How is everyone doing on this fine P-day we’re having? I hope we are all great! This last week was pretty fun: I got sick, did an exchange, got some new people to church, and invited 2 people for baptism!
Last Monday while on a call with my parents I started getting really sick and ended up having to go to the doctor. Infelizmente, the doctor took one look at me and decided I probably wouldn’t understand whatever diagnosis he’d give me so he chose not to explain. Tudo bem, he gave me a shot and allergy medicine and I am feeling much better so can’t really complain I guess.
On Thursday I went over to a nearby area called Jangadeiro to do an exchange with Sister Fisher. Come to find out she’s from Saratoga Springs and we have the same birthday. We got lots of work done over in her area and it was a nice day to meet someone who’s been practically my neighbor my whole life.
We had 6 people come to church yesterday. Of the people we invited, only 1 came but the ward here is proving just how powerful member missionary work is ’cause they brought the other 5 new friends. One of them we chatted with just a bit after church and he straight up said “I want to be baptized” and we were like, “We know somebody who can help with that.” Boom, Pedro’s being baptized Mar. 16! We also reconnected with an old friend this week who’s finally gotten over some bad habits who will also be baptized Mar. 16. Pray for Pedro e Zezinho.
Something Sister Zurita told me on my first day here is that the work on this side of the map isn’t very physically exhausting. The area is about 1/5 of the size of my last one, there isn’t a single hill, and I’m already pretty adjusted to the heat. She then went on to explain that here is all a mental game and I really felt it this week. There were times I was extremely frustrated with myself or with others, I felt alone or wanted to be alone, and didn’t understand how I could be feeling all this while still trying my hardest to serve God. The words to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail ring true for all of us.
“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.” (D&C 121:7-9)
My afflictions really are temporary because of the infinite and eternal Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know I have people supporting me and praying for my success. There is nothing I can’t do if God has commanded me to do it. I’d do better to remember and live by all this, as I’m sure we all could. I challenge us all to endure just a little better and to recognize the hand of God in our day-to-day struggles. I promise as we do so, we’ll feel the peace he promises in our souls.
That’s all folks, Tchau tchau for now!
Com amor,
Sister Alyssa Grace
Jaboatão Dos Guararapes, Brasil
