Called to Serve: Glory to the Newborn King

Sweet Home Alabama,

Funny story just to kick things off...So we were at a member's home for dinner this week and there were two daughters who, every chance they could get, would play with my hair and braid it. They took me to their room and gave me a 'makeover' while their mother was finishing up last minute dinner preparations. Once we sat down for dinner, the girls began the guessing game. They said, "Let's go around the table saying our name and how old we are." So as we went around the table, it finally go to. I said what they asked for and they said, "Nooooo your first name!" Well of course we're not supposed to tell our first name, thus began the guessing game. For quite some time they guessed and out of no where they guess Samantha. I perked up and Sister Mafi says," Oh my goodness, how did you know?" Hahahaha I guess she forgot we're not supposed to tell. So now the girls call me by my first name, It's not Sambo, but it makes me feel a little more at home:)

So the Baptism went sososo very well! Dakota comes from a family of members, but either non-active or have had their names removed. She could not be baptized until she was 18, due to her father not allowing it. She moved into her Aunt and Uncle's house when she graduated form high school last year and has been going to church with them, the only active members of her family, for about 3 months. We began teaching her when I first got here. The bishop referred her to us because she requested to be baptized and he knew just the two girls who could help. We've built a strong friendship with Dakota, and what makes it so strong is the fact that it is deeply spiritually based. Over 60 people were in attendance, including many family members, friends, and ward members. She grew up in Idaho so her friends were LDS. Her best guy friend, who leaves on his mission to Georgia in two weeks, baptized her. It was perfect! After the baptism, Dakota had her family and us back at her house for some snacks and social time. We got to know her less-active family members well and her non-member brother and sister. Hopefully somethings sparked within them that will make them want to come back and continue what they started. Her family is awesome though!

We have about 2 feet of snow in our backyard right now and I plan to make a snow man and have a snow ball fight for the first time on Christmas. We rotate driving every day. Driving was hard a few weeks ago but I've gotten used to it. It's quite fun actually, you get to hard core drift without pulling the e-brake;) We drive a brand new Chevy Cruze and it's WAY nice. The nicest car in the area and maybe the mission actually. We've gotten stuck a few times but it's just fun and dandy to get out and scoop the snow out from around the tires.

I have had a wonderful week and my testimony has grown, yet again. I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me. He was born 2,000 years ago this time of year. His life was spent teaching, uplifting, and serving. He atoned for my sins, and yours as well. I am forever grateful for Him. I hope we can each feel of the Savior's love and show our love for him in our own unique way.

Glory to the New Born King,

Sister Fredrick