What a week! Started off strong with a visit from
Sister Oliveira (my mom) and Sister Felartigus (my second mom) who are
both now Sister Trainers. They are wonderful! I´m getting more used to
the city now, which is god because transfers are NEXT WEEK whattttttt. 4
week transfers are great. Just kidding. Especially since I love love
love my companion. She is such a sweet girl! I don´t want her to leave
:( maybe she will stay :) but probably not because she´s already been
here for three transfers and this is her first area. In one week we
shall know.
Well winter has arrived in Bahia. I never thought I
would need my sweater, oh how wrong I was! My companion got a little
sick with the weather change :( lentils+blankets+tylonol sinus and we
were back to work! And what wonderful work! Rute and Jaer= most prepared
couple in Bonfim. They are amazing! We went there Thursday,
our second lesson with them. She has so many good questions and such a
special light. Jaer is less active but is starting to come back. His
testimony is really strong and he helps so much with teaching Rute. They
want to get married in the temple!!!!!!!! Ahhhh I´m so excited for the
progress ther are making. They are truly growing together in the Lord
and it´s the happiest thing to be a part of.
Our branch here is the best! President is always so
willing to help with everything. And the irmas and irmaos truly make us
feel at home. And the youth are so strong! They go with us proselyting
and bring friends with them to church and activities. Saturday
we had ``Arvore da Vida`` activity at the chapel with all the youth.
Based on Lehi´s dream, we did a mini iron rod and tree of life. They had
to hold to ``iron rod`` (a rope that went through the whole church) and
make it to the tree of life without taking either of their hands off
the iron rod. They got in groups of four and we blindfolded them and had
them start walking. They started outside walking on a bunch of stuff
(without shoes): leaves, plastic bags, popcorn etc. There are also 10
million frogs here, poor kids had frogs jumping all over their feet with
blindfolds on. I felt especially bad for the one kid who seriously has a
phobia of frogs. He started screaming let go of the iron rod :( but we
let him repent :) They had a series of ``temptations``(chocolate,
baladas, etc). About half made it to the tree of life (my twinkle lights
and candles came in handy, it was a beautiful tree:)). We had everyone
come in together and talk about the symbolism of the activity. They had
such amazing insight and testimonies! They are truly so strong.
I´m loving it here! Bonfim is an elect city and the
people are so prepared for the gospel. I´m so grateful for my
opportunity to serve here. I know that this exactly where I need to be
right now. I am learning so much about working with love, about myself,
and about my Savior. He is truly with us through every challenge and
every triump. We need only to look to Him, keep His commandments, and
trust. Have faith that everything will be wonderful, because it will. He
is the Author, and He can write a life story far more beautiful than
anything we can author alone. Never be afraid to trust an unknown future
to a known God. He has made Himself known, and He renews that knowledge
each day in our hearts when we seek Him. He is with you. As are my
prayers. I love you!!
-Sister McKenzie
