The big news of the week is Alma Claudio and Shaniqua Harris got baptized. We have been working with them ever since we got here. The baptism was so wonderful. Alma had 30 people there to see it happen. She is the only member and all but her brother came from New Jersey to see it. I hope she will have a lot of influence on her family. They all just love her to pieces. She is the main force in all of the family.
They both took their time in making the decision. The meeting was so spiritual, Dad, I and the branch Pres. talked. Both Shaniqua and Alma bore their testimonies and did such an awesome job. We were so proud of them. The missionaries sang and the spirit was so strong. I hope they will remember it always. We gave them a journal (thanks for the idea Alisa) and told them to go home and write how they felt during the baptism and especially the testimony meeting afterwards. Those feeling we can forget so fast. I hope they remember the Spirit that was so strong. Alma was crying so hard she could hardly talk. The missionaries are so neat. Every time I'm around them I think of Taylor, Addison and Harrison. These converts certainly love their missionaries, especially when they are females! In our Branch they always confirm them the Sunday after they are baptized, so that will take place next Sun.
Dad is so darling back here, the Linda that was baptized a month ago had the Elders dig her a little pond, (about 3x3 in her back yard). Dad went out today and got her 8 Goldfish to put in the pond. He just loves to do some little thing for people. It has to be what he thinks of and in the way he wants to do it.
We have been teaching a young mother (Marsadies). Several years ago she was baptized. She has a boy 9 and wants to get him baptized and her back in the church. She is expecting a baby boy in June. As we have said before, there is never any fathers in the homes, so we just thought that was the norm. Anyway, yesterday at church she cane up and asked me if the branch Pres. could marry her before the baby comes. I went and talked to Pres. Burno and he said he could as long as it was on a Sat. because he works nights during the week. I came home and called Marsadies and come to find out she needs to get married at the prison. That is where her boyfriend is. We are trying to work through the Stake Pres. and see who can go there and marry them. I hope it works out for her. I'm always amazed at these people's baggage, actually they think it is pretty normal. Dad and I may be going to the prison again.
The man we went down to court to see being sentenced is getting out this month on the 25th. I sure am glad for his kids. They have been living with his X wife's sister. They are such a handful in church (you can tell they need tons of direction). Sure hope he will give it to them. We have another sister in our branch that was put in jail last Thurs. She got in a fight with another woman. I don't know how long she will be there. They all have no money and the church won't put up money for bail, so there they sit trying to cool off. We may have to go down to her hearing if they call one. She is a sister to the lady that died in March. Their Mom is now raising both sister's kids.
We feel so sorry for so many back here, all of the branch has tons of baggage. You try and help but it doesn't seem to make much difference. My hair dresser, Tammy and her daughter and husband got kicked out of their house. They finally found another place in our branch. You go to help them and they have no car to move with, they couldn't get out their washer so they just left it in the house. Who knows when they can get another one. The branch tries to help what they can. They put up money so they could get into this other house, then they all came to church yesterday in new clothes. I hope the money went for the down payment for two months so they can live now in this house. I never realized I had it so good. We can all be so thankful our husbands provide for us and they are not sitting in jail.
Dad and I realize it is graduation time. I can't believe we won't be with your families to see it. We are so proud of Harrison, Morgan and Christian. We love all of them so much. Please all of you remember we are trying to save souls, but, sure wish them luck and we will be thinking and praying for all three. Please keep us informed on how it all goes!
Dad and I are very happy back here. Every day we wish we could do more and pray that Heavenly Father will direct us to help those we can. Some days we feel like the situation will never change, how must Heavenly Father feel? We love and miss all of you so much. Thank you for keeping us so informed on your lives and all that is going on... We have the best kids in the world! Much, much love, Dad & Mom
This is Shaniqua Harris
This is Alma Claudio, Elder Timmerman by me and Elder Koffard by dad.
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