The waters of baptism

Dearest family and friends,

It was an awesome week.  Probably, the best one on the mission, thus, far.  It was a very special week indeed.  I had the opportunity to baptize Jennier on Saturday.  It was a very special experience for me. I have taught her since the second lesson, so I have had the great privilege to see her faith grow and gospel truly change her life.  

We taught her last week and we discussing general conference.  She told us how her priorities have changed in her life.  She now values her famly and her relationship with God so much more than she used to.  She is also 20 and also had her birthday on Friday.  She is from Hai Phong which is in Northern Vietnam.  The baptisimal service was a beautiful experience.  I remember baptizing Elias when I was 16 well, but it was special to have those same feelings again.  It amazing to see other dressed in complete white and then comtemplate that you are representative for Jesus Christ as you participate in this sacred ordinance that truly allows our sins to be washed away, to then walk in a "newness of life" (Roman 6:4).  Her joy was very evident as she shared her testimony with us after the baptism.  She described her feelings of being clean and having the opportunity to truly start over, as strives now to "endure to the end."  Her faith is so strong and I know her testimony will be great blessing to our congregation and to all who come in contact with her.  

When she asked me last week to baptize her, I think it was of the happiest times of my entire life.  It was a great honor for me to do it.  

Jennifer was confirmed with Holy Ghost yesterday by Elder LyNguyen.  I know Holy Ghost will be a great asset in her life.  I have seen how the Holy Ghost has impacted my life.  It does indeed give great guidance to me that I treasure that I seek to follow and it give me comfort in times of need.  

Khoa, who was baptized about a month ago, was given the priesthood yesterday.  It has been a very exciting last couple days.  

Chien, who I met on Wednesday in Sunshine came to church yesterday and we taught him a little bit before church.  He is from Da Nang, which is central Vietnam.  We taught him about the power of prayer.  He then gave his first prayer of his entire life yesterday.  It was very special.  He is going to Sydney for a couple weeks, but I will be back soon.  I translated for a little bit in sacrament.  He spoke to me in English and I spoke to him in Vietnamese.  I guess that is how the work moves forward.  Haha.

I went on a split with the APs yesterday before church.  I think it was the funnest time of "finding" or contacting on the streets yesterday.  We were at the Footscray train station and we literally talked to everyone that passed us.  I felt my confidence swell as we were united, working together.  It was an awesome experience.  This week, I am going to work harder at talking to everyone, not just a hello, but attempt to have a conversation with every single person that comes in my path. I guess we'll see what happens.  I am sure some miracles will happen.  

To mention a funny thing happened, there was a man who danced for 15 minutes straight on the train.  He had some big headphones and kept stepping to his beat.  He had glasses and kept looking straight the whole time.

Life is really good.  I am having a blast.  I am going to see some kangaroos in a couple hours for zone P-day.  I am really excited.  We're going to a reserve.  I live in the city, so I haven't seen any yet.  Love you all.  I wrote some letters home.  Expect them soon.

Love,

Jonathan