Blessing & Baptism - Saturday, March, 13, 2010

Yeah!! We had a sleep-in day -- but only until 7:30. We were really awake at 7:00, but tried to force a few more winks.

The only thing on our agenda today was to go to the fruit market and to a baptism tonight, so we took our time getting ready for the day. We read scriptures in Helaman and listened to the last 15 minutes of The Undaunted. We enjoyed the book so much and looked forward to spending a few minutes each morning following the story. We liked adding that to our routine each day, so we are looking for another book to read/listen to. Grandma Kroff was an avid reader and Rich remembers her telling him that he needed to read Fire of the Covenant. It is a story about the Martin Handcart Company. Since we are into pioneers now, we may as well continue. However, their struggles are so emotional that I don't know if we can handle more.

Later in the morning, Rich received a call from President Argyle asking for a blessing of health. He really takes care of himself by exercising every morning, drinking two liters of water or more each day, eating properly, etc. He is a good example for the missionaries. But this morning he said he finally came "to the end of his rope." He aches all over and feels horrible, but he has a busy weekend of a baptism to attend and messages to deliver at three Stake Conference sessions. He needs to be able to get through the weekend. So he asked if Rich could bring Elder Peterson, or one of the elders, with him to give him a blessing. Rich wanted me to go with them, so I dressed up too and we picked up Elder Peterson at 11:30 and went to the mission home.

I thought that maybe the President would be in some lounging clothes, but he was in his suit ready to walk out the door when the blessing was over. I think he had been in bed all morning. Rich not only gave him a blessing of health, but sought help from above to sustain him in these last few months of his mission as he completes his work as president and makes a smooth transition to new leadership. Both were moved to tears as the prayer ended.

We were prepared to leave the car with the President and take the train back, but he said he had time to take us back in the car on his way to the baptism. Rich drove the 15 minute ride to San Fernando, and we were hoping the President would be able to continue on his own from there. He is a good man!

While we were out and about and fairly close to the fruit market that we like, we decided to continue on to do our shopping without going back for our pull cart. We could each carry a couple of bags and we would be fine. I was afraid that if we went back home, that we may not want to leave again.

After cleaning up the apartment, reading and answering emails, and taking a short nap, it was time to get ready for the baptism. The elders have been teaching an older woman and Rich has been accompanying them. She is finally ready to take the step and she has asked that Elder Kroff baptize her. The elders said she really likes Elder Kroff. She can probably relate to him better because she is more his age.

Elder Kroff and Mercedes Cecilia Leguizamón pose for pre-baptism picture. After she came out of the water, she was overcome with emotion and cryed with her head on Elder Kroff's shoulder. It was tender.

Elders Peterson, Coria, Kroff, and Hales are happy to see Mercedes become a member of the church.

A few branch members who attended her baptism

While Elder Kroff and Mercedes were dressing, the young elders favored us with a hymn. They sounded pretty good. Then all the sisters in the room stood up front to sing a hymn, The Lord is My Light. I was summoned to come up and join them. They depended on me to keep them on pitch. Most Argentines have a hard time when it comes to singing. I must have done okay because several thanked me for my contribution.

We got home around 8:00 and I got started right away on this entry. I want to go to bed at a more reasonable hour as I think I am coming down with my usual bronchial condition. It always starts out with a scratchy throat, and that I have had today.

President Argyle just called to report on his day. He told Rich that he (Rich) had probably seen a lot of miracles in his lifetime, and he can add this one to the list. He said he could barely get out of bed this morning, but he put his suit on, had a blessing, and went out in faith. He said he got stronger as the day went on and was able to accomplish all he set out to do. He thanked him for his faith and the blessing. A tender mercy for sure.