June 13, 2011

Hey Everyone,

 

Last week was incredible. By lack of time I can't explain everything but I will do my best to summarize the week.

 

Every week that I have been down here I have had an experience that has helped me realize the power of the gospel in our lives. This last week the experience came at our baptism for a part member family that had been investigating since last October. My current companion, who just discovered today that he was being transferred, found them his first week in the area.

 

From the first visit it was an uphill battle to help this family learn to love and live the gospel. The husband, less active at the time, had about as big of a testimony as the rest of the family so, it wasn't easy.

 

The family progressed little by little but would never accept a baptism date. There always seemed to be an underlying doubt that was preventing them to move forward. Until, the husband had a heart attack. The family was humbled in a very extreme manner. The heart attack resulted in a triple-bipass surgery and lots of time bedrest. Unemployment and dependency on others became necessary. And the ward responded like any hero would.

 

The time following the attack resulted in extreme spiritual growth. They started to pray and study the scriptures together, they recognized the spirit more and more in our visits to them, and testimonies started to blossom. It was at that point that the Lord sent me into their life.

 

I take no credit for the things that have happend with that family. There is a part of me that had been prepared to help this family finally make the commitment to live the gospel and accept baptism. I remember so vividly the feeling I had as I left their home following our baptismal date lesson. I knew that the 3 weeks leading up to Friday would be a straight uphill battle. It would not be easy. It wasn't, but it was worth the fight.

 

Veronica, Norma (17), and Susana (12) Munoz entered the waters of baptism and were confirmed on June 10th, 2011. Now they are starting their journey to the temple where they will be sealed as an eternal family. The ward has completely enveloped them in their arms and has not intentions of loosening it's grip. Neither do we.

 

There have been instances on my mission where I have wondered why I was where I was or curious as to what I was meant to do. I have no doubts, zero, as to what I was sent here for. I discover new things every single day. I love the mission. I love it with all my heart and I know that, up to this day, it has been the best decision I have ever made.

 

I appreciate the love and support of all those who have stood behind me over the past 2 years. The time goes by so quickly and, deep down, I really don't want to leave. This city, my mission...it is my home. I imagine this is what heaven is like. I have learned so much....so incredibly much, about the love of our Savior and the truthfulness of the Plan of Salvation. I know that I was sent here for a very specific reason. I have done the Lord's will and know that when that eventual day comes, I can stand resolutely and say, "I HAVE NO REGRETS." Brothers and Sisters, the gospel life is the good life. There is nothing better out there in the world. Those who believe otherwise obviously don't understand what we have. I invite each of you to live the teachings of Christ. Live it and love it. I know I do.

 

Well, I need to leave but know that each of you are in my prayers. I know that this is the Lord's Gospel. This is his church and he is leading and guiding us through life's troubles so we can, one day, obtain eternal happiness. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

Sincerely,

Elder Klemme