Hermana Bingham's Adventures in San Jose: Amada and Bernardo

Hello family!

Yesterday I kept thinking about how Bryce was giving his farewell talk! That's so crazy!! I bet he did wonderfully! I would love a copy of the talk! (hint to Bryce). Also, if you want any information about Argentina, we have a member of our ward from Argentina, and she said you could give her a call. Her name is Claudia Auxier, and her english is really good, so no worries there! But if you want to ask her some questions, she is up for it. She has some family in Mendoza so maybe she can give you a few hints as to what to expect. Her number is (650) 400-2169.

Our week was awesome. Amada and Bernardo got baptized!!! It was so incredible! Their 10 year old daughter Nicole didn't though, but that's alright. That was super up in the air. Nicole has some learning disabilities, and her mental stage is that of a 3 or 4 year old. But she retains information about Christ, and how we can live with him in the sun someday, and she knows baptism makes you clean, and she LOVES learning about Joseph Smith. They found the Joseph Smith movie on youtube for her. She's adorable. She wants to be baptized, but she wants to wait a while. President Mella met her and said she could get baptized now or later, but he would baptize her now, but Amada and Bernardo decided to let her pick (they had wanted her to wait and learn a little more so that she understands what she's doing). Nicole decided she wanted to wait and get baptized with her little sister. Problem is that Diana is only 6. so we're going to keep working and see if we can get Nicole baptized before I go home. :) But Amada and Bernardo got baptized, and it was incredible experience. Even the baptismal service was focused on the temple. They talked about how they were so excited to get sealed, and the RS president gave them a picture of the temple, the bishop talked about their sealing... it was incredible. President Mella's big focus has been "Beginning with the end in mind" and to me, the Chavez family really has done that. They have begun with the end in mind. They temple is the centerpiece of their conversion, and they are doing everything they can to get there. they come to ever activity, participate in church, read their scriptures and pray as a family, they hung up a "Family: Proclamation to the world" in their home, along with pictures of them at the temple... wow. They have allowed the gospel to enter into their home and change their lives. It's amazing. I just feel so blessed to be a part of their story. The other day they asked when I go home, so I told them December, and they asked if we can have a big reunion in January. They want us to come back quick. But I promised them I would be back for their sealing. So just so ya'll know, I will need to be back in California the end of next August or the beginning of next September. That's something I can't miss. :) It's just so incredible to see the changes in their lives. Yesterday was Amada's birthday, and it was so perfect. she received the gift of the Holy Ghost on her birthday. But we got to talk to them about how they felt after, and they feel this new found sense of energy--like they aren't tired and feel like they've been on vacation. :) They are the sweetest family, and are making so many changes in their lives. We have a recent convert temple baptism trip this Saturday, and we're hoping to get them to come to that. And then Bernardo will start preparing to receive the priesthood really soon here. Bishop is on top of things. It's so amazing.

It's been a good week. This upcoming week we're going to have to do a lot of finding, because our most progressing investigators just got baptized! But we are also very excited to work with the family to teach the recent convert lessons, and to help Nicole prepare for baptism. Keep her in your prayers so that she'll be able to get baptized soon!

I love you all, and I hope you have a fantastic week. Keep going to the temple, and keep up the good work with everything else! Endure to the End!!! Yeah! Have a great Labor day, and a great week!

Lots of love,

Hermana Bingham