Jan 21st

Family—
I am so happy to be a full-time missionary!!! Life is wonderful here! We had the best Sunday of my life this last Sunday. We had 15 investigators at Sacrament Meeting (5 families). That was the most we´ve had so far on the mission and it was a total miracle. Sister Bulhões and I went to wake up 4 of those families. We were running to their houses and apartments in the rain in skirts! Hahah! We really must´ve been quite the sight. We got completely soaked, but it was definitely worth it to help those families find the way to church to feel the Spirit. Now, they know how to get there, and now they can go by themselves. Unfortunately, none of the couples are legally married, so we are working now on helping them get married so they can be baptized. The documents take at least a month to get ready. We´re going to baptize 3 people this week end. These really are miracles because 2 of them tried to back out or not make the commitment in the first place. We let them vent what the real reason was for their hesitance in accepting baptism. Then we marked their baptism. CREW method, baby. ;) Hahaha!

I am so grateful to be a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ. I really can´t even express in words my gratitude for this privilege. Heavenly Father is so kind to me. I love being His mouthpiece and getting to see first hand the miracles when people find the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all your prayers and news. I love you all so much!
That was one thing that impressed me this week. How blessed I am to have been sent to this family. Thank you for all the support you all gave me growing up and continue to give, tirelessly! Thank you for all the concerts you went to, plays, all the games you played with me, etc. Paula is a less active we are reactivating. Her mom is espirita and really stubborn. I love her to death, but she isn´t really supporting Paula and it breaks my heart to see. Paula went to New Beginnings all alone the other night. Her sister, Fabiele, was going to go, but ended up going to a cook out with her older sister instead. We went to get the mom to surprise Paula, but she absolutely refused to go! I couldn´t believe it. She had nothing to do, but just didn´t want to go to church—even when she knew it would´ve really made her daughter so happy. This experience made me so grateful for my parents and family. You all put my interests and needs above your own so many times—just to show your love for me. You really showed your love—not just through the words you said, but through your actions. And that speaks a lot louder than any amount of words ever could. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!

One thing I thought was hilarious is my mission president. In all his trainings, he defines words for us—that is breaks them down and tells us where that root comes from. It´s just like the dad in My Big Fat Greek Wedding! HAHAHA! It cracks me up! I love President Milder and even more now that he reminds me of cute little Gus from that movie! HAhaha!

Mom—Thanks for the recipe book and pictures. I loved them! You are so sweet! I shared your story of how you stayed active completely alone in your family with only 12 yrs. Old with Paula and Fabiele. We are baptizing Fabiele on Saturday and Paula we are reactivating. It is awesome to see their progress! Paula is starting to use modest clothes and wear skirts to church! I was wondering, Mom, could you type up your testimony—how you stayed so firm in the faith without the support of your family even at such a young age—and send it to me:? I think it´d really help some of these girls we´re teaching. Also, can you send me your scone recipe? The one that you cook in the oven? Thanks. ;) THANK YOU SO MUCH for printing off and deleting my emails!!! It was such a beautiful sight to see my inbox with only 55% instead of 94%! Thanks! What an amazing woman you are. I really am so blessed to have you as my mother. Is there anything I can do to help you? I´m glad your trip to Fazenda Bela Vista went well. I´m excited to go there when I´ve been ´honorable released´ as Dad said. ;)

Mark—That companion of mine, Sister Reynolds, and I are planning to take a road trip to Iowa after the mission to visit y´all and learn how to make those earrings k? Just so you can get prepared…We´re willing to baby sit as well! ;) Hear that Hank?!

Kit—I´m so excited to have a new niece!! I won´t comment on the name you chose. I know my opinion really won´t change anything anyway. I´ll just let you guys choose and I´ll love her no matter what you call her. I need pics of your belly!!!!! I´ll study Timothy and get back to you next week, k?

Nat and Matt—I`M SO HAPPY FOR YOU!! Rest assured, you are in my prayers!! I have been praying you could get pregnant again soon. Heavenly Father truly does answer our prayers!! Happy Birthday, Nat, this week! I love you so much and am so grateful for you as my sister!!!

Dad—HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOMORROW!!!! I love you so much. Thank you for all your support and wisdom you share with me. I´ll take good notes with Elder Cook and share them with y´all. I´m going to get to go to the member meeting and the missionary one (cus I´m going to accompany the choir). What a blessing to play the piano!! Who´s the authority that´s going to accompany Elder Cook to Cuiabá? I think you should. ;)

Rob and Christa—Thanks for the pictures. I loved them! How are y´all? Haven´t really heard much from your end…

Clay—Thanks so much for the email. You are such a great cousin!! I hope school is going well. Send me another update asap. (when you get a chance) Also, tell Mick happy birthday from me. I don´t have his email. Give him a big smack on the cheek from me, k? 

Sorry this email is so sporatic. I´ll try to organize my thoughts better next time. ;) So…does anyone want to report on what they learned from reading that talk from Elder Kimball or John? Or did no one study them? What are you all doing to help the missionary work in your respective wards? I want to hear a report! You have 7 days til I check this email again…Love you!