Come on, this isn't Barbies…. In the Great California Ventura Mission, we Baptize!!!

I am so sad not to have enough time to write each day out of what happened last week, but I will write it on paper and mail it to my Mom.  This week has been challenging, as always, but by FAR the best week of my mission.  JUSTIN WAS BAPTIZED…..  So exciting.

Dad, you are amazing and your letters and packages crack me up!  I had enough Valentines Candy for an army and my companions were in Heaven.  Thanks so much.

This week was another week full of miracles!  When I decided to serve a mission, I knew I would be giving my all to change the lives of others, but I never really realized how much I would grow personally.  My testimony is strengthened daily, and I can truly feel Heavenly Fathers love for me and those I serve.  Not only have I learned from my companion, but also from the example and strength of the Spanish Sisters.  (Hermana's)  This week we were blessed to be able to teach the Plan of Salvation 3 times.

Here's what my week was like:

Investigators Baptized and Confirmed:
Justin's baptism was amazing.  My talk went great.  Can you believe that I still remembered my own baptism.  This will make my Grandma happy, I still remember the talk she gave when she used the mirror and toothpaste.  Well, I used the same talk……… I can't believe I remembered it!

Watching Justin's light shine and hearing his testimony, seeing the blessings of the gospel in his and his family's life brought me more comfort and joy than I could ever imagine.  He and his fiancé' sang "I Need Thee Every Hour" in sacrament meeting the following day after his baptism.  It brought the whole congregation to tears.  This by far was one of the best experiences of my mission.

Investigators with a Baptismal Date:
We met with Mike and taught the Plan of Salvation.  The Relief Society President joined our lesson.  His responses to questions were incredible.  We are teaching him the next lesson this week.

Progressing Investigators:
Andrew and Mishelle, they are amazing.  We taught them the Plan of Salvation and they loved it.  The spirit was so strong.  I really connected with Mishelle.  Their answers to our inspired questions were better than if I were to answer them.  They are looking forward to coming to church next Sunday.  We are teaching them the next lesson this week.

Less Active/Recent Converts:
Robert- We met with him and read "Finding Peace, Hope and Happiness."  The spirit was strong and lead to a great discussion on the atonement and decisions.  We committed him to reading the Book of Mormon each day, starting from the beginning.

Our first baptism!!

Visiting an investigator at the hospital.
Found these cute service dogs!

My Dad and other family members remembering us on
Valentines Day!

I continue to struggle with health problems.  After much discussion with President Castro, lots of prayers, fasting and priesthood blessings, going home might be the best option for me to deal with my health.  It makes me so sad as I love it here.  I love working with and teaching people.  I love serving the Lord and still know that this was the right decision for me, even if it is short term.  I know this is part of Heavenly Fathers plan for me.  Each day I witness his love for me and those around me.  I am so thankful for my area, the ward I am serving in, and my companion.  Also for the tender mercies that my eyes are opened to each day.  I am so thankful and feel so blessed that the Lord trusted me with so many of his children with such strong spirits.  Our calling is so great!

I love you all.  Thanks for all the prayers.  I could truly feel the love.  I have the best family ever.  (Wow, didn't think that would ever come out of my mouth!)
With Love,  Sister Hancock