When we moved to Albuquerque in April of 2010, I had no idea the kinds of experiences we would have here while Rich was in school. I wasn't expecting to find a better ward or make better friends then the ones I left behind in Saratoga Springs. I remember the first time we pulled into our chapel I immediately felt like we were home. The inside of the building looked the same as our old one, the people looked friendly and nice too. Soon, we started to build friendships and over time we felt like we were apart of a ward family.
I didn't know too many of my neighbors around me though. The neighbor to my left is a nice man, his name is Steve. He's really handy and smart with cars, super nice, and would do anything for anyone. He reminds me a lot of Adam Johnston in are old ward. I like having Steve next door to me. My neighbor to my right is Antoinette, the first few months I didn't get to talk to her too much. She works during the day so when I would get to see her it would be when she was outside working in her yard or watching her son play. She has a contagious personality, she always has a smile on her face and always seems lit up inside. She has the best sense of humor and can really make you laugh.
Over time me and Antoinette became better friends. I invited her to our "recipe nights" that we do monthly and she seemed to have a fun. I did sometimes wonder if I should invite her to church, but my biggest fear was pushing her away or ruining our friendship. One afternoon we were talking in my living room and I asked if she wanted to come to church with us. I still remember how those words felt coming out of my mouth, I couldn't believe I was asking her this! She answered back, and said she would come. I was excited she was coming to church, but more relieved that I didn't offend her and that she was still my friend:) I have never invited someone to church before, so it was a scary thing for me to do this. When we hear lessons at church about being a missionary I always thought that applied to everyone else but me, it has always terrified me to share what I believe. I've never felt knowledgeable enough or that I had the right personality to be open about the gospel.
She enjoyed church and kept on coming, I loved having her with me. I kinda felt like I was bringing the "cool" girl to church, everyone LOVES her. A month later she started to take the missionary lessons. She was lucky to have some great Elder's. There was a special spirit brought into our home when we would have these discussions, I felt like I was being converted to the gospel again too. It reminded me how fortunate I am to be apart of this church. We were also doing the discussions during a very difficult time for me, I had just returned home from my brother-in-laws funeral. Having the Elders come over and teach Antoinette the gospel was very comforting to me as I was struggling with my sister's loss.
On October 8th 2011 Antoinette was baptized by Rich. The spirit was incredible that day. On Sunday she was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.
I remember when we were applying to P.A schools we were hoping to get accepted somewhere back East or somewhere really fun and beautiful. When we found out we were moving to Albuquerque, we were thrilled to be accepted into a school but not as excited to move here. Watching Antoinette being baptized was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I'm so glad we were led to come to Albuquerque, and I was able to meet Antoinette. She's been a wonderful blessing to our family.
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| These pictures were taken right after her baptism. |
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| Elder Johnson and Elder Chalk |
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| Antoinette's beautiful kids... Antonea and Noah. |
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| Antoinette and Cami. |
