First Baptism!

Wow wow wow, busy busy week!!! I have experienced my first baptism!!!!! YAHOO!!!! Wow, I've never felt anything like that before! For the baptism on Saturday, I spent the first couple hours before the baptism baking cookies and preparing a talk on the Holy Ghost since we couldn't find anyone to do it. Then Christina came, and the baptism was about to start, but our 1st speaker was late, and we couldn't start without her, so we were starting to stress, then come to find out that half of our baptismal programs were blank on the inside! AH! But, after that, things went smoothly. The talks were great, the baptism was great, everything went great. I felt very privileged to be able to give a talk about the Holy Ghost. The spirit in that meeting was incredible, and I had to point it out to the people there, that the spirit was indeed present. A neat experience: as I gave my talk, telling Christina about all the wonderful things that come from having the gift of the Holy Ghost, I had sudden inspiration and told her something that had never before entered my mind. I told her that with this gift, she would be able to receive revelation to lead and guide her family, and that I knew I could trust my parents because they have this gift, and so your kids can trust you. After the baptism was over, I felt utterly exhausted, but so happy. Perhaps this is a bit of what Ammon felt when he saw his brethren again and fainted, being overcome with the spirit. What a sweet, sweet experience.

Here is a picture of me SLAVING away over the stove!

Well, on Sunday, the missionaries (us) gave a fireside to the youth about "becoming a missionary." So once again, I spent an hour or two in the kitchen preparing refreshments for everyone. So all in all, I think I baked about 7 batches of cookies and a cake over the weekend. I probably looked great in my white shirt, tie and apron haha. The fireside went great, everyone loved it. We gave them each a "mission call," taught them some skills they need as a missionary, and gave them each a Book of Mormon to share with their friends. It was a good success, I'd say.

Other than that, things are going so good! Elder Fonua and I are going to need to find more people to teach, and we're on that for sure. Herve is doing well. Sometimes I'm confused at why he is investigating the church. Everyone has a motive or a "hook," if you will. Something that interests them. But Herve... I don't know. But he is way awesome, and super solid too. We are going to read the Book of Mormon with him now, so good things ahead there.

By the way, haha I think it's funny that all the milk went sour. haha That's what happens when me and cam aren't around. Eh, I've actually been drinking alternatives to milk like soy or rice drink. It's supposed to be healthier for you, and I can't tell the difference anyways haha. Is it really better for you??

I'm so excited for conference!!! I've written down a couple questions about life in general that I want answered at conference. We are going to have our investigators do the same. Conference is a wonderful missionary tool.

I've been trying to more fully recognize the Spirit lately and then to follow those promptings. The only thing I have a hang-up on is, how do I know if it's the Spirit, or just me thinking? Anyways, help me with that please; I'm sure you have more knowledge/experience with that.

Love you!
ELDER BROOKS