February 17, 2010

So the Zone Conference was great. Our president spoke about the life long process of forming Christ inside of us. It was great to hear His words. He is truly an inspired man of God. I am going to miss hearing his powerful words of counsel and encouragement. I love my mission. These past three months have been hard. But all is being resolved. I am happy to be a missionary and each day put on my name tag and preach the gospel. We are teaching a family and will have two baptsims this Sunday of a mother and daughter. They were truly prepared to receive the gospel. It´s hard sometimes teaching them because they were Catholics forever and they recently were receiving visits of a Jehova´s Witness so when teaching them it's a long process of answering questions and telling them which doctrine is right and which is wrong. We are working and melting in the hot hot sun. The rain has stopped and it´s just hot. I take cold showers that don´t seem cold enough at times. hahaha.S o I have been thinking about not telling you guys when I am coming home and to just call when I am at the airport to go pick me up but then I thought that would be cruel. So my last day is..... ??????????? 8th of March!! I'll be on an airplane Monday night until Tuesday. I don´t know all the details but I am excited and anxious to see you all again. Love you guys,Have a great WEEK!!Rachel

February 10, 2010

SO I am still here in Campo Limpo climbing the mountianious neghborhoods in search of the Lord´s elect. My Spirit is willing but my body is weak. It´s so interesting how we have total control over our body and its carnal appetites and desires like laziness, pain, hunger. We can control these desires as our spirit develops strength with patience, determination, love, etc. So tomorrow I will know when I am coming home. Tomorrow we have a mission conference in Campinas. At the last mission conference of every missionary the President calls them up to bear testimony. So if my name is called I'll know that I am coming home the 9th of March but if not it´s April!! I am hoping it´s April. I recieved a letter from my companion in the MTC. She is released the 9th of April. So let´s wait and see. Tomorrow is coming too soon!! I can´t wait to see everyone again but at the same time I like it here. I am learning so much this transfer with my companion the attributes of Christ. The Lord has a lot to teach me and I have a lot to learn before I come home.So last week we found 3 families. They are desperately in need of the gospel. I don´t know how people survive in this world without the Gospel. I am happy to here Nate´s in the hospital and now recuperating. I hope I can help him when i come hjome. I am excited to see what kinds of blessings will come in my life because I chose to serve a mission. I am happy and excited to put everything I've learned here in practice, fighting for what is right and teaching by example and inviting others to folow our Savior. I love my mission. I love my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. He lives and is walking beside me teaching me and helping bring souls unto Him. He is everything, the foundation of our lives. He is the Only Begotten Son of God who descended below all things to save us and show us the way back into the presence of Our Father in Heaven. I know that my Redeemer lives and loves us. He desires our happiness and wants to help us. But it´s our decision to allow Him into our lives and lift us up and cure our problems and weaknesses. He is my confidence and the light and life of this World. He invites all to come unto Him and be baptized to enter into the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the Christ, the one who carried the world on His shoulders the one who saved all mankind with His prescious blood and rose again to live. He is the Bread of Life and the Living water. We need to learn of Him and be as He is. This is our charge and challenge in life. He want to know our hearts and we show our love to Him through obedience and our choices. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, my master, my brother, my friend.

February 3, 2010

WEIRD! I sent an email last week it must not have gotten through. I am safe and sound- our house is NOT built on a muddy slant like others. We are in a safe area and are fine. But there is a lot of people suffering. I wasn't transferred. Sister Lira and I are still here together in Campo Limpo. I am doing great and working hard and wanting to baptize everyone I am going to need those english lessons. I love it here. I love the people and the way of life here. I am going to need a lot of help when I get home to get reaccustomed to life again. Love you and confide in God. He is the caretaker of all of us. Your daughter, Rachel

January 20, 2010

Mom and Dad,
The mission is going good. I continue to learn and grow each day. We are working and learning a lot. Sister Lira and I. This Tuesday is a Transfer but feel like we will be staying put. Dad, I don´t know my realease date but when I know I'll be sure to tell you. I don´t even know if this is my last transfer or not. It´s amazing how a mission has changed my life and has blessed our family. Thanks for the picture and the update. We are going to the tmple tonight to show a family of investigators. I hope their hearts will be touched and they´ll decide to be baptized.I forgot to say how happy I was to hear you found my call letter, that´s great!!I can´t even imagine what it´s like at home with only Emily! Love you guys!! I don´t know if the Ensign is the same in English but this months letter by Elder Uchdorff was great!! Rachel