Well, she did it!

This is part of my letter to Rick this week---

Dear Elder McGuire,

I have never been to a sweeter baptism in my life.  The spirit hit me so powerfully from literally the moment I stepped into that room.  I wept through the whole thing. I have so many stories to tell!  

We had arranged to pick Sarah up at her dorm on Friday night and go out to dinner.  We went to PF Changs.  She had never been there before and was so delighted with how good everything was and how fancy everything was presented.  During our wait for a table she noticed the sister missionaries there.  What a coincidence!  It was fun to meet them. 

Sister Ah Sue (from Hawaii) told us how receptive she is with learning how prayer works and recognizing a prompting.  This week she had lots of tests and one day was prompted to take some extra batteries with her.  She did and sure enough, someone at the test was asking if anyone had brought batteries.  Sarah was the only one who had some so she gave them to him.  

No one knew who we were so I introduced ourselves as "Sarah dated our son in High School".  I told Sis. Ah Sue that it was sincerely an act of faith for Rick to leave on his mission and leave Sarah up to the Lord.  I could tell that struck a personal chord with her....the courage to come on a mission and leave the rest up to the Lord.  She then told me how they had no one in their appointment book, but had been promised that there would be many people for them to teach who had been prepared to receive the gospel.  In walks Miss Azarh to enroll in a Book of Mormon class.  You bet the missionaries were all over that.  Sister Ah Sue said it was funny to begin inviting people to Sarah's baptism.  Everyone kept saying, "Sarah who?"  "Sarah Azarh."  "Oh!  She's not a member?"  They wrote us the sweetest note that included the scripture Alma 13:24-- 

 24 For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

They thanked us, and I would include you Rick, for being those angels.  Count this as your first baptism.

I have never wanted to take a picture/video so badly in my life.  If I could've bottled up the nerve she showed to get up in front of everyone, walk through that door and into the font it would've moved a mountain.  I have seen your Dad overcome with emotion only a handful of times in my life.  This was one of those moments.  So much courage and determination.  We take so much for granted when we think of doing hard things and knowing that we will have the family support to back it up.  It was truly amazing to watch.  When she bore her testimony she was as calm and confident as I have ever seen her....more tears =) I was so proud of her.


comic relief-----You know how Dad hesitates to state his opinion because I have usually already decided what I want us to do? Early on in my weeping fest I knew the tears weren't going to stop any time soon and I was feeling awkward and wondering where we should sit.  Dad had already calmly led us to the third row.  Sarah was perfectly fine in the front row with the sister missionaries and she kept turning around to check on me.  I kept assuring her with a smile or a thumbs up that I was ok, but still, I'm sure I didn't help her nerves any.  In exasperation Dad said," We are just fine right here",  to which I replied, "We're not a family"  (because we're not sitting on the front row right by Sarah). He has the patience of Job.  Alyssa is sending pictures.  They will make your day.



Rick's response:

HURRAH FOR ISRAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I fasted so hard on Thursday. It was rough because we were having district meeting and Sister Gordon and Elder Gordon (sweetest senior couple) made a huge lunch that I had to pass up. But I knew that I could do it. I knelt down to say my prayers on Saturday night and just cried I was so happy. God is so real and he loves all of us. I'm just lost for words right now, but I couldn't be happier. Thank you thank you thank you thank you for being there for Sarah. That means a lot to me and I know that she really appreciates your support. The Gospel blesses lives, it's as simple as that. The last three verses of Matthew 11 are so beautiful (as is Sarah ;) ). I know that this Church is True!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matthew 11:28-30

 28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek andlowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light