4-18-15

I met Mama!!! It was actually the sweetest thing ever. I met my Little's mommy. And she was an absolute darling. So sweet and loving. And she gave me a huge hug right away. I can tell she is a kind person with a lot of love in her heart. She joked with me and thanked me for stuff I gave Mandy. I just. UGH. It's so cool that she is so involved with Mandy's life here. It's a good relationship. And it's also hilarious how much she wants to meet my niece. I'd be more than happy to arrange something :3 As an extreme bonus act of kindness, Mandy's parents donated to my Relay for Life page today. I am so very blessed.

EDIT: I forgot about this last night cause I was so sleepy, but it needs to be added. Something else that happened is tied for first and I need to mention it.

There is a man. There is a man I love dearly. His name is Fabrizio; I'm sure you're sick of that name. He is a friend of mine from church who is close to my heart. I might've loved him for the rest of my life, but I am a strong believer in God's plan. And he, to me, is proof of God slowly preparing us for incredible things.

I may not be so happy in my church anymore. I may need to leave soon. I need to run because I honestly cannot take it anymore. But he's not running. Slowly, respectfully, and intelligently, he has been fighting and making a difference. I don't even know if he's aware. But I truly believe that God has given him the task of taking this misguided congregation and leading them back to the right path. It's a hard job, and it made me realize that he will need a stronger support system than me. He doesn't need someone who has to run; he needs someone who will stand and fight with him. I'm more than happy to support him from afar. And watching him go along this path brings joy to my heart. He's been helping direct hymns for quite some time now. For a couple of years, he has been the President of the Youth Group. For maybe a year now, he has been a teacher for kids about 7 to 10. At the beginning of the year, he was also made a deacon. He knows how to speak to these people and how to make them see the light. It's incredible to watch.

Last night, he told me he preached for the first time. He actually led a service. I almost cried when I heard. He said it went very well and he got a lot of compliments. I told him how happy I was and that I wish I could've seen it, but I was sure I'd get the chance over the summer. He said I probably would because he, along with Jaroll and Bryan, would start preaching regularly with our usual Hermano Arce. My heart is singing. This generation has so much promise, and they are doing such good things in the eyes of the Lord. They, in my opinion, are the hope for this church. And watching it all unfold fills my heart with love and song in ways I cannot eloquently describe. I trust that boy with my life, and certainly as my spiritual guide. And I hope that the rest of our congregation will continue to do the same because if there is one thing I'm certain of, it is that God is going to do amazing things in the life of this amazing man.