2/1/21: Going out with a Splash!

 I dont really know how to start this last letter... so I think I will just start it by how I start most of my other letters

What a great week out here in Dinuba!! It was one for the books! We worked every waking moment and wow there was a lot of ups and downs but every second was awesome!!

The main event is definitely Pilars baptism. I cant even describe the change of heart that Pilar has had since I have been here. I have been so blessed to see her prepare for this day and see Heavenly Father slowly teach her about his love for her. Pilar had a lot of insecurity about her choice to be baptized... many members of her family were very against it, she felt a little abandoned by God at times and this week was a roller coaster of emotions for her... and us... as it was manifested in a variety of different ways... but the end result was all worth it. 

Yes. Pilar was baptized in a trough. A literal trough that we heated via BONFIRE. She was baptized surrounded by family, friends, missionaries current and previous who adore her, and several wild pigs that all live on the property of where she was baptized. By Pilars request, we invited her sons- who are both not members of the church, adult with their own familes and once really against her being baptized- to say the opening and closing prayers. We called them over the week and taught them how and then at the baptism when they prayed DANG the spirit was there!! Her son Michael, who just turned 8 but does not need baptism currently  as he has Down Syndrome, also received a blessing and that was a beautiful moment!! 

I know Pilar was very happy and I know that this decision helped her come to better know her savior and father in heaven. She is going to bless the lives of so many!

Well other than that we walked a lot in the rain, ate some really good chocolate covered strawberries, taught some lessons over zoom, made a lot of phone calls, studied the book of mormon with the sisters in Visalia. 

It was a great week!!

It's been a wild ride! My mission meant everything to me. I dont really have words to express how blessed I have been these past 18 months. I am excited for whatever the Lord has planned next!

Much love,

Hermana Allen