Mission Tocantins!!!!! -January 19, 2015

Its a whole other mission here in Tocantins. An entirely different mission...hahahaha. I am literally dying of heat. If you thought texas...or florida....or washington dc was hott......you ain't never been to Palmas. 

So this week was great----then.....it went a little crazy. I got here, my companions name is Sister Soares. She is absolutely HILARIOUS. It is like looking in the mirror when we talk. We just laugh and laugh at what we say. I am living with Sister Miranda again, and I love it. And then Sister Hill, she is from Utah. Her and my companion only have 3 months on the mission....(tradgic....) but they are incredible!

The members here are INCREDIBLE! And the people here just invite us in!!!! I should start counting how many houses I just entered in without knowing anyone. They are so receptive!!!

This week...as always...we moved houses. Yes, this will be the 5th time that I have helped the mission change over into a new house. I think President puts me in the areas that are going to move. And as always, something went wrong. We moved everything there, and there isn't water....air conditioning...nothing was prepared for us to arrive there. So here we are, with 2 houses....but no where to sleep. haha. All of our stuff is in the new one, and water and air condition are in the other. But, President let us sleep in a members house....so for 2 days, we slept in a members house. It was weird. I felt like I was at a sleep over. But, it was cool, got to know this member a lot. 

Palmas is incredible. Members are great, and there are so many investigators that we are teaching that literally we running from appointment to appointment. And if something falls, there is always a house to visit, or a less active. 

This week we had a cool experience. We were walking to...I don't remember. But we were walking. All 4 of us. And we were joking around, and laughing, and a guy walked by and asked us if we really believe in God. Of course we struck up a conversation...and he just kept saying how he didn't believe. And he just keep pushing and questioning if we really believe in God, and we just kept saying yes, bearing our testimony....and in the moment I just kind of looked at him....and said...wow, this would be one moment that if my testimony weren't strong....I would start to question. But everytime one of us said, " I know that God lives" I felt the spirit testify that what we were saying was true. And then we gave him a book of mormon, and he said he wanted to read it. But first he was going to open up in front of us, and there it would say if God existed...and where did he open up??? Alma 7. Invitation for everyone to just read that chapter....and soak up the answer and proof that GOD LIVES. He sent his son to die for us, he bled from every poor, to feel what we would feel. He blesses us every day. And when we want to know, we answers. I am so grateful to be here, in Palmas.....where we sweat everything we eat off in the first hour. Where in every house we go, they give us food. I am GRATEFUL for this experience. I am GRATEFUL to be a representative of Jesus Christ. 

Love you all. I know I am forgetting a lot of details...or stories...but I gotta go fix my house...haha.. how sad.

LOVE YOU! Praying for you!!!

Sister Craig

 There is a fake statue of Liberty in front of my new house!

Our last district from last transfer.... Best district ever....Assitants, Zone Leaders, Secrataries, and us Sisters.... 

Sleep over in Irmas house... My companion and i are in the middle!!!

My last night in Aguas Claras....with my favorite family.... 

And that's when she went from white to black. -January 12, 2015

Okay, family.........I have NEWS!!!!

I was transferred today. But.....I was transferred to another STATE!!!!! So our mission picks 3 states, but I have stayed here in the DF. And now I am going to the farthest part of our mission. That we call it another mission. TOCANTINS! My area is Palmas 1. IT IS HOTTER THAN HATIES! Its like going to Florida in the middle of Summer. Horrible. I am will melt this week. I hope I survive it. 

Today we are staying in Asa Sul until 5ish waiting for the bus. It is a 13 hour travel.....over night....without shower....without sleeping.....I am going to be tired haha. 

I am excited. It is the BEST area in the mission. Seriously, the zone has a lot of success. So I am super duper excited. 

As for this week, sad news....Constancio.......dropped us. Monday night we went to his house, he was all excited for his baptism. Tuesday we went there.....and, he had completely changed, moved....I don't even know what happened, all I know is it was one of the hardest moments on the mission. I think it was hard, because in the moments we worked with him, he grew A LOT. And in the moments, where I had little faith....I saw/felt God's faith/hope that finally His son would accept the gospel. But, we cried just a little bit....and as always...kept moving forward. Finding new people, working hard in the blazing hot son. Getting to know more members....

And before you know it, 6 weeks are up. I was transferred, didn't even have an opportunity to get to know everybody. It was hard to accept that I had to leave, never left an area like that. But, the Lord knows what he is doing.

I am so nervous I am shaking in my space boots. I can't think right. 

What else...this week we started teaching a members nephew who started living there, he is going to be baptized the 25th of January. He is really cool. His name is Erique. But, I won't be there. 

It was a really bitter sweet leaving.....I feel like.... I should still be there. But, moving on. PALMAS 2015!!!!!

Everybody go look up 5 fun facts about Palmas, Tocantins....I don't even think there are 5. Haha, its like living in Iowa. They got really big strawberries?? hahahahahaa.....

I hope I keep laughing...

Love you all, praying for you!

Sister Craig!

Send pics next week!

One year older and wiser too! -January 5, 2015

FAMILY!!!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even believe its 2015!!!!! I am just about dying!!!!!!!! Seriously.....This is the weirdest thing. I remember exactly what I was doing a year ago! What? No...... 

Okay, so today I am writing a little bit later because we had a zone activity. You know how Texas is known for their bbq? Well here its Rio Grande do Sul. And he did this HUGE churrasco (bbq) with 17 kilos of Meat! Thats like...37 pounds of meat. For 30 missionaries, President and his Wife, and some members in our ward. It was awesome! We played brasilian cricket (Its called taco...and no its not a food contest), we had a water balloon fight. Its a tradition that we need. Because it is BLISTERING HOTT here. And yes, Aunt Gay....I am....burned to the crisp! The FIRST time in a year, I finally got burned. haha. I am red as a tomato. But it was fun. I love zone activities. They are great.

This week..... CONSTANCIO. As I said last week, we planned a lesson about the Plan of Salvation SUPER AWESOME. We sat and we planned, and planned. Scriptures, topics....words....everything. And we get there, and we gave our lesson. And the Lord blessed us. But I thought the part most spiritual would be when we talked about Resurrecting with a perfect body...I was wrong. It was when we talked about the 3 Kingdoms, and he sat there thinking which one he wanted, and what HE needed to do. I just go so happy, and did as they say. When we were at the high point, had him thinking and had him going, we picked up...said a prayer and left him with that spirit. Or maybe we took it with us for him to notice ;) 

IT WAS INCREDIBLE!!! He even said he was feeling the peace from the Holy Spirit. The thing with constancio, is not a matter of knowledge. Yes, there are somethings he still needs to know and all of this. But he is that type of investigator that already lives the standards, is already a member, just doesn't know it. The thing with Constancio is his TRUST, if its trust in himself, or a little more with God, he lacks a little bit. He has had a lot of life threatening accidents in his life. But he still believes that God exists. Today in our zone activity, he was rollin' on by, and I saw him and brought him in. It was awesome, he talked to a bunch of missionaries, who were able to lift his spirits a lot. Elders are crazy, no? haha. But it was really good for him. But after we talked a little with him, and he said. "Sister, Today I was looking and trying to feel that spirit, that happiness that I felt the other night, and I wasn't able. I read a book, I tried to receive that feeling....and God didn't give it to me. Where is my answer?" And I just looked at him, and explained how that feeling comes from God when we are maybe, reading his scriptures, praying, going to church. Or we can have that feeling all the time, as a gift. After the baptism. And I explained the GIFT of the Holy Ghost....and he just loooked at me like.....Well then. IT WAS AWESOME. Still have some other logistics, but with a lot of faith and prayer, he will be baptized Sunday....or maybe Next. But I got faith...... 

This week we also found a family! Pedro and Gamiles, and there two little kiddos. They are a family soooo cute! And they were looking for a religion that is true, that they could believe in, that follows the bible correctly. And....It was awesome. 

New year, was.....one of the worst new years of my life. Because I was STUCK in my apartment, when I wanted to be celebrating with Fireworks and loud noises. But thats okay....we took a lot of pictures and peaced out sleeping at12:05. Special, right? Haha #missionarylife

This year, the only goal I made, was to be more like Christ (which includes being skinny! haha just kidding). There are so many things that I can do to be more like him, that it'll keep me busy for the next couple of years. But lets start now. I want to be more loving like him. I want to serve like him. Have more faith IN him. It looks like a simple goal, but....It is what this world needs. I am so grateful for my example and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love him, and am so grateful for things he has taught me, and done for me. This new year, I am going to start off on a mission, and then the second half.... will be an opportunity to find out how to be like him, without a nametag. haha. I don't wanna leave Brasil.

Can't believe its already been a year. 

Love you all, and praying for you daily! 

Sister Craig :)

PS....i forgot my chord for pictures. I am sorry. It has been a while since I have sent pictures..... I have lots to send. 

Happy 2015!!! -December 29, 2014

Happy almost 2015!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't even believe it. It is almost a new year, and the same year in which I will be returning to you freaks back home :)

The rest of my week was awesome! We had an incredible lesson with Constancio, where we were able to talk about the Restoration, and he just kept saying, "OH, I am going to talk to the big guy, and see what he says, and if he says for me to go, I will go." And I just sat there like....WELL OBVIOUSLY HE WANTS YOU! haha. But, wait, have I told you about him? He is in a wheel chair, and we are planning a super awesome Plan of Salvation lesson for him focusing on the Resurrection? Anyways, so we were sitting in church, a little bit down because nobody went....minus a less active we have been working with. And all of a sudden, one of the counselors in the bishopric opened the door and in wheeled, CONSTANCIO!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH. I about cried, lets be honest, I gasped so loud I almost passed out. He said he had been talking to the big guy, and still has some questions, but needed to come to church.

Then we had an awesome lesson with Luciana, she had the question if Jesus Christ visited here in the Americas, and that day we planned to give her a Book of Mormon. SO when we arrived there, explaining everything, she said, wow, that was exactly my question. And it was just super spiritual watching her receive the answer she wanted. 

Other than that, I think it was a normal week. Sorry this letter is short, but I just talked to y'all. haha. 

Love you guys, but I am doing what steve said. Focused here. Just only praying for ya. 

Sister Craig!!!!!!!!!

3 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -December 22, 2014

Family, I just feel so dumb writing an email right now, when I am going to talk to you in 3 days. But...here it goes!!!

Luciana!!!! She is a new investigator that is super strong! She has been LOOKING for the true church, and has certain things she knows will be part of the true church. She listed a bunch of things that only OUR church believes. We decided to teach her The Restoration, and give her the opportunity to pray and ask which church she should follow. And it was a super awesome lesson, and then out of no where she was like. "Oh no, you guys are the true church, arent you?" I just kind of started laughing, and then bore my testimony. AND IT WAS SUPER SPIRITUAL!  And I am super excited to see the growth she makes these next couple of weeks. 

We were looking for a Julio, and we found his house when a little old Carlos walked out, and started talking about how a lot of missionaries visit him, and it was just a really good lesson. I really felt the spirit testifying, telling him that he needed to go to church. He is one that believes in God, but not in church. And as I testified of the importance of God's commandments, I really felt and knew, as my eyes filled with tears, that God loves us SO MUCH, he has restored his church for this reason. 

This week we had the Mission Christmas Party. THats right, 200 missionaries, one sacrament room. Talent show. Lunch, dinner....FROZEN. We watched FROZEN. We laughed, we cried....it was blast had by all. 

Does everybody remember Dani? She got baptized last transfer, in Gama??? She called me this week. She got a calling as Young Woman Secratary!!!!!! And she passed this year in school, and will be serving a mission 2015!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHH, I cried, I laughed. IT was an emotional moment to know that one soul that I have brought to the Gospel, is now going to be doing the same thing. Ah. I just LOVE how the Lord works. 

This week we had christmas party after christmas party......it was totally a fun week! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! 

I am grateful for this time of the year. I may not feel like its christmas when I am sweating in the sun, I may not see all the christmas lights that I am used to....but I am quickly realizing that Christmas is MORE than this. We feel christmas, when we feel of the Love of our Savior. 

I LOVE YOU GUYS. See/Talk to y'all in 3 days!!!

Beijos. Te amo

Sister Craig

Hold to the rod.... -December 15, 2014

Family!!!!!

This week, I am pressed for time. It is that Christmas season and we have so many Secret santas planned.....I gotta work to do, and one day to do it.Haha.

This week was AWESOME!!! A lot of members called saying they had references, wanting to do Family Nights....(we had a dinner almost every night). My favorite was last night. They called all of the missionaries, us 6, and a less active family, and then a family that is being taught.....IN GAMA (my old and favorite area). I was kind of stressing out, cause the message was mine, and there were so many needs of all of them...I didn't know what to do. And I was praying, asking...lookin, studying...doing all that I possibly could to prepare a good message. The message I gave, I talked about Lehi's dream and the Iron rod, and was able to apply it to everyone. But my favorite part, is when my companion and I had everybody shut there eyes and start imaging heaven, and who would be there, what it would be like....and the spirit just was so strong during the moment, that some started crying. And then we asked.... "what is it that you need to do, to grab hold to the iron rod, and never let go?" Obviously it was a rhetorical question, but you could see all of them thinking what they needed to do....and the spirit confirming in EVERYBODY'S mind. Even mine, the members, the other missionaries....it was....incredible. I LOVE how the Lord answers prayers, sometimes I think I don't have the patience, or sometimes I think..... he isn't going to answer...and then BAM. In your face, the answer is there, awaiting. It was pretty much awesome. And then after, we had soup and cake. What a combo.

This week, it rained.... A LOT. Like always.  And we are starting to teach Eva and her niece and her daughter.....who seem somewhat promising. I have faith. It is funny, how people accept the message, saying they know it is true....but they don't realize what they are saying. 

Okay, this week, I want to bear my testimony. That I know the Lord loves me, and you. He is there for us, through all our problems, through all our difficulties, he will always be there for us. The scriptures are a gift for us to use to stay holding on to the Iron Rod, following that straight and narrow path. And that when we do what we can, the Lord makes up the rest. This week the Lord showed me the importance of doing my part, and he will do his. ALWAYS DO YOUR PART! Always, and the Lord will do what is missing. He just needs to see our faith to make the miracle happen.

LOVE YOU ALL!! Don't forget to pray and read your scriptures this week!!!

Sister Craig :)

Let's play a game of Where's Waldo?! -December 8, 2014

HIIIII FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!! We only have about 17 days until my favorite day of the year. And although I am not in my favorite season, enjoying the freezing cold snow...I am enjoying a FREEZING DOWN POUR OF RAIN!!!! hahahaha. It is raining ALWAYS here, day or night...morning or afternoon. It doesn't matter. And....to top it all off. I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I AM!! My area is HUGEEEE!!! One of the biggest, and we don't have a map. 

This week....we did a lot of walking. And, seeing as how we are opening this area, we are without any investigators....so it was a lot of CONTACTS. A bazillionnnnnn. But the members have helped a lot. We have family nights marked almost every night this month, where they will invite a less-active or an investigator....

Our lunches are delicious! But they are rare! Seeing as how there are 6 missionaries here, almost nobody has got space (or food) for us. But this ward is incredible. It is so close to being divided. It is by far the strongest ward that I have been in as a missionary. And I am lovvving it. 

This week we were able to find Leandro. We were looking for an address (like most of the time) and he stopped us and said....I don't know why, but I have the biggest desire to know more about the church  you guys represent! And, I want you guys to pass by in my house, okay? Gave his address....and walked away. Oh how the Lord loves and answers prayers!!! And even better, I know where he lives!! I have already found his house!!!! What a miracle!! Hahaha. 

This week an 8 year old got baptized, and so we helped a lot with that. Making Pao de Quejo....making brigadeiro...delicious!!!! I think I ate more than I made...

This week we helped a less active clean her house..... she has literally saved EVERY SINGLE BED SHEET/COMFORTER she has ever owned!!! It took 3 hours just fold them all, and re-put them in the closet thing. And my nose was covered in dust :) hahahaha...oh sometimes I just laugh. 

Also, this week...we moved houses. Because the Elders took our old house. And so we put all of stuff there, the assitants helped and everything...only to find out at 9 at night...we didn't have Lights, Energy, or Water.....everybody was calling everybody...and it was really funny seeing these Elders freaking out. Like, " The sisters don't have water or lights!!!!! Ahhhh" hahaha, I laughed a little bit. But they got it all working a couple days later..... and we had to shower in the Elders apartments. Oh mission life....HILARIOUS!!!

Sorry....I don't remember if I had any other really cool stories. Hopefully this week I will and will remember/write them down for next p-day.

Everyone here has huge christmas trees!!!!!!! I am loving it!!!!!!!

We are doing a lot of work with these new Pass-along cards. That say how Jesus is THE present. I don't know if there has it. But there is a new christmas video...and I loved it! I invite you all to watch and remember, who is our best present we have ever received, this Christmas!!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!! Happy 11 months to me, today!!! Pray for me that I may find out where I am!

 Sister Blair.....miss her!!! 

Sister Marques. 

Mosiah and Pryscilla took us to this really cool fancy place and they had a lot of christmas trees and stuff. Santa was there....and its by a lake!!! I was like in heaven. Christmas...and lakes!!!

Us 3.... 

One lunch gave us money to go to OUTBACK!!! Oh how I missed that good ole feel of an american restaurant. This pictures are bit old.... 

Down by the banks.... -December 1, 2014

Family! Whats up? Everybody still living??? Or did everybody die in a food coma? 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!! I totally forgot that it was thanksgiving until I received a phone call. Haha, hilarious Sister Craig, forgot one of her favorite holidays. 

I spent thanksgiving....thinking about Turkey. Delicious.

This week was BUSY! Sister Blair finished her mission, and we sent her right back to the USA. Take care of her there. I cried, a lot. She was such a great missionary. Crieeeeeddddd. 

This week, Carlinhos, a recent-convert, blessed the sacrament!!!! Ah it was awesome!!!! It has been INCREDIBLE and such a BLESSING to work with him, and see him start his life as a member of the true church. And as he said after blessing the sacrament, "The Lord's hand is in my life, and is just leaving blessings." AHHH. THIS IS THE REWARD OF TRUE MISSIONARY WORK. Seeing someone happy, and living the gospel. There is no better reward I could get.

Saturday we found 3 new investigators. And what are their names? Peter, James....Matthew. Haha, we made a goal to find our John. But they are super good people, who accepted to hear the message, happily. 

Sadly, I won't be there for the start of them. I was transfered for Aguas Claras. This area seems super good. It is a big area, and a bit richer. But, it will be great! President and I had an interview talking about the area, and he is thinking there is a lot of Potential. And clearly, I think that. I am SUPER excited to be here. I don't know why, just have a good feeling. 

This week I read a talk, "Consecrated Missionary"....and it took me one a whirl spin. It was an AMAZING talk given to missionaries, about how we can become a Consecrated Missionary, and I am excited to apply it in my life, and apply it to my work. But I got thinking about, how I can apply this after the mission, or maybe, how can I help the members in my ward, become Consecrated Members? That is my question for you guys this week, read the talk....and then apply it YOU as a MEMBER of the True Church.

This week, I am grateful for, obviously, MISSIONARY WORK. I am so so so so so so grateful the Lord has sent me here to be a missionary in the mission Brasilia. I am SO grateful for the billions of experiences I have daily, for the lessons I learn from others, for my leaders, for THIS GOSPEL!

I am happy, and hope you guys are too. I pray that you guys are happy! And i know the Lord answers prayers.... :)

As for Christmas, I arrived now, don't know what area I will be in...but....as the date gets closer, I will be sure to let you know :)

Stay strong and READ YOUR SCRIPTURES!!

LOVE YOU!

Just call her a duck, cause she ain't no goose! -November 24, 2014

Well Family,

It was good to hear from all of you. Glad to here you are all having a BLAST without me! Just kidding! But it is good to hear from everyone, and finally know that you are doing good. 

Julie-- FINALLY you have been converted to Gilmore Girls, thank heavens. 

This week was great! We were able to get a lot of work done. This week, we had one investigator finally go to church!!!! So he is the spouse of a recent convert from 2 transfers ago, and they haven't been able to get him, and when I arrived, we really started working with him. And finally this sunday he went to church! And he LOVED it!!!!! His name is Antonio Filho (Its like Antonio Jr.) and he is great. His wife and his brother-in-law are recent converts. Carlinhos (brother in law) has been going out and teaching with us, and it has been really cool. This week he had his 1 month as a member anniversary. But it looks like he has years. He is 24, and thinking about serving a mission. Which would be awesome, because his testimony is INCREDIBLE. He is always bearing his testimonies with his friends/co-workers. We are teaching his friend, Wellington. It has been awesome working and seeing Carlinhos and everybody grow!

This week, was also a big week for Nilson. He is going to be baptized December 7th. He is a shy kid, with hardly nobody in his life. And he has been working really hard on stopping smoking and drinking coffee. It was been a wonderful experience seeing him adapt his life with the gospel principles. It is amazing, how the spirit can testify so quickly for somebody, and they are willing to drop life-time habits so quickly. 

Today we had a Zone Activity------where we played....MAFIA!!! I was dying, lets be honesty, I was super good because I have had a LOT of practice! But I couldn't just help to walk down memory lane a little bit thinking of my big family back there in the states. 

Anyways, I am good. Listening to Christmas music all the time....and sweating....all the time! 

Sorry this week was so short. It is because we only have 1 hour now to write and do everything...so its like we have no time at all. Literally.

LOVE YOU ALL! Next week--- Transfers.

Renata! She got us this cake!!! 

Saying goodbye to Tati and Bea.....hardest thing ever!

Renata!!! 

Sister Blair and I being weird.

I got a chance to say goodbye to some Gama people....Dani!!!! A recent convert of mine :) 

Antonio (investigator) and Josy's (Recent Convert) daughter, Isadora!!!

​My new zone, yes Zona Brasilia. 

A cool mural of things in Brasilia. 

Guara 1-Gama-Guara 2 -November 17, 2014

Family Family,

Glad to hear all are in the Christmas mood, becuase I keep forgetting here in Brasil that its almost Christmas. Where is the snow? haha.

Okay, this week.....was just alright. I got emergency transfered, and was not expecting it. It was a hard move. I love love love love Gama. Truly felt like I was in Heaven, and really truly became part of the small town family in the ward there. I am going to be in Guara 2 with the Sister Training Leaders until transfer. I love these sisters. Sister Blair and Sister Marques. They are awesome, and work really hard. Guara 2 is practically the same area as my first area. My first area was Guara 1, we share the same chapel the same pretty much everything. So returning here was a little shock. Felt like I restarted my mission again. But it has been good getting to know more members here in Guara 2, and seeing the old ones.

I had one of the coolest (and funniest) moments happen in my last week of Gama. This week we moved houses. I asked Bishops brother (less-active) to help us because he has a truck. I like joking around with him alot. Actually, he finally started opening up to sisters because we were FRIENDS first, and after missionaries. So he arrived a little bit late, and was super frustrated when he arrived. His car wasn't working right, and wasn't starting....and I jokingly said....its because you don't have enough faith. He kind of looked at me like..."This is not the time" but smiled and said bugg off sister. Then I said (jokingly) "Its because you didn't PRAY!" Then I said a prayer out loud, as if I was him "Heavenly Father, please help my car work right so i can help the sisters. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen." And then I yelled, NOW TRY IT!....and in the same moment...he tried it, and his car worked perfectly the rest of the night. When it worked right after the prayer, I kind of started laughing...cause I was kind of just joking around with him, and he started laughing because.... it actually worked!!! GOD HEARS OUR PRAYERS, joking our not. It was honestly a moment for me that I needed. God is listening. In every moment,he is there. 

As for investigators, I am getting to know all of them in Guara 2. I didn't have MANY opportunities to teach because 2 days we moved houses, and then after that I was transfered, and am getting to know the area and everything.

But I know that the Lord has plans for me. I am excited for these 2 weeks, to work with these Sisters who are great! And I loved Guara 1, so why wouldn't I love Guara 2?? Sorry this letter was short, but....thats life.

Love you all! Praying for you! Keep up the christmas cheer for me! It just doesn't feel like christmas in the sun!

Sister Craig

Helping hands-- OPEN HOUSE! -November 10, 2014

I am speechless. 

CONGRATS TO JEFF AND JESSICA!!!!!!! I can't believe I have a new baby girl to take care of when I get back!!!!!!! Tell her not to grow too much. Because I like seeing them when they are little and cute. Ahhhh, how exciting. 

This week was.......busy....but not the good kind of busy. This week we were put to do the Helping Hands...... it was Saturday, I think nationally? Well here in Gama, we did an Open House in the chapel. We had dentist, doctors, blood donating place, fireman, psychologist, and a lot of other services that were free for the public. Tuesday they gave our Zone 5,000 invites to give to everyone in the road, and asked that this be our focus this week. So this week were dedicated talking about Helping Hands Open House. The community got excited, announced it on the radio..... and it was really cool. A lot of people were able to come and receive these free services, that are usually pretty expensive here. One thing that was cool, is when they entered they filled out a piece of paper with there address, and everything and we received their addresses as references, and our pretty excited to hear what they thought and begin to teach them. 

This week we also had a lot of Service Projects with members and investigators... One investigator who is going to have a baby any moment here, asked that we help her with all the baby clothes, washing, ironing, organizing. So we were able to help her and she was super grateful for this. We had one Irma who she makes cakes, sweets...for parties, weddings....and she makes super cool cakes. Anyways, she had a wedding that she had to make 600 sweets, the wedding cake, and last minute they added more stuff. So she called us and we spent the day there helping her wrap everything all cutsie. But its always fun helping her and learning how to make the cakes, all the secrets and tricks. I feel like I am on the TV show Cupcake wars, or Cake boss! 

This week they asked us 4 sisters, and 4 Elders to clean the entire chapel. Let me say--- the chapel here is 2 chapels there in the US put together. Its 2 levels, and HUGE. GIGANTIC. So we spent friday night, mopping and squeegeeing (spelling?)  the tile floors in these 2 levels. It was a blast.

And between all of this, we are moving houses TODAY. So this week, in the small spare time we had, we were packing, cleaning our apartment. And as tired as we are, we still have to do a lot, and move all of our stuff and laundry machine....fridge....tonight at 6. Where are my 3 hefty brothers when I need them? Haha. 

This week was exhausting but still, we are happy.

Dani!! She helped us all the nights handing out the invites, telling people about this activity. And she said....I am not even fully talking about the gospel, just about the church, and I am happy. I can't wait to be a sister! My heart just gleams when she says these things. And I know it will help her family accept the gospel too. 

This week Bishops brother, who is inactive, finally opened up with us, and is going to start making the effort. Saturday he went to the church to drop his mom off, and we got him to stay and do some of the things that were there. And then he offered his truck to help us move today. I can see the desire he has to return to church, and I got so happy when I saw that. I have been working little by little with him, and now he is starting to grow....little by little. But it was really cool to see Bishop, and his mom, see him progress and how he was happy INSIDE the church, doing something OF THE CHURCH.

 I learned how to completely trust in the Lord this week. I learned that he has a timing in EVERYTHING we do, or others do.

Okay, what I really want to do, is send out specific emails this week to those that wrote, because I am just so excited with all of the good news that happened there in the States. 

But I LOVE YOU ALL! And I pray for you every night. 

Beijos. Te amo.

Tchau!

Sister Craig

TIDAL WAVE!!!!!!! -November 3, 2014

HI FAMILY!!!! 

I am just going to cut right to the point, mainly because I don't know if you all are good, bad or if ebola ate you all up. But....

This week was awesome!

Our zone has had a challenge of finding 30 new investigators these past weeks, every set of us. It was cool, because we spent most of our days just talking to people in the road. Finding the weirdest ways to talk to some of them. Because, I don't know if you know this, but sometimes, we need to have a little fun in our day. And doing the same things every day can get a little old. So we started to make contacts with people who were wearing t-shirts that had the American flag (yes, a lot of people wear this), and we started talking about how I am American. Or we talked to every person that had a child with them. Or if they were standing by a tree, we had to talk to them.....we thought of the weirdest things. But it was cool, cause we were able to open right up with the people, and show them that we are fun and normal, but then quickly after, how we have something to show them. And it paid off, we were able to find a lot of new investigators this week that are awesome!

DANI GOT BAPTIZED!!!! This week, we worked A LOT with her, answering any last questions, interview, and with the new rule of teaching lesson 5 BEFORE baptism, we were running. One night, we were trying to find her a jumpsuit to be baptized in and she sat us down wanting to show us a video. At first, I thought...its gonna e one that talks bad about our church. But it was a video that a news channel here made about how Mormons are growing fast here in Brazil. They talked about our canning, our family history, about how we are the first to help in any worldly disaster. It was a really cool lesson. Keep in mind, we had planned to talk about Temples and Family History this night. During the video, she pointed and said "This is the coolest part"....and it started talking about our Family History Center. Afterwards when we explained more about Family History and Temples, she said, "Every whole that I had in my heart before I met you two, is being filled with this gospel. I have always wanted to know more about my family, where I came from...and now I have this opportunity to do that!" It was an awesome lesson, and as I testified about how when we do this work, we gain more of God's angels, I felt the presence of a lot angels there. And I knew in that moment the importance of Family History...and Temple work. OH HOW I LOVE THIS GOSPEL.

Sunday was great, Dani got baptized! It was a little funny. I filled the baptismal font, and when it got high enough, I turned it off. But then a couple members did something with it, because they thought it was still on, and as she walked in the font, we all realized how close it was, that when she would go under....water would flow of EVERY open space. It was a....a butt squeezer, but we managed, to avoid the flood of Noah's Ark. Good thing she is tiny. It was an awesome day for her. Her mom came, and the entire ward was there to support her. And she chose Bruno, a young man in our ward, to baptize her. It was his first baptism, and honestly was perfect to help him. Also, seeing as how yesterday was Testimony meeting, but before the baptism, DANI BORE HER TESTIMONY. She turned to me during a testimony and said "Sister, I feel like I should go up there, because I think I have a lot to share. But you need to come with me." As I looked at the members during her testimony, every single one of them was crying, and I know it was through her courageous spirit, and her firm testimony that each and every single one of us felt the spirit. 

Yesterday was a holiday here in Brasil. It is like day of the dead. We planned an activity that we took some members and all of us went to the cemetery. For 3 hours, we just talked to everyone...because it was SUPER busy, and everyone was super open to receive our messages. It was really cool helping them understand the plan our lovingly Heavenly Father has given us, and that there really is no reason to be sad when someone passes on. It was cool seeing our members go out there and share their testimony. And I know the blessings it brings when we share our testimony, without or without a missionary name-tag, when we extend our hands and help others understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

I am grateful to be an instrument in his hands. I know that we have great opportunities to help others receive this gospel, both living and dead. I know, and understand the importance of Family History. I am grateful for this opportunity. I am grateful to bring this joy to others. I am in love with Brasil. 

Love  you guys! Miss you!!! Praying for you always. Go out and teach the people near and dear to you!!

It was raining one morning...... :)

S. Cortez, Dani's mom, Dani, Me, Vitoria (another recent convert)

Dani, her mom, and some of the cake the members made for her!

Bruno, Dani and I!!! What a lovely day!

The main event! Baptizer and Baptize-ee. 

Happy days!

Some of the members in the cemetery..... and ya, we are sitting on a tomb.... i was super not okay with it, but my feet were KILLING.

When it rains, it pours. -October 27, 2014

Well family...... Its that lovely day of the week again. Where I am sitting here at the computer in this dinky little Internet house, and trying to think what happened this week. 

First and foremost, I MISS YOU ALL!!!! Glad to hear all the funny stories and spiritual also. Keep up the good work y'all.

This week was............ AWESOME! Last night we had an incredible lesson with Dani and our Ward Mission Leader and a Ward Missionary. We taught the 10 commandments with the 3 biggies...word of wisdom, law of chastity, and tithing. Dani was more than happy to accept the small changes that would occur in her life now. Because as she said "I know the Lord has something to give me in return....a new life after my baptism" Needless to say, it was a super spiritual lesson. And I have felt so blessed to see the changes that this 18 year old girl is making. As she changes from being of the world...to just being in it. I was seriously reminded of the conference talk (I forgot who by) Where they said something like "Often times we are so caught up in being of the world, that we forget who created this world". And I am so grateful to have seen her remember who created this world, who blessed her with these material things. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to stay outside of these material things for a year and a half.

This week a member from another ward visited our ward with his one week new girlfriend. They have just started dating....and she went to church for the first time this week. AND SHE LOVED IT! She literally talked to us about how much she LOVED church for about 30 minutes after, and how she wanted to be a member of this church. She had visited other churches a lot before, and the way she described her feelings she had during church, it was super clear that the spirit had touched her heart. 

I am excited for this week as we prepare for the baptism of Dani. 

This week, I wanted to share my testimony that I know that the Lord is ALWAYS on our side. The Lord wants us to be successful in everything that we do. He wants us to be obedient, he wants us to be willing and free to make sacrifices, and I know that when we do these things, we receive the blessings of heaven. I am so grateful to witness this EVERY DAY here in Brasil. Also, I know that he answers our prayers because this week he answered mine. IT RAINED! It finally rained. This country actually receives rain, I don't believe it! It has rained 3 consecutive days here, and I am finally not sweating all the time. 

Happy Halloween to all you halloweeners. Haha.... here....everyone is saying that all the rich apartments celebrate Halloween, but thats it. So i am sure we will do something in our apartment at night. Lets see........ LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pray for me, and I'll pray for you!

Sister Craig

marshmallow cream to the face!!! But I won, She just put some on my face! Haha

I got the question right, so I got to put a plate of cream in her face!

Whats the capital of Japan?????

TOKYO!!!!!!!

Some of the youth from Guara were in our chapel!!! I cried. 

Elder Arias and I goofying around in the district meeting!

And President said....let there be 6 months, and there were 6! -October 20, 2014

So this week I am a little bit later, because today was TRANSFERS!!! My companion and I stayed, and this will be my 4th transfer here in Gama. Its a good thing I love Gama... haha. No but seriously, I am 100% completely happy with staying and with my daughter! But the mission took on a lot of changes, transfer wise. Everyone is in new areas....its weird. Haha.

This week was awesome!!

Update on Gabi and Dani.... I am pretty sure I explained them last week. This week, we decided to give them a tour of the chapel, and then after we taught them. We decided to invite Bruno, one of the young men in our ward. We gave the tour, which was really cool, cause Bruno talked about the importance of Sacrament, which for them I am sure they liked, but for me...I just saw the future in this kid, and his love for the Gospel. Let me tell you something, the spirit totally changes when we have members present in our lesson. It gives it a little change, the spirit gets a little bit stronger...its great. We taught them the Gospel of Jesus Christ afterwards, where we talked to them, and explained (and showed) how Baptism is to be done. And we taught them INSIDE the baptismal font. Haha, it was cool. The spirit was there, and they both got super excited for their baptism, which is just around the corner. 

This week was also good...because..... I got to walk in the Chacaras. It is like a farm town that is part of our area. That almost NOBODY visits. But we decided to go there, and get to know that part. To explain Chacaras...its like farms....no, better...for those who know what towns close to Bear Lake look like....it looks like that. It was the cutest little place EVER!!!!!!!

Oh hey fun fact....I was standing on the bus, dead tired, half asleep, melting in the blazing hot sun...when some dude enters, and he is wearing DENVER NUGGETS!!! I asked him if he knew the team, or just bought it here, and he said "I love the Denver Nuggets, I visit Colorado all the time, and bought this at a game once"....and I just started to freak out. Guys! Brasil loves Denver!!! Haha, we had a joyous time talking about Denver, and he got super excited when I said I was raised there. Okay, sorry-- just a side note. 

This week, was just a lot of catch up. Last week we had made a bazillion contacts, to find a bazillion new people to teach, and this week, we did a lot of follow up....I really love the mission because...you can stay in the same area, be in the middle of a transfer, and just completely re-start your life. Haha.... because INVESTIGATORS ARE MY LIFE. As a missionary, you learn to be happy, when your investigators are keeping commitments, and commandments, and loving everything they learn. And thats why I LOVE being a missionary, because I see that so often! 

I am so grateful to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord, I am so grateful to have the spirit guide me on a daily basis. Never in my right mind, would I be sitting in a place, minding my business, when out of nowhere, I feel to start talking to someone that passed by me 2 minutes ago... And never, would I run after somebody and then explain why I was running.... NEVER. But I am so grateful for this daily opportunity. The spirit guides us, never too late, never too early. There is always a reason. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL.

Love you guys! Glad to hear things are great. Except that I am hearing there is a virus there in the United States....get that out of there quick guys! And thats about it. I forget what happens during the week because its all too much. But.... just know I am happy :)

Sister Craig! :)

Joao Paulo! He loves Americans!

Gabi!!! She will be baptized November 2nd!

Estephanie! Love her!!!

Alba....she is a nut case!

Love Neide!

Elder Figureido...I don't even think I spelled his name right...but he is legit!

Elder Saravia!!!! He went home to utah this week!!!! Chill dog. 

Elder G. Santos, Elder Arias, Sister Cortez and I. My district leader is sitting down (G. Santos)

Finally, our zone is complete!

Elder Arias! Who is from Chile!

Transfers, hanging with some friends. 

Elder Schinigoski, my brother here on the mission!

A pretty part of the Chacaras!

One lunch fell through, and Irma made lunch for 9 missionaries and her family! It was...a party. 

Dani! November 2nd!!!!