesterday!! The people there were so welcoming, and even gave us candy!! It was super cool to see a worship service performed by other children of God.

2-3) Easter with the Stanley's, complete with Easter Egg hunt. No, I didn't find the most. that was Elder Li. I'm not bitter. 

4) Easter Egg with my chinese name on it!! Thanks Elder Lin for teaching me how to do that!!

5) Snow. Goodness gracious. Again.