Hello Mom,
How was your week. (I cant find the punctuation marks on this keyboard.) This was a wonderful week for me. On Saturday, Lilton was baptized. He is an 18-year-old boy who has been taking the lessons since I got here. He has changed about 100 percent from what he was about a year ago. He said he has never been so happy and so blessed. They other day, he began to ask about missions and what he would need to do to be able to serve. We gave him an Ensign (the missionary edition) and have been teaching him about preparing to serve a mission. I am so proud of him and would love to see him serve. His baptism was beautiful and there were a ton of members. My comp and I sang a musical number and the Bishop gave a talk. After, we had an activity with a bunch of members and investigators. The activity was a success and the elders in the other ward (we share a church building) helped out and brought investigators. After the activity, they brought out a cake that one of my friends from the ward made and everyone sang happy birthday to me and the other elder who had is birthday on Monday.
Sunday, Lilton was confirmed and was the best birthday present ever. He also received the priesthood. That day, we went on splits (I think that is how you say it in English, he he). I taught with one of my best friends from Londrina, Ana. I met her about 6 months ago and she used to always teach with me in Ibiporá. I sent you some pictures of us together. She came out for my birthday. We had a blast and found some interesting investigators. We taught a man who reminded me of Papa Grow. He was super friendly. I began to teach about when Jesus appeared in the Americas and he said, “I know”. I asked how he knew and he said he had dreamed about it several years ago as well as the Book of Mormon. He said he has also had other inspired dreams. I invited him to be baptized and he accepted. Wow. Ana and I were pretty shocked. His family lives on the other side of town (in the elders area) and he works in our area (where we are teaching him) so I think he will be baptized in the other ward. He is already in Alma and said he would finish the Book of Mormon in about 15 days. At the end of the lesson, he mentioned that it was his birthday. I told him it was my birthday too. He rose from his seat and gave me a huge hug. Ana and I couldn’t help but laugh as I tried to tell him, “I can’t, I am a missionary.” He gave me another hug as we left. It was pretty funny.
That night, Tania, a member, said she was planning family night and had some neighbors who wanted to hear the lessons. We showed up and the ward members were there with some investigators. Tania and some other ladies in the ward made a birthday cake for me and some other treats and they all sang happy birthday. I was shocked. It was such a great day and a birthday I will never forget. I love the people here and am so glad I have a chance to be here on a mission.
So that was my week. We have found some new investigators who we are preparing to be baptized. Remember that family with 9 kids. . . The oldest, Jessica, was baptized last week. She is 16 and the rest of the kids are pretty young. I think, however, that when they get older they will be baptized too.
How is everything with you guys. . . What is new. . . how is Michelle and the baby. . . please send me pictures of you guys. Things are going well here and I am amazed at the miracles that are happening. I know that this is the Lord’s work. I miss you all and hope you have a great week.
Love Barbie
7.23.2008
7.21.2008
July 16, 2008
Hi Mom,
This week was great. We are preparing two boys to be baptized on Saturday. One is Amys age and the other Michelle’s.
On Sunday we had a special program about missionary work. Some elders in Londrina sang a few musical numbers, I spoke as well as the 1st counselor. It was a beautiful program and after, a bunch of members asked if they could teach with us or help.
I don’t have much time because I had to update a bunch of records on the mission site but I will write more next week. Thanks for the update on my friends and for sending the email from Brandon. It is nice to know what is going on.
I hope you are having a wonderful week. I love you so much. Thanks for everything
Love, Barbie
This week was great. We are preparing two boys to be baptized on Saturday. One is Amys age and the other Michelle’s.
On Sunday we had a special program about missionary work. Some elders in Londrina sang a few musical numbers, I spoke as well as the 1st counselor. It was a beautiful program and after, a bunch of members asked if they could teach with us or help.
I don’t have much time because I had to update a bunch of records on the mission site but I will write more next week. Thanks for the update on my friends and for sending the email from Brandon. It is nice to know what is going on.
I hope you are having a wonderful week. I love you so much. Thanks for everything
Love, Barbie
7.09.2008
July 9, 2008
Hello Mom,
This week was wonderful. We are teaching some really great families. We are teaching two boys, brothers. One is 13 and the other is 18. They have already accepted baptism and went to church for the first time on Sunday. They were amazed how different it was from the other churches. They felt the spirit and when they left, the little brother said to the older, “Can we come back every week from now on?” They are also getting involved in some of the activities in the young men’s and elder quorum. We are also teaching a couple who were married a few months ago and Ana Paula, the wife, just had a baby last week. She is 20 and they are a young couple. She was born into the church but her family fell away several years ago. She said she wants to raise her family in the church because she has always missed it and wanted to return. When these members are strong in the church they have a light in their eyes and happiness. After several years they become lost and want to return. Her husband Jackson reminds me a little of Mike Davis (besides the blond hair--this guy has black hair and dark skin). He accepted our invite to be baptized and will start preparing. We are trying to reactivate their whole family right now.
Our mission is focusing a lot on reactivation because there are numerous inactive members. We are also teaching a few other awesome families who are progressing really well. At first, I really missed my other area but now I know the investigators and the members and I am so excited to spend this transfer here.
I really like my companion. She was really quiet at first but has opened up a lot and we get along well. We are about 40 minutes (on the bus) from the mission home. We had our district meeting and President Leal was there. In my district, my companion is the only Brazilian, which is really strange because only a few times I have had one or two Americans in my district. One of the elders brought starbursts. I think I have forgotten what candy in America tastes like. he he.
How is everything going? It sounds like the 4th of July was awesome. I sort of forgot about it until I looked at my planner on July 5th and noticed I had been out a year and the 4th was the day before. I have no concept of time here.
Thanks again for the package. I really appreciate the letters, packages and emails. On the mission, it really means a lot to get stuff from home. Things are going well and I am so happy to be serving the Lord. I have grown so much since I have been here and I feel so grateful to be learning so much. Thanks for everything. I love you.
Love Barbie
This week was wonderful. We are teaching some really great families. We are teaching two boys, brothers. One is 13 and the other is 18. They have already accepted baptism and went to church for the first time on Sunday. They were amazed how different it was from the other churches. They felt the spirit and when they left, the little brother said to the older, “Can we come back every week from now on?” They are also getting involved in some of the activities in the young men’s and elder quorum. We are also teaching a couple who were married a few months ago and Ana Paula, the wife, just had a baby last week. She is 20 and they are a young couple. She was born into the church but her family fell away several years ago. She said she wants to raise her family in the church because she has always missed it and wanted to return. When these members are strong in the church they have a light in their eyes and happiness. After several years they become lost and want to return. Her husband Jackson reminds me a little of Mike Davis (besides the blond hair--this guy has black hair and dark skin). He accepted our invite to be baptized and will start preparing. We are trying to reactivate their whole family right now.
Our mission is focusing a lot on reactivation because there are numerous inactive members. We are also teaching a few other awesome families who are progressing really well. At first, I really missed my other area but now I know the investigators and the members and I am so excited to spend this transfer here.
I really like my companion. She was really quiet at first but has opened up a lot and we get along well. We are about 40 minutes (on the bus) from the mission home. We had our district meeting and President Leal was there. In my district, my companion is the only Brazilian, which is really strange because only a few times I have had one or two Americans in my district. One of the elders brought starbursts. I think I have forgotten what candy in America tastes like. he he.
How is everything going? It sounds like the 4th of July was awesome. I sort of forgot about it until I looked at my planner on July 5th and noticed I had been out a year and the 4th was the day before. I have no concept of time here.
Thanks again for the package. I really appreciate the letters, packages and emails. On the mission, it really means a lot to get stuff from home. Things are going well and I am so happy to be serving the Lord. I have grown so much since I have been here and I feel so grateful to be learning so much. Thanks for everything. I love you.
Love Barbie
7.02.2008
July 2, 2008
Hi Mãe,
I got the birthday stuff you sent me-the socks. Thanks so much. I am glad you got the pictures. When I come home I will tell you about what was happening. Usually it is pretty hot here but every now and then a storm blows in and it gets cold for a few days, but it always heats up. The last week of the pictures on the cd, it was super cold. None of our clothes would dry and we had to use tons of blankets. There is a picture of all our blankets. We made a fort in our bedroom. I loved my comp and we had a blast. Her birthday is the same week as mine and I wanted to give her a birthday gift-the hymn book. You can still send it and take the money out of my account. Send the hymn book to the mission office with her name on it and she will get it. Her name is Sister Bezerra
Sister Bezerra
Ave. Higienopolis 1100, sala 61 centro
Londrina-PR
86020-911
Brasil
If it is not too much trouble. . .
So this was my first week in Londrina. I was a little overwhelmed at the records in our area book because there were none. We didn’t have progress records of our investigators. I found a bunch of old references from the elders and we have a lot of work to do because we have to contact all of them. It will be a challenge but it will force us to work hard. My companion is Sister Nascimento from Fortaleza (or a city known for its beautiful beaches in the Northern part of Brazil. My comp from the CTM, is serving a mission there in Fortaleza. She is teeny tiny and super quiet. This is her second transfer in Londrina. I really like the area. At first, I was really missing Ibiporã. I was so sad that I missed the 3 baptisms and the wedding but I my former companion showed me pictures and gave me some letters that the investigators sent. We are teaching a few really great families. Two of them are not married but surprisingly, 2 of the families are legally married. Yeah. They are progressing and accepted baptism.
We live in an apartment complex with a small apartment. It reminds me of the place in Lignano. We are about 20 minutes from the mission home.
This week we had our zone conference with two zones---Londrina and Tiradentes. I spoke at the conference along with the assistants, President Leal and Sister Leal. It was a great conference. I was able to see my old companions and I left with more energy and dedication to work hard.
So, it sounds like camp was a blast. I can’t believe it has been almost 6 years since I have been to camp. Have you seen the Owen’s yet. I can’t believe they are already home. It seems like they just left. How is Sara Jane? Are they still living in the ward? How was the Stadium of Fire?
Thanks for the update on the latest that is happening in America. It is good to get some news once in awhile.
Things are going well and I am excited to work in my new area. I love the bishop’s family and the members and I think I will really like it here.
Thanks for the picture. . . I love getting pics.
Love you and miss you. Tchau
Love Barbie
I got the birthday stuff you sent me-the socks. Thanks so much. I am glad you got the pictures. When I come home I will tell you about what was happening. Usually it is pretty hot here but every now and then a storm blows in and it gets cold for a few days, but it always heats up. The last week of the pictures on the cd, it was super cold. None of our clothes would dry and we had to use tons of blankets. There is a picture of all our blankets. We made a fort in our bedroom. I loved my comp and we had a blast. Her birthday is the same week as mine and I wanted to give her a birthday gift-the hymn book. You can still send it and take the money out of my account. Send the hymn book to the mission office with her name on it and she will get it. Her name is Sister Bezerra
Sister Bezerra
Ave. Higienopolis 1100, sala 61 centro
Londrina-PR
86020-911
Brasil
If it is not too much trouble. . .
So this was my first week in Londrina. I was a little overwhelmed at the records in our area book because there were none. We didn’t have progress records of our investigators. I found a bunch of old references from the elders and we have a lot of work to do because we have to contact all of them. It will be a challenge but it will force us to work hard. My companion is Sister Nascimento from Fortaleza (or a city known for its beautiful beaches in the Northern part of Brazil. My comp from the CTM, is serving a mission there in Fortaleza. She is teeny tiny and super quiet. This is her second transfer in Londrina. I really like the area. At first, I was really missing Ibiporã. I was so sad that I missed the 3 baptisms and the wedding but I my former companion showed me pictures and gave me some letters that the investigators sent. We are teaching a few really great families. Two of them are not married but surprisingly, 2 of the families are legally married. Yeah. They are progressing and accepted baptism.
We live in an apartment complex with a small apartment. It reminds me of the place in Lignano. We are about 20 minutes from the mission home.
This week we had our zone conference with two zones---Londrina and Tiradentes. I spoke at the conference along with the assistants, President Leal and Sister Leal. It was a great conference. I was able to see my old companions and I left with more energy and dedication to work hard.
So, it sounds like camp was a blast. I can’t believe it has been almost 6 years since I have been to camp. Have you seen the Owen’s yet. I can’t believe they are already home. It seems like they just left. How is Sara Jane? Are they still living in the ward? How was the Stadium of Fire?
Thanks for the update on the latest that is happening in America. It is good to get some news once in awhile.
Things are going well and I am excited to work in my new area. I love the bishop’s family and the members and I think I will really like it here.
Thanks for the picture. . . I love getting pics.
Love you and miss you. Tchau
Love Barbie
7.01.2008
June 25, 2008
Hi Mom,
So, this week we found out about transfers.. . I will be transferred. But the funny thing is that I will be transferred to Londrina which is about 15 minutes away. I will be in a different stake so I won’t be able to see the people in this branch. This Saturday Neusa will get married and baptized. Also, her daughter Hidimari and her friend Jenifer--3 baptisms and marriage and I will miss it all.
Last night I visited Neusa and told her the news. I tried not to cry but couldn’t help it. I know my work here in this area is done but I wanted so badly to see her get baptized and the little girls. She made us dinner and cake and we had a lot of fun until I had to say goodbye. It was so hard and I don’t know if I can handle more transfers.
Also, we had our last lunch at Luzia’s house. She is the Relief Society President and is like a mom to me. We left a message with her, we cried together and said goodbye. We had family night with her family a few nights ago and brought one of our investigators, Jessica. She is 16 and has the family of 10 kids. She loved family night. We watched a short movie about Joseph Smith and the Restoration. When the movie was over we bore testimony and she asked if she could say a few words. She said in her whole life she has never felt such peace and happiness. We had to really pull her ears to get her to go to church on Sunday (most of the churches here are really scary and the majority of the people have had really horrible experiences). She was really nervous but loved church. She also told us as she held back the tears that she knows the feelings she has felt are feelings from God. It was really great to hear that her prayers had been answered. She said the feelings were so wonderful that her heart was on fire. It was also edifying for the 3 daughters who were there (they are all about my age). Anyway, we are still teaching her and she said she will prepare to be baptized. We cried a little yesterday when I had to say goodbye to her. We are her best friends (she moved here recently and only knows us and Luzia’s family) and I will really miss her.
I am excited for the transfer but will really miss the area. I told everyone that I would return in December so I hope you guys are still planning on picking me up. We are heading to Londrina at about 1 o’clock today. A bunch of members are coming with us to say goodbye.
It sounds like your birthday was really fun. And I am glad you remembered me at Tucanos. Did they sing `Parabens pra voca´
How is everything going in the ward? Are there a lot of changes? How was girls’ camp? Did Amy like it? Also, thank you so much for the recipes. I will give them to my comp. Her birthday is the same week as mine and I wanted to make her the cookies for her birthday but since I will be transferred I will give her the recipe and she and Sister Portes (my second comp) can make them.
Thanks for all the love, support and email. I love hearing from you and love seeing pictures. Thanks for everything and have a wonderful week.
Tchau, eu te amo.
Love Barbie
So, this week we found out about transfers.. . I will be transferred. But the funny thing is that I will be transferred to Londrina which is about 15 minutes away. I will be in a different stake so I won’t be able to see the people in this branch. This Saturday Neusa will get married and baptized. Also, her daughter Hidimari and her friend Jenifer--3 baptisms and marriage and I will miss it all.
Last night I visited Neusa and told her the news. I tried not to cry but couldn’t help it. I know my work here in this area is done but I wanted so badly to see her get baptized and the little girls. She made us dinner and cake and we had a lot of fun until I had to say goodbye. It was so hard and I don’t know if I can handle more transfers.
Also, we had our last lunch at Luzia’s house. She is the Relief Society President and is like a mom to me. We left a message with her, we cried together and said goodbye. We had family night with her family a few nights ago and brought one of our investigators, Jessica. She is 16 and has the family of 10 kids. She loved family night. We watched a short movie about Joseph Smith and the Restoration. When the movie was over we bore testimony and she asked if she could say a few words. She said in her whole life she has never felt such peace and happiness. We had to really pull her ears to get her to go to church on Sunday (most of the churches here are really scary and the majority of the people have had really horrible experiences). She was really nervous but loved church. She also told us as she held back the tears that she knows the feelings she has felt are feelings from God. It was really great to hear that her prayers had been answered. She said the feelings were so wonderful that her heart was on fire. It was also edifying for the 3 daughters who were there (they are all about my age). Anyway, we are still teaching her and she said she will prepare to be baptized. We cried a little yesterday when I had to say goodbye to her. We are her best friends (she moved here recently and only knows us and Luzia’s family) and I will really miss her.
I am excited for the transfer but will really miss the area. I told everyone that I would return in December so I hope you guys are still planning on picking me up. We are heading to Londrina at about 1 o’clock today. A bunch of members are coming with us to say goodbye.
It sounds like your birthday was really fun. And I am glad you remembered me at Tucanos. Did they sing `Parabens pra voca´
How is everything going in the ward? Are there a lot of changes? How was girls’ camp? Did Amy like it? Also, thank you so much for the recipes. I will give them to my comp. Her birthday is the same week as mine and I wanted to make her the cookies for her birthday but since I will be transferred I will give her the recipe and she and Sister Portes (my second comp) can make them.
Thanks for all the love, support and email. I love hearing from you and love seeing pictures. Thanks for everything and have a wonderful week.
Tchau, eu te amo.
Love Barbie
June 18, 2008
Hi mom,
How was your b-day. Did you get the b-day card that I sent you?
Things are going really well here. This week was Samira’s baptism. It was actually pretty stressful because 7 o’clock Saturday night (night of the baptism) rolled around and she was nowhere to be seen. Everyone waited for about 30 minutes but nothing. Sister Bezerra and I went to her house looking for her. She was there with her member friend but she said her mom hadn’t come home yet and hadn’t signed the papers. Her mom called and we talked with her. She said that Samira’s dad didn’t want her to be baptized (they are divorced). We told this to Samira and she started to cry and said it was all a lie. I have never been so disappointed and I felt terrible for her. We waited at a neighbor’s house until her mom came home. She cried to her mom and told her how important this was to her. Her mom admitted that it wasn’t her dad that didn’t want her to be baptized, it was Renata (her mom). She and Samira went to the church where everyone had been waiting for an hour and talked with President Manganaro (branch pres). After the interview, Renata consented and we had a beautiful meeting. Renata and Samira cried during the baptism and although it was really hectic, it turned our fine.
This next week, Neusa will get married and she will be baptized the following Saturday with her 8-year-old daughter. We are helping her plan the wedding and it has been really exciting. Transfers are this Wednesday and I am hoping to stay so I can see her wedding and baptism. I don’t know if I will be able to email next week but I will keep you updated.
We also found a really great family with 10 kids under the age of 16. . . wow. They have a two bedroom house and the kids sleep on mattresses in the kitchen and the living room. We took 3 of the kids with us to church. I sat with them and 3 other kids (families who we are teaching). I was helping them listen and be quiet and I felt like that story Elder Ballard told in General Conference about the time he had to take care of his kids during sacrament meeting. It was a pretty chaotic sacrament meeting but I love those kids and it was pretty funny. This is good training for me for when I have a bunch of kids, he he.
Oh, the recipes that I wanted. . . gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies. My comp is dying to learn how to make gingerbread cookies. She has only seen them in the movies.
Things are going well and I love my mission. I hope you have a wonderful week. I love you and miss you.
Love Barbie
How was your b-day. Did you get the b-day card that I sent you?
Things are going really well here. This week was Samira’s baptism. It was actually pretty stressful because 7 o’clock Saturday night (night of the baptism) rolled around and she was nowhere to be seen. Everyone waited for about 30 minutes but nothing. Sister Bezerra and I went to her house looking for her. She was there with her member friend but she said her mom hadn’t come home yet and hadn’t signed the papers. Her mom called and we talked with her. She said that Samira’s dad didn’t want her to be baptized (they are divorced). We told this to Samira and she started to cry and said it was all a lie. I have never been so disappointed and I felt terrible for her. We waited at a neighbor’s house until her mom came home. She cried to her mom and told her how important this was to her. Her mom admitted that it wasn’t her dad that didn’t want her to be baptized, it was Renata (her mom). She and Samira went to the church where everyone had been waiting for an hour and talked with President Manganaro (branch pres). After the interview, Renata consented and we had a beautiful meeting. Renata and Samira cried during the baptism and although it was really hectic, it turned our fine.
This next week, Neusa will get married and she will be baptized the following Saturday with her 8-year-old daughter. We are helping her plan the wedding and it has been really exciting. Transfers are this Wednesday and I am hoping to stay so I can see her wedding and baptism. I don’t know if I will be able to email next week but I will keep you updated.
We also found a really great family with 10 kids under the age of 16. . . wow. They have a two bedroom house and the kids sleep on mattresses in the kitchen and the living room. We took 3 of the kids with us to church. I sat with them and 3 other kids (families who we are teaching). I was helping them listen and be quiet and I felt like that story Elder Ballard told in General Conference about the time he had to take care of his kids during sacrament meeting. It was a pretty chaotic sacrament meeting but I love those kids and it was pretty funny. This is good training for me for when I have a bunch of kids, he he.
Oh, the recipes that I wanted. . . gingerbread cookies and sugar cookies. My comp is dying to learn how to make gingerbread cookies. She has only seen them in the movies.
Things are going well and I love my mission. I hope you have a wonderful week. I love you and miss you.
Love Barbie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
