This week was one for the books for sure! 

We had a baptism this week! Hermano Luis was batized on Saturday and confirmed a member of the Church on Sunday! And the coolest part, we baptized him on his birthday! 

What a great birthday present for the old goofball Luis. 

Let me tell you a bit about this guy: Luis is old, not sure how old, but he's old. He only has one leg. And he's heavy. Basically what that means, is that we needed 2 people to baptize him!

(Luis looks worried but it was a lot of work for him and it was tough for him to get in and out of the font cuz hes always in his wheel chair. poor guy, but hes awesome!)

My companion, Elder Arismendez, was going to perform the baptism and our new convert friend, Pablito, was going to help him. 5 minutes before the baptism was about to start, Pablo decided that the pants that we had brought him were not going to fit him. That left me to help with the baptism, and I didnt have any of my clothing for it! 

So guess what we did. I sprinted, with another missionary, about a mile back to our house, in a suit and tie, with my backpack on, to get my baptism clothes, in the 90ª weather! We made it back and I shared a thought before the baptism on baptism and confirmation, and then we went and did the baptism! 

Like I said, Luis only has one leg, so things were a little tough, but we got our man in the water and an official member of the Church! This was such a great experience for me, for Luis, and also for his family. 

After his baptism, we went back to his house for his birthday party, and he was crying, because this was the first time that all of his family had been together with him at one time. 

His baptism and birthday brought his family together for the first time ever. 

One of the big things we teach out here in Chile is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families, and both Luis and his family got to witness that principle first hand. 

I know for a fact that the Gospel blesses families, because of the wonderful and loving family that I have back home in MA. Without the Gospel in my life, or our family, I don't know where I'd be, but I know for sure that I wouldnt be in Chile. And the blessings that I've received here, and that my family has received while i've been gone is far too many to count. 

In this Christmas season, I hope that you all get the chance to spend some time with your families, and to feel the true power of the family unit, and also remember the life of Christ and His eternal sacrifice for all of us. 

I love all of you and I'm so thankful for your words and prayers. 

I wish you all a merry Christmas and good times with your families! 

Love you all and stay safe!

love,

-Elder Lewis