Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy New Years

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  It seems very early to be saying that, when I left it felt like Christmas was so far away and now it has already passed. It was such a wonderful Christmas! We were so blessed to spend it with an amazing family from our ward.  They are from Uruguay and they all speak perfect English (but we still speak Portuguese haha). You guys got to meet them quickly on Skype but I wish you could really meet them, you would love their family.  They helped to make Christmas so special.  It was still strange to not be with you guys, especially when I saw you all on Skype. I know I am where I am supposed to be.  I feel so blessed for this opportunity to serve.  Everyday I learn new things and I learn to love those that I serve even more.   I know that this time is precious and that it will go by quick (it already has). In just one year I will be close to coming home.  I can’t believe that! I am trying to make the very most of my time here and serve with everything I have. Guess who came this week???  SISTER GRUNDVIG!!! She is the best!  I love her so much!  I feel like I already know her.  She is so sweet and fun. We went running together, New Year’s goal is to run every other day. I think we can do it!  We are also learning to cook togetherJ  Her mom is like you mom, she loves whole grain cooking and natural foods.  We are working on learning how to cook healthy things (lentils this week!!) and we will be going to the market for fruit more often.  And now it’s getting to be summer here so there are new types of fruit to try.  Isn’t that crazy to think of summer in January?? I still get confused by that.  Portuguese is actually going really well! I am surprised how fast it came. I think having a native companion has helped a lot.  The only English we speak is when she's practicing during language study. Her accent in English is so cute!  I am so grateful that I have her as a trainer. She has taught me so much she is really like my mom here. I can't believe I only have a few weeks left with her:( We have become so close these last few months together, I will miss her so much!  It's amazing how Heavenly Father puts people in our lives at just the right time to learn things we need to learn. She has been perfect for me at this time and I am really so grateful. I have such a good feeling about 2014! I know it's going to be a year full of miracles :)  As I have been thinking of New Year's resolutions and goals. I realized even more how precious our time is here on earth. It really is just a moment in eternity. I want to learn as much as I can in this life, Help those around me and come to know Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.  These are my goals this year. I know that when we pray, study and we continually seek to keep our covenants; the Lord blesses us with his spirit.  This guides us and gives us direction in our lives. I've seen here what a difference the gospel makes what changes it can bring. I know that each day we can improve, strengthen our testimony and become more like the Savior. I pray that you will all make 2014 a year of service, love and growth. Continue to look for opportunities to learn. Continue on His path, continue to put Him first in your life I love you so much!  I wish you a very happy New Year.

Muito amor from Brazil!!

Sister McKenzie

 Alma 26:3












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