Tashman Family Conversion Story

Two year ago, Sayer went with his cousin Amr to church on a Friday morning in Al-Husn. He was barely eight years old at the time. Little did he know the affect that one decision would have on his entire future, and the future of his family.

Sayer liked church, and wanted to come back.

The current branch missionaries (the Hiltons) contacted Sayer's family to ask their permission for him to come to church regularly. The Tashmans were impressed when the Hiltons came to visit, and Sayer's mom said, "sure, why not let him go to church?"

The Hiltons continued to visit and befriend the Tashmans, Sayer continued to go to church, and eventually it was Christmas. The entire Tashman family went to a branch Christmas activity, and were so impressed with the kindness of the members and the feeling they had at the activity that they decided to attend church the next week.

Samira decided that the Mormon church was better than the Catholic church, and she, Sayer, her oldest son Tamer, and daughter Halla were baptized.

Tamer is 19, a senior in High School. He translated Sacrament Meeting today. He is my favorite translator because even though he sometimes makes mistakes, he tries to translate everything without skipping. Also, he uses words that I understand. Tamer is a kind, funny, intelligent, patient person, who I love.

Abu Tamer (Tamer is the oldest so his parents are "Om Tamer" and "Abu Tamer") is talking about getting baptized at the same time as the youngest son, Thair.

Tonight, I went to their house and ate mensef, the traditional Jordanian dinner. The feeling I had in their home was similar to the feeling I had in my home as a small child; peaceful, comfortable, intimate - family. I felt home, thousands and thousands of miles away from my real family/home in the States.

END NOTE:

Amr continued is continuing his missionary efforts by serving a full time mission in South Africa.