the baptism that almost didn't happen

Okay, so this week, we have happy news! Me and Sister Edwards had our first baptism together! Her name is Mari and she is, as all the other missionaries in brazil would say, "DE PODER!" or powerful. Well, it was a bit of a struggle with her until the day of the baptism yesterday because of her work schedule (she works from 4 in the afternoon till 6 in the morning....) She was a reference from a recent convert couple, Alisandra and Alfredo. They are AMAZING! so strong in the gospel and they are planning on going to the temple in february to be sealed! :) so excited for them!

anyway, they helped Mari out SO much because me and sister e had to travel to apucarana this week to help the sisters there (another part of my job being a sister training leader) so they accompanied Mari with all her doubts and obstacles that she was working through. 

It seriously was one of the best most special baptisms on my mission. 

and it almost didnt happen. 

Satan is really cruel and is getting more and more smarter in trying to prevent these sacred experiences and covenants from happening. So first off, Mari's bf (whos a tool pardon my french) spent the entire night provoking and tempting Mari with alcohol and other things but she remained firm and cussed him out and said shed baptize with or without his approval (you go girl!) so then comes the day of the baptism, and Alfredo and Mari were all ready to do the baptism (which would be the FIRST baptism of Alfredo being ordained an Elder:) super cute!) and WHAT do we find on the first step of the baptismal font with its stinger sky high?

A black scorpian.

Yeah. I nearly had a heartattack. And it was on the EXACT spot that Alfredo wouldve stepped in entering the baptismal font. Thank GOODNESS for sister nascimento (our roommate) for finding it and disposing of it. But that would have DEFINITELY messed up with the baptism of Mari. 

Im so grateful for this gospel and that nothing NOT EVEN SATAN IN THE FORM OF A SCORPIAN can stop the work from progressing. persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble,calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, andindependent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime,swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of Godshall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.

love you all! have a wonderful week!!

xoxo

sister v