Minha Familia!
Oi! Como vai? Look at all the Portuguese I know! Ok time is
short so I shall get right down to business. Conference was so so cool
here! We watched all the sessions with TONS of elders and sisters and every
time someone mentioned missionary work or the massive numbers we have serving
or preparing to serve, everyone just looked at each other with this big grin
because THAT IS US!! like...that's me they're talking about! I have the badge!
It is so sick! I loved conference. And singing with over 3000
missionaries is an experience I hope I will never forget.
Oh! On Sunday night we had a devo and guess who came? Vocal
Point! They're the a cappella group from BYU and usually I am not such a fan of
a cappella stuff (the real talent is in the instruments;) ) but this time it
was just so cool. They sang a bunch of hymns and then talked all about
missionary work. I will admit that I was crying when they had us join in
on "Ye Elders of Israel." It's unreal the power that can come from
thousands of missionaries singing together with that much conviction.
Completely unbelieveable.
Our Tuesday devo was super good too! Gerald N. Lund, you
know, the guy who wrote the Work and the Glory books? Yeah he came and spoke to
us about how to receive revalation. That was really cool because I'm pretty
sure every missionary wonders about that at some point in his or her life. He
was very clear and made some awesome points about how we can't mistake our own
desires as being from the Spirit and how we can be more in tune when real
promptings come. Super helpful!
Let's see...mostly we are just in class a ton. Like, hours
upon hours. And it is not easy to stay focused for so long, but I think that I
have an easier time of it than most people. The language is coming
slowly, but it is for sure coming. Our district is really good about helping
each other to learn as much as possible and we are all very encouraging. So far
I have the purpose, the First Vision, 2 Nephi 31:20, and the baptismal
challenge memorized in Portuguese, and I'm working on James 1:5. Sister Butler
and I teach all of our lessons without notes or anything in Portuguese and
sometimes they don't go very well...but the times that do definitely make up
for the bad ones. Yesterday we taught a guy named Guiliarme about prayer
and the power of the Holy Ghost and somehow I was able to figure out all of the
things I wanted to say in Portuguese! It was by no means perfect, but the
message was clear and I was definitely thrilled at the end! Yeah I definitely
believe in miracles.
My district is the best ever. I am so impressed with our
elders! Most of them are very young, but they are so eager to serve and do what
the Lord asks of them! They treat us with respect and tell us sisters often how
glad they are that we are there and...I just love it. Super great. My
sisters are fabulous as well! Sister Butler and I get along really well, mostly
because I am very tolerant of her boyfriend/future husband being here and her
wanting to talk to him often. As long as it doesn't interfere with our
work, I don't think it's a problem. I have a lot of practice being third
wheel... (thank you Leslie and Chris)...
Speaking of Chris, I see him everywhere! It's so much fun!
Today I saw him at the temple and we got a picture together, so I'll have to
attach that. We have gym together too, so that is really cool as well!
Like I said, tons of kids from Mountain View are here. We all took a picture by
the map last Sunday, so I'll attach that too.
It's weird every Wednesday when all the new missionaries
come in...it's like, that was me only two weeks ago?! They all look terrified.
I know I was. Funny story! So at dinner on Wednesday, I saw my cuzzy, Elder
Chad Flake! I totally ran up to him and gave him a hug purely because I
could and I wanted to see the looks on everyone's faces. Success, all the poor
new elders around me freaked out and it was super funny. Chad didn't know
quite what to do either, but it was fine:) I love seeing him around here!
The other companionship of sisters in my district is muito
dramatic. It's kind of annoying sometimes. Like...someone cries...every night.
I should be more patient, but I just feel like if you really don't want to be
here and hate it so much...don't be here. Is that bad? Probably. I think I was
sent here to learn patience and how to deal with women.
Mom- Thank you thank you thank you for the package and all
the dear elders! I loveee them and I love getting Leslie and Jona's letters! If
anyone else wants to forward me letters through dearelder, I would not be
opposed! Miracle- I did find my temple recommend:) thank you for your diligent
searching...haha my bad. I love you so much and I miss you like you wouldn't
believe. I showed my sisters your picture this week and they were like
"...uhh, your family is beautiful." I know, right? What the heck
happened to me?! ;)
Dad- I don't think they are going to teach us the most
useful phrases of Portuguese here in the holy MTC. But if you want to
share some knowledge, I wouldn't be opposed! I can't wait until I can
come home and talk to ya...that will be so cool! Or just when you guys pick me
up and then we can party in Recife. It'll be great.
Cooper- I am sending you a letter so watch for it! WRITE ME
YOU PUNK.
Oh! there is a sister who is going to Brazil that got
reassigned to Mesa because her visa didn't come! I can't remeber her name, but
I will write you a snail mail when I remember! You should take care of
her and be very nice, ok?
Eu sei que a Igregia de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Ultimos
Dias e verdadeiro. Eu ama voces! Tudo bem!
Love,
Sister Dana
(then later)
Sorry I can't send any pictures today! I don't have a card
reader that works...so I borrowed Sister Orr's and can't figure it out. I will
send them next week! I'm so sorry! But I still look the same and I love you. If
you want to send another card then I'll trade them out and you can see the
pictures I have now. Also, you got me the wrong kind of socks mom. The
ones I was talking about are for flats...remember? The no shows? Thanks though
:) Love you!
