Heavenly Hugs
September 17, 2012
We visited a less-active; and, apparently, she has been called as a missionary for the Assembly of God, Assembleia de Deus—at times abbreviated as Ass de Deus, hehehe. (I still love the Ass de Deus in Santa Margarida because under it there is a picture of a waterfall, and it says “fonte da vida” [fountain of life] teeeheheee.) The Assembly of God is really just... different. She was called by the Holy Ghost... so... lots of people think that the era after Jesus Christ was an era established under the conditions of the Holy Ghost, so all who feel the Holy Ghost are called as prophets. Anyway, she said that she watched a movie once that said Jesus doesn’t like religion, so she took that to mean that there is no true church. When we first visited her,
We visited a less-active; and, apparently, she has been called as a missionary for the Assembly of God, Assembleia de Deus—at times abbreviated as Ass de Deus, hehehe. (I still love the Ass de Deus in Santa Margarida because under it there is a picture of a waterfall, and it says “fonte da vida” [fountain of life] teeeheheee.) The Assembly of God is really just... different. She was called by the Holy Ghost... so... lots of people think that the era after Jesus Christ was an era established under the conditions of the Holy Ghost, so all who feel the Holy Ghost are called as prophets. Anyway, she said that she watched a movie once that said Jesus doesn’t like religion, so she took that to mean that there is no true church. When we first visited her,
she was telling us that she... afastada. That means she fell away from the church because, basically, her friends made fun of her; and she didn’t believe in the baptisms of the dead. I imagined exactly that she was one of those in Lehi’s dream who tasted of the fruit, heeded the mockers in the great and spacious building, and fell away into forbidden paths. (1 Nephi 8) It was so sad.
The Bears and the Scares
I gave my third talk on the mission. One in the MTC, one in Santa Margarida (AND I bore my testimony my first Fast Sunday there), and one yesterday. In actuality, I had prepared it a week ahead of time because I thought the bishop told me the 9th and not the 16th. He explained it as so, but I neglected to double-check the paper the secretary printed out for me. Lots of people afterward came up to me and said I spoke really well, which—sure—I did; but I could tell that I wasn’t penetrating the hearts of the ward. I worked really hard to know what they needed to hear, and they were more mesmerized by my Portuguese than my message. I also realized my weakness of not speaking from my heart. I succeeded in looking at everyone the whole time (I didn’t read my talk hardly at all, only to read a quote or two). I guess… I must be satisfied with the baby steps for now.
Please read Robert D. Hales talk about the Sacrament, the Temple, and the Sacrifice of Service in the General Conference April 2012 Ensign.
The Bears and the Scares
I gave my third talk on the mission. One in the MTC, one in Santa Margarida (AND I bore my testimony my first Fast Sunday there), and one yesterday. In actuality, I had prepared it a week ahead of time because I thought the bishop told me the 9th and not the 16th. He explained it as so, but I neglected to double-check the paper the secretary printed out for me. Lots of people afterward came up to me and said I spoke really well, which—sure—I did; but I could tell that I wasn’t penetrating the hearts of the ward. I worked really hard to know what they needed to hear, and they were more mesmerized by my Portuguese than my message. I also realized my weakness of not speaking from my heart. I succeeded in looking at everyone the whole time (I didn’t read my talk hardly at all, only to read a quote or two). I guess… I must be satisfied with the baby steps for now.
Please read Robert D. Hales talk about the Sacrament, the Temple, and the Sacrifice of Service in the General Conference April 2012 Ensign.
http://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/coming-to-ourselves-the-sacrament-the-temple-and-sacrifice-in-service?lang=eng
Two other girls my age were visiting in the ward yesterday and were shocked to find out I’ve only been in the field for 4 1/2 months. Sister Soneghet afterward said, “SEE?! You really should listen to me more. Your Portuguese is really great.” I love having Sister “SoneSone.” She is wonderful in every way. She’s competitive, funny, serious, a spiritual giant, really good with speaking English, and everything I need. I feel bad because I feel like I was Sister DeOliveira’s companion because she needed me, but I buckled under her personality. I hope she’s doing well. I gave the scripture yesterday during lunch but couldn’t find the scripture. I quoted it to Sister Soneghet, and she knew where it was; and I quoted it to her in English! Her setting apart blessing said a lot that she was going to be a blessing to her companions; so, her drive, her.... initiative in the morning is me. She wants me to have the best mission experience ever, which results in lots of down days because we have had the majority of our weeks be.... our marked lessons aren’t home, “oh, my mom’s sleeping,” or “I’m busy,” etc. She has had a breakdown twice, and I’ve been there for her, just to give her a hug. She says I’m really helping her be more positive and loving, but I really feel like I’m doing nothing. One night she said she loves my hugs, and I’m pretty sure that was the best compliment I’ve gotten on the mish. She told me a story about the night she had prayed for comfort. (She has already had a bad cold and was |
Sister Nelson’s message regarding the artwork:
French bread pizza, salad, fruit salad, and art in our apartment means we’re very “in touch” with every culture. This piece of art was waiting to be picked up by the garbage man. Me: “Você quer arte?” [Do you want art?] We both laughed. Me: “Eu estou um pouco séria.” [I am a little serious.] So, YES, I still go dumpster diving. If that’s a crime, then lock me up! |
bitten by the bug that she’s allergic to; but we took good care of it, so nothing really bad happened.) During the night, she dreamed that someone physically hugged her. She thought it was me because she felt like it was someone hugging her while standing, and she’s on the top bunk. I told her it wasn’t me... unless I was sleep-walking... and then smiled. I told her I don’t know who it was, but I believe it could have been one of my ancestors; because, let’s admit it, lots of them are tall. :) [C’mon, family. It was Grammy. We always KNEW her spirit was TALL!]
Thanks for all the blessing! “A pinch of salt, lots of love, and lots and lots of” ....letters! |
P.S. Family, there’s nothing better than a “fan club” letter in the mail. Even though we only get our letters maybe twice a month, I still love them.