Best Day Ever

I want to tell someone the best mission news I have ever had.  Juan Solomon got baptized on March 22, 1998.  Tanara Graves and I were there as the Spirit taught him the gospel.  I knew he would be faithful.  I have sent Christmas cards over the years and called a few times.  Last night he called my home phone.  I'm so glad that we have kept the land line.  He left a message to say that they were in UT, wanted to see me, and that they loved me.  I got emotional listening to the message.  God sent that message to me to say to me, my efforts in California mattered, they mattered to Juan.  Juan's wife Lisa grew up in the church and they have 2 kids.  The kids are grown now and they are here visiting their daughter who is going to school at LDS Business College.  No missionary knows fully what their influence does in the life of those they serve.  I called back and talked to Lisa a few minutes ago.  They went to the temple last March.  They go to church!!  They are faithful!!  This is every missionary's dream.  It has been 14 years and this is the first convert that I know of that has gone to the temple.  I can't swallow the lump in my throat or keep the tears from welling up.  The work is sweet. It is sometimes delayed but maybe that makes it even sweeter.