Jan 7

Family—

Well...the work continues onward here in Cuiabá! Today is Sister Bulhões´ 23rd Birthday! I made pancakes for her this morning and some irmãs from our ward are making cake for her tonight.

We´ve had some more miracles this week which is a blessing! A couple months ago, we tried to find a referral from some elders. They had baptized the mom and wanted us to teach the son and his family. We walked and walked up and down this highway, but the address didn´t exist and no one knew a Benedito. So, we couldn´t do anything more because the elders didn´t pass on his telephone number. This week they finally called and gave his number. We set up an appointment and finally found their house (ridiculously far, but it was worth it!). They live way out in the boon-dogs. We felt like we were serving in the amazon! ;) They are a very sweet family with a great desire to know the truth. I´m excited to teach them more. The mom only says good things about the church (of course) and so they´re very interested. Thanks to another church he used to attend, they are legally married!!! Halleluiah!! Benedito has a very serious illness (I forgot the name) that has no cure. His stomach swells up and his legs and feet. It´s hard for him to walk, but even so, he promised to come to Church (even though he has to walk a long way just to make it to the bus stop). It was so wonderful to feel of the Spirit in their home and see this man´s faith.

I hope you are all doing missionary work in your respective wards. I know you´re probably rolling your eyes, but it´s always good to have a reminder, right? There is always room for improvement. I would just encourage you all to think back on your missions: how you would´ve liked for the members to give you referrals and be actively seeking investigators for you (which is their duty as members). Remember, DC 88:81 says everyone who has been warned must warn his neighbor. And then we are given the promise that our sins will be forgiven when we bare our testimonies to others (DC 84:61). Don´t be afraid that you won´t know what to say, the Lord promises to bless us in that very moment with the right words (DC 100:5-7). I love you all so much. I am so blessed to have you as my examples and friends. Thank you for all the love you are showing to the missionaries in your wards by helping them in the work (teaching with them, inviting them to teach friends at FHE, giving referrals, etc.). Just think back on your baptismal day. How did you feel? Wouldn´t it be great to share those feelings of joy and happiness with our friends, aquaintances, neighbors?! Que coisa boa!

Love, Sister Ellis III