a prancing moose: October 9, 13,20 & 27 2014

October 27, 2014 Brazil

Funny thing: In Brazil it is really cool to speak English

And thus many people have English-stamped shirts that they wear.

Little do they know.... what it is, in fact, that is written on their shirt.

Here are some of the best ones that I have seen

HEH HEH HEH HEH HEH prepare yourself

-Look out, Floor ahead

-Im an 60´s star

-Gils from space (with 3 lovely pineapples stamped on as well)

-I need someone

-you´re not good you´re super

-I get my looks from mum

-nice guys finish last

We walk and Randomly burst out laughing in the street.

Oh Human race, how I love you.

General update: We are hot and dandy here in the state of São Paulo. There are very few people on the streets during the day. I am starting to use one of those precious umbrellas to protect me from the sun. it is so great.

Wonderful News: A.... WAS BAPTIZED! the man, prepared of the Lord to embrace the gospel. O campo já está branco para a ceifa.

Short Thought:

Every choice brings us closer, or further from God. Every thought brings us closer or further from God. Christ will reach us when we are ready to hear.

I love you guys. I LOVE BRAZIL.

I love being a missionary.

It is so hard, but so worth it.

may we all be actively about the work of our Father. He loves us so much.

-Sister Mitchell

October 20, 2014 Happiness

There is something contagious about happy people. It seems that when we are around happy people, our burdens get a little lighter, we are filled with a peace, we can find the COLOR in skyscraper cities. The impossible becomes our goal and the sky is touchable. We can laugh, and be lifted, find joy, comfort and make connections. Happy people make the world a better place.

On the other hand. Negative people really make a difference as well. They seem to suck out energy and light. To drain hope and faith. They make a simple task, practically impossible, Their world seems to be categorized in lovely shades of black and grey. and the majority of people AVOID Them.

Who are we? Why are we happy/sad? Where do we want to end up, and who do we want to have helped along the way? Are our families and friends benefited by our presence? What can we do to be a happier people? What can I do to be a happier person? How can I radiate that light? His light?

UPDATES:

Water is being rationed in the São Paulo state now. We called the water man, to ask him to bring us two new, big jugs of the life liquid. (Thats Brazil´s version of the handy dandy refrigerator,filtered water american system) We were all a little surprised when he said.... "sorry, we´re out". uh.......

We have become real creative in our water search

-the old boiling-water way (#theworstwell-watertasteintheworld)

-filling up big water jugs at the church building (the only let down, is having to lug the big guys back to our apartment)

-or just going real shameless and asking people for water when we go knocking on doors.

(the best way is the free way heh heh)

Sister Spencer is now fluent. She has picked up the language incredibly fast. She actively participates in every part of the work, which has been a true blessing to me and to this area!

This week we gave 2 hour training lessons to a bunch of english students in the center of Campinas. Americans are like celebrities in english schools. It was so great. Sister Spencer and I were set loose to teach about the language, the culture, weird phrases people use, about our families, and holidays, and about the church and the mission! It is amazing to see how open Brazil is to the gospel, and Jesus Christ! I think 88% of the people here in Brazil believe Jesus Christ to be their Savior. It was a great experience, and a wonderful opportunity. We all got chocolate at the end (which made everything even 5000x better)

p.s. My english is so rusty. But muahahahaa no one knew that I said things wrong in english. #ihope

Brazil is my home. I love the "chillax" way of life and the trusting hearts. People are so quick to turn to their God, and so slow to forget him. I overhear conversations on the street, people talking of Christ, and Our father in heaven, about the bible, and about life and death. I could stay here forever, preaching the truth, and be so soo sooooooo happy. I love the City of Campinas. It is bustling with hopes, dreams, determined stares, and tired minds.

Sorry for the lack of photos folks.

Next week! (I hope)

Love you all, take care

SISTAH MITCHELL

HUZZAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

October 13, 2014 Exhaustion and Happiness

Giving your all.

Its an interesting concept.

One in which, nothing is held back.

S... was baptized this Sunday. It was the most beautiful thing. She has had a really hard life, and right when we found her and began teaching her, she felt it was the truth! She has grown so much, and I just adore her. That little one is named V.... He reminds me a lot of the adam monster. He loves to make problems haha. And F... is her other son! I love the three of them immensely.

I feel like a grandma. Seriously. I am constantly exhausted.

But, that is good. Because I have to trust in God to help me.

Sister Whitnah shall leave the Brazil, and return to her hometown today. Everyone is so happy for her.

Sorry.... haha Got to go. We are going to celebrate her honorable end, with PÃO DE QUEIJO

#worstemailever

#whatcanyado.

October 9, 2014 The Atonement

I think I have pondered about this topic my whole life. So many in the church talk about the atonement. The power of the atonement. "It changes us, it gives us strength , it fills us with purpose, with joy, with perspective. It is the center of the Gospel. It is the most important thing, to which all other things are central.

I always wanted to know what that meant....

To truly understand you must experience.

The mission. is not easy. oh-HOH no way. We are in a battle for the souls of men. We are also called to face the deepest personal battles. I can not number the days that during my mission I have fallen to my knees and pleaded for help. Pleaded for forgiveness. And when I say plead. ... I mean Like exhort. Like ripping my heart out of my chest kind of conversing with God.

It is in these solemn and sacred moments, that I have begun to understand. That I am coming to know

The Atonement, is infinite and eternal, it is enabling, and powerful. Jesus Christ Is my Savior. Alone I am dust, with Him I am godly. Alone, I am incapable of anything, with Him I can do All things.

The impossible becomes probable, guilt is swept away, we are given true STRENGTH, miracles, and changes happen in and through us.

The purpose of the gospel is to purify Gods children of there sins so that they are prepared to enter into God´s presence.

What an incredible gospel I have been called to share. It is one that fills me with happiness, joy, peace, and hope for the future. It is one where I come to know my Creator, and learn to trust in His merciful arm. Anyone can apply the atonement.

We must deeply humble ourselves,

Have faith in Jesus Christ,

Have real intent to follow His will and teachings,

And pray to Him in the Sincerity of our souls.

Plead, and pray for forgiveness and that which we Need. That which only God can give.

I love you all, I am learning so much. I find joy in the journey, although the journey is rough. I am so blessed and so happy. especially today

p.s. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKEY!!!! youre gettin so old buddy.

p.p.s. We had a zone conference this week and we talked about teaching SIMPLY <3 Sister Specer is Doing GREAT here in brazil, she loves to run #BUDDY. GENERALCONFERENCEANSWERSALLOFMAHQUESTIONS.

And many many photos to follow.