These are the Gay kids (pronounced "Guy"). Let me tell you a little bit about the Gay kids:
Jose Gay, 13. He's the one with the huge smile on his face. The whole time I've known him, he's been so excited to learn the Gospel - the very first lesson we had, we taught the Restoration. In Spanish, Joseph Smith is Jose Smith. We watched the Restoration video with them and testified that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. A 14-yr old boy named Jose - Jose Gay could definitely relate. We extended the baptismal invitation-
"Will you be baptized on--"
"YES!" was his shouted reply.
All throughout the lessons, he's been attentive - quieting his little brother and sister, telling them, "Shh! I want to learn the Gospel!" He came out of the Baptismal interview with tears of joy in his eyes - he was shining as he came up out of the water.
Jackelin Gay, 10. She's the one sitting on her mother's lap. She was quite timid the first time we met her - but as we've been teaching her, her little personality has blossomed before our view. She was scared of the water - indeed, as she came to the font, she was crying. Her main fear was that the water would be cold- to help combat this my compañera and I carried 6 pots of boiling hot water across the church and poured them into the font. There was a baptism at 4:00, right before, so we didn't have time to drain and re-fill the font. Despite her fears, she was immersed completely and came out clean.
Joshua Gay, 8. Don't let that innocent little face fool you - he's a little rascal! :) He is very fun-loving, and a very funny kid. However, as we taught him, he began to take what we were saying seriously. He was subdued the day of the interview - but he came bounding out his usual joyful self.
Their father's not a member, their mother is - as they continue in the faith, as they continue reading, praying, and coming to church as a family, they will be blessed. Jose will be a Nephi for his family. I am so grateful I got to be a part of this, the first step on their path to Eternal Life.
With all my love,
Hermana Smurthwaite
P.S. So crazy story - the chain we typically use to pull up the plug BROKE, so my compañera had to reach in shoulder-deep to drain the font. I was impressed with her hanger-maneuvering skills! :)
(second email)
...Also, this New Years, our mission President challenged us to read the entire BoM in 1 day!
"Alright, President! Great Idea!" It takes 16 hours, if you read 35 pages an hour. "No problem!"
I forgot to take actual pictures, but this is what I looked like yesterday.)
Highlight every time you see a name or reference to Jesus Christ. (Will email those out next week) and use a different color for the Atonement.
"Sure thing, president! Here you go!"
...it was EXHAUSTING. This is how I felt when 10:30 rolled around:
...and I only made it to 3rd Nephi! :(
But I challenge everyone to it! Set aside a day, and go for it! Then you can say to anyone you challenge to read the Book of Mormon, "I read the whole thing in one day! You can surely read a chapter before you go to bed!"
Love and prayers,
Hermana Smurthwaite
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