This week was amazing! Had everything from talking to the fam, going to Porto Alegre, having investigators at church, and celebrating Natal. This week just had so many highs – spiritually, mentally, and physically. There wasn’t a ton of work because of all the traveling and interviews, but we managed to meet with all our investigators. This week Oruildo and Douglas came to church…Miracle because we all know it was Christmas and our attendance dropped from 108 to 57. But I was stoked that our investigators made it out. We also marked a baptism date with a girl named Elen. We’ve been teaching her family but she’s the only one who has been accepting the message. She knows her baptism in the catholic church wasn’t valid so she wants to get baptized.
We had an awesome Christmas Conference in Porto Alegre with half the mission. Probably the coolest part (for me) was a slide show of the mission. While watching, a photo of one of the families I was teaching in Erechim popped up on the screen. It was a picture of the mom of the family’s baptism. I was soooo stoked. Turns out the whole family was baptized and Gabrielle’s, the oldest daughter, boyfriend was baptized too. It was so cool seeing a family that I had grown so close to get baptized. They are planning to go through the temple in a year. That was for sure the highlight of the week. Also, another great part was when 100 missionaries walked the streets of Porto Alegre singing hymns. I totally lost my voice the next day. The whole conference was amazing. Our President of the mission, Presidente Campos, is so loving, funny, and enerjetic. He is a 2nd father for all us missionaries out here.
Saturday, we had an awesome dinner at a member’s house with turkey. Man it’s been a long time since I’ve eaten turkey. We also sang some Christmas hymns and carols. Sunday was great with investigators at church, and it was amazing talking with the fam. 6 months have flown by so fast. I’m loving every second of the mish. I miss my fam, friends, but I know what I’m doing out here is what I need to be doing. I know Christ lives, he is our Savior, and that he will help us in any difficulty that we have. I love you all and the support/prayers that you have for me. I hope you had an amazing Christmas and know that I’m praying for you.
