Miracle of Faith--Our "Blacktism"

Dear Friends and Family,
 

This week was awesome!  Why?

Maybe because our investigator Natasha got baptized on Saturday!

I'd like to share that story:

So last Monday night we didn't really know what to do. Natasha wasn't answering our phone calls and so we were worried because you can't meet with someone who won't answer the phone.So as we were planning that night, we prayed that the Lord would help us know what to do.  The next morning, we woke up, and studied.  Then as we were planning what to do for the rest of the day, we realized that we still didn't know. As we were sitting there, we said to ourselves, "Ok God, now would be a great time to answer our prayer...".  And then the phone rings.  No joke.  We look at it, and it is President Klebingat (our mission president).  We answer the phone and then says, "Sisters, why are you worried about Natasha?" And we said, "Because we haven't been able meet with her because she won't answer her phone." And then he said, "Go find her and show the Lord that you are willing to work so that this happens".
 And so that is what we decided to do. 

We were super excited because we thought since President had called us and we had faith, we would knock on her door, find her, and everything would be perfect. So we went, bought her a doughnut and knocked on her door.  Nothing.  So we knocked on all her neighbor's doors.  Nothing.  So we went outside and talked to everyone...no luck. Although Sister Hunt got in a pretty intense conversation with some Jehovah's Witnesses... Finally we set up one appointment with a less-active and then ate dinner.  After dinner, the elders called and said that the less-active had called the elders and cancelled our appointment.  So we had nothing.  So we decided to try Natasha's door one more time.  No luck, the guard lady wouldn't even let us up the stairs.  So as we are leaving, we decided to give her one more phone call.  And SHE ANSWERED! and wanted to meet! 

It turned out that she had been sick and hadn't realized that her phone had been off. But she was still on for baptism.  And everything went good for it to happen! She had steller interviews, her testimony was sure!  It was great!

our investigator when we set the date

 trying to get the door to the branch unlocked...it is tricky!

 

One random bonus of the event was that Natasha got baptized in the Black Sea- hence Blacktism! We had a baptism on the beach.  And although it was a little unusual (read--clothing optional beach, Natasha invited us to stay for a beach party including a beach ball), we found a place where we were mostly alone and had a really sweet service.  The spirit was strong and she was literally glowing when she came up from the water.

  

postly baptism hug :) (my fav) :) 

Here are some pictures from our baptism service on Saturday! It was a great service.  It was beautiful, on the beach and the spirit was strong!

The whole experience taught me a lot about having faith in the Lord's time. He has a time and he has a plan.  And it is different then our time and our plan.  But it will always work out.  Always! It is crazy because our goal at the beginning of the transfer was a baptism in the black sea! And it really happened! :) It was so great and the highlight of the week!

But for every good thing, there has to be a bad thing.  Mine came in the form of servere food posioning. It was really sad because it was so bad I couldn't leave the apartment yesterday and we missed the confermation.  But we heard it was great. And in case you were wondering, I feel much better today, just a little tired.

 my music poster

dancers at the park (every weekend)

Also, this week is transfers! We are sad because Sister Busch is leaving but Sister Hunt and I are staying together! And Sister Leavitt from our zone is coming to us! We did exchanges with her earlier this transfer so we are super excited! :)

 CHOCOLATE :) hard choices :)

 

The food is good.  I really like it actually.  I haven't had anything I haven't liked yet

The members feed us but not very often.  Sometimes just snacks.  I think tonight we will get fed so that is exciting!  We usually have really good food with members. :)

I use my exercise book all the time! I'm so glad I have it.  It is the best thing!

Sister Hunt doesn't like to run, or workout at all haha so no running right now...I use my book!

Trying to take LOTS of pictures!  Will work on getting more with the members!

Pdays are busy shopping emailing, cleaning, doing laundry, studying,trying to do something culture in there too!

I love my companions. Being with them is so fun! We have way to much fun! I can't think of a day in the last 2 weeks where we haven't been laughing so hard that we can't breathe.  Sometimes we get frustrated but we get over it quickly. I am so lucky! BUT also, I LOVE sister Leavitt. I can't wait to work with her! She is absolutely great! :) Sister Busch is awesome! I can't believe that she goes home next transfer. We joke about her being married before we get home! hehehe

The branch presidents and Rs presidents are awesome.  I especially love the Branch President in Suvorskey and the RS president in both.  They are so sweet and helpful.  The BP in Suvorskey knows English, which is awesome:)

Sacrament meetings are similar from what I understand.Which is not much :)

Yes! Cute babies everywhere and there are always mom's out with strollers pushing their babies!

Shwarma, one of my favorite things, also gave me food poisoning but oh well.  They eat it at the end of the Avengers...blew my mind when I found that out! :) hahah watch it!

Shwarma and mail...what could get better :)

 Here are some pictures from our baptism service on Saturday! It was a great service.  It was beautiful, on the beach and the spirit was strong!

 Here are some pictures from our baptism service on Saturday! It was a great service.  It was beautiful, on the beach and the spirit was strong!

our apartment

 city life

view from a less actives window = pretty!

This week we set really high goals so we are excited to work to accomplish them! It is going to be a busy week! But an awesome week!  We have been recieving so many referrals from members in the ward, thanks to the misisonary broadcast, they are so excited to help us! :)

I love you all! Choose the Right! Share the gospel! Pray for us to find new investigators!

love,

Sister Ford