Bishop: "did you fill the font for this evening?" Us: "........" - the weekly email

So this last weekend we had another baptism. Of the four baptismal services we've had this transfer, not once have we forgotten to fill the font, except this one. We got a call from Bishop about two hours before the service was supposed to start asking if we'd filled the font, so we booked it over to the chapel and started the water. It normally takes about four hours to completely fill the font, and we had about two and a half thanks to the program before the actual ordinance. Elder Estall and I had been asked to give the talks, so we both agreed to try and stretch out as much as we could. Gotta love companionship unity. In the end, the font was maybe only 2/3 full, but luckily Jil is pretty short, so it still went OK. It was a great baptism, and we had a great turn out from the ward and a number of nonmembers there who the ward had brought or were part of Jil's family. It was a very spiritual service, and was very enjoyable. 

Jil marks a total of 8 baptisms in the last transfer that we've had here in Mont Dore. The average Elder in New Caledonia can expect to baptize about 4 people throughout his whole mission, so that gives you an indication of how fast the work moves here in Mont Dore, and it's all thanks to the members. I would encourage all of you to try and share the gospel with your friends, family, and co-workers. We've seen investigators come from all three of those channels, and it doesn't have to be hard, just talk about your callings, or mention something about the last sacrament meeting or Sunday School lesson that you liked when asked about your weekend, just talking about the Gospel naturally will open doors for questions or discussions on religion where you can share your testimony. And the missionaries are greatly helped when the members find people for us who are ready to be taught.

Also, forgot to mention, transfers were announced last Saturday. Elder Estall and I will be staying here in Mont Dore until the 19th of June, which is great because the marriage one of our investigators, Annie, is scheduled for the 17th of June. We're pretty happy about that. 

Finally, I got to Skype home on Monday (Monday 8 AM here is Sunday 3 PM back in Utah, how crazy is that?)  It was fantastic to see my family again, even if they did show me their copy of Star Wars 7. I love my family though, and huge shout out to my Mom for everything she does for me. She has been a rock solid example in the Gospel for as long as I can remember, and she's taught me so much. Love you Mom! 

Hope all is good back home, summer is fast approaching and I hope it's great!

See you soon, 

Elder Miner

Jil's baptism. The other guy in the photo is her boyfriend who was baptized a couple years ago. He's the one who baptized her, and he's also working towards serving a mission soon.

Soeur Gauthier's last day here...

Another beautiful view from the chapel.