"Everything is sacred when you take time to notice that big love happens in the small moments"

Lacey Wallace
Nov 30, 2021
4 min read

cowboy up, cause it's a long one

I've thought a lot about what to write this week. I could talk about our three Thanksgivings, or our pie making party, or almost getting kidnapped, or spending the day in the Swahili area confused outta my mind, but none of that really compares to Saturday night. Because miracles.

Experiences like this make missions worth it. Bear with me please. There's two Fernandos, so I'll put their last initial so you know who I'm talking about.

So there's this young guy in our ward, Fernando l, who has been coming back to church and his wife, Diana, who isn't a member of the church. Fernando I called up the sister missionaries a few weeks ago, asking if they could teach his wife. Well, we showed up and Fernando I had also invited their friends Ariana and Fernando D. So we started having these mega lessons with all 4 of them, but somehow Diana got lost in it all and we started focusing more on Ariana and Fernando D because they were a lot more vocal about their feelings. They're incredible and we've been so excited about them. But oh man things sure shifted this weekend.

We showed up for a lesson with the whole gang and planned this whole thing about baptism and the blessings and it was gonna be so rad (all for Ariana and Fernando D), but we walked in and Ariana and Fernando D weren't there. So all of a sudden we had a whole new dynamic and no lesson plan. On top of that, Fernando l's sister and brother-in-law (church members) were in town visiting. I looked over at Sister Larson and we decided to just move forward with a lesson. It was rocky and unsure at first, but after a few minutes, the spirit just took over.

We discovered Diana has read a whole chunk of the Book of Mormon, and then she started asking all of these profound questions. Fernando l and his family members were giving the most amazing answers and Diana was listening so intently. I could tell she really wanted the answers, and I have a strong feeling she's been wanting those answers for years.

Then something crazy happened. Suddenly I had this thought that I needed to invite Diana to be baptized. I knew because it was a similar feeling to when I invited Conner from my last area, but this time it was so much more intense. But I was freaking out! We were talking about the Book of Mormon and the spirit, but not about baptism. I was so afraid to push Diana away and I couldn't think of a way for it to come up naturally. But I soon realized I just needed to trust the spirit to work in each person there. Suddenly, Fernando's brother-in-law brings it up so casually! Then later on, he asks "Diana, what is the desires of your heart right now?" At that point, I was basically shaking and bouncing up and down, feeling like I was gonna explode. My companion probably thought I was INSANE (well she probably thinks that on a daily basis). Now wait till you hear what her answer was.

Diana started crying and explained that the desire of her heart is to be with Fernando for eternity, but she doesn't want to leave anyone behind. Then I just went for it. I let her know that I realized it was pretty random, but that the spirit would be really mad at me if I didn't say it. I asked how she felt about baptism, and she sweetly said that she feels no confusion about it, but that the thought of it it only makes her happy. Sister Larson asked if she wanted to be baptized, and she shook her head yes, crying.

Ahhhhhh we were all crying and laughing and I had to take off my coat because I was so hot and nervous and spiritual all at once.

It was such a pure, special moment, and one that made me realize that sacred places are where the spirit dwells, and that love is tangible. So thank you to JJ Heller and her song Big Love, Small Moments for this week's song lyric title. Everything is sacred when you take time to notice ...

God just loves Diana so much, and He is completely aware of her situation. God knew that Fernando D and Ariana couldn't be there that night. Because if they had, we never would have discovered Diana's real needs, and never would've felt how much God loves her. We walked out of there completely blown away. I've never had the spirit take such control in a lesson. We had no idea what was happening, but God knew.

Like I said, moments like these make it all worth it -- the discouragement, the sadness, the homesickness, worry, and stress. All. Of. It. I will never forget that night and probably haven't given it justice through my words. But it was incredible. Once again, I remember why I'm really here.

I know that God lives, and that he loves his children. He knows what we need, and He knows the needs of the people I teach, even when I may not. I know that as long as I am worthy of the spirit, God can work through me to do His great work. He is showing me miracles everyday, and I pray that I can continue to have the eyes to see those miracles. God is still here people, and He is changing lives.

Don't forget that Jesus loves you,

Sister Wallace

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