It was a great week!

It was a great week as a missionary!

We had the opportunity to go to a Nigerian party this week. We have a gentleman in one of our wards who is from Nigeria. He goes to a aeronautics school in Prescott. Apparently there are quite a few individuals in his same situation. He invites us to his home for what he claimed was going to be a small birthday get together. We went. This apartment was full of people! We met 35 different individuals, and more kept coming! It was really fun though because we were the only people there not from Nigeria. The accents and stories were fun to hear. He invited us to try to proselyte to his friends. We did our best. We had no initial success, but hopefully something will come of it eventually.

If you recall my last email, I mentioned that my mission was going to receive a visit from Elder Holland. Well his plane got delayed 3 times, and we didn't get to meet or hear from him. This wasn't all bad though because we still got to meet and hear from Elder Lynn G. Robbins! He spoke to us on the importance of gospel truths. He taught us of the importance that repentance plays in the life of the oppressor, while forgiveness places the same role of utilizing the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the life of the victim. This was great because it applied directly to one of our investigators. Plus it's always great to learn and have the Spirit bare witness of the truth of messages to me.

This week I had a really great opportunity that I wasn't expecting. I got to bless a baby in sacrament meeting this past Sunday. Our recent convert, Beth Ann, who I got to baptize asked if she could get her baby blessed after seeing another baby get blessed. We informed her that she definitely could. Her baby is 11 months old and adorable. She then asked if I would be willing to do it. It was incredible. The eternal perspective that comes is amazing. I've never given a blessing with so much of the future in mind. The Spirit was so strong. I was able to think so clearly exactly what I needed to say. I know that Priesthood blessings come from and are directed by God.

Ethan and Damon are still ready to go for their baptism this Saturday! We are so excited!! It's so great to see how this has all worked out. Their mom was excited about it and has invited all her family. This is incredible because so often in missionary work it doesn't happen that way. God has touched and blessed this situation so much. John, our recent convert and the boy's father, has been helping us teach them. It's so great to hear his testimony and excitement going forward to be able to baptize his children.

This week I have been sharing with many people President Monson's conference address entitled "Choices". This is my favorite paragraph from that address, "As we contemplate the decisions we make in our lives each day--whether to make this choice or that choice--if we choose Christ, we will have made the correct choice." It's so important that we follow the Saviors example to the best of our ability. As we do so, we will be blessed beyond our comprehension.

I love you all! Have a dandy week!

-Elder Toph Tribe