So every week, we write down number goals of how many lessons we want to have, how many investigators we hope will make it to church, etc. We always put that we will miraculously have one baptism and one confirmation, even if we don't have any plans for either. Someone will jump in the font. We don't take that number seriously if we don't have plans for it, but writing it is an act of faith or something.
Anyway, we did have a baptism planned for the week, but technically it didn't count. If an 8 year old has at least one parent who is already a member, it is not considered a convert baptism. It is considered a normal, 8 year old baptism where missionaries are not involved and the kid has been (and will continue to be taught by) their parents.
We were planning on having one of those baptisms. The dad was baptized about a month ago. This super cute kid had already his interview with the bishop a week ahead of time, standard procedure. Members of the ward were in charge of making the program, bringing refreshments, everything. On Thursday we said "This is the most chill, least stressful baptism ever! All we have to do is show up!" We were pretty excited.
In a meeting on Sunday morning, the Bishop asked "So, is this a convert baptism?" We said "No, you interviewed him. Converts need an interview with our district leader."
He said "Well, is his father his legal guardian now?"
We said "Um, not yet..."
"So it is a convert baptism."
"Well, we need to go make a few calls now."
So we called up our district leader, he and his companion came and interviewed this kid during sacrament meeting. We got the ok to baptize him.
A few hours later, we checked on the water in the font. It had been running but wouldn't fill up fast enough. We turned the water higher. But I accidentally turned the hot water part off. Oops.
Besides the freezing water and late start to the baptism as we waited for the water, it went well.
Talking to some other missionaries later that afternoon, they said "You can't have a baptismal interview and the actually baptism on the same day. They have to be 8 days apart, unless you get permission from President beforehand."
So we freaked out for the rest of the day, thinking that President was going to say the it wasn't valid and that we would have to do the whole thing over again (although maybe with warm water the second time). He finally called us back around 9:00 and told us that we were forgiven. Actually he laughed at us first and said "Congratulations", then forgave us.
And that's how we had an illegal miracle baptism.
In other news, sunshine and thunderstorms are predicted to continue here in Dallas. We ate ice cream for my 9 month mark last week. We have meet some pretty cool new people. One girl requested a Book of Mormon delivered to her because she saw a scene in her drama class or something based on the Book of Mormon play. That was interesting. We didn't have the chance to talk with her much, but she wants to learn more, so that is cool.
I think that is about it. I have been thinking a lot about obedience lately. Sometimes I try to figure if I do things because I know I should, or because leaders want me to, or because I want to set a good example, or many other things. Lately, I do things because I do them. I study at 8:00 in the morning because that is the time for studying. I teach because I am a missionary and missionaries teach. When obedience becomes who you are, that is when things seem to flow the best. On harder days, the promise of blessings sometimes keeps me going when I don't feel like doing much. I know that we do receive many blessings every day. I think I am happier when I am obedient naturally, if that makes sense. It takes a bit of work to get my focus in line with the Lord's, but it is great. I would highly recommend it.
Have a good week!
Love,
Hermana Pace