Happy Memorial Day!

Fortunat's Baptism

Arlington Trip

Dear Family!

Every week as I type emails out it feels like I was just doing that a day or two ago. These weeks are starting to fly by. As I think I might have mentioned, we had transfers and I will be staying here in Capitol with Elder Chamberlain, thankfully. We are really working hard and he goal would be to end off with him.

This last P-day we had the opportunity to go visit and tour the Arlington Cemetery. Well those of us who finish off within the next 6 months. It was really cool in a few ways, 1. It blows my mind to think that we were here just two years ago on vacation before I left on my mission. 2. Elder Miles (who led the tour) made it funny, entertaining, educational, but most importantly spiritual at the end. There are many things in which we can compare the gospel or missionary work to, but at the end he talked about the similarities between the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and the work. It was nice to have some time with those Elders we came in with to reflect on the last year or two. To end the day we had &Pizza (I only mention it because if you ever visit this area, you have to give it a shot.)

Tuesday was also a monumental day within my mission. We were able to finish the night off teaching Fortunat at the Harris' home. First off there is no one better in Maryland to teach, and second I love the Harris family! They had us over for dinner and we taught Fortunat the last few odds and ends before he would receive his interview. There were some odd questions asked by Fortunat that really applied to the lesson that we had an interesting time answering. Just remember that within some subjects he doesn't know how to express himself in completely in English, and it doesn't understand it either. But thankfully the Brother and Sister Harris saved the day. We would try to explain it and Fortunat wouldn't understand. Then Brother Harris would say almost the same exact thing and Fortunat would understand. The spirit works wonders in this gospel!

Wednesday night we had his interview for his baptism. This week was a lot of preparation getting Fortunat ready. It was interesting filling out the baptismal form with him using a bunch of African names. But none the less we got through it. After the interview there was no doubt that he was ready for baptism. I wish I could fit all the neat little experiences in email, but ask me when I return! 

Saturday was his Baptism. We had a ward picnic before it so after the picnic we just herded everyone into the relief society room so we could have the baptism. He was so excited to get dressed in white and to go into the font with Bishop. There was nothing except for joy at the baptism. After the baptism he had an opportunity to share his testimony and his experiences finding the church. It was super neat.

Sunday he was Confirmed. Brother Harris did the confirmation for him. It was a neat experience having so many people come up to be a part of the circle and the blessing that was given. Within part of it was helping others find this gospel, his family, and eventually his home country. We are glad to have all of that done with. He was super happy after the blessing.

That's really the neat experiences we had this week!

Love,

Elder Bentley