March 19th 2012

Família!

I am so relieved to hear that the surgery and everything went well for you momma. I was really worried, but prayer and fasting truly are opportunities given to us to help us grow. I had the best feeling of peace and comfort this week. I knew that everything was going to be okay. I am glad to hear that the family is doing well and staying active! Dad, parabêns! That is awesome! I'm sure that they enjoyed the class, there is something about real life experiences that help people connect with what is being taught. Mom's testimony of the atonement hit me so much harder because she KNOWS that Christ was walking with her. I too want to bear my testimony of the atonement. Last week we had a mission conference scheduled and i was really excited to see Elder Noel, Elder bell, and some other missionaries... and to speak english haha. We have a rule (me and elder martin) to only speak português. So i was looking forward to the break, but the conference was cancelled and i was a little disheartened. Because, when i get to someones house and we talk a little, i can converse and understand, but if we get to a topic like sports... i dont have the vocabulary to talk or even understand. So in the beginning they say: "what part of brazil are you from? Americano?! Serió? Não acredito" by the end... they know ha. So i was a little frustrated with myself and i was praying really hard for help. I knew if i stayed positive the Lord would help, but it is SO hard when you feel like a child- people don't understand you, you don't understand people... Then, the day of the cancelled conference we were teaching a lesson, and i literally was not teaching. Words just came into my mind and left my mouth in perfect (not perfecttt) português. I know that the Savior felt that anxiety i was feeling, the pressure to be great, the sadness, frustration, tears... and He knew i was tired. but he picked me up and he talked for me, he talked through me.

I really am starting to notice blessings in my life and i am learning how to notice them more. Yesterday was a rough day, but we had almoço with this goofy guy in the ward. He made me laugh so much, he was patient with my language skills, and he made me feel good. That almoço totally turned my day around! The Lord gives us oportunities and blesses us in little ways, but they can make a big difference.

I know my family loves me and i KNOW my Heavenly Father loves me.