First Baptism!!!

This is Kayla's new companion Sorella Smith, but she has been with her for a while, I just haven't posted a picture of her yet. They are working together really well and have had their first baptism! Meet Carmen. I will post some of Kayla's thoughts of this day, they are pretty entertaining and they really say it all:

THE SICILIAN BAPTISM!
Carmen (she's from Sicily) was incredible. She took the baptism gown home and sewed on beads because the white dress was too plain and not "her" enough. So she fixed it the way she wanted it! She was just beaming and a lot of ward members came, except the Bishop. I was so stressed! I mean he was supposed to give the talk, he had the keys to open up the font, the font water was green because they didnt run the pipes long enough before filling it (long time since this ward has had a baptism) and while it started at 6, it didnt really start until nearly 6:30 because people were late. I was dying/still really happy. We managed to find one key that opened one side of the font, the water got drained a little so it didnt seem too bad and Fratello Fiorenza came to fill in for Bishop and gave a talk. Carmen didnt even notice she was so happy and the Relief Society President was AMAZING! She calmed us down, helped us out and her Presidency was just as amazing. They were so sweet with Carmen and really, everything worked out fine. Slla Smith and I ended up speaking as well because those who were asked to speak said they couldnt (most everyone is out of town on vacation. Its normal to take 2 months or more for vacation). But in the end everything really was ok. Our Ward Mission Leader was so sweet and he made the most beautiful programs! He even made Slla Smith and I our own colored copy and a thick nice one for Carmen. He is so humble and so hard working. I just love our ward!

So the week was crazy!! But when Carmen recieved the gift of the Holy Ghost it was incredible! She has the light with her She is so much happier and I thought to myself, wow, she is a perfect person right now! I just love her and am so happy to know her? She is so funny with me too! She keeps telling me, Sono la tua madre qui, la tua mamma Italiana! Which is Im your mom here, your italian mom! She fixed my shirt one time and asks how we eat, etc. Shes so sweet! She said something really sweet the night after she was baptised. She called our phone and she sounded a little sad and I thought, oh no! What is it? But she said, I just needed to tell you that I needed you and slla Glass, but I say you both but I really needed you. As in me! She said, I dont know what else to say but God bless you. I cried! She is so amazing and I dont think she needed me at all, but to hear that was pretty incredible. She gives me hope that there are other people out there and every no brings me closer to finding another Carmen. My mission was worth it after that phone call. You know, I left for my mission thinking I was going to "pay back" Heavenly Father for some of my mistakes, but it turns out He keeps giving me more than I ever could repay. I am indebted to Him forever.

"Warm Blanket"

Kayla has started sending a fun little commentary about her scripture study, I hope you enjoy them! It's call Warm Blanket:

"Ed io suppongo ch'essi sono venuti fin qui per udire la piacevole parola did Dio, si, la parola che guarisce l'anima ferita" Jacob 2:8.

Alright, so this is the first edition of Warm Blanket! My findings in the scriptures for this week and how the scriptures really are a comfort for us, just like a warm blanket on a cold night.

This edition is thanks to Preach my Gospel! I did an excerise on p. 63 and really found some amazing insights to repentance. Repentance = Joy
Basically what I did was chose one scripture under each black heading in the blue box and studied it out.
Romans 3:23: We are all sinners and by ourselves we all fall short of Gods glory. We cant make it on our own.
D&C 58:42-43: the Lord forgets our sins completely when we repent. we remember them to help us learn and to keep us humble and remember always how merciful He is. The trick is to not do the sin again or especially dwell on them. He has forgot them and we are clean. Its kind of like what my mom always said, "take it as an experience and move on".
Helaman 5:10-11: repenting activates the Atonement. When we choose to repent and DO IT, then Jesus works to free us. The Atonement is already done, but He helps us in the process. He knows how hard it us for us because He ALREADY suffered for what we are currently going through. Here is an analogy that I thought of... the Savior is like an 2010 Astin Martin that is perfect. We have to get somewhere and we have the keys and are standing there next to the car. All we have to do is climb in, and start the engine. We have to ACT. Thats it, then we can go! The car is ready to go and will take us where we need to go, its us that has to ACT. If not, that amazing 2010 Astin Martin just sits there and we go no where.
Alma 12:32-35: This one I learned a lot from! Vs. 32, God gave the commandment AFTER teaching the doctrine of the Plan of Redemption. The people had an understanding before He gave the invite (commandment). Vs 33, God called men in the name of His son. This could be prophets, apostles, missionaries or anyone who "takes upon him the name of His Son" like baptism. Aka all of us. He told them that if they repented and hardened not their hearts they would have mercy.
Vs. 34 He repeats vs. 33 in more simple terms and words it differently so there is no room for error or confusion. Vs. 35 a warning for if we dont obey. There is a consequence for everything and He lets us know what the consequences for the commandments He has given.

Well, these are just my findings, my opinions and what Im learning. The great thing is that each of us can read these exact same scriptures and learn something completely new for ourselves to help US! The scriptures are amazing!