Elder Hemmert's Mission in Cavite, Philippines: The Miracle of COLD TURKEY (For Thanksgiving Week)

Hello po,

I have two big Highlights:

1. First off, a kid went PEE IN MY SHOE, that's right! We were teaching an old lady, and her 3 year old grandson was crazy! He was screaming and yelling during our lesson, and he even threw food at us! then to top it off, he ran to the front steps, pulled down his pants all the way to his ankles and proceeded to fill both my shoes with his pee!!! I started busting out laughing! The lesson was a total disaster, but I got a really REALLY GOOD LAUGH out of it!! Oh, and yes, I had to wear those shoes the rest of the day!!

2. THE GARCIA FAMILY

The Garcia family consists of 9 people. They live in a small shack that they built themselves. The father and 14 year old son work in construction. Each night they sleep on wood pallets. But, all in all, they have some of the biggest smiles I've ever seen! They have been taking lessons from missionaries since July, and the mother along with 5 children were preparing for baptism on October 13. The father was not going to be baptized with his family because he was alcoholic and addicted to cigarettes. He spent much of his time and money on those harmful substances, and he was never able to stop even when he tried. Even though the father wouldn't be baptized, the rest of the family prepared for baptism. One week before their baptism, the father and mother got married on October 9th; however, that night the mother passed away from a heart attack. It was devastating! The family was extremely hurt as were we. They were such a happy and beautiful family. But, something amazing happened because of her passing. The father felt a desire to turn his life around and he dropped alcohol and cigarettes completely. He went COLD TURKEY! He decided he would prepare for baptism with his family, and that way his family could be more united and live together forever. We taught their family and moved their baptism date. Finally, the Garcia family, after so many hardships, was baptized this past saturday, November 24, as a family. It was so precious! They said they could feel their mother/wife smiling on their decision to be baptized and confirmed as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was filled with joy for their family, because I know that they can now live with their family forever and be able to be with their mother again. I know that only through Faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by someone holding the priesthood authority of God, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end can we obtain eternal life as families. I am so happy for the Garcia Family! They are such a special family!