Second Transfer!

Heeeeeellllloooo!
I hope everyone had a Very Merry Christmas!!! :D
I definitely did here in Brasil and while speaking with my family!

I have started my second transfer here in the field. I am still in Santa Gertrudes, but I have a new companion!
Her name is Sister Tirrell and she is frrrrrrrooooooommmmm..........

Provo, Utah!
She is about the complete opposite personality wise from Sister LeBaron, but still hard working. :)
During our first two transfers in the field we are trained. Usually we stay with the same trainer, but we got a little switch up.
I love them both!  I´m excited to experience two trainers and two different outlooks.

I don´t have much to say this week, it´s been a little crazy because of Christmas, but if nothing else... the gospel is still true!
And the Book of Mormon can answer ANY question that we have. We just need to be willing to find it :)

I love you all! Happy New Year!!!

Feliz Natal!

FELIZ NATAL everyone!
 
So I´ve been thinking a little about the Savior´s birth and all the things that surrounded it.
Can you imagine how Mary felt?
Out of nowhere this Angel who appears whose glory is so great that she is frightened for condemnation. (why else would there be an angel?)
But who, at once, gives comfort unto her and says that she is pure and worthy to carry the Son of God.
With certainty, I´m sure she was doubtful. Me? But how could she deny the glory of a mesenger of the Lord?
And how did she reply even through her insecurities?: I will do God´s will.Besides Mary, many marvelous accounts happened around the Savior´s birth.
An angel appeared to the shepherds as well. Who also were frightened. But...
Luke Chapter 2
10: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. Which shall be to all people.
11: For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.
I can´t even imagine hearing these words. A savior? Christ the Lord?
They had waited for this day for so long. And finally here was the day.
The idea that he was just a baby, and so sacred. So pure. I feel this has more symbolism than I can even comprehend.
And I don´t think these people could even comprehend exactly what it meant that Christ was there. What he would do for all of us.
13: And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying
14: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.The birth of Christ was such a miraculous moment not just for the people who could witness his life, not even just for us who are living today, but for every soul. So much that the heavenly host shout out in praise! Because they too, knew that the son of God was here to redeem us from our weaknesses. To fulfill our Father´s plan so that we can return!

I am so grateful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. For his life. For his birth. For his choice to be our mediator.
I pray for all of you everyday, but especially this Christmas season that you can feel the love the Savior has for you.

Thank you for the letters and the emails through my mom! They really do help everyday!
Have a wonderful and a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas in Brazil!

I hope all of you are doing so well and enjoying the Christmas season! I definitely am. And it´s definitely different than in the states. Besides the fact that it´s Summer here... weird.

They don´t have very many Christmas songs so we listen to the ones from the states and we´re totally content with that. :D  Also.. we made a Christmas tree. Out of paper and taped it to our wall. It´s pretty much the grandest Christmas tree of all time. I will send pictures of him another week because they are on Sister LeBaron´s camera.

Also... everyone here has stuffed Santa´s hanging out of their windows by themselves or on ladders. We thought this was sooo weird, but it turns out they don´t have chimneys here, so how does Santa get in??? yep! He climbs through the window!!! ahhh! So great!

 

I don´t have a quote this week. But I have learned that reliance on the Lord is key. This week has been the fastest week of my mission so far. But these past couple days I think have been the most trying. The Lord has made many promises to me in return for the promises I´ve made to him. I just need to rely on him. And trust him that he will strengthen me and will comfort me when I need it. FAITH is key. If I don´t truly believe it, how can the Lord show me?

 

During this week I really want to remember why we have Christmas. What was so special about that night? What was special about this baby? What built their faith that this was the son of God?

 

I love you all. I pray that you have happiness everyday.

And that´s all God wants also: for us to be happy here.