March 24, 2014

Familia!  Eu amo vocês!

Holy moly... this week was WONDERFUL!!  Remember that girl we baptized last Sunday, but couldn't baptize her parents because they weren't married yet?  Well...  we went to visit them on Tuesday, and they were all gone except the dad... Turns out the mother took the kids and the rent money, and went back to her hometown in search of drugs... Naé, the dad, was super sad, and super discouraged.  But.... WE HAD THE BEST LESSON EVER WITH HIM.  Holy cow.... The Spirit was SO STRONG.  I was having a hard time understanding him, and when Elder Astudillo turned the time over to me, I wasn't quite sure what to say... But I just opened my mouth and started talking, and it was filled.  It was one of the most special experiences of my mission so far.  I just talked!  And then Naé started to cry... then I started to cry... it was just... perfect. Such a tender mercy of the Lord that made all of the "awkward" moments and struggles worth it, because Iknew in that instant, Heavenly Father was using me, as a tool in His hands to touch the heart of one of His sons.   Because his girlfriend left, he was no longer breaking any commandments, and wanted to be baptized this past Sunday!  Just about EVERYTHING during our time with him went wrong, or seemed to (girlfriend left; Crazy lessons at church; The water in our city got shut off, so he had to get baptized sitting down; etc), but really, he is just a true elect of Heavenly Father and has such a desire to follow Christ, so none of the "bad" things even registered with him.

I'm having a wonderful time making fun contacts on doors, and in the streets.. Hahaha people are RIDICULOUS HERE!  I got a liiiiittle snappy with an old lady who told me in response to my asking her if she wanted a message about God said, "I NEVER LIKED GOD!"... WHOA, SISTER! She was the first person I've met here who didn't like God.  :)

I can't believe it has already been over a MONTH since I've been in Brazil!  It has FLOWN by... Next week is transfer meeting, and there's a good chance I'll be getting a new companion.

I sure love my family!  The gospel is TRUE.  I love love love going to church here because it is such a testament to me that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the same everywhere, and moreover, the Spirit is the same in every tongue.

Have a SUPER week! 

Love, 

Jason