This is me on the road to the bridge of Azul Awchimo. And Yes. That is me destroying a bamboo creation with my poppins umbrella. heh heh I'm just kidding......
HELLO FROM THE HAPPY SOUTH.
Things are swell down here.
My companion is absolutely amazing.
The food is to die for.
AND we are going about doing the work of the Lord.
Quick stories:
A man told us (in roughly translated Portuguese)
You two are Stars from heaven. Every time you come, this place lights up. You are good. Thank you. No thank you.
*tears* <-- my tears... not his... I think he was drunk.
We were teaching about the Restoration and first vision to an elderly lady who happens to have a few hearing problems....... Luckily it was the Aunt of a member in the ward and he explained that she really couldn't hear unless we yelled. (he and his wife came to teach with us)
Therefore, we taught the first part really loud... and she didn't understand. So he retold everything and translated our American Portuguese to Português Portuguese and then, I yelled the first vision. I hope she understood. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
But the wonderful thing about this whole lesson?...was talking about eternal families, and how families can be sealed for eternity. She explained how her husband passed away many years ago and she had always thought... that was it. She was going to die and... that is the end. Oh how wonderful and amazing it was to have the spirit testify that families can be eternal! And... oh yes, she has already read the whole Book of Mormon.
My companion and I went on splits this week and she threw me and Sister Solano (the sister I was splitting with) a suprise 2 month anniversario party at the end of our long rainy, muddy day aka. The biggest pizza in the world was purchased and we blew out a candle! It was the best. Truly. And then I had this realization.... I HAVE BEEN HERE FOR TWO MONTHS!
SO that's strange.
Okay, and real quick since I have run out of time all too soon (as usual).
A little about motives. It is interesting being here, asking people to read scriptures, or come to church and do things- and seeing the different reactions. The different reasons. And I think there is a universal pattern of sorts.
Why people will follow through with things:
1. Fear. They are afraid of the consequence, or the person who is giving direction. Or some sort of fear of what will happen if they do not follow through. A general Apprehension.
2. They feel obligated. Obligated to be good. Obligated to stick to their word. Obligated to not let us down. Obligated to themselves or families?
3. And finally, Love for God.
aaand you know, I don't think this just applies to those we are teaching.
Sometimes it is good to take a step back, look at our goals, look at what we are working towards and think, examine... why? What is our true motive? Is it selfish or sincere? Focused on God or on our ourselves?
That is all, my wonderfuls.
Over and Out from a Brazilian
Sister Mitchell
