It was a very good week! First, I think I have discovered why I am here in Educandario. It has taken a little time, and honestly, compared with my other two areas, this has definitely not been my favorite. You see, there are not many members in our ward as it is, but all of the ones we have live on the other side. Our area is super far from the chapel and just about everything else, and it seemed like even with our best efforts, not as much was happening as I would have liked. But this week I studied a little about the saints back in Kirkland. So, at one point, they recieved word that ohio would really only be a ``tempoary gathering place´´ and that some time in the near future they would be commanded to leave. However, they were also commanded not to become sedintary. They recieved instructions to build a temple and develop a city. And they did. Thuogh it was hard to leave, they had a lot of really wonderful moments in Kirkland. In fact, they recieved heavenly messangers and incredibly spiritual experiences that directly correlated with their sacrifices.
Actually, when you think about it, we are all in some sort of ``waiting´´ phase of our lives. Waiting to start school, waiting to go on a mission, waiting to get transfered, witing to graduate, waiting to get married, waiting to have a baby, waiting to find a better job, waiting for the kids to leave home, waiting to retire... (you get the picture) If we spent all of our time simply waiting for the next phase, we would end up with a lot of empty yesterdays, So, a secret to success is learning how to give it your all, and make the most of every preciuos moment.
But anyway, I am starting to notice a lot of precious moments here. There are two families, actually brother and sister Lourdes and Edson. They were both baptized some time ago but fell away from the church for whatever reason. BUTT, they both had a feeling they needed to go back and started taking with their spouses and kids about their plans the same week we found them on the streets.
Actually, Lourdes´s husband is not member and he originally said he would never visit the church because we have too many rules. But in our first lesson we taught the plan of salvation and I presented the question... Claudio, what would you do to have an eternal family? He responded, Anything! Great answer, that I took advantage of frequently throughout the lesson. For example, we invited him to church and he said it was too early. I responded... Claudio, what would you do to have an eternal family. He agreed to visit church. (and he did!! two times now actually!) Then we talked about the word of wisdom and he expressed his love for ´cervejinha.´ I once again, presented the same question. He got quiet real quick.
Edson was separated from his wife for a while but they decided to get back together and bought a house in our area very recently! Also, Edson came to the realizaton that he needed the church in his life again and came back! They have a daughter who is 9 and has not been baptized yet but is supperrr excited. We talked with bishop and Edson and turns out he will perform the ordinance in a few short weeks!! Edson and his daugther Jasmin are both giddy as school children for this! It will be an incredible event and I am so excited to help take part!
So now we visit these two families every thursday and friday and plan meaningful little lessons and they make us incredible food. They even gave us cookbooks as lembrances.
Also, taught Davi and Isabel again and it was pretty cool! Turns out, Davi forgot about our lesson and took off for Curitiba. Well he almost arrived when realized that the keys for their grocery store were in his car. Soooo, he had to turn around and come back. And got back just in time for our visit! Isabel laughed and laughed and said that he was kind of like Jonas. Trying to run frrom God, but God put him right where he needed to be: in our visit. We agreed compltely!
Oh, one last cool story... Remember the guy, Anderson, I taught and baptized way back in Campo Limpo? The tattoo artist? Well, I got some great news about him!! Turns out, he is basically the star of the ward!! He actually taught and baptized his best friend, and gives his testimony every fast sunday and makes the entire ward cry. The missionary serving there now says she does not have words to describe how amazing he is! So that is gratifying!
But yes, I am happy and trying to make the very best of my ´´waiting time.´´ Thank you for your support and prayers and love!
Boa semana!
Sister Lauren
p.s.
p.s.
But seeing grandma and grandpa was really good!! very special. Now I am reading the book they left me (Precious memories mission chapters) and it is really cool to see all the good and bad experiences he had. Next week we have transfers again so I don't know what will happen.
No comments:
Post a Comment