Minha hija. She is Chilean. And basically I adore her. Who knew being a mom could be so great? She speaks Spanish. And is learning Portuguese really quickly. She is extremely loving. And cooks like a beast (which is a super plus... because I still only know how to cook rice and cookies) She is extremely nice, and enthusiastic... and was willing to sprint home with me so that we would keep the mission rules and be home before 9:30 (But seriously... hahaa 9:25 we were closing up the church building and the lock got all messed up.... we were a bit frantic. Sister Navarrete used her magic powers and put it back together and we grabbed our things and literally sprinted home. Throwing open the gate we looked at our watches... 9:30 exactly.) Probably people think that we are missionary enthusiasts... or like way crazy... over the top keeping the rules.... yup. #noshame)
Yeah whatever. She thinks I'm crazy too. But I am happily, crazily, seeing miracles take place before my eyes- which testify of the power of obedience.
Okay. Other happening of the week? We were prancing down the street inviting people to hear our message and go to church on sunday as we were going to a marked visit. We ran across a group of young men... and #noshamingitagain Invited every single one personally to church.
When I shook one of their hands, he pulled me in to kiss me. #WARNINGGGGGHUGEWARNINGNOOOOOOOOOOOOOMISSIONARYHERE. So I stumbled back with a shocked look on my face, and he took his hand away explaining how it is a cultural thing. How it is actually the respectful way to compliment someone. (in really intelligent, formal language)
I explained about the mission rules respectfully, and invited him as well to visit the church this sunday. He devilishly looked at me- and in front of his friends said. Yes I will go to church, only if you compliment me respectfully when I go. (his buddies were laughing, and my little daughter was waiting to see what my response would be)
.......................................................................................................
I really wanted them to go to church.
So I asked him
"Do you believe in the bible?"
"yes, of course" he responded smartly
"Do you believe in the commandments?"
"yes."
"Do you keep them?"
" he went on explaining extremely intelligently how yes in fact, he did keep all the commandments- and he did not keep the sabbath day on saturday...)
I then Asked him why.
He pondered and responded that He knew the Lord had given them to us to help protect us, that truly They were guidelines of God and that any dutiful follower of God should try their best to keep them, and trust that God has purposes for them.
"Funny- That is exactly how I feel about the mission rules."
Everyone got quiet as I bore my testimony about obedience. I then Asked again. So will you go to church, even If I will not compliment you "respectfully" He waited... and responded that yes. In fact. He would. We ended up giving him a Book of Mormon- which He said he would furshure read. His friends said they would tag along to go to church as well.
Its interesting and mind-boggling to see how the Lord works through us to help people come to the truth.
I can tell you. The Lord is really wise.
PHOTOS
(the best part)
Our first night. Sister Navarrete probably not realizing what she got herself into... crazy mai
O caminho é estreito e apertado gente.
(The path is straight and narrow - people)
Also- It is FREEZING at night now. Winter is coming quickly. and Brazil has yet to really... use heat.... or air conditioning for that matter = blanketing it up during study time
That tomato tree.... The fruit is known as cáqui YUMMMM
Oh... I have officially planned the burial of my 10 month brazilian shoes. #saddestday
And the expedition with 'E' to the beautiful Tanque- I shall share that story next week
ALL MY LOVE AND PRAYERS
Sister Mitchell
