This is what Sister Silva says to all the children in the street. It's endlessly funny. "I don't to understand English!" which is great because I don't to understand Portuguese all the time. I thought it would be a lot harder than it is, having a companion that doesn't speak English, but its not at all. Its really fun. Sister Silva is just truly a kindred spirit for me. Its not hard to have a friendship or laugh until the wee hours of the night (aka 10:45). I will be disappointed if I only get one transfer with her. But I am starting to adore this area so chances are Heavenly Father will want to teach me a lesson.
Last night I had a Portuguese break down. It's just so frustrating. I miss being smart! I miss big words. You all know how I am. Last night I found out I was constructing sentences with prepositions incorrectly and I felt so dumb. Learning a new language is like a continual uphill climb and when you get to the top you realize theres a another, bigger hill. So I cried a little. Because of prepositions.
But that's ok because today is a new day, and a new week. 3rd week of my 3rd transfer and in exactly one year (minus one day) I will be back in the USA. Not that I'm counting.
This past week was great though. I mean we got cut by 2 15 year old boys whose parents are already members. And 5 of our 6 lessons on Saturday were burned. And our district leader and his companion went crazy and decided they would make 500 contacts in one week (plus all their normal lessons) and the mission goal is 140 and believe me 140 is nearly impossible as it is. But they bumped it up to 500, not for us but when your DL makes a goal like that you feel really obligated to reach all of yours.
Oh and we had interviews with our new pres. Hes really different than pres Jackson. Kinda nuts. I think he will change a lot. Because right now hes authorizing everything (pres can we go to santo maro to go shopping? Sure! bring sister pinho... ok pres!)
The work is still going great and please keep Jose's family in your prayers. They all want to get baptized but Jose wants to quit smoking before he gets married. he wont get married with a cigarette in his mouth. And they want to get married and baptized the same day. Miracles happen people. Keep up the prayers!
My 2 cents for the week. Pray more, read your scriptures and go to church.... oh and attitude! Remember that we have influence on everyone whether or not we recognize it. What has a negative attitude ever done to help anyone?
Love you! I'm happy I'm healthy and I'm not sunburned!
kense
Monday, July 25, 2011
Boa tarde
So I have a new companion and her name is Sister Silva and I love her. Really really I love her! And I am 100% not speaking English anymore!! Woo. I thought it would be really tough but its actually really great. Tough yes but great too! I definitely had a Gift of Tongues week. I never knew I knew so much Portuguese until this week. But I was initiating the lessons and talking to my companion and everyone and really really communicating with people. And understanding people. I can't tell you how much of a miracle it is to have a conversation with someone and actually know what they are saying and to be able to speak back with them and really talk! So yes, it was a blessing and a miracle and all of that and more. And it definitely wasn't because I'm really super. Thank you for all your prayers. I still have so far to go but I know with Sister Silva I will learn!
She's from Fortaleza- the beauty of Brasil. One day I will have to visit her there.
It was so great to gain a new perspective on the area with a new companion. Now we are committing people like crazy and just working really hard. Her last 2 companions were difficult. One was going home at the end of her mission and the other was starting her mission and didn't want to stay. So she hasn't been able to work much for the past 4 months. That has changed and I think were both glad.
One miracle that happened this week was Jose and Altamira. Re ember them? Well something changed with Altamira a couple weeks ago and she knows she needs to learn more. 2 months ago when we talked about marriage they both said no way it is too complicated but we brought it up this week and set a date and they didn't decline at all. They are praying and reading the Book of Mormon as a family. It just goes to show that we have no idea about the capacity people have to change. Here is this family not married, smoking and the couple is 30 years apart in age and they aren't happy together. But Jose changed he started reading the Book of Mormon and started getting involved in cigarette addiction groups and they are praying together. I know it is only amatter of time with them. They all want to be baptized but they know it is a serious covenant and they truly need to change. So keep them in your prayers.
It was a bit warm this week. A bit war in the winter. I know I will die in the summer. I will die. I'm not going to think about it too much. But luckily it is colder today.
I guess that all I really have to share this week. I love you all so much and miss you even more. Today is a bit of a "I miss home" day but I know I'll be happier once we start working. I love you all!
kensie
She's from Fortaleza- the beauty of Brasil. One day I will have to visit her there.
It was so great to gain a new perspective on the area with a new companion. Now we are committing people like crazy and just working really hard. Her last 2 companions were difficult. One was going home at the end of her mission and the other was starting her mission and didn't want to stay. So she hasn't been able to work much for the past 4 months. That has changed and I think were both glad.
One miracle that happened this week was Jose and Altamira. Re ember them? Well something changed with Altamira a couple weeks ago and she knows she needs to learn more. 2 months ago when we talked about marriage they both said no way it is too complicated but we brought it up this week and set a date and they didn't decline at all. They are praying and reading the Book of Mormon as a family. It just goes to show that we have no idea about the capacity people have to change. Here is this family not married, smoking and the couple is 30 years apart in age and they aren't happy together. But Jose changed he started reading the Book of Mormon and started getting involved in cigarette addiction groups and they are praying together. I know it is only amatter of time with them. They all want to be baptized but they know it is a serious covenant and they truly need to change. So keep them in your prayers.
It was a bit warm this week. A bit war in the winter. I know I will die in the summer. I will die. I'm not going to think about it too much. But luckily it is colder today.
I guess that all I really have to share this week. I love you all so much and miss you even more. Today is a bit of a "I miss home" day but I know I'll be happier once we start working. I love you all!
kensie
Transfers!
And I'm still in the area but Sister Fonseca will be leaving tomorrow morning! We kind of expected it but it was still sad, just when everything was going really wonderfuly, go figure!
So this means I'll be showing the area to a sister. A sister who doesn't speak English so my Portuguese will really take off. It's going to be really hard I know but I think it's what I need to get the language up to scratch. We got new cell phones in the mission and one of the crazy sisters in the mission figured out how to do conference calling. So we were conference calling with every sister in the mission. It must have been against some rule but it was funny and we quickly found out who would be staying/leaving. We have our guesses about who will come here but everything is up in the air at this point.
This past week was a blast! We had our wards festa junina which is this party where you dress up like "interior" people (aka hicks), pig tails and plaid and square dancing and lots of corn! It was so much fun! It felt almost like halloween and we had so many investigators there so woohoo! Now if only I can find where they live without the help of Sister Fonseca ;)
Oh and the greatest moment of this last week was when our Raimundo (a member returning after 40 years) gave us these letters/riddle that he wrote for us. I translated it from portuguese to english so just know it sounds a lot nicer in portuguese.
People say that contemplating the stars brings luck
One man was walking in the street when he saw two stars walking by, and talking
The man said hello to the two of them and in that very moment everything became clear
One of the stars was little but had a great light
One of the stars was a bit bigger but the size of her light could never fit into all of the universe
Recently the stars began visting the mans house and a marvelous light began to grow
The stars invirted him back to paradise
When he got there the man could there were constellations of stars, many bright lights
When the man returned to his house he recognized that he too was given a light from them
Today his light isnt as bright as the stars in his life
But with lots of faith he believes that one day it will shine
Oh and I forgots, the names of the two stars;
Sister Fonseca e Neptune
So corny, yes but beautiful! Finally, a moment in my mission where I could honestly say I would stay here for a year and a half if only to be a small part of the change that has occurred in his life! Because really, we did nothing. We just walked by at the right time and he felt like he needed to speak to us. That was it. We didn't do anything. We were just instruments of the Lord! And because of this he is back with full force. He is ready to change. We were able to teach him about temples and it was so great and I know that he will be an example for his family!
Thats a wrap for this week. Life is good, the gospel is true! I love you all!
Kensie
ps pictures ( 2 of festa and one of raimundo)
So this means I'll be showing the area to a sister. A sister who doesn't speak English so my Portuguese will really take off. It's going to be really hard I know but I think it's what I need to get the language up to scratch. We got new cell phones in the mission and one of the crazy sisters in the mission figured out how to do conference calling. So we were conference calling with every sister in the mission. It must have been against some rule but it was funny and we quickly found out who would be staying/leaving. We have our guesses about who will come here but everything is up in the air at this point.
This past week was a blast! We had our wards festa junina which is this party where you dress up like "interior" people (aka hicks), pig tails and plaid and square dancing and lots of corn! It was so much fun! It felt almost like halloween and we had so many investigators there so woohoo! Now if only I can find where they live without the help of Sister Fonseca ;)
Oh and the greatest moment of this last week was when our Raimundo (a member returning after 40 years) gave us these letters/riddle that he wrote for us. I translated it from portuguese to english so just know it sounds a lot nicer in portuguese.
People say that contemplating the stars brings luck
One man was walking in the street when he saw two stars walking by, and talking
The man said hello to the two of them and in that very moment everything became clear
One of the stars was little but had a great light
One of the stars was a bit bigger but the size of her light could never fit into all of the universe
Recently the stars began visting the mans house and a marvelous light began to grow
The stars invirted him back to paradise
When he got there the man could there were constellations of stars, many bright lights
When the man returned to his house he recognized that he too was given a light from them
Today his light isnt as bright as the stars in his life
But with lots of faith he believes that one day it will shine
Oh and I forgots, the names of the two stars;
Sister Fonseca e Neptune
So corny, yes but beautiful! Finally, a moment in my mission where I could honestly say I would stay here for a year and a half if only to be a small part of the change that has occurred in his life! Because really, we did nothing. We just walked by at the right time and he felt like he needed to speak to us. That was it. We didn't do anything. We were just instruments of the Lord! And because of this he is back with full force. He is ready to change. We were able to teach him about temples and it was so great and I know that he will be an example for his family!
Thats a wrap for this week. Life is good, the gospel is true! I love you all!
Kensie
ps pictures ( 2 of festa and one of raimundo)
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Nesse Frio!?
Well it is truly winter here in Sao Paulo and with winter comes THE END OF ALL THINGS as far as any brasilian is concerned. i am still more than grateful for the cold because it more than beats the alternative. I find it humorous that there are so many things that cannot occur due to the cold or "nesse frio" (in this cold) every lunch we go to is without salad because you simply cant eat salad nesse frio. You must eat black beans nesse frio. How can you wash clothes nesse frio? and most importantly, ness frio, its hard to attend church. I mean its cold. Too cold to leave your blankets or your home.
But alas! We are back in the game with the Jose, daniol and Altamera family. We left them alone for a week or so because they werent trying to go to church or read or anything. Last week jose and danilo came to church and jose was mad and said we deserted him. So we went back and asked them why they thought we hadnt come to visit. They got the picture and this sunday All 3 of them were at church, together! Altamera never goes because shes satisified with catholicism and doesnt see the need to change. We talked about re teaching the lessons so she could see the difference and now shes making great efforts to learn. It was SUCH a surprise and a wonderful miracle!
Speaking of miracles, Raimundo, a less-active member. He is making such strides. I am so so happy for him and so grateful we got to help him on his journey back to the church. He hasnt gone to church for 40 years. 40! But now he is consuming the Book of Mormon. He calls and tells us thats hes in alma etc etc. And the book is changing his life, without a doubt. He doesnt have a desire to do the things that are inorrect anymore. We went there last week to teach him the word of wisdom and he told us that earlier that week he felt really alone and decided to go to the bar he always frequents with all of the friends he knows. When he got there he knew this wasnt where he needed to be, he knew it just didnt feel right so he went home and continued reading the Book of Mormon. We didnt even have to commit him to stop drinking, the Book of Mormon already did that for us. I have know doubt that he is back in the church for keeps. And what an example he will be for his family. Were working with him now so he can recieve the priesthood. He is so so great and well really miss him.
Today was a great day! Happy 4th of july, I celebrated at a churrascaria with most of the distict and our ward mission leaders family. It was a rodizio which means they bring huge skuirs of meat to your table and then slice you off the pieces you want. BBQ and 4th of july, how american. Afterwards we vistied this really beautiful lake and it made me miss good old folsom. It also helped me remember that brasil really is gorgeous even if JD mirna is... ya know.
Transfers next week and I think there is a good chance sister fonseca will be leaving which means ill be showing the area to someone. Probably a brasilian someone. Haha, wish me luck!
I guess thats all for today. I love you all!
But alas! We are back in the game with the Jose, daniol and Altamera family. We left them alone for a week or so because they werent trying to go to church or read or anything. Last week jose and danilo came to church and jose was mad and said we deserted him. So we went back and asked them why they thought we hadnt come to visit. They got the picture and this sunday All 3 of them were at church, together! Altamera never goes because shes satisified with catholicism and doesnt see the need to change. We talked about re teaching the lessons so she could see the difference and now shes making great efforts to learn. It was SUCH a surprise and a wonderful miracle!
Speaking of miracles, Raimundo, a less-active member. He is making such strides. I am so so happy for him and so grateful we got to help him on his journey back to the church. He hasnt gone to church for 40 years. 40! But now he is consuming the Book of Mormon. He calls and tells us thats hes in alma etc etc. And the book is changing his life, without a doubt. He doesnt have a desire to do the things that are inorrect anymore. We went there last week to teach him the word of wisdom and he told us that earlier that week he felt really alone and decided to go to the bar he always frequents with all of the friends he knows. When he got there he knew this wasnt where he needed to be, he knew it just didnt feel right so he went home and continued reading the Book of Mormon. We didnt even have to commit him to stop drinking, the Book of Mormon already did that for us. I have know doubt that he is back in the church for keeps. And what an example he will be for his family. Were working with him now so he can recieve the priesthood. He is so so great and well really miss him.
Today was a great day! Happy 4th of july, I celebrated at a churrascaria with most of the distict and our ward mission leaders family. It was a rodizio which means they bring huge skuirs of meat to your table and then slice you off the pieces you want. BBQ and 4th of july, how american. Afterwards we vistied this really beautiful lake and it made me miss good old folsom. It also helped me remember that brasil really is gorgeous even if JD mirna is... ya know.
Transfers next week and I think there is a good chance sister fonseca will be leaving which means ill be showing the area to someone. Probably a brasilian someone. Haha, wish me luck!
I guess thats all for today. I love you all!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Fotos
1. A picture of our money at the end of the month. One pile was to buy our bus fare to make it into a town with an atm to get to a bank the next week. The other pile was for pizza. We searched all over the house for the money!
2. An inexplicably ugly picture of my 1st baptism. (with Bispo Leonildo) Unfortunatly all of the pictures were gross.
3. I ran into sister Wohlford (my CTM companion) at the temple last month! Shes in the SP norte mission and it was a lovely tender mercy. (shes the one in the middle) I love her so much and shes from sacramento!
4. After a lovely torrential down pur, rain like ive never seen and me without an umbrella!
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