JUNE! JOY!

The baptism day back in October

Spencer and Ivannia =)

June June June.

June is a pretty important month. It's my last month in the mission before I start repeating them (1 year mark in July) And it marks the end of President Wilkinson's mission. It also marks the end of the San Jose Costa Rica mission, as it splits in 2!

I've always loved the month of June. There, it's warming up, getting ready for summer. Here, it's finally cooling down, and I gotta haul my umbrella everywhere because if I don't, I am salado (salted). Haha. That means like I'm out of luck.

It can be pretty astounding to think about just how important the mission that I'm in is. I called a family I helped bring to baptism from San Ramon today in the morning, and received the most wonderful news.

The dad, was an excommunicated member. He had a long story and had always been a little rebellious, and he had 10 years of being excommunicated. He testified to us always that his excommunication had been unjust, although obviously what my opinion was of that wasn't so important.

They are a family absolutely dear to my heart. I love them so fully. I cherish the opportunity that I've had to get to know them! They have taught me so much, and I got to see them enter into the sacred covenant of baptism.

In the same time, the dad started the process to become re-accepted as a member of the church. The paperwork got submitted, and it became a waiting game.

When I called him this morning he let me know that he had had his council with the stake, that they had declared his original excommunication unjust, and that the papers would be sent so that he could be re-accepted into the Church.

I cannot explain the joy that filled my soul as this dream of theirs, of ours, became realized. God always provides, and has provided, the way for this very special family to be able to enter the temple and be sealed for time and eternity. To make their family eternal, so that the bonds of death shall have no power over them. This man had to struggle for 10 years to learn a great lesson from God, and to bring his wife and her children to the Gospel, and he is finally going to enjoy the fruit of this challenge and suffering that he has passed through.

As I heard this wonderful news, immense desires to cry raced through my body. I felt so strongly the need to give thanks to God for this miracle. 

I just want to testify that I know that we have a loving, just Heavenly Father. And that he has made a perfect plan for us, so that we might have joy. I am so glad for the family who has grown me in, (raised me up in) and taught me of this plan, and my opportunity to bring this same plan to other families, here in Costa Rica. There is no joy more great, no goal more worthy, than to be sealed in the Temple for time and eternity. There is no accomplishment more praiseworthy than an eternal family. And there is no greater example to follow in this life than Jesus Christ. He is our perfect example, and shows us every step that we must take. The way is straight, and narrow, but thanks to him it's there. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the opportunity I have to repent of my sins, and that Ismael and his family has of receiving the rights and privileges that they deserve. All will be made fair, thanks to him. 

Today, there is sunshine in my soul.

If anyone wants to experience this joy, I testify that it is there and that it is waiting for you in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I testify that the authority to enter into these wonderful covenants is found in the worthy priesthood holders, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I can not explain the joy that I feel today.

June sure has started off well.

I love you all. I thank you for your support, and pray for your well being. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

-Elder Henry