(There are many pictures of Nathan on Facebook that were taken by members in his last area. Search for Elder Nathan Toombs to see those pictures.)
Hi everybody!
This week we had transfers... I am leaving Leticia. I have
grown to love the place, the branch, and the people so much. I feel like it has
been an area where I have really been able to progress and help it to progress.
I will be going to Tintal! My first area! It is so crazy, as I was on the
airplane today I was just mixed with emotions. But I will go where the Lord
wants me to go, and when he wants me to go as well.
Last Tuesday, after the district meeting, we had an
intercambio, I went with Elder R to his area. It was great to spend some
time with him before he went home (He finishes his mission tomorrow!). We
talked and wrestled and really learned a lot from one another; I will miss him
a ton.
Wednesday night, as we were getting ready to do divisions
with President A to do the interviews with the A Family, he
wasn't answering his phone, so we waited and waited and then it was already
almost 8 when he called. He didn't want to do the interviews that night, but it
was the only way that we were going to be able to help them reach their goal.
So I just grabbed on to the back of his motorcycle and we went super fast out
to the Kilometros, to the super-far-away A house! So the situation with
their family is that the mom and dad, L and L, need to get married
before they can get baptized, but the uncle and the kids were all ready, so
with the support of the Leticia branch, they were able to get prepared for
their baptism.
And Friday they got baptized! It was an incredible experience;
J shared a message about the Holy Ghost, then we did a little missionary
choir, and got on to the baptisms! Each one of the missionaries was able to
perform a baptism, and our Branch Mission Leader as well. They were so happy,
and a ton of the branch was able to show up and watch. The most amazing part
was when they shared their testimonies at the end. The youngest that got
baptized, B, is 8 years old, and shared a testimony that left many with
tears in their eyes. Even the parents testified, and I could feel the Spirit so
strongly as they shared the change that they had been able to feel as they
accepted and lived the Gospel.
Yesterday, Elder R, Elder S and I had to say
goodbye to everyone. It was tough; being so far away from the rest of the
church and mission caused us to have strong bonds of friendship. I gave away a
bunch of ties haha. The A family was also confirmed; It was great, and
afterward, the brother that confirmed B could feel something so special
in her. I feel so privileged to have been able help find, teach, and baptize
this family. I know that they are a family that will truly get to the temple
and to the Celestial Kingdom. I have learned that even the small and simple
testimony of a well-raised 8 year old girl can change lives, and it has change
mine. Because of them, my testimony of the Restored Church of Jesus Christ has
been fortalized and increased; I know that His Gospel has been restored again.
This morning we finished saying goodbye by playing micro
soccer with some YSA and some Brazilians! I had go to Brazil once more to get a notebook that a
family had for me, then we got showered and changed and hopped on the airplane
(The last ones to get on!) I will always remember the people and the experiences
that I have had here in Leticia.
So tomorrow I will be in my first area to start my last
transfer of the mission. It is too weird for me, but like I said, I know that I
need to be there now. I will talk to you all nest week!
Love,
Elder Toombs
