Hermana Kent Takes on Florida: What? 5 months?!

This week we did a lot of working with members. Our stake president has asked all the missionaries in the stake to deliver a Book of Mormon to each member and help them to think of a way to give it to someone. It has been really cool hearing testimonies of the Book of Mormon and helping the members share something so special to us with their friends.

Tuesday there was some misunderstanding with our dinner appointment and we ended up showing up an hour and half earlier than they had planned. The member went into a panic and was really upset. We immediately went and began helping her cook dinner and clean her house. It actually ended up being a really cool dinner. Her husband is not a member and does not like the missionaries. But he was impressed with how kind and helpful we were that they actually started talking with us. By the end of the dinner he was asking when we were coming back. This member said that she does not like feeding missionaries because it always stresses her out, but we were able to completely change her perspective and relationship with missionaries.

Friday was so amazing! We went to contact a referral named Wally. He was in the parking lot when we got there and immediately recognized us. He told us, "I don't know how I did because you were too far away to see the name tag but as soon as I saw you, I knew you were here to bring me the truth. You have something different about you. I don't know what it is, but I want it." He is seriously so cool. He has heard of the Book of Mormon his entire life, but never seen one. When we gave him one he just hugged it to his chest. He is the most humble man. He, his wife, and darling Disney obsessed daughter moved here from Puerto Rico a few years ago. After our lesson with Mario we did some tracting in his complex. After a little bit of that we saw a Blood donation bus and Hermana Guerrero and I thought, What the heck, all of our service projects got canceled this week. So we checked the white handbook and then gave blood. It was actually really cool. We all the people donating were Spanish speaking so we shared messages about Jesus Christ while we were laying giving blood. We saved lives and souls. Boom. Missionary work. After our blood adventure we went to a members house for a Pizza/movie night. Okay don't freak out. It is not what you think. Her nonmember cousin is in town from Peru and the member really wanted us to show her the movie "How rare a Possesion".

It is a movie about the Book of Mormon and shares the story of Parley P. Pratt' conversion as well as an Italian man whose name I really can't spell so I am not even going to try. Haha. We then talked to her about the Book of Mormon and told her that she too can have an experience like these men did if she reads with a sincere heart. It was really cool.

Okay, the final miracle. This one made my mouth drop to the Floor. My first day here in Florida i met this amazing woman named Fatima.

Hermana Brown and I taught her and invited her to be baptized several times. She would tell us each time, that she loved this church, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, and everything we taught her, but she didn't want to be baptized just yet. So we kept teaching her. A month and a half ago We stopped being able to meet with her. She kinda dropped off the face of the earth. So sadly and with a broken heart, we dropped her from our teaching pool. Then a a week or so ago we got a random text from her asking how we were and if we would come visit her again. So Hermana Guerrero and I went visited her a few times.

Saturday after a solid lesson on repentance we asked her for the third time to be baptized. This time she said yes!!!!! She said she finally feels ready. She is on-date for April 22. I am so happy! This was a testimony builder that all things happen in the Lord's time. NOT ours.

It is definitely warming up here. The humidity is getting worse as are my tan lines. Haha. My hair is whiter than its been since I was 6.

Haha But I LOVE Florida. I love this work with all my heart. I know this Church is true and I know it can bless and change lives. My testimony of Repentance has grown so much. I am so grateful for a Savior who atoned for me and all the many stupid imperfections I have. Don't underestimate the power of Repentance. Pray to God with all the energy of heart. I love you all so much! I hope you are all doing well. I hope you all have an amazing Conference Weekend and that your prayers are answered.

Love,

Hermana Kent