two in white? :)

Dearest family,

Alex is doing so well! He's been reading and praying everyday and came to church again yesterday. When we met with him last night he said he knew it was true and he wants to get baptized! His struggle was just feeling like he wasn't playing with God by getting baptized again. He feels now that God did recognize his last baptism but that this is something he needs to do to really seal it. :) We are so happy for him! He has been searching for a church since he came to Canada a few months ago and was praying for it. He's had various opportunities to allow the missionaries to teach him--even let them teach him a few times--but always said no. The Bible is the Bible and that's it! With this move he has really been searching God's will and now the gospel is filling the little bit that was missing in his life. It's wonderful to behold. He will definetly get baptized this month! It is a testimony to me in how the Lord is preparing these people and that no effort is wasted. Those other missionaries probably thought he may never accept the gospel, but now he is, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. The Lord works amazing things in the lives of His children.

Chris is also doing really well. We will be starting him on the 15-steps to stop smoking this week. He came to church!!! He was late but he was there! Our hearts leaped for joy when he came in. The bishop gave an amazing lesson in priesthood/relief society on the Book of Mormon that they both loved based on Elder Callister's talk. Chris told us after that he was going to go home and read that book and ask if it was true. He really wants to know now, because it's either true or it isn't. I know that he too will be baptized this month. :)

I love this work and everything to do with it. The hard times as well as the good. And I am so grateful to be a part of it. The Lord has blessed us for our diligence and as we continue, He will continue to put us in the path of more prepared people who are now ready to make that covenant of baptism. We must always make of ourselves worthy tools in the hands of the Lord that He might bring about His marvelous works.

I loved the relief society session on Saturday! Mom, Sis. Stephens's talk brought so many memories to me too! And I hope that I can always be prepared, that I will always have the strength to help those behind me. The story in Elder Eyring's talk of the visiting teaching companion who was there when his daughter needed it also touched me in a similar way. That preparedness comes by continually obeying the whisperings of the spirit and doing the things neccessary to always invite him into our lives: scripture study, prayer, attending our meetings, serving in our callings, fulfilling our duty, keeping our covenants and the commandments... I pray that I can always be that sister.

Love you all!

Have a wonderful week!

Hna. Cottam

P.S. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving next monday! :)