3/24/14

Okay, so this week! Well, it was the best of times and the worst of times, lol. I had some really hard stuff happen, but I guess that's how the mission goes, lol. I still feel so grateful to be here and am content with where I am, which is a huge blessing. Okay, so I'm going to tell you guys a story.

So, I was having a really bad day because of something that happened, but at the end of the day, guess what! I get a call from L, one of our investigators, and she asked me when the next baptism would be. I told her this Sunday and she said, Okay then I'm getting baptized this Sunday. Wow, okay so I was super excited and we saw her every day this week so that we could teach her all the lessons. She is so brave and incredible. She already wants to serve a mission, but the problem is that her family is super anti and is making a huge fight against the church. They are super devoted to their church, but L has courageously defended the church and her happiness to all of her friends and family, even if it means losing friends.

I was so impressed with her, but was a little worried that things were moving so fast. I worried about how her family would react and she still hadn't told them. Apparently, they were taking her pamphlets and throwing them across the room and yelling at her. Poor thing, she was so anxious the night before, after she had her interview with Elder C. For some reason, I was so anxious about her and had this feeling that things weren't going to work out. I fasted all day one day, even though we had to walk all day and I just NEEDED her to be okay, but I didn't feel good about the whole thing. I told Elder C that I wouldn't rest until she was in the water.

So, then on Sunday....we waited...and waited and waited and called and called and called...and yeah it didn't happen. I still don't know what happened, but I'm hoping she is alright.

So yes, moments like these happen a lot in the mission. I felt bad for B because I wanted to give her a miracle, but I guess that isn't mine to give in the end, haha.

 When I talked to B about what happened, I learned something as well. I told her that after moments like these, most people decide to lower their expectations of people and of God. But, we actually need to do the opposite. We have to keep our HOPE. We have to keep our expectations extra high and ADJUST our timing to Gods timing. When we lower expectations, we lose faith and we lose miracles, but hope is an anchor to the soul. We have to keep our faith, keep our hope, and trust that all things work out for the good of God's children. I have decided to trust in Father and believe that whatever happens, His timing is better than mine.

Never lose hope, and we can smile in the good times and the bad with the constant peace that we truly are in God's hands.

Love you guys.

 Tess getting a makeover

 Sister Barbie

3/17/14

In response to Carol telling Tess about a facebook video of two sister missionaries who changed the words of the Cups song to be about the restoration of the gospel, Tess said, "Haha Mom, that's funny, cause me and sister Sperry always sing the Cups song together and taught some investigators how to do the cups. They are so cute. 

In response to the following question from Stewart, "Some of us at church keep discussing what difference it makes to pray for you , your companion and your investigators, when Heavenly Father, it seems, would already do what is best for them anyway.  Your thoughts?" Dad, that's a really good question. Hmm, uhh, my answer, in short, is that I KNOW for sure prayers do make a difference. They align our will with God's will, but I think we truly do have our own power in prayer too. The Prophets have said that there is nothing more powerful than a mother's prayer and I believe it. I guess the question you have to ask yourself is if miracles are possible, and miracles depend on our faith, then doesn't that mean that our faith has power. Think about the miracles that Christ did. He could only perform miracles for those who had faith. Remember Peter walking on water. Christ's power didn't waver. It was Peters faith and trust. WE have power in faith. Prayer is an expression of our faith. Prayer is literally a conversation with God, our Father. Now, if our faith really does have power, then imagine how much positive energy and power must be headed toward those who need it most. Faith brings prayer and prayer brings faith and miracles are only possible this way. We are not helpless. Yes God has all power and knowledge and His plan is perfect, but do you really think His plans are so rigid that he can't make tiny adjustments to give His children something good that they truly desire.? God makes the plans. The plans don't make God. He wants to make us happy and He gives us things that are most important to us that will bring us true happiness. How does He know what we want? How do we know what we really want? Prayer. Remember we are here to learn. This plan was made for us, so it makes sense to me that we could could have a little influence here and there... lol...Just my opinion.

So, guess what guys? This week was so full of miracles. S, a less active member that I have been desperately trying to get to come to church, came! Also, C, my investigator and Brazilian mother, is getting married and baptized the 29th!!! She hasn't smoked for almost two week and her daughter T will get baptized too. Ahhh, it's such an awesome miracle. Elder J will baptize her, which is even better, because he is probably my very best elder friend in the mish. Also, a contact I made in Ribeirao Preto got baptized. I remember he flagged us down in the street, and we brought him to the mission office to get all kinds of books; then we ran into him again that night and invited him to a family home evening, and he actually came. That night, I got to bear my testimony to him, and later I found out he was going to institute. Now, he is baptized!! Wow, it made me realize that I honestly will never know how much my mission impacts the world. If I hadn't gotten a call from sister Zapata, I would have never known what happened to Anderson, but his life will be changed forever. This work is not about numbers. It is about people, hearts, souls, and smiles. I am working super hard still, but its different. I am working for love now. I walk till my legs feel like jello and my eyeballs are sunburned, but it's not because I'm supposed to WORK. It's because I am walking to those I love.

I'm so happy right now. I love training and I love Sister B. Sometimes I REALLY feel like a mom' and it requires a lot of patience, but I don't mind it at all, because I know I am serving an important purpose. My goal is to help Sister B have the best start to her mission so that she can know that a mission is more of a blessing than it is a sacrifice. Right now, we are still working on that one, lol. But she really listens and remembers the things I teach her, so I can't complain.

Hey guys, this life is a good one. Remember that we never need to despair, because Father is watching. We are in His hands...and prayers really do work. HOPE is the anchor to our souls.

I love you guys more than Hawaiian pizza and cheesecake and Mexican food. ....yeah, i really love you guys :)

Beijoas

sister Hunny

3/10/14

Hello my people!! How's it over there in the states? Is it finally warming up, because it's starting to cool down, and I cannot begin to tell you how much of a blessing that is? Finally, I'm not sweating in my sleep. Actually, one night Sperry and I were outside looking at the stars and we actually got cold...what? It was a little miracle. Journal- worthy I think, lol.

Okay, so can I just tell you guys I am super happy right now? Life is good. Life has always been good, but right now, its super good. What changed? Well, the people and circumstances did change (so happy to have my Sperry back), but honestly I believe it has more to do with my attitude. So  what I've realized is that I am not so bad after all, you guys. I have a lot of capacity to help others, and I really know I am making a difference, even when our numbers aren't fantastic. I am learning to TRUST IN HEAVENLY FATHER. He really does know what he is doing. I am practicing patience with myself and patience with Him, and guess what! Now I'm happy go lucky no matter what happens, because I trust that His plans are better than mine. We are having success with A and L. A is so set on getting baptized and rode her bike all the way to church, and then just switched her sweaty shirt. She is awesome. 

B is so awesome.She is so willing to do everything I ask and always wants to learn. What I love most about her is that she is always laughing!! Always. It really helps to lighten the day when things don't work out. I am trying to help her have the best beginning of the mission ever, because a lot of the times, the very start is the worst. That's not going to happen to my novinha, no sir. I am learning so much.

This week we made pizza with an Italian family.....which was awesome because they actually use tomato sauce and lots of cheese. Heaven!!! Me and Sperry loaded up the tomato sauce. The Brazilians were pleasantly surprised lol. We even filled the crust with cheese. Pretty legit. Its crazy how people who don't know us invite us into their homes and feed us, lol. Cracks me up sometimes where we end up in the mission life. Every day is an adventure for sure. Love you guys sooo much.

3/3/14

(In answer to Stewart's question about the leaders in the mission) Of course they are important....but like, yeah....they are doing their job. I'm supporting them.....haha.....not sure what to say. President Brum loves and cares for us and I know he is so inspired because this transfer is perfect, and I'm so happy.  Our ward leader of mission (Haha, her English is starting to sound a little funny now, isn't it)  is super great too. He does so much and is super organized. Leaders are important. We are all just learning and it's so great to see them learn and grow as they serve us. They may not be perfect, and we don't have to agree with all of their opinions about everything, but we do need to support them when they act in their jurisdiction, because the Spirit is guiding them and we will receive blessings. I promise. Our district is super great. We are just like a family, and today we had a water fight and played hide and go seek for p day. So fun!

So all of our investigators are incredible! BUT they all have a huge roadblock. grrrr. L already wants to serve a mission and she hasn't even been to church, lol. A is waking up at four in the morning to attend seminary and reading chapters of the Book of Mormon every night. One day we taught her and L together, and A bore her testimony about the Holy Ghost like she has been a member forever. The only reason she can't get baptized is because her parents won't let her yet. Then there is R, who is so pure and knows everything is true and wants to get baptized but her husband won't let her. I'm really afraid he might be abusive, which really frustrates me. She can't go to church, but she is still trying to quit drinking coffee. the only way we can see her is if we run into her in the street, but God has made it happen twice this week. Guys, if you could have seen the way she cried and fell in my arms......but then afterward she tensed up and couldn't accept my comfort. Ugh, it kills me to see that people don't know how to accept love. She wakes up and sees the church house every day, but she can't go in..or she won't let herself go in. Please pray and fast for these incredible, pure hearts. 

We are all sooo hard on ourselves. My new comp, Sis B (brazilian) included. She is sooo cute and funny. At first, I think she was scared to death of me, and she cried her first night. It was pretty rough, haha. We arrived in the middle of a horrible storm and all the lights in the city were out. She kept saying she wanted to take a shower, and I was like Oh dear, welcome to the mission haha. Anyway, she told me she doesn't like to hear compliments because she doesn't believe them, and it makes her sad that they aren't true. She has been so broken by her past that she can't accept love anymore. I am working so hard to build her up and just love her. She told me that this week, I taught her that miracles happen EVERY day, which made me super happy. 

We must recognize our worth. We have to remember that we were made by the hands of God.....God doesn't make junk. He makes masterpieces. Think of how sad it must make him when we fail to recognize the masterpiece He created within each of us. You have a part of God in you. It is impossible for us to be ugly or useless. We are sacred and marvelous and beautiful to Him. He doesn't see us as we are, but as we will become. Its just like a work of art. The artist sees the final product in his mind, so he loves the painting from beginning to end. He KNOWS what it will become, so the painting is a masterpiece throughout the whole process to Him. Others may not see it, but He does. He knows. Let Him show you. Let him love you the way you deserve. If people could accept God's love, I am convinced we wouldn't hurt each other like we do. We hurt because we are afraid, but there is no fear in love. John 4

Okay I love you guys, and I'm so happy right now. Really, really,truly happy. I love to serve and help and uplift people. I have been given so much this transfer and pray I can use this time to really help others.

Oh by the way, I got your x mas package!!!! ahhh haha a little late but hey, I get two Christmases. Thank you

Beijo, sis Hunny

2/24/14

Ahhh you guys, I cannot put into words my happiness. I am overflowing. Hey, did you know that God answers prayers? Because he does, like for reals. If you think you can't get through something, if you wonder if you'll ever be happy again, just go a little longer. Keep loving. Keep trusting. And keep asking God for happiness. He will give to you, but timing is truly everything. I have learned a lot of patience. Wowza. 

So this transfer has actually been sooooo stinking hard and I was a little on the edge of total apathy and despair, not in regards to my investigators, because God is so merciful and still gave me so many miracles, but yeah other stuff. Ya know? Anyway, all is going to be well!!! I am going to stay in Jaboticabal, the best area ever, and guess what else, I am going to train a newbie!!! ahhh I'm so excited to be able to teach and just love my new comp. I cant wait to help her and watch her fall in love with the people here. They are incredible. We have an investigator that hasn't even gotten baptized and she already wants to serve a mission. WHAT!!?? Ahh, she is so courageous and incredible. 

Okay the cherry on top is that.....drum roll.....I will live with Sp!!!! (her last companion who she adored) We will live in the same house. AHHHHHH Seriously, you guys, I have been walking in the road every day just praying to Heavenly Father that I could be happy the next transfer. I didn't care what happened, I just needed a change and all I had was hope that He would answer me. I promise that hope truly is an anchor to our souls, and He DOES answer our prayers. He really does. I learned so much and now I'm just so ready to help someone else learn as well. Ahh, so happy.

Here is a little thought I had this week:

 Remember that we are all just little kids in God's eyes. We are all just trying. He knows we don't have experience and we have uncoordinated hands. He is not going to yell at us if we color outside of the lines, but He does want us to try. Just pick up a color and start your masterpiece. Heavenly Father is going to proudly put it up on the fridge no matter what it looks like. All that matters is that you made it for Him.

Love you all

Sis Hunny

More from 2/17/14

My b day was awesome

P-day I played soccer. So fun. Aced the elders.....or at least tried :)

I ATE that monster of a hamburger. All of it. yess I kid you not.

2/17/14

Hello Hello Hello.

Tudo Bem? So, this week was pretty great. It was actually splendid! I celebrated my birthday four times....maybe more haha. Its hard to be a missionary sometimes, but the people sure do shower you with love. It really gets you through the hard times. So, R is doing well. She has incredible faith and is just so humble and pure. However, I have never met anyone with such a difficult addiction to coffee. She is really struggling with overcoming it and is having a lot of pain in her head. Wow, I never realized coffee could be such a powerful addiction, but apparently it's more intense than I thought. No wonder we don't drink it. It really can control you. Seriously it's so incredible that the Word of Wisdom was created in the 1800s when EVERYONE drank, smoked and drank coffee. Only now are they beginning to find all the health problems that arise from these things. Joseph Smith was just a humble farm boy. How did he know about health concerns...and to eat more grains than meat? I dunno, it's just pretty impressive to me that science is only catching up right now. It really goes to show that trusting in God's commandments and blessings will truly bring us more happiness than we even realize right now.

Oh, so also, we are teaching the most beautiful family. I'm not gonna lie, it really pays off to be a blonde American. A lot more people want to talk to you just because of this, and then later on they also really do want to come closer to Christ. You guys, its incredible, but its becoming so clear to me that Heavenly Father really did need ME to come HERE for specific moments and specific people. Last week, when I visited Ipiranga, I had a woman cry in my arms like a baby because of the struggles she is going through. I was literally the ONLY person she would talk to in 3 weeks. How could that be a coincidence? No, I know that people are people, no matter the place or time in the world. We are all angels for someone. We just have to follow the Spirit and He will guide us to those that need us. Truly, we all have a purpose in many peoples lives. 

Oh hey, so guess what you guys? I got my eyes checked for glasses and I need them. Just for reading and such, but still I think it will help with the headaches. Who knew. I'll buy them and let you know the price. I'm looking on the bright side and getting pumped that I can have an extra accessory and be legit when I wear glasses. Hey, who knew it was such a privilege to get dressed up and look pretty. I never realized that it was a privilege, but honestly it is. Ladies, don't complain that you have to get dressed up. A lot of people only have one or two dresses to choose from. They don't have mirrors to look in. And they work and sweat all day. Get this guys, I am actually super excited to come home and get dressed up and look pretty every day. I'm excited to look in the mirror and think, Hey, you're lookin' pretty good today! haha I'm gonna be super chique when I get back. Look out folks! lol

I love you guys sooo much and will leave you with this quote. It pretty much describes what I am learning over and over again every day. LOVE YOU!!! Be missionaries okay? Its easier than you think.

“I have pulled my handcart when I was so weak and weary from illness and lack of food that I could hardly put one foot ahead of the other. I have looked ahead and seen a patch of sand or a hill slope and I have said, I can go only that far and there I must give up, for I cannot pull the load through it. . . . I have gone on to that sand and when I reached it, the cart began pushing me. I have looked back many times to see who was pushing my cart, but my eyes saw no one. I knew then that the angels of God were there.

“Was I sorry that I chose to come by handcart? No. Neither then nor any minute of my life since. The price we paid to become acquainted with God was a privilege to pay, and I am thankful that I was privileged to come in the Martin Handcart Company.”