Serra - Week Nine

To answer the questions: No, I did not get the box yet. After Christmas the post office kinda stopped. Yes, it is still super hot. Yes, things are getting back to normal, kind of. Because we live near the beach (and it’s summer here) now everyone is going to the beach every day, which is also annoying.

Anyway, this week started well, was a little bit rough, but then we got back into the rhythm and taught well.

On my birthday, all of the elders in the district came, and we ate lunch and a cake that I bought from the store. It was really good, too.

 My first bday cake of the day.

A Legend of Zelda bomb bag that an Elder crocheted for my birthday.

Then we had to go to Vitoria because my comp needed to get his passport to get money that his mom sent to him. We did take a few pictures at a tourist spot near the office.

That night we didn't really work because a sister in the ward wanted to do something for me. It was only supposed to take an hour, but ended up being a lot longer. She made a huge cake for me, and it was awesome. She also put fireworks on it and I burnt my thumb while lighting it with a lighter.

I'm giving the first piece of cake (a tradition here) to the Sister that made it for me.

Tuesday was really difficult.  Everyone was still recuperating from the excessive partying from the night before. I also woke up at midnight because of the ridiculous amount of fireworks being let off by people in the neighborhood.

We started teaching a young woman named Mayne, who has a kid already, but she lives with her family and also lives close to a member. She is really interested in learning, and I think that the positive influence that the member gives her will make it easier for her to go to church. We were going to teach her again, but when we came at the time that we marked with her, she and the member went job hunting. grrr.

We have returned to teaching Maria da Gloria, her friend who is a member had died recently and she is still really feeling that effect. She is also not happy with many aspects of her life and wants to make a change. That's where I know that the Gospel can help, if she lets it that is.

One of the best (and most disappointing) things that happened this week was Elanio. He came to church with his friend for her baptism, and we started teaching him. We taught him for the second time this week, and talked about the Book of Mormon. He understood, but didn't pray yet to know if Joseph Smith was a prophet. He was saying, “Yeah well I'll read, but I'll probably still go to my church. I think faith is more important than what church you're going to.” Then his friend Tiago came, who was really interested to know more. We gave him a brief overview of the Book of Mormon, and the Spirit was really strong. He wanted us to stay and talk more about the Book of Mormon and about the gospel. It was great, but we had to leave. We will teach Tiago again on Tuesday. We went back to follow up with Elanio yesterday, and he said that he wanted to stay in his church. I asked him if he read or prayed and he said no. He said that he was content with where he is. I tried to tell him that God has much more to give him, and all he has to do is pray with faith and ask Him. But he didn't really want to listen. So disappointing. =(  *sigh*

Another super spiritual experience followed by disappointment was with Julius Caesar. We tried to visit an investigator, but she wasn't there. Her uncle? (I don't remember) was there and we asked if we could teach him. He was a kind of rough looking guy, almost 50. What really helped in this lesson is that we brought a member with us who loves to bear testimony and teach. We taught him the first lesson about the Restoration of the church. He understood everything super clearly, especially apostasy. It was awesome. Something that I've never heard someone say was "so he (Joseph Smith) was the one that brought the church of Christ back to the earth?" YES. It was a great lesson. One of the best I've had in a long time. And the Spirit was super strong testifying to all of us that it was right. But then he said that he was going to work a little to the south and won’t be back for two weeks. Flip, Elder!

Well that was most of my week. And I had some hard times with the comp this week also because he isn't really motivated to work hard, so sometimes I get a little frustrated. But I'm sure as heck a lot more patient.

And I'm really glad for the things that you've taught me mom and dad. Especially with this comp I think at least once a day about things that you have taught me to help me. Things such as, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. haha. I've also gotten really good at the “forgive and turn the other cheek” thing. haha Something that reminds me of mom and watching football. It's always the guy who retaliates who get the penalty.

Being with so many other people for long periods of time helps me really see and appreciate how I've been "born of goodly parents" and how I have been taught to do what is right. Thank you mom and dad for the example that you have given me, and for being the best parents ever. I love you! =)

I know that this is where I'm supposed to be and that this is the church and the work of Christ on the earth. Thanks for all the support!

Until next week.