Be.Like.Christ. - April 20, 2015

This week's letter is brought to you by.....Jesus. This week, my district leader called it "Week of Christ". So everyday we had a challenge, that he wanted us to complete. 

The coolest experiences of all-

One day he called, and he said this day we needed to spend our companionship study learning everything about how Christ treated the children. We read old General Conference talks, scriptures, Liahonas....EVERYTHING. And really felt the love of our Savior, for the little ones. And so the challenge was to go buy a small little toy. And say a prayer before leaving asking Heavenly Father to show us what little kid we could give it to. It wasn't give a toy and find out which kid would have parents who wanted to hear or anything. It was just give a kid a toy, and help him be happy. So one day, we were walking and out of nowhere, I saw a woman. I didn't even see kids, I just thought I would do a contact normal. And then the kids started running up to her, and I noticed that one wasn't too happy. Wasn't talking/playing/joking. And we decided to give her the toy. And when we gave it to her, she took it....but still had a stinky face. And I was like wow, and then we just kept talking to the babysitter and explained that we just wanted to give her that little toy, and when I looked down at her....I saw a grin on her face. And in that moment, I felt the worlds biggest feeling of Love. I don't think I had ever felt such a strong spirit of the Savior in that moment. What we learned it how Christ really put the children first. And I don't really know how to explain what happened. Really, just seeing the little girl smile was something so comfortable. 

Then there was another day, where we studied....Charity! It's the pure love of Christ. This challenge stayed between the missionaries. We had to serve another sister. And he assigned the Sister we had to serve. So I had to serve a Sister who just arrived here....and I didn't really know her very well.....and I decided to make her breakfast. And again....that same spirit of love of seeing her as a true daughter of God came to me.

And, as we all know. Jesus Christ is our biggest example. And with all his love, charity....he invited others, to come unto him. On the last day, every single person we talked to we invited them to follow the example of Jesus Christ being baptized. It was the worlds coolest experience. I don't know why, but it was a week where we were trying to be MORE like Christ, do exactly how HE did it. Not because of numbers, or because the assistants were wanting it...but seriously we did it out of love and charity. We had moments where when we talked about the atonement, investigators felt the spirit, members remembered WHY we take the sacrament. It was a week of strengthening our ward, our investigators, the less actives.

I know that we are here on this earth with a purpose to be more like our Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for this experience I have had to come closer unto him. To understand what he felt, when people rejected him, when people opened their doors for him. I am so grateful for the example he left here for every single one of us. There is something more to do for us!!! I love this gospel!!!

This week, Sister Craig received that call.,."Sister Craig, which airport do you want to land in?" AKA..... Sister, I am buying your ticket RIGHT NOW!!! 

Almost cried.

But I am going to finish out strong!!

Today we have interviews with President. So I gotta run!!! Gotta go put on make up or something!!! FInd a skirt that doesn't fall off. 

LOVE YOU ALL!!

Just call her Jane! - April 13, 2015

This week was one heck of a week. The sun just whipped it out of us. Haha. No seriously.... This place is getting hotter and hotter on the daily. And we are in the middle of "winter". 

This weekkkk goes to...Rosilda and Manuela!!!!! We found them on Tuesday, taught them are SUPER spiritual/awesome lesson on the Plan of Salvation. They LOVED it. They are a mom and a daughter. Manuela is 11, and Rosilda is about....35... around there. So then, when we returned on Thursday..... they said they felt God answer their prayers and that this was the truth. And so we went and taught them Restoration. They said...again....they would pray about it. And last night....we arrived there, and they started asking about Baptism....and I just sat there like...never have I ever an investigator ASK me how it is that we baptize in the church. And I sat there, and felt super strong to read Alma 7. IT was awesome. They will be baptized May 2nd. We are excited. 

Yesterday we had a Family Night with an Irma and her two daughters. They are great members, and they asked us to continue to stop day during the week and read scriptures with them, because they are passing through some tough times. So last night we read with them. And they happened to be in Alma 7. Which was awesome. Because we got to hear Alma go and preach to the people about Baptism, and it was cool, as my companion and I had to relate all of this to members, who were already baptized. But it worked. I specifically like Alma 7: 14-17. It is talking about baptism, and what we are doing when we baptize. And it makes an invite. "Yea, I say unto you come and fear not...." The Lord is inviting all of us. And we should not be scared. Let it be baptism, let it be something personal. The Lord is on our side. He invites us to repent, invites us to do our best. Maybe we have already been baptized. But the invite still stands to continue firm in our testimony, in our faith. 

I hope you all are great. Sorry this email was sort of lame. But I feel like its the same stories over and over again. Can't believe the time is passing so quickly.There are days where I am excited, and there are days where I feel a couple tears come up because I know I will miss these crazy brasilians and some of their delicious food ways....

The Lord's work continues, and we are all excited as ever here in Brasilia/Tocantins. Lots to do, with so little time.

Love you all!!!!! Sending photos now!

Sister Craig! Te amo. Beijos. 

I forgot the funny story....

This week....we were walking....and one of the sisters, who will not be named....stepped on my shoe/foot. And she ripped my shoe. And I had to walk practically barefoot to a members house...to ask for a pair of shoes. 

Hahahahahahahaha I was pretty much hopping along. And I felt like a little bunny.  Hahahaha. It was a good time had by all, minus my foot. 

So there is that. Your daughter is a hoot. 

We took these TODAY

Last transfer with us 4. 

​Irmão Adilson and his family. They live in Chacaras. Its like...a farm....or something...

How precious.....Sister De Paula, Sister Mercer, ME, Sister Aparicio (black sheep hahah)

Happy Easter!  And Happy Book of Mormon holding.

Palmas is where its at! - April 6, 2015

First and foremost. 10 weeks everybody. 10 weeks. I hope you are all prepared.

GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!!!!!

Okay, so I didn't get to see Sunday Afternoon because we had transfers and those who had to travel to brasilia had to be in the Rodaviaria in the middle. And so all the missionaries were scattered. I stayed here in Palmas with Sister Aparicio. Good thing I love her. I get another 5 weeks with her :)

But I LOVED LOVED LOVED general conference! I thought President Uchtdorf rocked it!!! I liked Boyd K. Packer....but it was REALLY hard to understand. Its been so long since english, and I felt like he was really struggling with english. But I loved Uchtdorf and of course Holland. I mean, obviously.

We had a lot investigators come and see general conference. That was pretty neat. This week was just pretty normal. I don't even know what to report. We had a lot to do with conference we were trying to help a lot of people go.

This week we found Gabriel and Wilson. They accepted to be baptized April 18th. They don't go to any church, but believe in God, and are going to pray and find out if Joseph Smith really was called of God as a Prophet. It was cool. I started to invite them to be baptized, and Wilson just finished the invite, and accepted in the same time. It was super cool.

This week we found Daniela who is a pastor for the teens in Assembleia, church of God. And she started talking a lot about how she didn't know if her baptism was valid, and wanted to learn more, and is going to pray.

Ai gente. This week was cool. Haha, I am tired it was so busy, and that doesn't help to remember everything that happened. Sister Miranda was transfered, she went to brasilia. A sister that I arrived with that already passed through this area, returned. We are all just super excited!!!

Yes, I already knew about Katie. I even knew she would yank your chains. (I am talking like dad....) Yes, I knew about the donuts from Mom....On second thought, its cool being here. I learn all of the things that are going to happen, and the tricks aren't played on me!!!!!!

Love you all. I want to bear my testimony that I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. When I heard people opposing the sustaining vote, I felt the spirit personally confirm that that Man, is no ordinary man. He was pre-ordained, called of God, and has all of the keys here on the earth. I am so grateful for this knowledge. To know that we are being guided by somebody who talks face to face to our Heavenly Father. We know what to do, we just need to choose to follow.

I love you. Pray for you lots

Sister Craig

It's Tuesday -- and she's writing! - March 31, 2015

Yes, so I am a day late. Wanna know why? MONIES!!!!!!!Ta ruim mesmo!!! Hahahaha. We all didn't have any money to enter. Actually, we had a little. So when we arrived, the emails were down, and we used all the money we had trying to fix it. But here we are now. 

This week was, as always. HOT! Its getting hotter and hotter. And less rain everyday. I sometimes just sit in the hammock before we leave and think-- How in the world, am I going to work/walk in this heat? I have learned new places in my body that sweat! Places I didn't even know it was POSSIBLE to sweat. Did you know that our mustache area sweats? Because I sure didn't!!!! Holy hannah.

Okay, stop thinking about the heat. This week was--great! Lara got baptized! Wahooooooo. The ward made a bunch of cake, and coxinas, and good food....and we watched a daughter of God return to her Heavenly Father. Baptisms are always a good time had by all--Literally. 

This week was also Sister Miranda's birthday! WAHOO. I just love this girl. We have lived together for more than half of her mission. Hahaha. It was fun to celebrate. There was cake. Barbeque. Coke. Rice and beans (obviously). It was wonderful. She is a happy little camper. 

This week we focused on finding new people to teach. And there was a moment, we left and EVERYONE we planned fell through. So naturally, we start knocking doors. But we only would knock doors that had shade in front where we could stand. Because it was HOT. And it was funny. NOBODY was letting us in. And finally we joked. Ah, we need to knock that door that is pure sun/heat. SO we knocked. One time, and me...dying of heat and without faith-- "Nobody is home, lets gooooo" And I turned my back---and Gabriel opened the door! It was awesome, and a literal answer to my prayers. Haha, he gave us water. He gave us shade. And he accepted our messages!!!! And then his neighbor, Rosie.....she already heard the messages a long time ago. But she moved and  never was able to finish. So I sat there, asked her if she had already been baptized in a church, and she said NO. And so we invited her to be baptized on the 18th. Without even being taught something! That right there is what we called a lost sheep prepared by the hand of the Lord. 

Okay, so this week my studies are going towards what questions I can take to General Conference for the prophet to anwser. And...I challenge all of you to think of something you want to know/ want an anwser. And promise, that the Prophet and Apostles will anwser that question. This week is also transfers. Who knows....next time I talk to you, I could possibly be in a new area!!! Wow! 

Okay, gotta go! Lunch is awaiting, and today continues as normal. 

Happy Easter! Happy Conference watching! 

And pray that it rains here in Palmas. And if one day it could rain some money. I would gladly accept.....

BEIJOS.

Sister Craig!

Warning, warning! - March 23, 2015

OH family! I can't believe we are entering into the last week of March. Sometimes I am just like....this isn't possible.

Okay. Where to start.

Gorette-- She spilled the beans! She finally started to open up about what she was feeling about the church. The only thing to know is that we moved to give a lesson about Temple Work and Family History....and it was the COOLEST lesson of my life.  I finally was able to teach in full everything I know about Family History work. Normally, we give the lesson and the people just accept it, and move on. But this lesson, was incredible. We were actually conversing talking about EVERYTHING. And at the end, she said, "Sister, I am not going to baptize this Sunday (22nd) because I still have to stop with Coffee. But Sunday (29th), I am going to be baptized." I kind of just sat there, like..... after 4 visits of Sister Craig thinking "Cut her, she isn't progressing. Why are you returning?!", the anwser finally came out. Sometimes....I need to remember that the Lord's timing is different. We just need to follow the spirit, in everything we do.

Eliane and Raylan-- We went there with a member, Irma Marli, we talked about the Restoration. Irma Marli, bore her testimony of how much the Gospel blesses the lives of her family, and her two little boys. Which was incredible, because Eliane worries alot about her kids. It was awesome, and she accepted to be baptized April 5th! Conference weekend!

This week, we started a "Read your Scrips, with your Sisters" Calendar. We gave up our Sundays, which are pretty much useless, and are dedicating it to members. So they sign up what hour they want, and we go to their house and read the scriptures with them. We started realizing the ward was getting a little weak, so we decided to start helping them focus on the things most important. They got excited about it, and so did we. Plus it will be good to get to know more members.

Today was a Zone Activity. We had bbq, brazilian style. Ice cream. Laughs. I painted the Elders nails. haha, cant believe it! They fought like Bryce, but lost like Jeff. Haha.

This week we are helping a less actives daughter get baptized. Lara, she is so super cute and so super ready. Afterwards, its Gorettes baptism!!! Lets goo!!!!

Love you all!!! Time flies, and today was short, because...we entered late!!!

Beijos. 

Sister Craig

Easter in Palmas Tocantins!

Rita!! Future Sister Oliveira!

Me, S. Aparicio, Rita, Sister Mercer

My beautiful companion, Sister Aparicio!!! Love her!!!

​Zone Activity!

Ana Vitoria and Irma Adjania!

Sister Miranda. Long time best friends :)

Porter! I am painting your nail!!!!!!

Happy Camper for a free manicure!

Do I really have to take it off?

Your lovely sisters here in Palmas 1!

Pass it on. March 16, 2015

No literally. There are days where I feel like I could strike a match, start a bonfire, and it would be the same heat we are suffering in Palmas. I walked 2 minutes to get to this internet house, and I am sweating. Gross. Haha.

Okay, so. This week. My companion got a stone in her gallbladder. So we spent some days in the hospital. The PUBLIC hospital. That the mission does NOT use. But, here in tocantins, our insurance doesn't cover any of the hospitals. So public/free is where we go here. And it was horrible. You know those scenes in a movie when there is a war going on, and suddenly they enter into the hospital, and its so full of people that they have people in the halls, on the ground, crying, screaming...yeah...I felt like I was in the middle of that. It was horrible. But good news is, all is well with my sweet companion. 

Outside of that...this week....I don't know if I have talked about Aldaci and Ilton. They are our ward missions leader's parents. They aren't members, and we joke that they are "eternal investigators". This transfer we made a goal to get them married, and baptized. A couple of weeks ago, we set a date for them to be married April 4, and baptized April 5. They accepted. But then, wednesday, we showed up....and they told us they would be travelling, and would be getting married in this State, because it's where they are from. And that when they get back, they will be baptized. I just about collapsed of happiness. Our Ward Mission leader, is a recent convert....I think about 1 year. And we all just screamed of happiness. Obviously we are going to give them a little party in the church, with cake. Lots of delicious cake. 

This week, Raylan and Eliane.... Eliane is Raylan's mom, got sick with a cold and it was a bit harder to teach them. But, don't you worry, this week, we are all over that. 

Last night, we had a cool experience that led me to think about some of the things in my life. We were visiting a member, who is passing through problems. She has a 3 year old, that constantly disobeys her, and pushes the limits. And when we were there she started screaming with him. We all awkwardly just sat there, and then after she asked us for help. So obviously, I sit there like "We aren't moms, we don't know!!!" But then I started thinking about...my examples. My parents, my brothers and sisters who are parents. And long story short, we invited her to call him over and just give him a hug and tell him that she loves him. And she did, and literally all 5 of us were bawling. It was touching. In the moments where we are ticked, mad, about to explode..... do the opposite. Give the person a hug. Tell them, sincerely, that you love them. It was a touching moment for all of us. But I can honestly say that it is one that the more we do it, the more the kids will recognize it, and pass it on. So....my invite for all y'all with little ones, or y'all who might be angry. Just go over, and give someone a hug and say, " I love you". The three hardest words to say when Satan has put a bad feeling in our head, but the three strongest words, we can say to lift someone up, and take out any bad feeling we may have. 

I testify, that the Saviors love is a constant need in these days. We, as members of the church, need to continue showing/being examples of HIS atoning love. Pass it on.

Love you all! Miss you like crazy too.

Sister Craig. 

This lake came from all the rain we received this week. Crazy. And yes, tempting to take a dip. 

Making lunch! Thats right.....No, I am kidding, they only trust me to stir the rice. And I managed to screw that up. 

I don't know if I sent this, but its a fruit that literally comes from a FLOWER!!!! It doesn't have any taste. 

Its pretty much just tasteless calories. Like wholegrain crackers

What we have to do to get out of the heat. Thank goodness for pamphlets!

March Madness - March 9, 2015

Oh family,  can't believe I am already writing another letter. Man alive! Where is this time going?!

I don't know if I have told you about Raylan's mom. But she really started progressing this week, taking everything super serious and is LOVING the church! This week she went and she just started participating out of no where, making comments. She taught one of our other investigators. And we just got super happy. We will be marking a baptismal date with Eliane, this week :)

This transfer, we decided to focus on the investigators who have the problem that they aren't married. SO first we have Aldaci and Ilton, their son just got baptized recently. Aldaci's family has been a member for a while. And this week, we gave a super sweet lesson with Alma 7:14-17 mixed with Commandments with Law of Chastity, and marked a wedding date and a baptismal date! It will all be done Conference weekened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love love love this family. Aldaci and Ilton have 22 years living together, and Ilton is just a little stubborn, but he really opened up to us, and we nailed it. Oh wait, the Lord used us, and they are planning their wedding :) Their son, is 19 years old, he is our Ward Mission Leader with less than a year as a member, and he is so excited! Fun fact, in this super awesome lesson, Bishop actually went with us, and when we invited them to be married, Bishop testified, and offered to give them a church wedding too!!!!! It was awesome.

We also have Giann who is a returned missionary. She is married, and has 2 kids, and they are all SUPER firm in the church. And her husband is Catholic, but..... believes in the church, just wants to "feel it", and last night we went there, because he was on his farm get milk and meat, and we gave Giann and her son a lesson on Preach My Gospel, we are starting to read it with him every week, and this week we read chapter 4 which is recognize the spirit....and who showed up in the middle of the lesson? Her husband!!!!!!!! And we talked about how the spirit talks to us in different ways. And in the end, invited them to decide in the moment, how the spirit talks to them, and then that same night, say a prayer asking if the church is true, and look for the feeling they said the spirit uses. AND he said he would!!!!!!! And then he gave me straight from the cow, milk! Which is awesome, because I completely stopped drinking milk here, because what we buy here is like water....and disgusting. But this milk is SOOOOOO Delicious, and he gave me some :) Its like normal milk in the US! And they say here on the mission that the "prepared investigators" always give food :)

Okay, I just am super happy with that! We are all just super happy. The ward is getting super excited. And I am just grateful that my personal goal of helping people not only get baptized, but GO TO THE TEMPLE, is coming true. I loveeee seeing people make goals and enter on the path that leads to the temple. It makes me so happy!

Love you all! Miss you!!

Sister  Craig

March? Already? - March 2, 2015

Can't even believe its already March. I did not allow this to happen!!!! Time is sure just flying by. This week will mark my 1 year and 2 months. 

This week was awesome! Here in Palmas, we are literally dying of heat!!!!!! We cannot just catch a break. Its been forever since I have felt chills from coldness. haha. This week we also moved, FOR THE LAST TIME. We finally were able to get the house we wanted, and contract was closed......took forever, but we got there. And we are exhausted. 

This week, we worked a lot with Isabel and Rafael. Isabel is that little old lady...and Rafael is her grandson. They are really progressing, that maybe they will want to be baptized this week. They are loving the messages, and have a real desire to be baptized. 

Raylan, he bore his testimony this week!!!! He was sitting next to me, and he looked up at me, and said, "Sister, Can I bear my testimony?" And I about died, and then he did what they always do... "Okay, I am going to bear my testimony, lets go. You and I....." I just laughed....Raylan, I don't need to bear my testimony....but then I was like....yes I do. So we walked up there. And after that cute little 11 year old boy, I bore my testimony.

Yesterday in church was a cool experience. There to confirmations during the sacrament. And in the first one, it was raining, super strong. And all of a sudden, Irmao Fred started the blessing, and the power went out, he kept going and in the moment he said, "Recieve the Holy Ghost" the power turned back on. Needless to say, we all said Amen with our jaws in the ground. It was cool moment. 

This week was normal, we are working hard. We have a lot of families who need to get married in order to get baptized, and they have a lot of time studying with the missionaries. That it is our goal for us 4 this transfer, try and help these families get married and get baptized. 

I don't know about you guys, but every day......there is this deep feeling that...Jesus Christ is arriving. We don't have much time. And every moment that I feel this feeling, I just feel the desire and start to make a contact. The work is going faster and faster. We all need to bear our testimony more and more every day, for someone who may not know. We are need to help those who it has been a while since have visited the church. WE, as members of HIS church, need to put it into gear and help those lost sheep. 

1 corinthians 12: 11-14.....thats what I studied this week. We, as members, make the body of Christ. Everyone of us plays a role in His work. WE are important. I know that the work is hastening, and there are reasons. Study your scriptures, study the latest talks of our Living prophet and apostles, and follow their counsel. Let us all press on, in the work of the Lord.

Love you guys.

Sister Craig

Just hanging with the kiddos.

Baptism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Palmas doesn't go half way on anything. 

Dropping off our companions for them to be transferred in Brasilia. :(

The worlds cutest little guy!

I made pão de queijo. And it was delicious!

Saudades - February 23, 2015

Hi Family, 

So, I think this week....its better that I just say I love you all. And let you know that my prayers are there, daily. 

I want to bear my testimony, that I know God's plan. I know that our Heavenly Father is taking care of our sweet Barbara, and that His blessings are with Grandpa. I have no doubt, that Families are ETERNAL. I have never felt so confident in my knowledge that we will all be together and that this is just a "See you Later". I am so grateful to have this knowledge. I am so grateful that Jesus Christ completed this plan, with His sacrifice. He made it possible to live with our Heavenly Father. It was that humble example, that he left for us to follow. And I am so grateful to be here, helping others, follow this example. 

This week, we don't have much to report. My companion left Saturday, and we are in the waiting for our new companions. They arrive tomorrow.My companion is Sister Aparicio (didn't spell that right at all!), and she is from Argentina. She is super duper cutsie. And really good, I have already worked with her 1 day, and we loved it.

This week there were 2 baptisms. Wellington, and Andrea. They are awesome, and we are super happy for them. Andrea and Rodrigo are already planning the wedding in the Salt Lake City Temple. Rodrigo got baptized 2 months ago, and his wife, yesterday. It was a great day for them. 

This ward is awesome. I love it. There is so much to do here. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. But it just pushes me to do better. 

I think thats about all. 

Love you guys, and know that this week my thoughts and prayers are with you in the States. 

......At least its Monday. - February 16, 2015

Well family, as everything is okay. I am sad to say....that the Baptism of Matheus....did not happen. Its the worlds longest story....and not really interesting. But, as always, the work continues on. And this week is Raylan! We are super excited for him, and his eager eager decision to move his date to this coming Sunday, instead of next Sunday. He just "couldn't wait any longer".

Raylan is 12 years old, and has been visiting the church for quite some time. His mom visits with him sometimes, but every week, without doubt, he is there with his Book of Mormon. I thought he was a member, until 2 weeks ago. And I started reading his sheet that talks about him....he was never even invited to be baptized! I almost cried. We invited him to be baptized, and he accepted. And the following Sunday, in church, (yesterday) asked us to show him the font, and wanted to know EVERYTHING to there was to know about his baptism. And then he asked if it could be earlier...and we accepted....he has already had all the lessons, loves church, has a testimony. And I just started crying. I pictured Joseph Smith, interested in knowing the truth. And the excitement he must have had when he received his answer. We are super excited for him, and the family that introduced him to the church is also excited!

Also, this week....we started teaching this little old lady, Isablie. She is going to get baptized the 28th. We arrived at her house to give her a ride Sunday morning, and out walkes her, her 2 grandsons....and I am like....there isn't room in the car...what are we going to do.....and still have 1 more to pick up. It all worked out...and her grandson, Rafael LOVED the church. This week is a youth camping trip, and he signed up to go, and is there.....met everyone yesterday. But he was begging his grandma to return to church. And the leaders who were with him said he was participating in the class, and loved it. We got super happy with all of this.

Its amazing, how happy the people get when they enter in to the Lord's house. I am so grateful that every week, I have the opportunity to take time out of life....and, honestly relax. Church just gives me so much peace, I finally feel comfortable 100%.

FOR EVERYBODY TO MARK IN THEIR CALENDARS NOW!!!!!!!

JUNE 19TH, 2015 I will be boarding the airplane here in Brasilia. And Saturday, June 20th, 2015...I will be arriving in Denver International Airport. 

Our mission does it different, we leave the Friday before transfers.JUNE 20TH I WILL BE ARRIVING (AKA LANDING IN D.I.A)!!!

All are invited to be present in the airport, and at my homecoming talk that is TBD. 

Love you all. But you all now can stop asking when is my official date to come home. This girl is getting trunky.

96 days. 

But who is counting?!

Love you all. Praying for ya daily. BEIJOOOOOS.

Sister Craig

Sister Miranda, Me, Elder G. Santos.

Simario, an investigator who found us taking a little swing..... 

Last Monday, we ate the worlds healthiest lunch. Cheese bread and a milkshake. Nobody would ever believe me if I said my dad was a nutritionist. Hahaha.

My companion and I on Tuesday, at our Zone conference with President.

Sister Miranda, Sister Craig, Sister Soares, Sister Hill. I live with these goons. 

Just to show you missionary life isn't always a glam scene. 

Matheus Franco - February 9, 2015

Okay, so today we have interviews with President, and we just had a training with the Sisters....and tomorrow is a Zone Conference with Assitants, so....today is going to be fast, yet again. Sorry, but this week...I have the worlds coolest story.

LAST Sunday night, my companion and I were making goals for the week, and we started to joke around about how baptisms we would have, this week, we didn't have any marked. But....all of sudden we got serious, and decided to have a baptism. We didn't know who, or how...or what to do....but we wanted to help someone be baptized. So we put it as our goal. Then after we started planning for our Monday night after Pday. We looked through our Area book, and found a bunch of ex-investigators that had already been to church a bunch, had received a good portion of the lessons...and planned to visit them. We had planned from the top of Palmas, until the bottom. Full of plans, with alternatives after alternatives. After pday ended, we were on the road and out the door. Ready to go. We visited the first, determined and ready to find the star of our week, the child of God that would be baptized on Sunday. The first one, was a 14 year old who has been meeting with sisters for quite some time, and visiting the church for 3 months.....but when we arrived there, he was leaving and not able to sit down. And when we were leaving, a member who lives across the street, started calling us and asking us to come in. And I just heard myself accepting to go visit this member. And as we were walking, I was just thinking...wait.... I need to work! If someone is going to be baptized, we have to find them TODAY! And then I enterned in the house, and I sat down. Thinking, " WHY DID I SIT DOWN!! GO TO WORK SISTER!!!" And then, out of no where. And investigator who we had been trying to teach walked into this house. (The investigator and member are good friends). And I just got sad, because he promised he would go to church, and he didn't....but we decided to give him a lesson and take advantage of him being there. We taught him the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the end, invited him to be baptized for Feb. 22. He accepted. Then the member started joking, ahh, he could be baptized tomorrow. He is a member without the water. 

Okay, his name is Matheus. Other sisters had been trying to teach him, but he is super busy and hard to find in his house. Oh better, he WAS super hard to find. What ended up happening is they started to joke around with Matheus, and I don't know why, asked him how many times he had been to church. He said, 4/5 times.... And it hit me and my companion. HE IS YOUR ANWSER. INVITE HIM TO BE BAPTIZED, SUNDAY!!!! So we did, and he accepted. 

This entire week, we were just running from place to place teaching him all of the lessons, hearing of his cool responses. So you all are probably wondering if he was baptized, right? Well, saturday, we marked his interview with Elder, and he PASSED! He was excited...and everything was going good...when he said, Sister.... I want my parents to be there. So we naturally responded, INVITE THEM. Please, the more the merrier. And with a serious face, "Sister, can I be baptized on a Saturday? This upcoming Saturday? Because my parents, out of nowhere, traveled, and aren't here until Tuesday. But I want them there." Obviously we were a little sad...we prayed, fasted, worked, to have him baptized on this Sunday. But in the moment, I heard the spirit whisper, "Eternal Families". Remembering, that families are one of the central points in this gospel. And who am I to not respect that this 19 year old is wanting his parents see him take the best step of his life. We agreed.  Saturday at 6 o'clock, will be his baptism. 

I am SO grateful, for the reminder of how important family is. Being away from home for 1 year and 1 month, you can't just help but forget that families are forever, and important here on the earth. And Matheus helped me put value where I needed to put more. I know, that families are forever, and that when we do things as a family, we grow as one. And we will have Celestial Glory as one. I am so grateful for this. 

This week, everyone pray for Matheus. I didn't even tell you half the work that came with him. He is one ordinary boy. The Lord has a lot in store for him. 

I love you all! Yesterday was my 1 year and 1 month. CAN  YOU BELIEVE IT? Even President is getting trunky. In my email today said that my time is short. WHAAAA? Thats a lie! 4 months is a long time. I can do lots of stuff!! Haha.

LOVE YOU GOOBS!