August 25, 2014

Helllooooo Everybody!!!! Its ME!!!!!!!....Uncle Fran....wait...Sister Craig!!!!!!! 

This week was great! Isn't every week great in the work of the Lord? Yes, I believe it is! Haha.

This week we marked a baptismal date with Evaldo. He is this little old guy that is HILARIOUS. So we were talking to him, following up on his reading. And he said he had been reading, but he wasn't praying. And I asked..."Well why not?!" And he just starts to talk about how it is because he needs to feel pure and be completely certain about what he was going to pray. Basically he was wanting to have his answer without the help of God. So I asked him.... "Evaldo, when you eat cake, do you need to eat all of it to know that it really is cake? And that it really is delicious?" And he says, "No, I think one piece is sufficient." And then he starts laughing....and he said..."So what your saying is that because I went to church, and because I liked church, and liked what I read...that I know this Gospel is true?" And we all just sat there like..."you said it, not me!" Haha, he then asks us when a baptismal date would be, and that he was going to pray that night. He accepted the baptismal date of this Sunday! And I am soooooooo excited for him. This little old man is hilarious. And I have loved working with him. 

We also marked a date with Fernanda. She is a 20 year old lady that is studying in a college here, and SUPER shy. But, she has been taking the lessons normal, praying and reading...and we marked a date with her on the 7th of September! It will be good to see what happens with her! 

This week, we had a Stake activity, that the Stake President ordered that every missionary in the stake be there. That is 40 missionaries. It was an activity for  the youth in our stake about missionary work. And the Mission President and his wife were invited and attended. IT was an AWESOME activity. At one point in time, all the youth were downstairs (because our chapel is huge and has 2 floors) and the stake president was talking to us missionaries. When all of a sudden, he announced, "I have emailed your bishops with an announcement that they need to call the BEST man in your ward to be the Ward Mission Leader. And if the best priesthood worthy man, has a calling, to release him and then call him as Ward Mission Leader. Missionary work is not a joke any more to me" And he just starts to get all super serious and spiritual. And my mouth literally had dropped (no seriously, I was in the biggest shock) and I looked at President Lundgren who was just laughing and smiling at me, giving me the look like, "Yup, you can believe it Sister Craig... it is a necessity." So that is pretty neat, and happening down here. 

This week my body got hit with the biggest cold of all colds. Knocked me out a whole day and a half. Haha. Literally felt like my body was shutting down. But now, I am getting better...almost normal. Haha, normal.... 

Okay what else..I mean, everything is good here in Gama. Gama is Zion! Haha. I think I said that last week. But I LOVE Game. Probably one of the betters here in Brasilia. My companion is still awesome. I mean she has 12 days left. But she is still working harder than ever. My ward is full of incredible people that make me laugh...make me cry.... 

This week will be full of talent show activity preparation, and lots of contacts and finding new people to teach! I pretty much just love my life. Alright? 

I love you guys! And I am certainly still praying for you all!

 Today we went to Asa Norte (Rich part of Brasilia!) 

 I love this sign. Because I LOVE BRASILIA!

I think someone just got a little homesick for Bear Lake.....Sister Craig!!!!

Go for the temple, or go home! August 18, 2014

Family!!! For the record-- The picture of the food I sent... You all have eaten it. By show of emails...who has eaten those brookeside chocolate covered ACAI?!?!!? Then you have all eaten acai. Its a dessert, and chocolate covered its horrible...but put granola and a little sugar, and its the best thing in the world. Y'all don't even know. There isn't one person down here that doesn't like Acai, including americans. Its like ice cream.... but better...and healthy, super healthy.

Okay...This week- AWESOME! We started to teach a little bit more of Lena's family!!! Ya, her mother in law is HILARIOUS! Isabell, and Lena...we taught them the Plan of Salvation this week, and at the end...we invited them to pray...and they both just looked and were like ya, we will pray...but...that makes sense, I believe this. And just start talking about how there is no doubt that this is the plan God has for us. AWESOME! Just need to get that little Lena married, and everything will be perfect.

Since I have arrived here in Gama, I have gotten really close with a family here. They are hilarious, and awesome. I have sent pictures before. Anyways, we are working with them for the them to go to the temple together and be sealed. It is a lot of work, as this is the time that Satan is really trying to prevent them. But this family is INCREDIBLE. I am really excited to see them go through the temple. This week, I really got struck about our work. When our new President arrived, he talked about how we are to focus on the less-actives, members who aren't in the temple yet, and investigators. And this week, I really saw the importance of working with members. Seeing them go through the temple together, to be sealed as a family, will be just as rewarding as a baptism. I love this work. You seriously learn something EVERY day.  One day you think you are going to work with a bunch of new contacts, and you end up sitting with a member, working to strengthen her...and you know that it is the best thing you could be doing in that moment. It is amazing how the spirit will testify to you, in those quiet moments, that what you are doing in that moment is 100 percent right!! 

I love the spirit. I love it when he talks to me.

 I can't believe this transfer. It is passing by SO FAST! It is almost over!! Ah, and I don't want  my companion to leave! She is awesome! Gall, missions are hard guys. Haha. Saying hello and goodbye every 6 weeks. Its just not fair. 

Today was our Zone Activity. We had churrasco (grilled some meat...yum) and played soccer for hours on end. In the blistering sun. IT was a blast!!! 

Things about home-

Can't believe Ty-dawg is coming home already...the kid just left. Oh wait, that was me. Haha. And what?! DEREK DRIGGS? Already? Tell the kid hi! I don't even believe it! 

Okay, I absolutely love the mission guys. I mean, I know there are those days....sometimes even weeks, where I am like...this is hard. But its those hard ones that make it pay off! Opposition in all things, we need to know sadness, to know greatness! And that is something I learn daily here. Ha! 

I love Gama. I am staying here. For the rest of my mission and after. OH that reminds me. 2 things, one I think I am going to live here the rest of my life, that cool with everyone? 2) This week we had a lesson with our BISHOP!!!!! It was awesome! And hilarious. Sister Valen and I were eating lunch in their little snack store, and we were sitting there, and Bishop's brother calls over a dude and starts talking "have you ever seen these girls? They are from the Church of Jesus Christ..." And he basically sits the kid down himself. And so we start talking, everyone is just laughing, its a bit awkward. But then bishop decided to sit down with us. We were explaining a little bit about the Restoration, and about Authority of God. And my companion uses the example of a drivers license. "If I don't have a drivers license, can I drive? Yes, I could...but that wouldn't be right" Talking about how our Church has the Authority to make covenants in the name of God..." Anyways, it was an awesome short little lesson. And after Bishop starts talking about our authority example...and he looked at us...and was like "Good thing you didn't ask me to testify about the Drivers license authority example, because I have been driving for 2 years without my drivers license." And in that moment, we all broke out laughing, like...WHAT? HOW? haha.. So the story about our bishop, is that when he was little he was paralyzed, told he would never be able to use his hands/arms...but then one day, he received a blessing talking about his Mission, that he would serve. And since that day, he has worked on this problem. And he has been able to do small things. He served a mission and everything, but he can't do a lot. And so, he went to RENEW his drivers license, and they didn't let him renew it because of this.... 

Anyways, it was hilarious. Hope that all made sense. Bishop is awesome. 

Love you all, glad things are good at home. Miss you like crazy. Come to Gama. Its too legit to quit here. 

Sister Craig

I went picture wild this week. Just cause I felt like it. 

 Tereré! Its like drinking grass from a field... at least it is healthy. 

 I made that skirt!

 Just lovin' the chaccara! 

 Elder Saravia (in front, the green) being weird. Its fine. He is hilarious!

 Artur! Ahhh, he is the sweetest little boy!

Sister Valenzuela and Sister Souza. Picture crazy!

 Irmã Lia taught me another way to make a skirt. Its a lot cuter, and a LOT easier!

 sador! Nene! I love her! She reminds me of Ashlynn!!

 I think I'll keep her. 

 A family in my ward. Hilarious, and awesome!

 Sister Valenzuela and I! My companion!

 Sister Souza! She is a cutie. 

 Zone Activity....soccer.... 

Diego and Haline and their kid Artur! They are awesome!!!!! Family night favorites!

August 11, 2014

Ola Familia!

I can't believe that Tyler comes home this week! What? That kid just left. Oh wait, no that was me. Haha. 

I am just going to tell you the cool things that happened this week. 

Wednesday we had a blitz. Every Wednesday, our Zone goes to one set of missionaries areas and makes contacts. Its really cool if you think about it.... 18 missionaries, in one tiny area talking to everyone for 3 hours. So this week was Santa Maria (Holy Mary haha). It is always funny to see the Elders reactions when you give them your references and are saying "This family is awesome, they totally let us in and asked us a bunch of interesting questions etc. etc." It is funny because the Elders are always complaining about how nobody lets them in on first contact. Haha....oh elders. Anyways, I was dying of thirst during the blitz and saw a man and his wife washing something outside on their driveway. So I decided to ask them for water. We got talking, and they invited us in. It was a super awesome lesson, as they asked questions directly relating to the Restoration of the Gospel. And the spirit was super strong. I always love giving these types of references, because you know that you were the door to the gospel, and the missionaries called to serve in that area, are going to lead them right in. 

Wednesday we also had a Zone meeting. Where we got a bunch of new goals with the President...and we got a tiny lecture. I am not sure why exactly, but we got one. This President is really kicking us into gear! Haha. Its going to be awesome to see the miracles that come from him. In the Mission Counsel, he talked a lot about obedience. Don't worry dad, you weren't the only one thinking about it this week. This crazy thing is, is that my mission is known as the most obedient. I think just out of Brasil. Anyways, I am just babbling about this now. But, it was a super good zone meeting. And the counsel about obedience touched everyone, not because we are being disobedient necessarily, just because...I know the blessings that come from living obedient. And I feel a difference when we decided to choose the wrong. Our Zone leaders touched base on how obedience is getting out of bed at 6:30...not 6:35....or 6:40....6:30on the dot. Obedience is leaving your house at 10:45, not 11. We got really cracked down on the EXACT part of obedience, and it was awesome. Haha.... 

This week we also found a family to teach!!!!! Karol, Maria Eduarda, Yasmin, Jose, and Mateus. They are awesome, and really open. I believe they will be baptized in just a little bit. 

Other than that, this week was normal. A lot of contacts, trying to find new investigators...

I don't know if I told you, but every Wednesday, us American Missionaries in our Zone teach an English Class. It is really cool seeing people learn a language completely different. And its really fun teaching it!!! Haha, their accents are hilarious. 

This week, we talked to this old lady, Isabell. She this crazy old lady that just LOVES to talk. When we asked her if she had any questions for us she said... " Yes, why do you 'crenches' (meaning people who have a lot of beliefs, almost like Nuns) never die?" I was like...what? we don't? Thats news to me! Hahaha, anyways...turns out she has never seen one of us die...and therefor believes, we don't die. 

Family...friends.... I just want to share my testimony that I know that God lives. He loves you, and me...and each and every one of us. We are his children and he has sent us here to grow. To learn how to choose right or wrong. It is part of His marvelous plan. And I know he has one for ALL of us. I love you all, and seriously am so grateful for everything that you guys have ever done/do for me.  

Sister Craig

 I love 7 months and acai!

MMmmmmm. Acai is the worlds greatest thing ever!!! Too bad the States don't have it!

 Sister Craig finally reached 7 months on the mish!!

For all those wondering....New Jerusalem is here in Brasil!!!! Hahaha.....had a good laugh at that... 

And so let them get married! - August 4, 2014

Family!!!!

This week was awesome! My companion may be dying, but she isn't stopping the work like the last companion! This week was incredible. Gama is an awesome area and Sister Valenzuela is amazing!

This week, we visited Lena. Everybody remember her? The one that loves going to church, has a response about everything....and basically needs to baptized. But isn't married, so has to get married to her "husband" first. So two weeks ago, we tried teaching her the Law of Chastity lesson, but it ended up just being about baptism. We were trying to start out, with finding her real desire to be baptized and then we were going to move into the Chastity lesson. But when we were about to move in, she said..." Lets pray right now" And she prayed, and then got super excited about the strawberry dessert thing she bought for us...and we never were able to teach. So this week, Sister Valenzuela and I planned to just be direct with her. And when we arrived, we asked her if she had been praying about Baptism with proper authority, (need to follow up on our invites) and she just said... "But don't I have to be married to be baptized?" And in that moment...I was like....(in my head) "Are there another set of missionaries visiting you?" Because most people down here, believe in an other type of marriage, that isn't by paper...not legal. Haha.... and so we thought it was like this. And she just openly told us how she wants her husband to come to church with her, because she wants to be married in our church, and wants to be baptized with him. And that she had been preparing him, slowly to receive our messages. Awesome, right? Right! She came to church Sunday more than excited because he wanted to go to church with her, just that somebody robbed their horse (totally normal, every day thing, right? No...) and he was trying to deal with that because he can't work without a horse. But he wanted to come to church! Hallelujah. Lena is amazing. I was telling our Bishop about her on Sunday at lunch, and he just looked at me and said "And so let them get married! We can do that!" And I laughed a little bit, and then was like...wait....this transfer I am going to plan my first marriage!!!!!! Ahhh!!!! I can't even wait for Lena, she gets so excited just talking about the idea of finally being married. Heck, they have been together for 20ish years. No wonder. But its going to be crazy, and its going to be fun!!!! 

I am happy to say, we can see a light at the end of the 'living in one area, working in another, paying buses everyday' tunnel! We move back the 12th!! hallelujah! This week we were able to find a lot of new people to teach. And I am really excited to help every single one of them. This week I made the goal to read Preach my Gospel, start to finish. I invite you all to do the same. I know it seems like it is a missionary book, but...hey, we are all missionaries! But really truly, this book has been doing nothing but teaching me how to strengthen my testimony. Every single thing it teaches, we can apply for our testimony. Encourage you all to read it.

And here is just my daily little fun fact. This week I was looking in my Portuguese Book of Mormon, where they have a cute little timeline of events of the history of the church. Did you know-- The Joseph Smith finished translating in 1 and 1/2 years!!!! And he only received the Priesthood one month before finishing. Gall, I seriously thought at least 3 years for him to finish all of that. 

And before the 12 Apostles were called, there were already missionaries called and serving. That did nothing but show me the importance of Missionary Work. 

I love my work. I love these people here in Brasil. Guys, I don't think I am going to come home....you can all just visit Brasil! You guys would love it. I just know it. 

Start learning your Portuguese ;)

Sister Craig!

My companion!! She is legit!

Elder Oliveira. He sadly left my zone this transfer, but he is awesome!

How we take pictures as missionaries. Brasilians love to hug, and they can't hug us...soooo.

The brother of Nayara. I love this family.

A cute little girl that reminds me of Ashlynn how she plays and talks...its so cute! Trunky!

The Bishop and his wife that I absolutely love!!!!!!!!!

Nayara and I! This girl was meant to be my friend, its like I knew her upstairs in heaven!

Another one bites the dust!

Okay family....There goes another transfer....that one actually went by a little too fast for me. This week was the lasts of Sister Damaceno. Her parents arrived Thursday, and we said goodbye to her then! And then saw her a couple more times after. I stayed with Sister Blair and Sister De Mello until today.Where we got super trunky for home! It was funny, it was sad, it was hard....I didn't ever want to "kill" someone on the mission again! NO way!

Don't say that all to fast though Sister Craig, because got my new comp...and it is her last transfer on the mission. AGAIN???? Haha, Sister Valenzuela was born in Brasil but grew up in Paraguay! She was also companions with all of my companions that I have had. She seems way cool. Don't know to much about her. Lets see right?!

At least I am still in Gama....because I love Gama. And I love this ward. And I love this area! Whats not to love!? 

All this talk about losing weight in the mission...out the window. I arrived here in Gama and have officially gained 1 KILO!!!!!!!!!! What?! We start running more tomorrow. Already have goals made with her. Haha. Ahhhh no! 

This week was hard to find time to teach. We had a lot of meetings in Asa Norte for Sister Damaceno. And then when she left, I was with other investigators that I don't really know. I don't have to much to report to you kids today. Minus the fact that I totally have gained 1 kilo. You can all send me your diet ideas for next week. 

One night we had 2 more sisters stay with us who were visiting Gama for one last time. We had a little mini party in the church so that all the members could say goodbye. It was a mess in our apartment with 6 sisters, 4 beds....suitcases for all...and everyone staying up late gossiping and what not. Haha. 

This week we visited an Irma who I had never visited before. I loved her in Church, and love her cute family. But we never visited them and they live in the Chaccarras...(another word for the area that is super far away). This place was beautiful...where they lived, not the actual house. There house was normal. But they were surrounded in green. Just like we were in the middle of a mountain full of trees. But it seemed so different to me. And I got a little bit more homesicky because the sight...reminded me of Grandpa and Grandma Craig's house. Exactly like that!!! I almost died. It was beautiful. So there is just a side note for you all. Brasil is still beautiful and different everyday! Also, this week they sent off a missionary to Brasil, Curitiba. Their son is going to be awesome! And it was fun to sit there with his family and him and just talk about the gospel...and about the future. 

Ah, I know. I will share with you one of my studies, out of the billions I had this week. Okay, so this one applies to just the bald men out there....or to those that worry about losing their hair. I have got a scripture for you. D&C 9:14. Did everybody read it? Cause I only have my Portuguese scriptures with me... (we don't really teach in English here in Brasil...haha). So what we can learn from this scripture is that...If we stay firm and steadfast in the work of the Lord, we have 2 promises (blessings) awaiting us. Depends on who you are to say which blessing is better. But you men who are worried about your hair, I think you know what to do now. Haha. I love reading the scriptures. I know this seems silly, but after reading this verse.... I just sat there and thought, "wow, just about every single promise we need to hear, up until losing your hair, is written in the scriptures." God really didn't want to leave anything behind... not a single strand (of hair...get it?? haha) for us to miss. And I am so grateful for the scriptures we do have. This week we visited an investigator Gustavo. And he is leaving this week for America to study at Arizona for one month. He is super incredible, I think I have talked about him. He is the one that has a huge desire to know the truth. This week, we were teaching him...and he started bringing up all the lost books of the Book of Mormon, and the Bible...and we just sat there, astonished that we were actually trying to explain the Lost Books to an investigator...But afterwards it hit me. The literature we do have, is sufficient. We have enough to comprehend. We have guidance enough for our day. And I am so so grateful for each and ever Prophet, book, apostle...word! And you guys can be so grateful too! There isn't a thing in my life, that I can't use the scriptures as my guide. And it doesn't just end there. 

I am so grateful to be serving here in Brasil. I have always asked myself why here. But I don't even care why I am here. I am learning something new every day. Brasilians have so much to offer for me. This place is incredible, this gospel is even better. How could I NOT be happy with where I am at in my life? As much as this week was hard, thinking about home and all, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you all!!!

Miss you all! Praying for you and for your success every day, every prayer (Which is often...). Love you goobs!

Sister Craig

The Week She Got Allergies. - July 21, 2014

Family!!!!!!!! 

Okay, wow. Sounds like another busy summer week there in the states. It is so hard for me to think that it is summer there, and everyone is doing vacations. I don't know why. It just is hard. But...sounds like everyone is enjoying it. 

This week was not our week. No, lets say that again. This transfer here in Gama has not been a normal transfer! At all!! 

So to start this week off, the Bishop went out of town and asked us to help out at his Pastel Shop. So we spent a couple hours helping them, which was really fun. Felt like I was working again at Chickfila. Hahaha. Order up! 

Wednesday the entire Zone went to Santa Maria (The next town over) to do a "blitz". Basically everyone goes to one area, and just makes a bunch of contacts to help which ever missionary is working there. In this case it was to help Elder Saravia. It was only for 3 hours. This is where it gets good. Santa Maria has its safety reasons of no Sisters, but now it has it for HEALTH reasons. Haha. After we had finished we were all standing in the middle of a park. Just remember that. 

Okay Thursday morning, I wake up with about 6 bug bites, and they were killing. I thought it was just normal. In the middle of lunch, my leg begins to hurt really bad. I am looking down. I have one bug bite the size of a tennis ball. And about 5 more had appeared. I start notice that when I want to put my leg straight, it feels like I am tearing a muscle. So of course I am like what the heck. And nobody knows whats wrong. So I called Sister Lundgren, and she said go to the hospital. And who knows me best? I just start crying, because I HATE hospitals. Even worse in a different country. Arrive at the hospital, everything is calm...the doctor calls me back. I start to explain, and he interrupts me asking where I am from. Basically just never listened to what happened, or anything. He starts poking my legs...okay...OW! That hurts, could you stop. He then asks the following question: "When was the last time you shaved?" I gave him a look like...Are you serious? By this time my companion is like...what kind of hospital medical center is this?! So I tell him, Monday....obviously has nothing to do with my leg right. He doesn't say anything just starts typing, prints something off and says for me to go sit in the back corner with this signed piece of paper. I wait about 10 minutes, they call my name...and guess what? Its time for a SHOT!!!! Uhh no! I didn't sign up for this. Turns out its some kind of allergy injection to help it all calm down. I left the hospital. A little doozy because of the shot, as she said that would happen. My companion explained to me the paper and it said I had a minor allergy reaction. (Minor nothing... my leg was falling off.) The next morning I woke up, and the redness was down, but I had blisters now. WHAT? Luckily, we had to go to Lago Norte for my companion to take an English test, and Sister Lundgren was there. She said this wasn't normal and for me to go see a dermatologist. So that, dermo's here hardly are ever open. So we didn't really know what to do. That night we visited my family away from family, good thing because the mom is a nurse, and she gave me real meds. None of that fake stuff. Which has been helping. Saturday Morning, we were in the Chapel preparing for a baptism, baptismal interview, and my zone leaders brought over Benedryl. Whoop. My leg is getting better. Still have two blisters, but...redness and swelling is gone. 

Saturday-- Was a baptism!!! Victor!!! Wahoo!!! He was a longtime investigator here in Gama. He is 14 years old. He has been going to church, seminary, young men activities...everything. And he is super firm in everything he does! And he finally got baptized!! It was an awesome night to see. 

We also had a couple more trips to the hospital because of another sister who has serious heart problems. We got to help make these small little desserts for a wedding. An Irma here makes cakes and everything for big fancy events. And she asked us to help. Which was cool! 

Time for spiritual stories, nay?--- 

Sunday before Church started, my companion and I were sitting with Lena (remember her?) and she begins to say "You know, my "husband" doesn't argue with me when I say I'm going to church with you guys." And we asked, "What do you mean?" She explained, " Well a little while back, I went to church with my Sister- In- Law, to her church. And we fought for days about it. But this time, I explained to him how you guys have been teaching me what you believe and how its true, and how I believe it. And how nobody here screams prayers, and its super calm...and he lets me go." And in that moment, I wanted to say...Lena, its cause it is the true church!!! But I didn't, because the spirit was there, already testifying this to her. I sat there amazed, at how God ALWAYS prepares a way when our desires are true. He is always preparing our hearts, the hearts of others. 

Also, this week we found Julena! We were contacting a reference, and I walked passed a house, and this overwhelming feeling came... I need to talk to someone in there. But, I let my companion finish finding the address on the same street. Nobody was in the house of the reference. So I told her, hey lets go talk to that house. We clapped our little hands, and this 21 ish year old girl walked out. We just started talking as if we had been friends for years. She told us a little about her name, and how she is part Indian (In which I became excited, because.... She is probably related to Pocahontas :)) It seriously was as if we were friends for years, all three of us. Finally, we got to the part of explaining who we were. And she starts to tell us, how she had planned to leave that night, but something told her not to. And she didn't, and she knew when we arrived, it was because We had something to say to her, that she needed to hear. She begins to explain how she just moved into this tiny little house, just her. Her 5 year marriage had ended 2 weeks ago. She talked about how this time was difficult for her, because she was learning who her real friends were. And she was learning she had none, because not one of them was opening her door to her. We begin talking about how God loves her, and is her friend and such. And she says "I know, and that is why my marriage ended. Because I wasn't calling to my only friend up there."  The spirit was super strong, and my companion pulled out a Book of Mormon and starts to say, "Julena, we have a present for you. This is a book, that talks about Indians (because she loves how she is Indian) and this present is the best thing we can give you right now." In which Julena got really excited. And started to read right then and there. I knew in that moment, that this really was the best we could give her. Because I know the power of the Book of Mormon. I know the truth it withholds for everyone. It is a present, but not from me, a Missionary, from our loving Heavenly Father. I am so grateful we have this testament for us in this day. In which, I am so grateful for the sacrifices made by Joseph Smith and other latter-day saints, to bring about this wonderful book. 

I love Gama. I love everything about my work down here in Brazil. This week is the last week of transfers, and also the last week of the mission for my companion. So pray for me! As I will be with her and her family...trunky... haha.

Love you guys! Be forever grateful for the things you have in Life!!!!!

Sister Craig!

I finally got to see the Mission Offices down here in brasil! 

A young woman in our ward made us journals...and they were so cute!! ya!!

 He made some super heavy dinner for us, but was super delicious. Papai!!!!! 

​My leg yesterday... doesn't really show too much.... but this was an improvement!!!!!

The Week Brazil Turned German. - July 14, 2014

Sometimes I get really stressed trying to think where I should start with my letters, and if I am going to remember everything...so bare with me. 

Yes, Brasil is in a slump. We lost 7-1 to Germany....embarrassing. Completely embarrassing...they scored 5 goals in 6 minutes. We were just lucky to have scored one. And then let us continue the embarrassment and we lose again to Holland? (I don't know how to translate that name...is Holland a country? I will study that this week.) But we lost to them 3-0 to put us in 4th place. But the good news is, Argentina didn't win the world cup. Yesterday was just as crazy as a Brazilian game, only everyone was rooting for Germany. Sorry Jeff, Argentina just isn't liked that much down here. In the first game, President allowed us to watch it, so that after the first half, he called all the Zone Leaders and had us go home mid way through the game. Good thing, because the streets were already horrible...haha. Good thing we had a driver... 

This week us Sisters got transferred. So here is basically what happened. A lot more stuff happened with our neighbors, and the husband returned... Just basically a bunch of unsafe drama happened. And 10 minutes before the game on Tuesday the Executive Secretary (Elder Labrada) called us and said that Wednesday we would be switching apartments with the Elders in Gama Leste (our Zone Leaders and one more group of Elders). So that night we packed up our stuff after the game (who knew I had so much crap...) and switch apartments. But, we still would be working in our areas. So now its just a hassle for everyone. But that's not all. The elders have 2 apartments that we now live in. We arrived, after they had so kindly helped us with all our luggage and stuff, and walked in both apartments and screamed. Mom, you for sure would have passed right out. These apartments were DISGUSTING. FILTHY. One of them had LARVA on the ground... LARVA!!! We had to cover him in Alcohol gel and burn him for them to die. One of them the oven was COVERED in food. Walls covered in grease that had flown from every place. Dirty dishes everywhere, including inside the fridge. At one point in time, Sister Blair pulled out the fridge to clean under it, and there was an EGG WITH IT'S SHELL. Granted the actual egg part was gray...almost black. It was horrible. I wanted to cry in that dirty disgusting moment. Because we all realized that we would be staying inside and cleaning in this day. So that is what we did. We spent one day just cleaning ONE apartment. 

We went to the store and bought every cleaning supplies known to man kind, gloves...bleach...the entire line of Mr. Clean and more. I can't believe I cleaned that. So yes, mom, you can stop laughing. All those times of clean your room, and I didn't...finally paid off. And yes, ladies and gentleman, we decided that marrying an Elder would not be an option if they live like this. Not an option. And you all know me. Every Elder that called us that night got a nice talking to about going and cleaning their apartment that day.

Okay, this week was also Zone meetings and....First Interviews with the new President!!!!! Thursday (after taking about 4 showers, in hopes of killing all cleaning germs and smells) we walked our miles upon miles to the chapel to have our Zone Meeting. This zone meeting was incredible. This zone meeting, we talked a lot about our ability to give blessings in houses that we visit. And how every time we visit a member, a less-active, or even an investigator, if we ask them specifically what they are in need of, or if there is somebody that we can pray for in that exact moment, that we are Representatives of Jesus Christ can bless their houses. And that is what we have done this week. And every single time we ask, and kneel down in humble prayer, I have felt the blessing and the spirit enter into that house. The scripture focus  was D&C 75:19. Another scripture that they read was D&C 138: 53. The things I liked most about this scripture was that everybody is named and included in this scripture. "Other choice spirits". I was a choice spirit, persevered to preach His Gospel in these Latter-Days. I wasn't sent here to fill some sort of space, some sort of number. I was chosen and preserved, as a choice spirit, to work in these Latter-Days. And we all were. 

It was an awesome Training that President Lundgren gave. I like how the new President is starting things off. His goals are more long term. Whatever we can do to help them stay strong in the church. 

After the zone meeting, all of us ran to have the quickest lunch, and then back to start our Interviews. Which lasted fro 2-7:30 at night. The interviews were really good. President is really funny. He said to me, "Sister, I have a calling for you. It is very special." Here I am getting all sorts of nervous. " You still have just less than a year left on the mission. And so your new calling is going to be to enter in every single house of Elders and clean it."..... I stopped getting nervous. Haha. President, he is a joker... He never did say he was kidding. And now that I think...he hardly even laughed. 

One quick miracle for yall, cause this letter is as long as something that is really long...

Friday I was on a division, and I was in Aza Norte. We had been trying all week to visit Lena, but she wasn't in her house. So Sister Damaceno, who stayed, planned to visit her on Friday. Ended up at the end of the week, we still hadn't found her. Until Sunday morning, at 8:06 in the morning, she called us, asking if we were going to church... (obviously....) and she said... "Are you going to church? Because, I want to go today, and I miss you guys. So I am on my way. Will I find you guys there?) It about took the entire 30 minute walk for me to pick up my jaw. And church was awesome! They talked about every single thing SHE needed to hear. Baptism, Marriage (yes, we will be throwing a wedding here pretty quick.) the sabbath day.... and Lena loved every moment of it. She loved relief society... (weird, right mom? :)) She loved ALL of it. And after church she said, "Okay, now when are you guys going to visit me. Because I marked a family night with Irma Rosa Maria....do you guys want to come?" Haha.... In my head I am like " I have become an after thought....." It was incredible. 

I love my ward. I love my area. I love my apartments, now that they are spit licking clean. I love serving a mission. I love it. I just absolutely love it. 

I love you guys. Praying for you all daily... 

Sister Craig

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/the-gospel-in-brazil?lang=eng

watch this video!!!

At 3:05 is a member in Guara!!!! And at 3:08 is my incredible bishop here in Gama!!!!!! Plus it is a really cool video. 

And my old mission president...but he is harder to pick out.