Fresh Starts and New Beginnings!


What a special day for these two friends.  We were sitting at the kitchen table with Carlos, Elder Phelps and Elder Brolim in Carlos' home, when Carlos (right), called to ask his friend Paulo if he would be willing to baptize him on Saturday.  There was a pause.  Then we heard Carlos repeat that yes, he really was getting baptized.  And yes, he wanted Paulo to baptize him. Paulo had first introduced his friend to the Church of Jesus Christ many years ago.  On Saturday, Paulo said, "This was the first time that I have baptized someone."  New beginnings for both. Paulo's wife, Patricia, gave the opening prayer at the baptism. It meant alot for her to see her husband participating in this important ordinance. When I asked if she was going to be baptized next, she smiled, gave me a hug, and said, 'Maybe!'  

It was such  sweet day.

     

After the Baptism, as they prepared to leave, Paulo (right) is still holding Carlos' Baptism program. Carlos needed to get to work. He worked through the night as a security guard, but was at the door when we got to church Sunday morning.  He was ready for the second half of his baptism and had asked grandpa to confirm him. 

                

 

Many in the branch came to the baptism of their friend, Carlos. Paulo's wife, Patricia (right, front) 
is the one with the broken arm.  She gets the last bandage off in 2 weeks!


We were talking about the importance of baptism and Elder Phelps showed his 8 year old baptism photo.  Just a great time to be with such good people.  

OK, so speaking of: we have been visiting a sister in the branch that has not been to church for a while  But, she came to the baptism!  We were so happy to see her there.  


Then a huge surprise!  There was Wilker standing there.  He was just as surprised to see us!  He 'just happened' to be visiting this island where he served his mission 9 years ago.  Grandpa helped him fill out his mission papers on the Island of Fogo when we served in Cape Verde.  Wilker was the one who had baptised the sister that came to church!  We visited with Wilker afterwards, and gave him a Book of Mormon.  Sometimes, we all need fresh starts and new beginnings.  

We Love you and pray fervently for you. We trust you to be happy and to be kind, 
both easier to do when we are reading our scriptures and conference talks.   
love, Grandpa & Grandma

PS
 A fun story about  Etson Wilker and his cousin Paulino (now in the Fogo Stake Presidency)  preparing for their mission paperwork.  It is on our family blog for the Cape Verde mission. capeverdessays.blogspot.com        (go to 2012 and to April).   

Or even easier:  copy and paste this link if you have a moment:

http://capeverdessays.blogspot.com/2012/04/etson-e-paulino-mission-papers.html

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