This is a sweet sister in our ward named Ana Paula. She invited us over for dinner. She is so cute and tiny and unbelievably sweet and good. She did not attend church for about 20 years, but then the Elders found her and ended up teaching and baptizing her husband. =D Together they are rearing to go and love the church so much! She will be going with us tonight to help us teach a family who is scheduled to be baptized soon!
#artistic
These cool heart things are all over the island. I am obsessed with them!
Whatever, we are COOL..... Actually if you see a wall with lots of flowers and butterflies on it,
you POSE!
Also, a member bought us these sunglasses that are just like Daddy's. If we are seen not wearing them, they get miffed, so we wear them....!
Peace out!
We sometimes get lost and get off at the wrong bus stop...
This cute couple came to visit the Azores for a get away vacation. They are members of the church and live in Lisbon. It was so fun to meet them! I hope that I get to serve in their ward eventually! It sounded huge and exciting!
Ponta Delgada city view.
Our Zone Leaders. We will never be as cool.
Sao Miguel is famous for their pineapples and for good reason. It is literally THE BEST PINEAPPLE I HAVE EVER EATEN. SOSOSOSOS GOOD. WAY BETTER THEN ANY AMERICAN PINEAPPLE. SERIOUSLY SO SWEET. Do you get it?
The train we rode last Prep Day.
We had fun today and went to an old castle for Prep Day. Apparently it was also an old war base. We had fun touching things that probably shouldn't be touched at a museum.
No body wants to be called dumb.
Pretending to be at war.
Hey! We have to entertain ourselves some how.
A cool old Portugal flag.
Herro todos! Eu amo voces MUITO e tenho muito saudades
vossas.
I think I am fluent in Portuguese or something!=D
This week we visited tons of members in our branch. It was
seriously an unusual thing. But it really was so good. Some of the people in
our ward hadn't been visited by missionaries in YEARS. It is just so complicated
to figure out the bus system. I always feel like it is pure luck and a big
blessing when we take the right bus and get off at the right stop. Lets just
say that two American girls + Portuguese bus system = muito disaster. We have
gotten lost a few times... But is so worth it to go and see our
members!
For example, we went and visited a special family. They are
a SOLID family of about 20 years. Their story was so cool! They were living
together when they met the Elders. They already had a little boy that was 5 years
old. When they heard the message, there was something about it that rang
true with them. They had already decided together before that there had to be
something more, and when they heard the Elders teach about the Restoration,
they knew it was true. NOW, they are the heart and soul of multiple branches
here on the Azores. They work so unbelievably hard, taking care of some of the teenage members that are the only members in their families. The
wife, is the Relief Society presidente of our ward and she is amazing. The look
on her face when we showed up at her house was priceless. She was overjoyed,
giggling and making Sister McChesney try on her apron. We made them special
hamburgers for dinner. It was the first time they had had the missionaries make
food for THEM. It was so awesome. They really deserve the love and
service. I love them so much.
Sitting down and talking with a strong gospel family helps me
know that, YES, there are people on this island that are trying to live
gospel standards. Being with them, I get a little glimpse of what it was like
to be with my family. The one thing I think I am the most excited about is just
being able to live the gospel in peace after my mission. I will never be the
same person again. There are so many little things that are so not worth
sacrificing. The gospel is what brings us happiness, it is as simple as that. I
wanted to promise you all some things that I will NEVER break. I have already
made these promises to my Heavenly Father, and I encourage all who happen to read
my blog to consider my words. These little things make a difference, I promise:
-I will NEVER drink alcohol or coffee or do drugs of any sort.
-I will NEVER dress immodestly.
-I will NEVER talk bad of my church leaders.
-I will NEVER settle for anything less than a temple marriage
with a worthy returned missionary.
-I will NEVER go a day without reading my scriptures.
-I will NEVER seek out pornographic material.
I sincerely promise to you all that I will keep these promises
until the end of my days. I am so very serious.
´´Once we enter into covenants with God, there is no going back.
Giving in, giving up, and giving out are not options. In the kingdom of God,
there is a standard of excellence for exaltation. It requires valiant
descipleship! There is no room for average or complacent disciples. Average is
the enemy of excellence.´´ -Elder Kevin W. Pearson
I love you all so much and I am so good! Thanks for all the
prayers! It always helps me to know that I have so much support:)
Seester
BARRONNNNNN
