July 7, 2014

Family!!!!!

First and foremost, who else is sad that Neymar won't be playing in the World Cup...the teams best player got seriously injured in his back. So pretty much Brasil is going to get a little bit crazier here in the games. And also, I finally realized who the Brazilian goalie looks like. Bryce Long----You look like the Brasil Goalie. 

This week we planned a mini mtc experience for the youth in our ward. Keep in mind we put this together in a week and half, and during this time, we were looking for new apartments and visiting people.

So Saturday. Lets start at the beginning. 

The activity started at 7:30 in the morning. And 25\30 of our youth showed up. So the first 30 minutes they received companions, name tags, districts etc. And at 8 o'clock we started training. We first talked about the name tags and set up some standards\ rules. We talked about how they are carrying the name of Jesus Christ and their family name this day. We showed them a video about the Atonement and Missionary work. It was Elder Holland and Elder Eyring talking to mission presidents that we had. And it was incredible. We did a little training about how to make contacts, and at 10 o´clock, we sent them out with 2 less actives every companionship, and the rest contacts. Every single one of them was SO excited to leave and talk to people in the street. But as we had planned the day, we planned for them to return at noon, for lunch. Thinking they would be a little tired, we gave them 2 hours for lunch and watch Preach My Gospel DVDs. But as they arrived at11:30, all they wanted to do was leave again. A lot of them talked about how they didn't have enough time to make the goals they set. So as they finished lunch, we changed plans and let those who wanted to go out and talk some more until 2 o´clock. At 2 o´clock we gave them 1 hour of personal study. And I thought we were nuts for doing this, but they all returned, walked to the sacrament room, everyone kneeling down in prayer, and after studying their scriptures. I cannot begin to explain the spirit that was in that sacrament room. Afterwards, we called recently returned missionaries to be district leaders. And divided them into districts. Each and every one of our districts leaders was so excited about their "calling", and really truly prepared an awesome doctrine for the youth. Afterwards, we had a zone conference with the Mission President. Who we asked a member from Guara, who is INCREDIBLE, to be their mission president. Guys, I cannot explain the spirit of this day, and how during and after, every corner we turned was filled with a miracle. For example, at noon, when not one Irma who committed to making a portion of lunch had arrived, but then at 12:10 one showed up with enough Stroganoff for 40 people. How excited the youth was to do whatever challenge, whatever thing we gave them. How we had 2 investigators there participating. One who said that he wants nothing more than to be baptized to be a member. And to another, who every time I looked at him was on his knees fervently praying to our Father in Heaven to know the truth. And after wards sat me and Sister Blair down to tell us that this is something he wants to know, and how this day changed his life. I don't know if this even describes half of the miracles that happened this day. But I know that just to start, the leaders and bishop were impressed that 25 youth arrived at 730 in the morning and stayed, happily until 6 at night. Or just the fact that 25 youth showed up. Sunday after, each and every youth stood up and filled testimony meeting with experiences they had. Each and every teen that stood up at the pulpit filled their time with a testimony of missionary work, with excitement to serve, and some announcing that they officially want to serve. Two investigators bore their testimony. This activity was EVERYTHING this ward needed. Because now

Okay..... what else happened. So there is this family in the ward, who is HILARIOUS. They have two sons, a daughter, and the daughter is about 23 and has a little girl. But isn't married. And I love visiting them. The first time I was there it was because they had a ton of hot dogs they wanted us to eat. And we were sitting there, and the little girl, Sophia, started to cry for some reason. And everyone in the family just starts to yell and say "Cry louder, I can't hear you. CRY LOUDER, that will help". Totally joking around with this little girl. Anyways, I about died laughing. 

This week, we visited an investigator, Lena. We have only visited her one time, and decided to visit her. And yesterday she said she had been praying for us to visit, because she knew the Book of Mormon was true. In her words, "It just makes sense. Everything makes sense."

This week family, I can testify that God will give you miracles when you show him your desires. When you put in all your efforts, I know that God makes and shows miracles. I am living the dream down here in Gama.

Love you all, and miss you!!!

--

Sister Craig!

The last time I will see Elder Gil. He is going home to Argentina a week earlier than the rest because of his College.... So sorry, I was a wreck. Favorite Zone Leader ever!!!

Elder Moroni. He is too legit to quit. 

A family that made me feel at home with all the Red White and Blue. This week was brought to you by red, white and blue. 

Watching the game at Bishops house. Bishop and his kids...the littlest one isn't....but He was also wearing red white and blue, because it was the 4th when Brasil played!!!

Naiyra.... shes hilarious. Supported America as well...

 This tender picture of an Irma who saw her son with the name tag and started to cry. Everybody was crying in this moment. Just not fair!

 ​Mini MTC. My little missionaries, with their mission president!!!

7 Years Bad Luck! - June 30, 2014

Oi gente!

Just really quick? Did I see in pictures that Braden is blonde?!?!?!?! Whaaaaa? We got ourselves a new Jeff in the works?! Haha, thats awesome. 

So this week..... was a roller coaster. To start off, we have a new president!!!!!!!!!

Welcome welcome President and Sister Lundgren!!!

Okay, so Monday we couldn't leave our house. The game started at 4 o clock and then after that, we have to go straight to our house. So we had pday, and then watched Brasil and then....made skirts. I love the World Cup. Its like a holiday for missionaries. 

Okay, now lets just get down to the dirt of what happened. Wednesday morning, we woke up and my companion is sick. Her stomach is killing, she can't get up. Actually we all were a little bit sick, but she was the worst of us all because she went to bed sick. At 7:45 am we received the worst phone call. Our district leader called us and said that the assistants have released word that on Saturday we won't be able to watch the game at 1 o clock. Okay, well that just sent off the emotions for the sisters I live with. Hahaha....So then we were all sitting out in the living room and talking, some of us crying (Sister Blair), and all of a sudden our one and only tiny little mirror fell of the sink in the bathroom and SHATTERED. Nobody was even close to it.  Ya, so we are pretty convinced that it we live with Ghosts, who were also mad about recent news. Haha. 

As if that wasn't enough, our plumbing system SUCKS in this house. Okay, maybe this might be a gross, but its a rule in the apartment (for the plumbing sakes) that you can't make huge poops, and if you are going to, you gotta break it up. (Brazilians are very front about talking about this stuff, so sorry.) Anyways, well some missionary in the past transfer before didn't follow these rules, and it finally bit us in the but this week. Yes that is right, we had no toilet usage for more than a day. And OF COURSE, every single one of us got sick, and needed the bathroom that day. So we were always running to the church (thank heavens its just across the street and we have keys) probably about every hour. And what is worst is that we had a Sister Trainer with us in this day. It began to be funny after a while when Sister Blair walked in my room and said "Okay, I am marking a bathroom run in about... (looks at watch) 23 minutes. If you would like to accompany me, you may." And so it got to the point where we planned our bathroom runs. 

Okay, no...our week doesn't end there. First I need to explain our apartment. So we live above a house that has like 2 apartments above. And we live in the back one, and we recently received neighbors in the one next to us. But the thing is, is that our apartment isn't very secure, our door looks like a huge window. And the window in our living room, goes into one of their rooms. Its basically the same house with 2 entrances. So as I said, we had neighbors move in. They have 2 kids, who are weird and are always knocking on our door, asking, "Our mom wants to know what time it is" And this happens about once every hour. Anyways, so we were leaving for the store one day, i think Thursday, and the mom calls us and asks us if we had seen her husband in 3 days! And we were like...uhhh no. And she begins to talk about how he is a drug addict and the last she saw him he jumped out the window (second floor) and nobody had heard or seen from him since. So I mean its fine. 

We are moving this week. But we did invite her to come to church and she really wanted to, but Sunday morning she received a call saying that her husband turned himself in to a Rehab center, and has 2 broken legs (that's what happens when you jump out the window ladies and gents!) So she went to deal with that mess. But the kids are cute, and always are running up to us and hugging us now and its adorable. 

This Saturday we are planning a mini MTC for our ward. So we have been super busy with getting that all ready and prepared for Saturday. Which meant a lot of meetings with our Bishop, and a lot of visiting the teens. But through this we have had a lot of opportunities to make visits with them and find some new investigators (finally!!) 

Friday night was a stake party called Festa Juninha. Its a Brazilian holiday that lasts from June until August. And its basically a hillbilly party. Haha, but its funny and cute. And it was stake wide, which means....a ton of other missionaries. So Friday we helped everyone set up in the church and then after spent some time there. There was a TON of people, and some people from Guara 1 came and visited me. It was blast! I felt like I was on cloud 9. 

Saturday....well the game was at 1 o clock, and we aren't aloud to leave after or and study session was before. So we pretty much put our mattresses in the living room and watched Ephraim's Rescue, 17 Miracles.... All day.  But it was horrible during the game because all of Brasil would SCREAM at the top of their lungs. So we were just sitting there like...what do you think happened... do you think brasil is winning? It was a really depressing day. Haha. But good news----Brasil won!!!!!!! It was an ugly win (we heard) but...a win. And during that time, we were all laying there watching a movie, and it hit me. Our presidents were lunching, and meeting in that exact moment. And we weren't ever going to talk to President and Sister Gaertner as mission president again. So that was even more depressing. But last night, we had to talk to the new president about our house, and he was so cute! And his Portuguese will be a work in progress. But he is funny, and just like Pres and Sister Gaertner. So I am WAY excited! 

This week we were walking, when a member of Nova Gama stopped us and gave us a reference. He just finished talking to a woman with 2 kids, whose husband is a drunk. And he said we really needed to visit her. Her name is Katia. Then the next day, we had planned to visit her at night, and we recieved a call from the Elders that live across the street giving us the same reference. And they said that she really wants to receive the lessons. And when we went there, it was loud and obnoxious, because her husband was there. And it was so hard to talk. But when we asked to say a prayer, everyone sat down. And during that prayer I asked for the spirit to be with us, and that we could feel of our Saviors love. And when I finished the prayer, it was dead silent for about 5 minutes. It was INCREDIBLE. Katia isn't going to be an easy one to teach, but her desire will be what moves it along. That night, I really truly felt the power of prayer. I know that God answers our prayers. I know that he loves each of us, and WANTS us to feel of his spirit. I am so grateful for this knowledge!!!

Sunday it was just Sister Blair and I on a division. Because sister Blair woke up sick still. And 2 of us 4 needed to go to another area an hour and a half away with our Stake President. 

I gave a talk Sunday. I talked about how God will always provide a way in our church callings, even if we think we are incapable. And I used the example of Moses when he was called to take the people out of Egypt. And talked about his Obedience, his faith and testimony, and perseverance. I mean I was nervous to be talking in Portuguese in front of a ton of people.

Okay, today we are visiting Guara 2 because my companion wants to say bye. And its Elder Fonseca's birthday so we are going to lunch. Which by the way, I am in Guara 1!!! Home sweet home. I missed this place. But, it will be a short visit, just for emails. 

So that's my weird sketchy week.  But somewhat good. This week its preparing to move apartments which will not be in our area, but in the Elders area....tomorrow we have our first meeting with the new President. Friday is 4th of July. And I already asked the members to make watermelon and hamburgers. And they said they would. I made a 4th of July skirt. I am such an American. Haha. And that day, is also a Brasil game. Lets see if the new President allows us to watch it!

How was that for a monstrous email? You guys are so welcome. hahahahahaha.

Everything seems good back at home...praying for you ALL. I love you!

--

Sister Craig!

Strike 3...You're Out. - June 23, 2014

Okay Family.... I think I can remember just about everything that happened this week. 

We are in a new area. Sister Damaceno and I. My companion is this crazy girl from Rio de Janeiro. Haha it is so funny. And fun, but also she is really good at everything she does. SO I definitely am learning a lot. Cooking, Sewing more, and the best yet...Gospel stuff!!!!! Wahooo. 

This week started off with a miracle. Pay attention. Hahaha.

Monday night we were planning and we decided to take old investigators papers and visit them, see if something had changed. Well that night my companion had a dream. She woke up saying we needed to visit a Karinhe that lived at the address of Quadra 11 Casa #40. She described the girl she had talked too, and said that when she asked about the book of mormon, Karinhe responded "she believed it, and is trying to help others believe it. Just that she cant be baptized due to her blood. She has some sort of sickness. "So we looked at our plans for the day and we had found marked the address Quadra 11 casa 40 in our plans, but it was as Francaline that lived there. And my companion said that we visited her before lunch. Well we decided to go before lunch. And when we finally found the house after being lost, she said this is the house. And so we knocked, and out comes a little sweet Raimunda. We asked her if a Francaline lived here and she said that she was traveling for 2 weeks more (reminds me of my mother...traveling all the time) and I am ready to leave when my companion asks...and what about Karine, is she here? And Raimunda said "You mean her granddaughter? She is here but she went to the bank. She doesn't live here, she lives in Sao Sebastian. But she should be back any minute. Come in!!" So, we decided to enter. Turns out Raimunda is incredible! But also, Karine arrived. And she was everything my companion described in her dream. And when she arrived she gave us the strongest hug. But Karinhe, isnt like everyone. Karinhe has a mental problem. And so she doesn't need to be baptized. And we realized in this exact moment, that we were there to sing a hymn with her. Keep in mind, we don't know her, her family doesn't know us, we said nothing about being missionaries. We sang 2 hymns with her. Did you think to pray? and I am a child of God. But Karinhe didn't know the words, but she did know the melody. Loud and clear. And she was singing. And the spirit was so strong. And it hit me in that moment. I am not here just to help those who need to be baptized. I am here, to help which ever person. Every single child of God. My work isn't just about baptisms. My work is about lifting spirits. And in this day, not only was my spirit lifted, but Karinhe's was too. And the importance of going before lunch, is that they were not going to be there. They were going to leave for where she lives. It was incredible. I truly felt like I was standing where the heavens were open. Because I know that her spirit is a spirit of God, and it was open for me to see. She is talking with God, guided by God. And I had the opportunity to visit her. 

Other than that, this week has been a lot of walking and talking to everybody. Trying to find some people to teach. It has been a lot of work, and I feel completely dead. This area has a lot of potential. I am really excited for the next 5 weeks here. 

The world cup has pretty much taken over here. Because today, Brazil plays IN Brasilia. About 20 minutes from my house. So we aren't working at all today. Only aloud to leave for email, and if we are going to watch the game. Other than that, in house. 

I am loving it down here. Still, of course. 

This week was the Goodbye party for Presidente and Sister Gaertner. Of course everybody was a wreck, just bawling. But it was good to hear them and say goodbye to them one last time. And of course, I got to hug the President!!! Gall, it was so sad! But this week, we welcome in the new President. Pray for them. It is going to be interesting!! I am so nervous!!!

Also, funny story. This week. Us 4 sisters visited a family, and when we were there, they gave us Hot dogs to eat. And I was joking with the Irmao about how many we need to eat, and what makes it a good size. And I said, if hot dog and ketchup isn't falling out of your bun, then you didn't put enough in there. And about 5 minutes later, Sister Blair was eating one  and it exploded all over her shirt. It was sooooo funny. And then later that night, at our Ward Missions Leaders house, she spilled tea all over her shirt. I just about died laughing at her. 

This week was difficult for me. Just because I seriously forgot how to walk, and talk. It was difficult. My companion thinks my mom never taught me. Sorry mom. One day, I about tripped 4 or 5 times. And then just gave up. It was so embarrassing, but everybody had a great laugh. 

Anyways...so there is that. 

Love you guys!!!!! Praying for you!!!!!!!

--

Sister Craig!

Elder Magustero!!! 

Giving the President a hug!! Elder Magustero takes credit for remembering that I would want a picture!!! 

​One more, just cause I love these girls. 

Email Sent to Annie's Mom - June 18, 2014

Hi! My name is Jessica, I am twin, my sister's name is Priscila, we are 14 years old. Your daughter was in my ward, I'm so lucky to had her in my ward. She is perfect, she sings very well, she helps me a lot! She is incredible. She speaks Portuguese very, very well. She is the best sister in all of the mission. On Monday was  the transference, and she is not  in our ward anymore.  Now your daughter is in another stake. Brasília has... i don't know how many Stakes are here, but mission Brasília Brasil has Stakes not just in Brasília but in another States like Tocantins, Goiás, they are around Brasília. but  Sister Craig continued here in Brasília. I'll see her less often. But i know she is doing the right. And she's doing our Father's work. She sure is doing the best, i know it. This is very sad, because how can I survive without her? Of course it is because you taught her very well in the right way. I can see it! She loves you a lot, she said she looks like you, I don't know... If I will write her all qualities I'll be writing here all of the day. She is very, very, very cute! Sister Craig is: cheerful,perfect, talented, smiling( your doughter smile is the most beautiful smile I saw in my life), happy, pretty............. I love her! One day still want to see you in person. Congratulations! You are a good mother to her.

That is funny because every week we go out with sisters.And sometimes we separate with then and I stayed with S.Craig and she speaks Portuguese very, very well and some people in the street ask: are you american? And she say: yes. And some people ask: how long have you been here? And she say: 5 months. And every people say: what!? How did you learned so fast?. She knows expressions of our language like: vixi maria, here we say this when we can't belive in something, but we say this when are funny things. We also say: palhaçada, don't have translation in English but it's like clown things. When we say in English doesn't make sense, but in portuguese do.

I don't know if you can see the photos but the one that she is wearing a pink skirt is on monday,in the transference,the one thet is wearing a striped shirt is my sister,Priscila. And the other one was at my house last saturday, we celebrate her birthday. Starting in the right,is my daddy, he is the bishop, my mom, my brother, me, Sister Craig with cupcakes! ,and my sister.

The another sisters that came to here are really cool,of course your daugther is more, but... Do you know the green skirt she is wearing in one of the photos, she made, it's very simple,Sister Tanaka taught for every Sister, and she taught to me too. Your daugther made a lot of it. She is pretty good on it! 

 Sorry, my English isn't good, Sorry if I made some mistakes.

Let the Games Begin! - June 16, 2014

First and foremost everybody. THANK YOU! I loved each and everyone of the letters I received this week. Really truly is the highlight of my day. But, lots of news for you guys here in Brasil. 

One- I was transferred. AHhhhhh. I left Guara 1. I never thought it was possible. NO, I didn't want it to be possible. I love Guara 1. But, I am really excited  to be here. My new area is Gama Centro. I think thats the name. I don't really know. My new companion is Sister Damaceno. I already knew her because when we had the fiasco of cockroaches in our Apartment and were living in Guara 2, it was with her. I love her! She is from Rio. So she is super outgoing with the biggest accent. It is hilarious. Anyways, she speaks english. And this is her last transfer! As they say in the mission, "I am going to kill her!" Her family is moving for Florida for her Dad's work. And she is going to be studying at Idaho. YA!!!! Roommates!!!! We already planning the day when I return. 

Anyways, we are opening this area for sisters. So we are starting from scratch. We don't have investigators, nothing. Know nothing. Luckily we have 2 more sisters that we live with. So lets see what this area has got! The chapel is right across the street from our house. And it has 3 stories! It is HUGE!!! Looks like a temple! I will send photos next week. 

Two- As everybody was asking... The World Cup. IT WAS NUTS!!!! I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I kind of just imagined the super bowl brasilian style. No its like 4 super bowls put together. All day everybody was setting of this loud bombs, decorating more, everything. The stores and everyone closed atnoon. We watched it in the house of the Stake Patriarch in our ward. It was such a good game!!! Hahah, we joke because  the final score was 3-1. But really it was 4-0 because we made the first goal for Croatia. But it is so legit! And afterwards, we ran to our apartment cause everybody was on the street going wild! Holy nuts. Tomorrow is game 2 against MEXICO!!!!!!! Go Brazil. 

This week was hard. It was a lot of goodbyes. But I am happy to say that I left for the next sister there, some excellent investigators that are just moments and steps from baptism. 

This week I was talking to Irma Laurita, who visits the United States because her son lives there. And she just started talking about the Salt Lake temple. And holy homesickness for the temple. This week the neighbor of Irma Laurita died. Unexpectedly entered into a coma, and the day after died. So as we were talking with Irma, we began talking about how we are here for a purpose on this earth. And irma started talking about how she has one more purpose here in this earth, and it was to serve a mission. And as soon as she said it,  it hit me. She is going to work in a temple. And I received the chills. All this talk about angels of heaven always being with us, and I felt angels with us in this moment. And Irma Laurita felt it to. I don't know how to explain what happened, what I felt, or why I felt it. Just know that my testimony of temples, and angels ministering the work grew in this moment. 

This week I have a ton of pictures. Last night, Irma Lena gave me a surprise party in her house. Since I was being transferred, she wanted to give me something. But I had no idea. And I cried when they opened the door and start singing. Irma Lena has 3 sons, Mosiah, Nephi, and Moroni. Yes, like the prophets. 

So far so good down here. This new area seems to have a lot of potential. 

Okay, I mean, I probably am forgetting a lot. But I want to respond to you guys. So I love you!!! I am praying for you daily. Because I know the power of prayer. And I know the help that it can bring for us. Keep praying, reading your scriptures, doing what is right. Everyday. 

Love you!!!

I am 21! Almost dying!!!

Sister Craig

Chickfila visiting the world cup stadium. He saw the  stadium where world cup games will be held. He held tickets to the world cup. He was named Neymar!

Irmao Pacheco and Irma Laurita. He is the patriarch of the stake. And she is the CUTEST! They have a ton of birds, and totally remind me of Grandma and Grandpa Craig!!!

​Investigator Paulo Augusto!! He wants to serve a mission!

Arleisa! She is our pregnant investigator. She is so little but going to have her baby any day now. And I am going to miss it!!!!

​Amanda. Her brother is the baby's daddy! 15 years old!

​Irmao Chequino, Irma Raquel and Juh!!! My brazilian family. Definitely cried saying goodbye to them. But I will see them all in the states :)

Today at transfers, these are the twins in my old ward. Jessica and Pricila! They are incredible!!! Future Sisters!!!! Wahoo!! And a bunch of missionaries in the background. Awaiting where we will gooo. 

My birthday cake! Had so much fire, cause I am so old!!! Its official. I am a Brazilian!!!

Eduardo, Moroni, Irma (No say the name...), Me, Irma Lena, Mosiah, Nefi. The coolest family ever!!!! And my birthday food!!!! Hot dogs, cake, popcorn....YUM!!! Gonna miss them! Quick side note- These 3 brothers are EXACTLY like my 3 brothers. And they know it. Hahaha, always fun to joke with them. 

And last but not least....Isabella!!! Our ward mission leader's daughter!!! She is the cutest girl ever!!! And so outgoing!!

Green...Yellow...Blue... WORLD CUP!! - June 2, 2014

Family!

Okay....this week was good. I opened the email and actually felt your love. Perfect, just keep it up for the next year and 1 month. Because yes, this week I will be hitting my 5th month mark!! Time flies baby.

Sorry this email is late. As every transfer, today was the day of our Zone Activity. Always a hoot and a half with this zone. Played some soccer, the guitar...(yes I am learning how!!!!!!!!!!!), Brazilian dodgeball...which is way different but way fun, and...basketball. Where I learned that a lot of Brazilians in my zone actually pay attention to basketball in the states. So that was fun talking to them, and a little homesick for my brother Stevie. Mais, thats alright. I learned that one of the Elders that I arrived with LOVES the Broncos. He loves American Football, and wants a broncos shirt. So can we get him one??? Hahah, just a cool broncos shirt. He really wants it. And today we ate Brazilian Barbecue!! It was really fun. 

But here I am... this week was normal. Just here in Guara 1, with my companion and my investigators. 

I am going to tell you about Erasmo. We have been teaching him since my 2nd day here in the field. And he started out really open, and we were thinking ya! Lets baptize him, and he started to get a little wishy washy.... and eventually stopped. He is the son of Antonio. So when my companion and I started this transfer, I didn't even really tell her about him. Just that he was the son of Antonio. Anyways, this week he really started talking to us again, and opened his heart. Started asking questions and telling us what he truly wanted to know. And so finally he agreed to start praying, and hearing our messages again. This is good because he is awesome, but also cause he is HILARIOUS. Holy cow... he will ask if I want to try a new food, and I will just politely say no...but that doesn't matter, he is already on his way to get me it. He loves giving me new foods to try. This week he gave me a cup of honey. And I was like....no bread? Haha, just kidding...but I didn't know what to do. Anyways it is this type of honey that is super healthy and helps you not get sick. Which is good, because I was sick the day before...and I think it actually helped. But man that stuff was STRONG!!! Almost choked it was so strong. 

Some of you may be wondering...next week is the world cup...how is brasil preparing? Everything is Blue, Yellow and Green. EVERYTHING!!!!!! Houses, the streets, the stores....EVERYTHING. I am so freaking nervous to walk these streets next week. Haha, but this year President is allowing us to watch the cup in members houses. But only when Brasil plays. Which is fine by me. When it comes to the World Cup, I am a Brazilian. And we can't be walking the streets that day. Everyone keeps saying when Brasil plays, we will stay in our house. Including lunch. If members can bring it to us, thats great...if not...we are on our own! Ahhh. Hahaha. Pray for me! Just kidding, it is gonna be great!!

Other than that....this week was nice and calm. One day of getting sick, but I got driven crazy that I worked still. Hahah. I can't just sit there when I am dying sick. I start thinking about the people I won't visit. I go stir-crazy. 

I love this work, really truly. This week was a test of my perseverance. Every day, it was difficult to find people in their house. And those that had time. Everyone is preparing for the cup, and the teenagers are in their weeks of testing. So it was harder, we took every chance we could to teach, and still didn't manage to much. But I know those that we talked with, was real. I felt the spirit with them. And saw their progress towards coming unto Christ. 

I love you all. Thanks for the prayers, and support. Miss you everyday, but so happy to be here serving the Lord!!!! 

Sister Craig 

Brasil. Brasil. Brasil. - June 9, 2014

Family!!!

This week was a riot. Everybody is preparing and getting hyped for the world cup. Sometimes I am scared, I am just this little white girl. Hahaha, but it is going to be wicked. 

Our mission received permission to watch the World Cup in members houses, and we have to stay in the house 2 hours after, and then the member has to take us home by car. We cannot walk the streets. The sisters that are actually in the area of the stadium, can't leave at all. Haha...sucks. But I am actually SUPER excited. This month of the cup we can't wear ANYTHING that resembles
Brasil, or any country. So...I am just going to wear pink. What country has the color pink??? 

This week was good. Every Sunday we leave with the bishops twin daughters. Yesterday, everything fell through, and we all wanted to teach. And so I said lets go to Quadra 4. And so we went. We didn't know if we should go to the external or internal Quadra 4. So we prayed, and the spirit whispered, external. So I told them we need to go there. We didn't have any luck at first. Nobody was wanting to hear us. Finally I said to my "companion" (Jessica) "Lets go knock on that really sweet looking house that is blue". We clapped our little hands and out walks this little old lady with the cutest little baby. She walks out and before we even said anything she said (translated) "Oh my loves, please come in!!!!" And in my mind, I am thinking....she has already talked to missionaries. Lets find out the story. So quickly, I called over my comp and the other twin, and we entered. She thought we were another church, but she likes to hear the Words of God. So we talked a little bit. Afterwards, I just walked. And I was thinking, wow. The spirit really does answer us EVERY TIME we pray. The spirit really is with us when we are doing the Lord's work. 

This week was a bit of drama with our apartment complex. So we ended up spending two days working with them and our freakin' sink. Water was splashing out of our kitchen sink, and in our neighbors. And it turned into this HUGE fiasco, and our apartment manager does not enjoy that we live there, or anyone for that matter. So it was this great big dramatic show. And the entire time I was sitting there, "Why didn't I ever pay attention to my dad when he was fixing these things??? I could have learned so much, and avoided this entire situation!!!" One of those moments that I missed my dad. Hahaha.

This week we are preparing for the World Cup, and for a Baptism!! Wahoo. Franco. I have talked about him before, I think. Anyways, he is really truly progressing, and really truly is ready for this covenant he is about to make with the Lord. I am truly excited for him. Cannot wait! 

This week is also my last week in Guara 1. I have 3 transfers here, and I don't want to leave. It is PERFECT! But, I will be leaving. On my birthday, happy birthday to me. Yikes. I am nervous for a new area. But I am excited for the new adventures that await. This transfer we have 6 Sisters arriving. And in the middle, a new President. Ahhh!!!! I am so excited to meet them. So sad to see Pres. and Sister Gaertner leave! And then after they arrive, 20 more Sisters arrive. Which means EVERY Sister will be training....haha yikes. 

This week I read the story about how Jesus Christ blesses the little children. This week we were sitting in the hammocks at Antonios house, conversing with Antonio and Erasmo. And Erasmo announced that they are moving... (No, that is my nightmare.) But after he announced it is because they are having a BABY!!!!! So the next lesson we give, I decided I wanted it to be about Jesus blessing the Children. I was really struck in 3 Nephi 17: 24 that talks about the angels of God surrounding the children. It was a comfort here. In the midst of all this world cup, in all this new culture, new country, everything. I have angels here. Surrounding me, and I really truly can feel their presence in my life. Another verse that I liked was Mark 10....verse 14, I think. That talks about the Children are the Kingdom of God. It has become certain for me that the little children are God's precious creations. When we have a child, it really is a gift from God. And I love that thought. 

 I am SO SO SO excited for Erasmo and Celia. And Antonio is going to be a Grandpa!!!! Ahhh. 

As with all of our investigators....they are moving. No seriously, every single one of them is moving to another area. I don't even believe it. My companion arrived to the point where we didn't want to visit any of our investigators because they would announce that they are moving. 

And that about wraps up my week. Today we went to visit all the cool places of Brasilia. Which includes the World Cup stadium!!!!!!!!!!!!! I stood where the World Cup will take place!!!

Exciting.

LOVE you all. Praying for you too. Be safe. Choose the Right. Read your scriptures. 

Elder Fonseca with the tie I made him!!!! Go brazil.

Here is a picture of my Zone. Zona Brasilia.

We are all excited for the world cup.

 This is my brother. Elder Schinigoski. He is too legit to quit.

My companion has 10 months, and i have 5...get it????

Chickfila cow!!!!

The first is of a couple of us. The 2nd two is the entire zone. Yahhhhh. Zona Brasilia!!!!