So this week was quite the doozy. We worked and worked and worked and... we havent much to show for it, at least not by the standards of the human eye. I decided that the only thing that comes easy on a mission is sleep. Other than that it is a constant uphill climb.
Remember Joyce? Her baptism date was for may 22. Well, that didnt happen. And for a while we debated as to whether or not she was actually progressing. Back and forth and she had answers, she had good answers but she didnt have enough foundation to fall back on because she didnt read the book of mormon (this is the one that the last sisters just told her to read the bible). We had several serious talks with her and then she decided to start going to the Universal Church. We told her to call us when she wanted us to come back. We met her in the street yesteday and she wanted us to come over! So we did and she decided that things are going good in her life right now so she thinks the universal church is correct even though she disagrees with most of its tachings. One thing she dislikes about it is the idea that we dont do bad things, the demons that infest our bodies do bad things so once a week you go to church, put your hands on your head and tell them to leave. She told the pastor she didnt like this and he said " joyce, thats ok! just dont come to church that day!" (because this church meets like 5 times a week. one day for salvation, one day for health, one day for financial blessings and one day for getting rid of demons. Oh and you can donate your home and all your money any day you want, and people do "who wants to give $400 to the lord today!?") She told him how she meets with us and he said "joyce, thats great, god is one!" So she thinks shell stay because God is one and therefor in this church too.
And because we have worked so much with joyce and she is so good and I really love her I just cried. Right then and there. I cried. Because heres the deal people. There is only one true church. Thats only logical. If god is all that we know he is from the scriptures than it is literally impossible for there to be more than one true church. Maybe its the catholic church, maybe even the universal maybe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (I have an inlking its this one) but it has to be one of them! Anyway, so I cried. And I said "Joyce, yes God will always be with his children no matter where they are but he is not with that church because that is not the His Church" And then she said so you believe that you are the only true church? And I said "no, I know this is the only true church" And then she talked about how the other missionaries didnt pressure her and make her do things and I said " we are here to bring you words of comfort but were also here to make changes, to help you come unto chist and sometimes thats hard." and basically what it came down to was "joyce, you dont know any of this for yourself and you shouldnt believe us just because we are so certain but you never read the Book of Mormon. You will never know unless you read the Book of Mormon."
I said all that in portuguese though, because, you know,shes brasilian and cant speak english. And it seems harsh but I think it was exactly what she needed. I cant honestly say we tried our hardest for her. And as sister fonseca told her " you will want this tructh someday, youll be mormon some day!" And dont worry, it wasnt a huge cry fest. But oh it was sad. But I know her story isnt over and shell be in the front of our area book! Sister fonseca this morning said "maybe we should just tell her if she doesnt like something about the our church just ignore it. You dont like joseph smith? dont read about hime! you dont have to accept all of it!" Im glad my companion is sarcastic. It makes me feel at home.
But we had miracles too. I am really happy with our work with inactive members and the ward.We hope to get a lot of people to church this sunday, its stake conference! We have lots of good people now, if only we could adequatly express the importance of actually getting to church!
oh but I have mny very first baptism this weekend! The boy may or may not already be a member.... whoserecordswerelostbytheward but hey! its a baptism. And hes honestly the greatest kid. Him and his little brother go to church every week on their own (10 and 14) and they pray 3 times a day and talk about going on missions. When we asked if we could help them with anything they just said "pray for us so that our mom can be home more" I just wanted to cry. They are so sweet and I know God is so happy with them. So its a good 1st baptism!
I think thats all for now, this is a crazy place but im loving it more every day! And I love all of you and miss you tons!
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