Well, this week was awesome. Iºm not sure why, but it just was. :) Even besides interviews, it was a good week. I think itºs because Iºm learning how to be myself and to have fun while also maintaining the dignity of my calling. I am always worried about erring on the side of frivolity, so Iºve been pretty serious. But now Iºm trying to make sure I donºt take myself too seriously. :) Also, Iºve been working on being more bold, and wow, that has been such a relief! I donºt know how to describe it other than a relief. I think I had forgotten that if I love these people and show them I love them, I can be clear and honest with them and they will listen and know that I am speaking with love.
Last night we talked to Nerr to see where he is spiritually. He has a date set to get baptized this Saturday, but our last three lessons weºve marked with him have fallen through because he has had things come up... well, thatºs what he says. But finally we were able to talk to him and see how he is spiritually. We basically talked to him very openly and honestly. It was such a powerful lesson. He was wearing one earring, so reviewed the law of chastity and he took it out right then. I could tell that the Spirit was working through us both to be completely open and honest about the Gospel and the need for obedience to the commandments to receive all the blessings and true, lasting happiness that God wants to give us. Our openness definitely allowed him to open up more about his true feelings, and we could address his concerns and doubts more clearly and powerfully. It was so cool.
I love seeing how Sister Barros teaches. It is so different than my other companions, and I love seeing how she adapts lessons to fulfill needs and how she follows the Spirit during our lessons. Sheºs often inspired to ask questions I wouldnºt think to ask, or in a way that I wouldnºt think to ask. And these questions allow our investigators to open up more or allow us to understand their needs more. Itºs such a blessing.
Also, Lara got baptized!!! It has taken a LONG time to get her understanding and testimony, especially of the atonement, to the point where she was excited to get baptized and felt worthy to be baptized. But wow, she is just amazing. And after her baptism, she was so happy. So, so happy. Those are the kinds of small moments that I never want to forget. Those are the small but significant moments that remind me why I wanted so badly to serve a mission. She has a great future in the Church. And there is nothing sweeter than seeing someone baptized, especially someone who was so burdened by the sins of the past. This Gospel is amazing, and the Atonement is so, so incredible!
Also, it was so good to see President and Sister Mathews this week. Iºm really focusing this week on learning to control my thoughts even more... the last week of the transfers is always the hardest with that. :) But Iºm learning more and more to focus on the moment, the person, the need, and to recognize the subtle promptings of the Spirit. Iºm also learning to act. To not question or hesitate, but just to act. I love this work, and I love all that Iºm learning. I feel so blessed to be serving a mission, and especially to be serving here.
Interviews are awesome. President reminded me of what Pres. Monson said: that "whom the Lord calls, He qualifies." That was so good to hear, and Iºm trying to remember that. :)
Also, miracles happen, and often when you donºt expect them! A recent convert, who is also a less active, was in church yesterday! His name is Walter, and he hasnºt been to church since I have been here, I think. Itºs because he has been working, and he is going to be a father and is worried about having sufficient money to take care of a baby. We have been trying to talk to him, and itºs been really hard to find him. Then on Saturday morning, we found him and invited him to an activity for Saturday night. He didnºt go to the activity, but he went to church! Hopefully we will be able to sit down with him this week and teach him the lesson that we have prepared to teach him!
Well, I love you all! Ficam bem!
Love,
Sister Zimbelman :)
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