"I had to say good bye to everyone at night. That was really hard. I´ve never been good byes but every time it just seems to get harder! I just leave little bits of my heart in all these places. I dont know why we cant bring every person we love with us wherever we go...then there wouldn't have to be any pain. But I guess that's what heavens for! Right? What a wonderful party there will be there!!
Sometimes I don't understand how can there can be so much love in such short time. I learn more every day here that our amount to love doesn't depend on time. We can love completely and fully instantly...it really depends on us.
Sometimes I wish I could love less so I wouldn't have to miss so much. But. These are not good byes or endings. Just temporary interruptions. We have eternity together! The longer I am here the more I am realizing that pure love is the driving force of everything...or at least should be. Love cures everything. I have been trying to have more love for everyone.,..even the dirty dogs on the street. Even if people wont listen to us we can still love them. They can feel that and something in them will be healed by our love. Sometimes all we can do is love people...and most of the time that is more than enough."
-Sister Ariah Orchard
who as always, puts things so beautifully and lovely into words. I feel exactly this.
This week was one of the hardest and yet most amazing weeks of my mission. Saying goodbye to some of the people that I.... I Would give my life for. I was blessed to be able to say goodbye to a few of them. It was one of the most unforgettable, inexplicable experiences. Seeing the difference, hearing their testimonies and gratitude. Being overwhelmed in this incredible sad happiness. Absolutely caught up in the most immense joy.
And then
A a wet, cold, Slap in the face.
New Area, (Planalto-flamboyant)
New people. (Sister A.Silva- new companion from pôrto alegre)
New Everything
In campinas... people have a lot of things to do, and a lot of people dont like to talk to missionaries.
Its like america, but in brazil!
Basically.
I AM SO EXCITED!
There is so much work to be done in this new area- my companion and I are already great friends. We are trying to find new people to teach, and I am being blown away at HOW COLD BRAZIL IS. I thought brazil was a tropical wonderland! Not a freezing cold concrete land.
But Seriously guys, I love change. It hurts, but it fills me with this FIRE ya know?
The other day we ran into a lady who invited us to return on Sunday to share a message with her. Turns out her husband is a pastor. Who is also a "prophet" He spent about 30 minutes yelling at us, and telling us that we were being led by the devil, and that he had the gift of discernment, and that we were basically leading people to satan's home, and that he was gifted with the power of God, and that he saw angels, and that when He preached, the fire of God comes down from heaven.... I tried to open my mouth to speak but he just raised his voice even louder using a bunch of bible references I had never heard of.... explaining that he would not let us in, and wouldn't apologize... because the word of God says not to. He went on and on explaining how the bible marks the end of revelation.... and then explained how he receives direct revelation.... explaining how there couldn't be another book of scripture other than the bible, and then telling us we had to read a book that a preacher wrote who had the spirit of God.....
He asked if we had anything to say at the end.
I opened my mouth and humbly replied. I don't know a lot of things. But I do Know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. And that we are servants of God here on the earth. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior... and I know that the Lord teaches those who are willing to listen....
and the man yelled "GOOD EVENING!" and returned to work on building chairs for his church.
Being a missionary is great.
I LOVE IT!
-me.
