Hey Mom,
I think
you´re teaching Seminary right now. I
was hoping it was Christmas Break already but I guess not. Please as soon as
you get the chance, try to message me and see if I am still online so we can
figure out the call schedule for Christmas!
First off,
transfers: Nothing changed. Me and Elder Kozlowski are companions still, and
will be staying in our area. We were both really happy – me, because I am
afraid of being with another Brazilian (but its bound to happen this next
transfer) and Elder K, because he didn’t want to have to change areas right
before Christmas with a whole new ward. We have some really good families here
and are really starting to work with the members, in the past they haven’t had
much trust in missionaries but we have had several people tell us how the ward
thinks very highly of the work we are doing and that several members literally
prayed that we would stay in the area at least one more transfer.
If I don’t
get the chance to IM you, here’s the deal for Christmas: WE talked with a
member last night and the plan is to do skype about 11;00 Joao Pessoa time. If
all goes right, the time difference is about 5 hours, and I will be calling
AFTER Elder Kozlowski (12-12:30 Joao Pessoa time) so be READY to receive a call
starting anywhere from 7-7;30 your time. (Also double check all my math because
maybe it’s wrong). I would like to Skype, it’s gonna be hard but it’s always
hard on missionaries - I want to see you guys! So yes, lets skype. I don’t
really know how skype works, I´m assuming I just look up your account. Also
have email (or instant message via email) ready and if I have problems with
skype. I will be letting you know what’s going on via IM.
Here’s the
stuff that happened this week:
We had our
conference Christmas this Monday after I sent emails, it was good, I got a cake
from a white elephant - my companion got sticky notes - haha. It was kind fun
but also kind of sucky because I am really struggling with finding enjoyment
being in a large social gathering full of people I don’t understand. At the
least, I got to talk a little with Elder Allen and Elder Bradshaw who arrived
here with me. They´re doing great and
their Portuguese is too. (I’m a little
jealous but I know I shouldn’t compare). They had a talent show that was fun to
watch, I didn’t do anything because I still haven’t found a way to get my hands
on a violin. And it’s only been 4 months but I am really worried by the time I
get back I´m not gonna be able to play and that I won’t have that muscle
memory. Vamos ver! (In hindsight, Carson told
me via IM he wishes he would have asked for approval to bring his violin along
with him. He is sure they would have
said okay. I joked about sending it, but
given the mail situation we have had – that is not going to happen. I sure wish
there was a way to get one in his hands…)
Tuesday we had
interviews with president again. He’s trying
to help me and I know he’s called of God. It is just so hard to understand him. His accent is terrible so it makes it
even HARDER, but he speaks a little English too so it’s
alright. Elder Kozlowski is really patient and really supportive
and is always encouraging me. He is an example of a good missionary and a good
friend, and he has a strong testimony that he shares with me often.
We have 2 new
investigators, two guys in their twenties, preparing for baptism on Christmas
eve, because a less active member brought them to our English class that we
have each Saturday. Now the member, his name is Carlos, is active again and we
are looking at baptizing 2 quorums! There names are Jeff and Gill, they are
both really educated, smart guys who have dreams of going to the US someday.
They are so far really interested in the church, very impressed with the organization
and atmosphere there. I hope that all goes well with their baptisms.
Last night we
went to visit a member and talk about Christmas plans but ended up just
comforting her. she and her husband have been trying to have a kid but she had
a miscarriage a few months back. We have been having lunch with them this last
transfer and she was pregnant again and hopeful but last night she told us that
she had another miscarriage during the week and lost the baby. I actually
understood what she was saying, but I had no idea how to help her. I cannot
imagine what she is going through. I had no guidance on what to do or say to help her. I was just silent.
Elder Kozloski shared a message in 2 Nephi (verse 2 was a highlight) and it was
really powerful. I just don’t know why I can’t do that. It’s like I NEVER know what to
say, assuming I understand what’s going on. So that was pretty crummy.
My thought: Alma 7:10-14
This is a
good scripture that talks a little about the birth of Christ, and the spirit of
Christmas. This reminds us WHY we
celebrate Christmas. Not only because the Son of God was born that night, but because
he was born for a PURPOSE: to take upon himself the sins of the world, to
enable us to repent of our sins and be saved.
This scripture lays out this
concept perfectly and I encourage all to read it and remember that we need to
be so grateful during this time. Christ
truly was born for us, and he was born to fulfill his calling as the only
begotten and to overcome death and sin. I am so grateful for His sacrifice and
for this time of the year when we are reminded of the gift God gave us, the
gift of his son. Don’t waste this gift! Use the atonement in your life everyday!
Repent and find strength in Jesus Christ!
Love you mom,
have a good day and I´ll talk to you in a week!
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