SO the biggest news this week is I have been transferred from my wonderful ward of Barao Geraldo- and minha mai Sister Menden. Oh- and If I haven't mentioned Sister Menden enough before?
Let meh tell yah a li'l about her.
She is a rockstar, I am pretty sure she has known Portuguese her whole life, she has a wonderful laugh, and is a dear, dear example to me. She loves throwing leaves at me when we are walking and has a strange obsession with cookies and milk- especially for breakfast. Basically, I am the luckiest missionary to have her as a trainer.
Barao Geraldo? My first Brazilian home. Can I put it into words? I have developed a deep love for the members and people here, the strength and beauty of this place... oh baby it's indescribable. It seems I have grown 17 times over in the last few weeks and I will remember this place for my whole life. My whole life.
This week has been a turning point for me.
But first let me list a few happenings;
Leticia made us a bolo randomly, and dropped it off while we were planning for the morn. I died of happy tears, and I think sister Menden exploded in happiness. Leticia is going to heaven for sure ;)
but seriously.
I also tried corn Ice cream this week. Literally- the flavor was corn.... hahaaa yeap. Tried it once, and I think I am set for life.
And If you didn't know this weekend was general conference! Where the general authorities and leaders of the church speak to all the members. We were able to go to Castelo and watch the broadcast in English. Oh It was wonderful. 10 hours of pure soul filling inspiration and bliss. So- If you didn't see it- go Google (LDS.org) and watch President Monson's talk....and all of the other ones.
I have been learning daily, being humbled and growing like never before in my life. I have developed an intense realization that all of my gratitude, love and joy- all of it is really not from me. These are all gifts from God that come after Faith- (don't forget faith is a principle of action).
I have found that people, including me, change through the Atonement of Christ. Literally change. Desires, thoughts, feelings, all of our imperfections can be perfected through the Atonement of Christ. All of the sorrow, the fear, all that is wrong about this world, is made right through the Atonement of The Son of God.
I remember hearing this, and believing it in a sense- but after experiencing it, I know without a doubt it is true.
Through trials we grow closer to God and we find our true selves.
I can not express the love and peace I feel here. Like nothing I have experienced in my life. I know The work of God is hastening. This is HIS church, HIS gospel. The same principles, same ordinances, and same spirit were restored. I know that. I know it with my whole soul and being. I will tell anybody- because... IT IS TRUE! And it has the power to bring happiness, joy and peace in this life, and eternal life in the next. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind,
and I am just, so overwhelmingly happy and blessed to be here, and to be called to serve.
EU AMO VOCÈS MAIS DO MUNDO. mais o menos. heh heh
PICTURES:
Leticia and her YELLOW creation of delicious.
Our reactions (you should know that whole cake was gone by the end of the next day)
Preaching to some cows- Everybody deserves to hear the gospel!
My first viewing of a heard of cows- being herded by a truck... through a bar... heh heh #Brazil
