Save the Best for Last

Dear Family,
I ran across a scripture this week in the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7. I thought it was perfect for Sister Epa, I wasn't even here when she was found or taught, but I got to take part in her baptism. The Lord really does give the increase, missionaries play such a passing role in the conversion of an investigator. I never thought that I'd see Josefa Epa's baptism, I thought I was through with baptisms in the field. I was surprised and honored when Sister Josefa asked me if I'd be the baptizer. It was my first time baptizing, since it was discouraged formerly. I was nervous! The rain started on Friday and ended Sunday afternoon. While the zone leaders were giving one last interview for Josefa Epa, Elder Catellier and I walked around her pineapple field and saw the small red flowering fruits. She'll harvest in May. The water was freezing, but we didn't have any immersion problems so it was over pretty quick. Afterwards I waited in the hall by myself and thought about what an incredible blessing it was to be part of all this -- to take any part in it. Going house to house, teaching, talking to tricycle drivers. I got to stand in the circle Sunday morning and be part of Sister Epa's confirmation. Another scripture I came across was Mark 4:26-29. I think this did good things for the branch, it brings real energy to see a new family coming into the church. Sister Epa's daughter in law and 4 grandchildren were there to support her. We've been teaching them for some time, but their progression has been a little slower than Sister Josefa's.
This week we met a wonderful referral, who is marrying into a part member family, like Angie Pecson. But the family that makes me the happiest right now is the family of Marlon Perez, and his Sister's family, the Quematon family. Last night the whole Perez family listened to us. Marlon read from the Book of Mormon, and prayed again. Formerly he was asking for a dream so he'd know our message was true, but this time he asked for a feeling and he said he did have a peculiar feeling and he believes that Joseph Smith is a prophet. The continuous rain just about washed out our open house and sacrament services. We spent several hours dropping by people who had promised to come, but their responses were: "I can't bring the baby in the rain", or "we only have one umbrella", or "the rain's coming down and the flood's comin' up. Sorry!" The rivers are higher than I've ever seen them. We were supposed to visit some waterfalls this morning, but the river is swollen. It's supposed to be summer now, but they say the cold and wet is thanks to la nina.
We had great success finding new investigators this week, and it seems like we've got plenty of people to teach right now. As a celebration after the baptism, we made a mango, cantaloupe, jack-fruit, coconut, star-apple, banana milk shake. It was quite the creation.
Love you family, and I look forward to writing again next week.
Love, Elder Peck