How Sweet The Sound

Well this week has been fun! Lots of miracles! It seems as if this week has been a dream almost. It's hard to remember what all happened because we spent so much time driving. That is one of the problems serving in the El Dorado Zone. But its worth it because of all the beauty here. 

So Bella is now getting baptized on the 20th of May at 6pm! We moved it back a week because her brother, who is the one baptizing her will be out of town on the 13th. But it will all still work out. She is making so much progress towards her baptism and we are proud of her. What is even more amazing is that her brother who is baptizing her has been going through his own struggles as well and he has been meeting with the Bishop. He is finally ready to baptize her. It is a miracle to see the progression that both of them have made. It will be a special day.

Another miracle we had this week was when we went to go meet with one of our recent converts last night. Her son was there and we started talking to him. We knew that in the past he said he was not interested in religion at all and didn't really care about it. But this time when we started talking to him he said that he had never been baptized, but recently he had been starting to feel the desire. He said there was some stuff he had done in the past that had been weighing on his mind and he wanted to get rid of. We were so excited when we heard that because it brought to mind the scripture in Alma 32:6 

"And now when Alma heard this, he turned him about, his face immediately towards him, and he beheld with great joy; for he beheld that their afflictions had truly humbled them, and that they were in a preparation to hear the word."

He had been humbled by his past transgressions and was now in preparation to hear the word of the Lord. Elder Anderson and I had great joy as we heard him say this. We are excited to now be teaching him and looking forward to his baptism. 

A cool experience we had this week was being able to talk to the seminary class in our stake. The seminary teacher is in our ward and she heard Elder Anderson and I's stories about how and why we chose to serve a mission and so she asked us to come speak to her class last week. We spoke to all the freshman and sophomores in the stake and it was such a great experience to once again go over why we chose to serve missions and the blessings it has brought to our lives. Each time I remember what the Lord has done for me and how he has brought me back to his fold, it feels me with indescribable joy, gratitude, and humility. It always brings to mind the wonderful lyrics of the song "Amazing Grace"

"Amazing grace how sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now I'm found.

Was blind but now I see."

Love, 

Elder Hallmark




 Here is a picture my bishop in one of my previous wards posted on facebook. I thought you might all enjoy it.