What a marathon week! We had transfers and I didn’t know
anything until Tuesday and then things were finalized on Friday. (some areas
are not even finalized). I was transferred! Saying goodbye was bitter sweet and
actually really difficult. I gave my heart to the people of Capanema and it is
always hard to say goodbye to those you love. It was that same aching feeling
that I felt when I hugged my family goodbye for the last time. Just imagine
hugging person after person and having people break down crying in your arms.
It was heart breaking. I had one young woman look me in the eyes saying
"promise you will return after your mission!" I said yes... not
knowing if I really will. It is my dream to return and visit the people I
served with my future husband one day. I hope this dream comes true. Missions
are bitter sweet. We meet tons of people and serve until we are exhausted at
the end of each day and eventually have to say goodbye. Imagine how our Savior
felt during his earthly ministry. He loved every individual with a perfect
love. It had to have been heart wrenching to say goodbye in each city He served
in.
I am once again opening a new area for sisters in Cidade
Nova (6&7). My companion is sister Barros (another sister from São Paulo
aka the Utah of Brazil). We are working hard while having fun. She is
incredible and is me in the Brazilian form! aka she is crazy. haha but in the
most wonderful way. I am excited for the changes (especially taking a shower
with clean water for the first time in almost five months). Cidade Nova is
wonderful. The members are so excited to have sisters. It has been nine years
since they have had sisters here! (sorry mom... but it is because this area is
really dangerous). Almost the same story as capanema (15 years without sisters).
I feel so much excitement and cannot wait to see what adventure Cidade Nova
holds. The mission president definitely has high expectations for me! (2nd
aread and 2nd time opening an area for sisters).
Cidade Nova 6&7 is my area and our ward has one set
of elders that are serving with us. Elder ´Poaletti, my district leader in the
MTC is one of them. It is great to see a familiar face. During these past few
days, I have had the opportunity to learn and grow quite a bit. I have felt the
hand of God mold me and it is incredible. We live in a time full of excitement
and we each have so many opportunities to grow and progress. The Lord truly has
a plan and potential for each of us in this life. We each can reach our full
potential through our Savior Jesus Christ. Every imperfection can be made
perfect through Christ. Before the mission and in the MTC my biggest fear was
that I would not reach my potential/achieve the plan/goal the Lord prepared for
me, but I have learned that through faith in Him and His timing we each will
achieve our potential and He will be proud of what we become, if we are
faithful to the end. The Lord's hands are tied until we exercise our faith. I
am learning how to rely on Him and trying to follow the plan He has set for me.
I am serving a mission in Northern Brazil solely on faith in his timing and
plan for me in this life. The things I am learning are priceless.
Remember to rely on Him always, and have faith in His
plan and His timing. There always are blessings after every hardship and our
progression will continue as long as we express our faith in him.
I love each of you and hope you are all doing wonderful
and can feel of my love and prayers for you.
Cultural:
They use propane gas tanks
(same as an outdoor grill) inside their houses with a lighter to start the
stove and oven.
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