Dec 23rd: Tudo bem, tudo bem!

 

Oi, minha familia e meus amigos!

Esta semana foi otra semana de milagres. Cada semana no servico(tail on the c) do Senhor e(accent) cheio das bencaos(tail on the c) dos ceus(accent on e?) (Serious lack of accents in that sentence!) Anyhow, Every week in the service of our Lord truly is a week filled with the blessings of Heaven!!

On Thursday we had a Mission Christmas Conference. It was incredible to be gathered with 200+ young missionaries! Music is so powerful. It was a privilege to hear several Christmas musical numbers and talents shared. Music often touches me in a way that words cannot!  Good music testifies of Jesus Christ and the miracles and blessings all around us which he provides. Christmas conference was wonderful!!

This weekend, on one night Sister S and I were driving from one appointment with Ja and his family, to our next appointment with the H family.  S and E  were coming with us as members- isn't that incredible! From learning, to being baptized, to sharing the gospel!! Ja is also sharing the gospel and talking with all his friends! These three are on fire! They have seen the direct blessings connected to having the gospel in their lives, being baptized, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.  As we were driving, we were just laughing and smiling and talking about how much we LOVE these people!! We are so grateful that they are part of our lives. And it hit us strongly that we will never forget them. And they have told us that they will never forget us!  As I thought about that, a few lines from a scripture came to mind ..."I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." I realized that we love these people so much, we sacrifice our time to be here, we pray for them and think of them specifically every day, and so we love these people very deeply. How could we forget these people?? ...but actually, we COULD! We are imperfect, forgetful, and weak. We could easily stop living the gospel, let our lives change, become numb to the whisperings and promptings of the Spirit, and possibly forget some of the miracles we experienced on our missions and forget the love that filled our hearts for those we served. But as long as we are living the gospel, I do not believe that we could ever completely forget how we love these people we are serving. But Christ is different. He, on the other hand, will never forget us. That is a guarantee! He has not just given a small portion, 18 months or 2 years, of his life for our benefit. He gave everything! It hit me strongly that Christ lived every moment of his life for us. He prayed for us, thought of us constantly, and he still does! Even as he gave his life, and suffered for our wrong doings, he thought of us and loved us, and prayed for those who He suffered for. While as missionaries our sacrifice is pleasing to the Lord, it is far from perfect. Christ's sacrifice was and is perfect. He will not and cannot forget you!

I looked up the scripture verse later when I was at our apartment.

Isaiah 49:15-16

15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

Verse 14 stood out to me! "14 But Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me."   As imperfect children of God, with limited perspective here on the earth, it could be easy to think "Where is Christ? Has he forgotten about me? Does he know I am here? Why am I going through these trials?" But Christ, forever patient and merciful, replies with these verses. "Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee."

I have felt Christ's healing power and his love for me over and over again in my own life. Now I have the opportunity to feel a small portion of his love for those who I have the privilege of serving here in Texas, and his love is incredible! It is much greater and more all-encompassing that we could ever imagine!! I know that he lives! I know that his love is perfect and that he will never forget us. Just as we as missionaries think of and pray for each person individually and by name, he knows, thinks of, and loves us that way, one by one.

1 Nephi 11:31-33

31 And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out.

32 And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was judged of the world; and I saw and bear record.

33 And I, Nephi, saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

These verses stood out to me this morning. In one verse, Christ is healing (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) the people one by one. In the next verses, he is taken up on the cross and "slain for the sins of the world".

I know that Christ gave us a perfect gift. While he gave these gifts all throughout his life (like in the example of 1 Nephi 11:31) he did not receive perfect gifts in return. In contrast, he was slain and then suffered for our sins. But I know that while our gifts and offerings are imperfect, when we give them with a broken and willing heart, they are pleasing to Him. He is happy when we give of ourselves in the service to others, when we nourish ourselves and others spiritually, and when we testify of him, share his love -his gospel-, and point others to him.

I love you all and hope you have a wonderful Christmas! All is well in Pflugerville, Texas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

-Sister Greenall

 

Sister Greenall and Sister S on Christmas Eve

 

Sisters at the K Family Home on Christmas Eve

 

Dec 9th: Oi Familia! Tudo Bem??

Well, I'm going to keep this short and sweet. Pictures say more than I can!

Interesting fact:

I got punched in the eye by a vacuum cleaner! I have a black eye!! Oh dear! My crusty winter nose and black eye must make me quite the missionary sight. It was 6:30 am and I was going to the closet to get my exercise tennis shoes... the lights were still off and I bent down to pick them up, and my eye/face went right into the handle of the vacuum cleaner which I didn't see...That's embarrassing!

Funny missionary moment:

We visited a nice gal who has a little baby. She told us he had just gotten baptized in her church. We asked if we could share a scripture and she asked if we have any about babies! So Sister Salisbury whips out the Book of Mormon and begins reading! ...it basically said "baptizing babies is an abomination before the Lord" and that parents who baptize their babies are an abomination. Whoops! Haha! Nah, not a whoops, but a very bold statement! It was rather funny! It was just the first chapter Sister Salisbury had thought of about babies, and as we were reading it we realized what it was talking about and just kept going. Hahahaha! fun times! She didn't take it badly at all! It was a nice meeting. She kind of just baptized her baby out of superstition and to please her family and friends.

This week was incredible! Saturday and Sunday were so perfect.

The baptism of Ja, E, and S was beautiful! This weekend I received a tiny glimpse of the true missionary purpose -- To bring others to Christ. Not just in this life, and through baptism, but throughout all eternity. I want to see these people someday in the Celestial Kingdom with our Savior! I love them! He wants them there and our Father in Heaven wants them back!! It was the most peaceful and incredible thing to be there as each of these precious children of God entered the waters of baptism and made sacred covenants with our Father in Heaven.

The next day at the confirmation during Sacrament meeting was even better. There was a visible difference and light about them as they each returned to their seat after being confirmed in front of the congregation. They were each smiling and radiant. Ja especially has been looking forward to receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. As he always says "the Holy Ghost is the key." After Sacrament meeting (the confirmation) and the baptism, they were just flooded by love and members, hugging them, congratulating them, etc.  E and S had already really bonded with many in the ward, but it was incredible to see the way Ja felt so comfortable after being baptized and confirmed. He was talking to everyone, shaking their hands, hugging them! He was so happy!!! And especially after that Sacrament meeting, I could see the light of Christ shining through him. He was surrounded by little kids who were congratulating him, and they were looking up at him and smiling, and he was looking down at them and shaking their hands and brushing their little cheeks with his fingers, and he had the greatest smile I've ever seen him smile!! That was one of the most beautiful moments for me. It was a little tiny glimpse of the Celestial Kingdom. Where we are a family and have perfect love for each other.  Our joy is full when we are rejoicing TOGETHER and for EACH OTHER! With our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ! Rejoicing for each other and loving each other are loving and serving our Savior and Father. I hope I can always have that scene of Ja with those little kids engrained in my memory.

Mom, like you said in your email, help from the ward members is so key! Luckily, we haven't been shy or had to be shy about asking our ward members for help. They are incredible. They have truly welcomed these new members into the ward family, the covenant family of God!  We have members who come to lessons, give rides, fellowship, invite investigators into their homes. It is incredible.

Seeing someone brought into the fold of God who you have taught the gospel to (well at least have been the instrument as the Spirit taught them) is the greatest ever!

I love you all so much!

Com muito amor!
-Sister Greenall

Baptism of E and S

Ja and Brother M

Us, Ja, and Brother M

Dec 2nd: Oi! Otra vez!

 

Hello y'all! It was another incredible week in the mission field here in Austin, Texas.

Here are some highlights:

We have found incredible people! The Lord knew where they were all along, and he brings them into our lives at just the right moments!

One day, our relief society president realized a new record in our directory for someone she didn't know.  She gave the name to us, and we went to go visit them. We knocked on the door and heard a gruff...intimidating man's voice. "Who is it??" "The Sister Missionaries!" We heard the person walk away...and the next moment, the door opened wide and we saw a young man standing there smiling, saying "Welcome!" Haha! Drastic change! ...turns out, his wife is a less active member. She has been inactive for years, but had been thinking and talking about the church a lot lately, especially in the last 3 weeks! She was so excited to see us there! ...the interesting thing is that they have been in that house for quite some time, I think. And yet, the records for them just showed up in our ward, so we could have their contact information!  Milagres!! Her name is Ti and she is the sweetest girl!! Her boyfriend's name is Tr, and they have two daughters. The two girls were asleep, and we got to teach Ti and Tr the Plan of Salvation! Tiffany was beaming the whole lesson. She keeps telling us what a miracle it was that we came. Travis was very open and agreed to read the Book of Mormon. The next time we went and met their daughters as well! Their older daughter wants to go to church and be baptized! This family is incredible! They invited us to stop by on Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving!

I've never been so full! We were fed 2 Thanksgiving meals and 3 Thanksgiving desserts!! And there would have been more if we hadn't turned down a couple of offers when we dropped by to visit people. Sa and Ch fed us Thanksgiving lunch ...Wow!  Sa cooks like ...I don't know how to explain it!  She is one of the most creative people I've met and everything she does, she does beautifully! She exudes creative energy and excitement! Haha!

Then we went to E and S's! (Mom and daughter)  They invited us over for dinner.  They live in a cute little apartment, just the two of them, their cat and guinea pig. It was so neat to experience different families’ Thanksgivings with them. Each place we went, we could feel of the family's love for each other and us.  E and S had decorated with paper chains and candles, and had made special placemats with the things they are grateful for written on little leaves. Some of those included "the Church", "Jesus Christ", "Sister Missionaries" and even "Sister Greenall" and "Sister Salisbury"!  We love them so much!!!  They have made us a part of their family!

We also stopped by Ti and Tr's again on Thanksgiving night. Tr had insisted we try sweet potato pie. "It's like pumpkin but way better!!" ..He was right!  We met Tr's dad and brother there.  His dad is a member of the church!!

This week we had a lesson with E and S at Sa's house. Just as we expected, E and S loved Sa and her house and backyard.  (Her art and decorations are incredible!)  After the lesson, we made invitations together for E and S's baptism.

Ja!

This has been a hard time for he and his family. We had a wonderful lesson with Ja at a member’s home this last week. He testified of the Book of Mormon!  He said that when he reads it, he feels God's presence. He knows it is true! He reads it in his spare time nowadays!  Ja later told us when we went back for another lesson that when he had gotten home from that lesson, Fe (his cousin- the mother of the family) did not even recognize him and would often say words and phrases that didn't make any sense.  This was hard to hear. Fe has had cancer for 5 years now.  She is in her thirties and has 4 children.  Her husband, Fo, is smiling and welcoming every single time we stop by.  And yet inside he is struggling so much. That became apparent even more as we talked with Ja. Fe has been talking about wanting to back to Africa to be there in her home because she knows her time is short. Fo wants to take her, but they don't have the money  for the trip.  They might be able to go in a few weeks. Fe's condition has been worsening.  We were worried about Ja also, because he had a date set for his baptism already and normally a person has to come to church at least 3 times before being baptized.  He had only been twice, and had missed one week because he had to stay home with Fe and Mu (her son who is very autistic).

Yesterday, we prayed and fasted for Fe and her family and for Ja, that he could be baptized.  At church, Ja wasn't there.  Ja had to stay home to care for Fe in her worsening condition and to care for Mu. But we did have a few other miracle people come!  I still felt like Ja should be baptized though. I know he needs this step in his life and is ready! He wants to receive the Holy Ghost so much! And I want him to have that gift and to be able to go to church and be a part and receive those blessings even if he has to go back to Africa very soon.

After church, I called our Mission President. He gave us special permission for Ja to be baptized! .....Sister S asked me to talk to him because she could tell how much I wanted Ja to be baptized this Saturday and thought I could talk to President Sl with conviction because Sister S could see the pros and cons of both doing it now or postponing it.

When we visited Ja that night, we wanted to talk to him and just be sure that he wants to be baptized on Saturday, because it really is a very difficult time for them all. We assured him that he could be baptized at a later date if he felt it was better for him. But he answered as he always does - he is ready to be baptized and wants to make those covenants!  I am so happy and excited that he is being baptized this Saturday with E and S! It's going to be the greatest day ever!!!!

A hard part... While we were there, Fe came out of her room. She was walking around and seemed disoriented. Mu had broken a window right before we came, so Fo had taken him to get medicine and something to wrap his arm as well as new blinds for the door/window, because those ones had gotten destroyed.

They are such a humble family in a hard situation. That first night, on Saturday, when Ja told us about Fe's condition, it hit us very hard that she may not last much longer. It was a sad night. We felt joy from sharing the gospel, but also realized what it means to take Christ's yoke upon ourselves.  To go from home to home, experiencing the people's joys and sorrows with them.

I love being a missionary. I feel so blessed to be here. There are a trillion other miracles I could write about!  But all that really matters is that the Lord loves these people!  He is in charge of his work, and his hand is in this work every single day! And this is the Lord's true church, restored to the earth through Joseph Smith!

This is going to be an incredible week! The Zone leaders called us last night after we turned in our records and congratulated us on our work and success so far. That was humbling. The Lord is blessing us so much!

Love,

Sister Greenall