Throughout the week we worked out all of the logistics as to who would baptize and confirm Vanthan and who would give the prayers and talks. We tried our best to find people nearby who could speak Cambodian (Khmer). We found a family from Sterling who volunteered to do most of the program but once Friday came around things fell through. Luckily we found people to step in last minute! We even got the program with the Khmer translations! It was quite the ride. :) It was so special to have all of the talks and ordinances performed in her language.
Her baptism on Saturday was the most amazing experience. Sister Goodwin and I went early to the church to set everything up. It was a pretty dark and rainy day but there was so much joy and light in the church that day. While setting up I had a funny/embarrassing moment. I was moving some tables and accidentally dropped one on my foot! MAN that hurt, but I just sat and laughed on the floor -- of course this would happen minutes before Vanthan showed up. I was completely fine after icing it for a little while. I just have a nice bruise now.
When Vanthan got there she had the biggest smile! She was THRILLED. She quickly got changed into her white clothes and couldn't stop smiling. We took some pictures and prepared for the program. Many people from Cambodia were able to come from different nearby cities! It was great to see Vanthan being able to socialize and feel support in that way.
As far as the program goes, we had someone from Cambodia give an opening prayer and another give a talk. Sidony (Vanthan's daughter who is a returning member) gave a talk as well. Her talk was the sweetest thing. Although we could not understand what she said, the Spirit filled the room so powerfully. Many eyes were wet in the room. It was incredible to see the change in Sidony - when I first met her she wouldn't even accept the invitation to say a prayer in the lesson. She is now very willing to participate in things and can never stop smiling.
A man from the Manassas 2nd Ward was able to come baptize and confirm Vanthan in Khmer. He is actually from Utah but served his mission in Cambodia! Your mission never ends after being released :) One of the most powerful moments was when he confirmed her a member of the church and gave her the gift of the Holy Ghost. I could tell that the Spirit was working through him to help him know what to say. Khmer is definitely not an easy language. As he spoke I had the strongest feeling of how much God loved Vanthan and the many blessings he had in store for her. How incredible!
I am so so grateful to have been able to be a part of Vanthan's baptism. It has been amazing not only to see her conversion but also her daughter Sidony's. So much happiness!!!
As far as the rest of the week goes.. I'll just give a quick run down.
Last Monday we had a nice relaxing time with some Cold Stone ice cream and then walked around one of the nearby battlefields (Balls Bluff). We were lucky to have such a beautiful day! (Today was awesome too!!) The rest of the week it misted rain nonstop.
On Thursday morning we had a great lesson with one of our investigators who's husband is a less active. She didn't come to church yesterday but we high hopes for them in the near future! Our lesson went very smoothly and we were able to answer a lot of her questions. The Spirit really helps us teach - it's incredible!
A MAJOR MIRACLE came to us yesterday at church! One of the members came up to us after all the meetings and said that their friend Ashira wanted to get baptized!! Ashira is about 12 years old and has been attending a lot of young women's activities with a friend in our ward for a couple months now. Today was her first time going to church. When I asked why she wanted to get baptized she told me that she had been baptized Catholic but she didn't know there was more. Wow! Sister Goodwin and I are so thrilled to start teaching her and hopefully her mom!
TODAY we went to the National Zoo in D.C. with a lot of awesome Sisters! I got to be with my MTC companion Sister Malufau. (They surprised me!) I love and miss her so much! It was the perfect last trip to D.C. Seeing all the animals was so much fun too! My favorites were probably the cheetah, elephants, and the peacock that we basically touched!
Our area continues to flourish and the miracles seem to never cease. I love even the small miracles of meeting super kind and open people while tracting. On Saturday we only had 15 minutes left in the night and I had a goal to pass out two copies of the Book of Mormon that day. The only two doors that answered accepted copies!! Things like that make me so happy. :)
God loves us and knows our goals and desires! He will always provide a way when we act and have faith.
I love you all so much! I can't believe how fast time is ticking. I wish you all the best this week!
Love,
Sister Winterton
Pictures:
1. Vanthan! 💗
2. Us, Vanthan, Sidony, Siodny's husband Hardy
3. Last Preparation Day at the battlefield!
4. Today at the Zoo!!
5. When I dropped the heavy table on my foot :P
6. Sister Malufau and I :)
7. The peacock at the zoo! Yes, we got that close!
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