Merry Christmas from Brazil!

Merry Christmas! We had a transfer on Sunday, December 9th. I will be staying here in Cidade Vargas for the time being with a new companion, Sister Ferres who is somewhat new to the mission field; she is awesome!

We recently found a man named Eduardo that we are hoping to baptize this coming week. He has already been to church! We will see what happens.

Remember I mentioned that we approached a young man walking home down the street in an area we were at. We haven't been able to find the boy home that was walking up the street but who knows what could happen in the future? Luis was a miracle that God sent to me for sure. I remember the first day we talked with him I had a strong feeling to talk  with him while he was sitting waiting for the bus.  We were able to go back to his house and teach him.  Sister Melo noticed he wasn't paying much attention and asked him why. He said that he was with a lot of things in his head, he was hesitant about going to church and didn't really want to go. Sister Melo then bore powerful testimony about the Plan of Salvation/Plan of Happiness with her dad passing away at the age of ten and how the gospel changed her life. He then said without a doubt that he would go with us to church on Sunday, December 9th. On that Sunday we taught him in front of the baptismal font and committed him the date to be baptized. Also, I have never seen anyone become friends with the other youth in a ward so fast. Before we knew it, he wasn't even wanting to talk to us Sister Missionaries anymore haha. Since he doesn't live near family we had to ask for authorization of his godparents. His godfather did not want to talk with us or let him be baptized. I had a strong feeling to to leave the form with him and it would work out; the next day we got there, to the church house he had it signed by his godfather. He was baptized this past Sunday by one of the youth. The smile I saw on his face as he looked back at me after his baptism is something that I will never forget! Eduardo wasn't baptized but we were able to see lots of miracles this past two  weeks.

President M. Russll Ballard, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve came to visit the mission just over two months ago. When he spoke to us as a mission he promised us if we talked with ten new people each day we would double our baptisms and we did - we doubled our baptisms this past transfer!  I am doing well and am happy! This last week was great; we are talking with and working with upwards of thirty-three investigators in the Vargas area of which seventeen are progressing! I am learning and the work is progressing tons. My new companion Sister Ferres. She is really,really great! We both were able to relax Christmas Eve during the day which is pretty new for us haha and spent Christmas Eve night with a family in our ward, Claudio and Eneida - they are an awesome family. Christmas will be spent in the house of another family where we will be calling my family via Skype.   Merry Christmas to each of you! I send my love to you all. 

Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign—Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14; 2 Nephi 17:14).

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6; 2 Nephi 19:6).

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (St. Luke 2:10,11).

The Nativity

The Christmas season is a time to celebrate the priceless gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His birth is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God and the Redeemer of all mankind.

(The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. © 2012 by Intellectual Reserve. Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.mormon.org/Christmas)

Christmas Zone Conference.

This past Tuesday we had a family night with Rafael, one of our recent converts and Sandro, our eternal investigator haha. We went to the house of two members Claudio and Eneida. They have to be the cutest family I have ever seen. They both helped give the lesson and all felt the Spirit of Heavenly Father during the lesson. We had to leave because it was almost nine o'clock at night. We got up to leave and Rafael was still sitting in a chair. We didn't know what to do because he didn't want to leave. Claudio said that he could stay and come to find out he stayed till 10:30 talking with Claudio and Eneida. On Sunday when Rafael was confirmed, Eneida gave him a big hug. He said before baptism he didn't like suits and wasn't going to wear one to Church. We said that wasn't a problem. Needless to say he was in a suit on Sunday at church with the Book of Mormon we gave him in his hand! What a neat thing to see.

This past Saturday we checked on a referral given to us from one of the youth in one of the wards here in Vargas. He said that this young man had been to church once before, yet felt like he needed another visit. We went to the address given to us. A woman that came out said that nobody lived there with that name. In the distance I saw a young man coming up the side of the road and had a thought come to me that it was the young man we were trying to visit. We stopped him and sure enough it was him. We challenged him to come to church this coming Sunday. We hope he will be able to attend.

Recently, we found a young man named Luis. He had recently lost his mom. He invited us to enter his house so that we could leave a message. He lives with only his sister that is seventeen years old. He is very mature for being only sixteen. He is looking for the peace that comes from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We were both giving the Restoration as our lesson. A moment later, Sister Melo noticed he wasn't paying attention. She stopped the lesson and began to share her testimony and talk about how she lost her father when she was young. We then said, "Will you go to church with us this coming Sunday?" Earlier he had some doubt but after she shared her testimony he said "yes" without doubt or hesitation. He went to Church this past Sunday with us! I have never seen a teenager gain friendship with the youth so fast. We are hoping to baptize him this week!

The past zone conference was the best! Also, we had a talent show and ate a bunch of wonderful food (too much). The best part was visiting with the other missionaries, my friends that I love! The mission office secretaries made a video of all of the missionaries families saying Merry Christmas that was shown at the zone conference! Thanks to my family for sending one. I loved it and cried a little haha - I know you all hate to be in videos! I got a nice Christmas package from my family. I have already opened everything early haha, I couldn't help it. I loved every bit of it, especially the cards and notes from many back home. It means more than you all will ever know and gives me a lot of strength!

(L to R) Sister Arruda, Sister Melo, Sister Smart at a mission zone conference.

We stayed in trio for only three days with Sister Arruda. She then went to stay with another sister but it was good for the three days. We are still doing the Christmas choir going around to the stakes to sing. Yesterday we were in Piratininga, Brazil - northwest of São Paulo. Here in the near future, the mission office staff is helping create a new Christmas video - watch for me singing in that one. I can not wait to here from my family on Christmas day via a Skype call.  My English should be a ton of fun to try and understand. Merry Christmas!

Temple Blessings and Singing Hallelujah to the Most High.

This week went by super fast. It seems like time is flying by especially since this week I will be on the mission for nine months! Merry Christmas to all of you! On Christmas day I will be able to have a Skype call with my family! Hopefully my English will come out okay because  I can't remember many words in English...so that should be fun to try and speak English 😄.

This week we had the opportunity to go to the São Paulo Temple on Tuesday, December 4th. My companion and I woke up super early in the morning at five am, and took the metro to the temple. It was nice to be in the Temple and feel so close to the Savior, it has made me realize how lucky we are to have temples so close to where we live in the states. Sister Melo, my companion often talks about how when she was in Brasilia, Brazil the members would do a caravan once a year to go to the temple. She would have to save money the entire year just to go. We are so lucky to be able to go to the temple weekly and feel so close to Heavenly Father, something I miss doing. It was also great to see a bunch of my old companions, and my friends that are missionaries that I rarely see. Also, more recently at some multi-zone mission conferences-it was great to see them!

Brazil São Paulo Temple.

Kaue is doing well and progressing; he knows he needs to be baptized but works on the weekends. Every potential convert has to go to church two times before baptism. For Kaue, this doesn't work to well when he works a ton of weekends. It's interesting how the adversary uses the smallest things to try and stop many from coming unto Christ and doing the right thing.

Cezar is doing well. Unfortunately he will most likely move and live with his sister who lives in Jardins area - (Jardims Miriam) which is not part of our area. Currently, he doesn't have a cell phone but we helped him get one and he promised that he would get in contact with the missionaries there using the church website. We will follow-up with the missionaries in that area.  We are praying, hoping he does. I know that God will provide a way for him even if it isn't with us to be baptized.

Rafael was able to baptized this week! He was in a lot of doubt and almost resisted but we helped him understand it will all be okay and that he is ready. He said after he was baptized that he felt "lighter" and very happy and that he is now on the path of God!

Sandro is doing well! I helped him to understand that now is the day he is to be baptized because we don't know if we have tomorrow and that I want to see him next to the God in the end. He promised me that he would be baptized. Also, Sister Melo and I are going to have a family night with an awesome member. We pray that this will help him.

The past two to three weeks, many missionaries/multi-zones have been singing Christmas hymns at various church buildings. It is a lot of fun! This week we might be in trio with another Sister. This past week God answered a lot of my prayers. I am very grateful for that!  Merry Christmas to all of you. Thanks for your love, support, and prayers!

Missionary Christmas Choir - Dec. 2018

Christmas Message by President Russell M. Nelson,
" [...] my deepest desires are for all of Heavenly Father’s children to have the opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and to heed His teachings and for Israel to be gathered as promised in these latter days. And I desire that we will believe and receive the love the Savior has for each of us. His infinite and perfect love moved Him to atone for you and me. That gift—His Atonement—allows all of His other gifts to become ours.

In a coming day—in that Millennium for which we are now preparing—'every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess' that Jesus is the Christ. And it won’t just be this magnificent Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square singing 'Hallelujah.' Every person who has chosen to follow Jesus Christ will sing and shout: 'Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.'  'The kingdoms of this world are to become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever,' 'King of kings, and Lord of lords.' ”

(2018 First Presidency Christmas Devotional, " Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You" By President Russell M. Nelson)

Peace In Christ and The Book of Mormon.

Hello from Brazil! About two weeks ago, we were hoping, as we were walking to church, that those that we invited to attend would be able to.  We didn't know for sure if anyone would be to church, but as we got there we saw that Sandro and another man we had invited to attend! We were able to sit with both of them at church! Also, about two weeks ago we found and began to teach a man named Cezar. He has committed to stop smoking. Also, he is married. Rita, who was recently baptized wants us to visit her so that we can show her how to pay tithing. Great joy in the little things - they make me happy.
This past week we began teaching a woman named Vanilda. We knocked on her door and went out to see who it was and smiled immediately recognizing us as Sister Missionaries. She invited us to enter and we began to talk with her. All that she had in her house was her bed that we could sit on and she invited us to join her and sit on the edge of her bed. We sat down and kept up the conversation and all of the sudden we hear and feel this loud crack. The next thing we know, we are all  sitting on the floor. She did however, mention that her bed was already broken somewhat on one side. Super awkward, yet we will try and help her get a new bed or see if the missionaries or others can help get it fixed.

We found a man named Kaue that asked us to share our message with him. He said that he has been looking for a church that isn't just created to gain money; we spoke of how our church does not pay its' clergy; moreover, all those that serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints do so without compensation. He became more interested in learning more after talking with us for a bit. He was on his way for a vacation. We will plan to stop by his home this week to teach him more.
Cezar is doing well. Unfortunately, he is separated from his wife. When we went to his home she was there to pick up their child that sometimes stays with him. She was upset that he would not go to her church but would visit ours. Cezar said that he knew that the things we were teaching him were true and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. We left her with an invitation to read the Book of Mormon and go to church, however she declined but when we went to visit Cezar the next day he said that she was reading the Book of Mormon and wants to come to church with us! Very exciting! The Book of Mormon changes lives!  We will try and invite them to come to church this coming Sunday..
A man named Rafael that we have been teaching was at church this past week. He said that baptism will bring him the peace that he is looking for in his life! We are hoping to baptize him this week!

Dinner for tonight!

Rogerio has been to church two times now but keeps telling us he doesn't want to stop drinking and has some other challenges currently in his life. We will work with him on those things. Still teaching and working with Sandro too.
Remember I mentioned a multi-ward talent show. We had that this past week and it was awesome! Both Sister Melo and I sang with a teenager named Ruan that was recently baptized. We sang the song, "Peace in Christ" in front of everyone! It went well, better than expected. I never knew I could sing in front of lots of people. Several missionaries will be going to the temple tomorrow (Tuesday, Nov. 27th). I am looking forward to that. I hope that things continue to improve and we can plan to schedule a baptism or two this next week.Have an awesome week!

Sister Smart and Sister Thomson - I have not seen Sister Thomson for a long time.

Gratitude and Perseverance.

Hello from Brazil! Sandro keeps telling us that he isn't ready to fully accept what he has learned to be a great blessing; that of the Gospel  (even though we have born testimony to him that he is). He has not yet accepted the Savior's challenge to be baptized. We are praying for his acceptance soon. This past week we taught a teenager named Guillherme. Also, another teenage girl that we challenged to ask Heavenly Father by offering a prayer about the Gospel and the importance of baptism - we are hoping that even if no acceptance occurs now, a "seed" of truth and Gospel light can be nourished and grow to its potential in the future for each of them.

On the Tuesday (Nov. 6, 2018) Sister Lara stayed with both Sister Melo and I in the Vargas area. Sister Lara will soon be released as a missionary and return to her family and home. It was a very spiritual experience for me. I have learned a lot from her from the first day we met nearly seven months ago. She reminded me that when we do what God asks of us, He will always complete the rest. We need to trust in Him with everything that we have with a perfect knowledge that this is His work and He will always lead us and help us. We shed lots of tears at her departure from our apartment. It will be sometime before I see her again. She thanked me. I will miss her!
Another week ahead of us. We will continue moving forward with faith as we prayerfully seek those Heavenly Father has prepared for us.
Happy Thanksgiving to each of you in the states!

Book of Mormon, Helaman 5:12: “It is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, … it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo.”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:“Our Father in Heaven does not wish us to cower. He does not want us to wallow in our misery. He expects us to square our shoulders, roll up our sleeves, and overcome our challenges.

“That kind of spirit—that blend of faith and hard work—is the spirit we should emulate as we seek to reach a safe harbor in our own lives. …

“Use your ingenuity, your strength, your might to resolve your challenges. Do all you can do and then leave the rest to the Lord” (“Finding a Safe Harbor,” Liahona, July 2000, 73).

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:“Your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.

“To exercise faith is to trust that the Lord knows what He is doing with you and that He can accomplish it for your eternal good even though you cannot understand how He can possibly do it. We are like infants in our understanding of eternal matters and their impact on us here in mortality. Yet at times we act as if we knew it all. When you pass through trials for His purposes, as you trust Him, exercise faith in Him, He will help you. That support will generally come step by step, a portion at a time. While you are passing through each phase, the pain and difficulty that comes from being enlarged will continue. If all matters were immediately resolved at your first petition, you could not grow” (“Trust in the Lord,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 17).

Trials, Darkness to Gospel Light!

Hello friends and family! Hope things find you well.
About two and a half weeks ago we started teaching Sandro, a man we met and approached on the street. We taught all of the lessons at his home and taught especially about the Atonement. At one lesson, as I bore my testimony, he began to cry and knew then that what I was saying was true. He said that fifteen days ago he had prayed to God asking him to show him the path that he needed to follow and that God wanted for him. Not even two days later we stopped him on the street to talk with him and met him the first time. He said that was the day that changed his life forever. He said that we are the "hands" that are guiding him into the arms of the Savior. I remember the first lesson we left with him about ten days ago and the sadness and pain I saw initially in his eyes and the last lesson we recently left with him; the "glow" and "light" that I now can see in his eyes. Unfortunately, on a week prior to this past Saturday he has continued to tell us that he does not feel ready to be baptized.
Sister Melo and I have asked and challenged him to continue to pray to receive and answer of what he needs to do. He came to his teaching appointment and later that day to attend church with us; as we were anticipating that he would have received his answer of his hearts desire; he told us that he had slept only fifteen minutes the night before because he was praying about what he needed to do to be ready. He said that God told him he needed to fix things with his daughter and that whom he had not seen in many years. After sacrament meeting and with very little sleep he left to go and be with his daughter in Diadema - which is about an hour away. He said after he talked with her he had never felt more happy; he is also trying to resolve things with his wife. We again promised him that if he prayed God would give him an answer. He is doing everything he can to feel prepared to be baptized. The Savior has changed and is changing his life.   We hope he can be baptized soon and continue to progress.
This past week we found a lady that had been taught by the Elders some time ago. She told us that she wants to have some guidance from God and desires to seek his spirit and desires his help from the Holy Ghost as she is currently having some difficult trials.  We hope that we can help her and that we can have her come to Church with us soon.
Rita, who was baptized two weeks ago, is doing well. She is excited to pay tithing and continue coming to church. She still often reminds me that she still would like to get me some coconut water because I have never tried it before😊. She makes the hard days that missionaries experience just a little bit better. She is one of the sweetest ladies ever!
I will continue to "press on" and seek those that the Savior has prepared for his Gospel. God bless each one of you! Have a great week!

 "Intermingled with the joy and happiness, one thing is certain - there will be moments, hours, days, sometimes years when your soul will be wounded. [...] My message today is especially to those who are keeping the commandments of God, keeping their promises to God, and .. are confronted with trials and challenges that are unexpected and painful. [...] Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, woven deeply into the fabric of our Father's plan, these struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers. [...] Never give up. However deep the wounds of your soul,  whatever their source, wherever or whenever they happen, and for how short or long they persist, you are not meant to perish spiritually. [...] It is my promise to you that increasing your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will bring you added strength and greater hope. [...] No injustice, no persecution, no trial, no sadness, no heartache, no suffering, no wound - however deep, however wide, however painful - will be excluded from the comfort, peace, and lasting hope of Christ."

(Elder Neal L. Anderson, General Conference, October 2018)

"The battle will rage on, but we will face them with the Spirit of the Lord. We will not be troubled, because when we stand with the Lord and stand for His principles and His eternal plan, we are standing on holy ground."

(Elder Ronald A. Rasband, General Conference, October 2018)

The São Paulo Metro, or Subway - Companhia do Metropolitano de São Paulo.

God is our Strength, Gospel Light and Rita's Baptism!

Beautiful São Paulo, Brazil.

This past week was difficult yet rewarding with lots of miracles! I have learned and gained an even stronger testimony regarding when we as members and missionaries do our part and have even more faith, the Savior will complete the rest. We were a bit nervous this past Tuesday as we went to an appointment to talk with Rita about what she thought about attending church and her feelings about baptism. Sister Melo and I had prior to Tuesday extended a challenge with an invitation for her to be baptized on Sunday the 21st of October. I had faith but was a bit concerned she was going to say that it was really sudden to be baptized; or that she would say she needed more time. She had been saying the week before she had went to church that she was needing more time. As we talked with her she suddenly says, "Oh, my baptism is on the 21st right? I want to be baptized." Sister Melo and I were in shock but filled with so much joy  and smiling from ear to ear! We had prayed all week that she would be protected and that nothing would stop her from being baptized.
We weren't able to talk with her on Saturday and were somewhat nervous that she had changed her mind. We had asked Heavenly Father for help to know that everything would be okay. I was reminded of a scripture in the Book of Mormon, in Alma 26, verse 5 and 12. I know that God saw our labors and work and that he blessed Rita, and both of us immensely. As we trust in the strength of God, with faith, he will help us do all things.

(Left to Right) Elder Dias, Elder Rogers, Sister Smart, Rita, Sister Melo

Sandro was also able to attend church with us. He is diligently reading the Book of Mormon and praying every day. He said that he feels lighter and happier and he feels the Spirit testifying to him of truth and light. He has changed so much. Now as I look into his eyes, I see joy and light instead of pain and darkness. We hope he will be baptized this coming week!

It has rained a ton which makes our work a lot harder. With rain as Spring is here and Summer approaching, the rain keeps everyone off the street; harder to talk to people and at times will not answer the door 😏. Needless to say I have taken a lot 'baths' in the rain being drenched from head to toe - even with the umbrella and rain coat we get soaked. When it rains here it is a huge downpour and ends with about a foot of water going down the streets that reside on the many hills. We are in the rainy season. It has rained almost everyday 😏. We are approaching Summer so then it will be super, super, super humid and hot. The missionary Vargas 'blitz' went well. It gave Sister Melo and I in this new area a little bit of a 'jumpstart.' One of the Sisters that was there for the blitz, Sister Larsen stayed in Vargas for about a week last transfer with the Sisters because her companion was sick. She  and other missionaries helped a lot!

I send my love. Thanks for the prayers, love, and support. Have an awesome week!

Sister Smart - "Having fun with the city map of the new area - Vargas - São Paulo, Brazil"

A Missionary's Purpose - Sister Melo and a New Area, Vargas.

Its been a little bit since I have written but things have been a little crazy adjusting to my new area and new experiences! I am now in Cidade Vargas, 'white-washing' or opening this area and training my amazing 'newbee' companion, Sister Melo! She is from Brasília, Brazil. Sister Melo is really great! She has such a kind heart and strong testimony! She is a convert to the church and was baptized when she was fourteen years old. Only two of her cousins are members of the church and she decided to dedicate this time to the Lord. She knows that the Gospel changes ones life and she never quits even when things are extremely hard.

This week it has rained a ton and I mean a TON! Got soaked from head to toe more than once 😒, lots of rain 💦. General Conference was a busy time trying to get our investigators notified and attend the General Conference broadcast at the church. We were able to listen and see most of it. It was an awesome experience; especially hearing the wonderful messages and to listen in Portuguese.

Sister Smart and Sister Melo.

Something that I learned this week is that God sometimes allows us to pass through difficult circumstances so that we can understand only a little of what our Savior went through when he was here on the Earth. I know that when we have difficulties we often ask like our Savior, ´"Is there not another way?" I know that God lives and our Savior Jesus Christ lives and that he paid for all of our sins. He knows our challenges, thoughts, weaknesses and difficulties. God only asks that we continue forward and bear with patience our afflictions for it will be for our good and give us experience. Like it says in John 16:30 and 33:

20 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 

33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

This past week we have found a man named Sandro. We stopped him as he was walking down the street. We bore our testimonies about how much God loves him and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ can change his life if he is willing to listen and do what his Heavenly Father wants him to do - and most of all accept the Gospel and be baptized. He began to cry and told us that he needs this 'light'. We read a church pamphlet together and we had a prayer together.  He said that he felt more 'light' than he has felt in a long time! We also found a woman named Rita that is a mom of two wonderful children in their early twenties. She said that she has always wanted to follow a religion but never found the right one. She said that she would go to church with us soon. We challenged her to attend church with us the following Sunday. We called her on Saturday night and she didn't respond so we expected that she wouldn't be able to go. Sunday came, we walked into the church house looking for Rita. Two minutes after the meeting started Rita walks in and sits next to us remembering our invite to visit church. What an awesome thing to happen!

- Have a fantastic week and know that God loves each one of you! Take courage Christ overcame the world for YOU 💙.

( The following link is to a video created for the mission inviting all  to come unto Christ, titled 'A Missionary's Purpose.' Click on the image or the text below to view the video. Watch for Sister Smart at approximately 3:19 in the video - Sul/Saúde Zona (Brazil São Paulo South Mission Zone))

A Missionary's Purpose - Brasil Missão São Paulo Sul

YouTube Channel:  Missão São Paulo Sul

Missionary Work and the Atonement

By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

From a talk given at the Provo (Utah) Missionary Training Center on 20 June 2000.The Atonement of Jesus Christ is rightfully seen as the central fact, the crucial foundation, and the chief doctrine of the plan of salvation, which we are called to teach.

"Anyone who does any kind of missionary work will have occasion to ask, Why is this so hard? Why doesn’t it go better? Why can’t our success be more rapid? Why aren’t there more people joining the Church? It is the truth. We believe in angels. We trust in miracles. Why don’t people just flock to the font? Why isn’t the only risk in missionary work that of pneumonia from being soaking wet all day and all night in the baptismal font. You will have occasion to ask those questions. I have thought about this a great deal. I offer this as my personal feeling. I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience.Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary. Now, please don’t misunderstand. I’m not talking about anything anywhere near what Christ experienced. That would be presumptuous and sacrilegious. But I believe that missionaries and investigators, to come to the truth, to come to salvation, to know something of this price that has been paid, will have to pay a token of that same price. For that reason I don’t believe missionary work has ever been easy, nor that conversion is, nor that retention is, nor that continued faithfulness is. I believe it is supposed to require some effort, something from the depths of our soul. If He could come forward in the night, kneel down, fall on His face, bleed from every pore, and cry, “Abba, Father (Papa), if this cup can pass, let it pass,” then little wonder that salvation is not a whimsical or easy thing for us. If you wonder if there isn’t an easier way, you should remember you are not the first one to ask that. Someone a lot greater and a lot grander asked a long time ago if there wasn’t an easier way. The Atonement will carry the missionaries perhaps even more importantly than it will carry the investigators. When you struggle, when you are rejected, when you are spit upon and cast out and made a hiss and a byword, you are standing with the best life this world has ever known, the only pure and perfect life ever lived. You have reason to stand tall and be grateful that the Living Son of the Living God knows all about your sorrows and afflictions. The only way to salvation is through Gethsemane and on to Calvary. The only way to eternity is through Him—the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

Missionary's Purpose

"... invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end." (Preach My Gospel, 1).

Tears and a Transfer.

I hope that this past week was great and that everything is going well for everyone. Transfers were yesterday, Sunday, September 23rd. I learned that I will be opening a new area and training a new sister coming from the CTM here in São Paulo. Also, I will start working with Sister Acosta as an assistant in the area of health  at the mission office in Vargas. I will be in the mission office tomorrow to meet the new sister missionary who will be my companion in Vargas. Opening an area means that the  missionaries are sent into the new  area with very little information; maybe an area book or binder that will contain some addresses and related, often limited contact information. This contact information was possibly left behind at some point prior, if and when the area was assigned to missionaries; new missionaries to the area will use that information the best that they can at first to hopefully seek out those prepared to accept and listen to their message. Thus, we will end up using maps and trying our best to use the addresses to navigate, and contact people. I have been told, and interesting enough that it rarely happens that a missionary, somewhat new gets to open  an area, and be a  trainer at the same time. Wish me luck!

I mentioned last week that our current house got flooded due to heavy rain. Well, we both feel very fortunate, blessed and a bit lucky that the flood mainly stayed in the kitchen and bathroom with little damage. Both of those rooms have tile so that worked out in our favor. We have not found a new house yet, however.

It has been a while since we have been able to talk to Vinicius and Joao Victor. They didn't or were not able to go to church yesterday but I have faith that Sister Linhares and her new companion will be able to continue to help them prepare for baptism soon. Guillherme is doing well but still is not committed to be baptized. Good news is that we were able to baptize this past week a young man named Alvaro. He was super excited and is an amazing young man! He is twenty-four years old and loves soccer and video games like many twenty-four year olds 😃. He takes care of his sister often. She has cerebral palsy and he does whatever it takes to care for his  family.

Alvaro's baptism, standing dressed in white.

It's super hard to say goodbye to everyone here because I spent so much time here and got to know many wonderful people. It's interesting because before your mission you know that you will come to love the people but you don't realize how much until you are here in the mission field. I have many great experiences and love all those that I have got to know. There is a particular young woman in our ward that is one of the sweetest people I know. She gave me tons of hugs and thanked me for everything. I will miss her and the many others that I grew to love so much! The kind of love you have for the people can only be described as the kind of love, to a degree, I imagine God has for each one of us.

Lots of responsibility for me now; however, I do have some doubts yet I know that I can't do this alone but I know that God can and will provide a way for me, with faith reach and rise-up to my potential! Best to each and  all of you! Thanks for your love and support.

Faith, Prayer, and Tender Mercies of God.

My first transfer here to Cursino to serve with Sister Lara we were teaching a young man named Vinicius. He was almost ready to be baptized but he and his family had to move all of a sudden. As a result we lost contact with him. During a recent missionary "blitz" the Sister missionaries from Maria Estela made a contact with a woman. She passed the missionaries what we thought was her address, however, she ended up giving them an erroneous address; it led us to the house that Vincius lives in now. Amazing! As Sister Linhares and I passed by another day to talk with Vinicius, his brother, João Victor opened the door. He is about twenty years old. As we started talking with him he began to ask questions that connected with the discussion of the Plan Of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness. We stayed there and answered all of his questions and bore our testimonies. He then looked directly at me and asked, "What makes your church so wonderful? ...and what is one bad thing about your church?" I answered him with a few scriptures and bore my testimony! After we visited him, he said,  "I will go to your church."  He said that maybe one day he might serve a mission like us!

Yesterday, we felt a need to pass by the house of a teenage boy named Guillherme. We went there in the moment that his mom needed us. Her marriage is very difficult as her husband doesn't let her go to church, it makes life very difficult for her. She said that we brought a lot of joy and peace to their house. Her husband was also there and we are working with him to help him. I told her that everything has a purpose and I knew she and her husband needed our message. She said that she knew it was God that helped us know they needed help and to hear our message.

Sister Linhares and I being goofy.

I have thought of this recently, we will have trials, darkness, and "bumps in the road"; so we aren't always going to be happy but that living after the pattern of happiness we will eventually lead us to that true joy found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

As the Savior, Jesus Christ taught, “I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”

On a sad note, our house got flooded with all the rain that we recently had here. Also, there was an emergency transfer so two additional Sister Missionaries will be staying with us and working in our area this week. Mission transfers are this coming Sunday the 23rd;  so we will see what happens. All the Best!

"Your Heavenly Father knows that you will make mistakes. He knows that you will stumble—perhaps many times. This saddens Him, but He loves you. He does not wish to break your spirit. On the contrary, He desires that you rise up and become the person you were designed to be.

To that end, He sent His Son to this earth to illuminate the way and show us how to safely cross the stumbling blocks placed in our path. He has given us the gospel, which teaches the way of the disciple. It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in His light, following in the footsteps of His Beloved Son, our Savior."

(The Hope of God’s Light, Talk By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 2013 General Conference)

Two Weeks of Awesome!

Another couple of weeks flew by with lots of joys and a few downs 😃. There is always a lot to do and we are extremely busy - yet that's a good thing. Two weeks ago we were able to attend the São Paulo Temple  which was super awesome and a great blessing! However, all the missionaries were very tired to begin with;  we woke up at 4:30 am to get to where the buses were. As a result, we were exhausted that entire week - it was worth it though! We also had our interviews with President Acosta - I love him and his wife, Sister Acosta! He shared some great wisdom that I have written down; It has been a great strength to me as I have pondered and thought of his counsel.

Also, many great experiences these past two weeks! One day I was writing in my journal and a small paper that had an address fell out of the back of my journal. We visited this woman named Italia at that address and found out that she was baptized and grew up in the church but had lost her way after her daughter had died of cancer. She said we came in the right hour because she feels completely alone. Crazy enough she lived in the states some time ago. We will have lunch with her soon.

This past week we went and ate lunch with Italia. It has been difficult and hard for her because she lives alone. She has had some difficult trials for many years and we are trying our best to help her. We ate lunch with her and stayed there with her for about three hours. We joked and ate but most of all just listened. One of the many things you learn and strengthen while serving a mission  is patience, a lot of patience and love. I know that the short time we were able to spend with her made her feel happy and she came to know that she is never alone. I know that with continued faith in the Savior all that her burdens and trials will get better. We will be calling her in the next few days to make sure she is doing okay. She is an amazing woman! I can see her being a young women's leader one day!

We also received a reference and met a lady named Francisca. She said that her nephew went on a mission and has family members that are of our church. She said that she is still looking for the truth and the right church but nothing seems to be speaking to her heart. She said that in the very hour she was praying for God to orient her we knocked on her door.
Also, Francisca works a lot and lives really far from us so we call her to check up and see how she is doing. She said that she is praying about our message to know of its truthfulness and power. I know that she will receive an answer with continued faith because God always answers prayers in his due time and is always listening.

Another of our investigators has been burdened with some trials and has not wanted to talk with us or listen to our messages but I am not going to give up on her because I know that Christ would not. She needs our message more than anyone and I want to help her feel how much God loves her. He has a purpose and plan and more joy in store for her than what she knows or expects.

Patricia was confirmed and is now a member of the church! She said that she felt happy and light after she was confirmed. On Tuesday it rained a ton and I mean buckets and buckets of rain!  We were soaked but were able to talk to many people and they listened to our message; even stopped what they were doing just because they admired our courage to spread the gospel while doing it in the rain!  We also had a "blitz" in our area which means that the Sisters and Elders in our district stayed in our area and helped us find new people to teach. We did this for two hours. We were able to find a lot of amazing people and found twenty-eight new people to teach which is more than our goal! We found a teenager that is eighteen that wants to be baptized, and another teenager that's seventeen, whose name is Daniel whose ready to be baptized, and and a man named Jurandi that is ready to be baptized - truly amazing!

I learned this week that none of the blessings we receive are ever deserved, because we as humans are incredibly imperfect. But our Father in Heaven who is one-hundred percent perfect loves us perfectly and blesses us despite our imperfections. When we are trying our best and trusting in the Savior he will always help us. Miracles really do happen and the Gospel changes lives! Even though the mission is very, very difficult at times it is a once in a life time experience to learn more about the Savior and walk with Him side by side. I realized that the miracles on the mission are the people and how the gospel changes ones life. It's hard at times to keep all the stories and experiences and names and responsibilities straight but they are all so unique. Each persons story changes me and helps me to see God's hand in all of their lives. Each of us truly are miraculous!

Sister Acosta also said that probably the next transfer I will be helping her and Pres. Acosta as an assistant to the health organization here in our specific church mission. So I will be working directly with Sister Acosta and a medical doctor here. I will do two weeks of training to be able to address the possible health difficulties missionaries might have. They will call me directly if a missionary is sick or needs to go the hospital and I will direct them to the treatment or help necessary. I also teach English to members here. I will be busy, for sure.

Recently we had a family night that was a ton of fun with Patricia and her brother Naldo! We shared a message and played UNO© with the Elders as well and was a blast. Reminds me of all the game nights we had at home and playing Skipbo©!

Another investigator shared with us how hard it was for her when her mom passed away when she was younger. She recognized us as servants of God because my name is Marissa and her mom's name is Marissa. We talked with her of God's Plan of Happiness. Also, we are trying to get her to start praying and exercising faith. She has two adorable little kids and only needs to see the little miracles and love God gives her. This may be a long process but I know in time she will feel and recognize God's love again.

We are very busy but loving it! Thanks for your love, support and prayers.

Highs and Lows.

This week was full of a lot of rough spots but a lot of great ones as well.  It seems at times to consist of a lot of really highs, a lot of really lows and not a lot of "in betweens." 😏

One of our investigators was not baptized this past week as scheduled. It seemed that everything was going well leading up to the baptism date, yet when Sister Linhares and I got to the church house on Sunday we got a phone call;  I picked up the phone and its our investigator. She tells me she doesn't want to be baptized. We rush to her house to talk to her personally and she says that she spoke with her mom and she told her she had already been baptized and she didn't have to be baptized again if she really didn't want to. We did everything to try and help her understand. We explained about priesthood authority and reviewed aspects of what we had previously taught her, and bore our testimonies, yet nothing seemed to change her mind. I hope that things will progress soon; in the Lord's due time.

Patricia was able to be baptized this week! She is an awesome young lady! It's so cool to feel so much love for someone you barely even know. She was baptized and stepped out of the font with a big smile! I asked her how she feels. She said she felt so light and happy with a bright smile on her face! This week we are going to a family night with her and have a little bit of fun playing the card game UNO© and maybe a little bit of soccer too. 😃

(Left to Right ) Sister Linhares, Patricia, Sister Smart

This week we had another investigator who had another concern come up. We taught him about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration. He was so close to feeling not just knowing the truthfulness of what he read in his mind and in his heart. He said he knows its true but we are trying to help him feel it in his heart as well. We hope that this issue can be overcome and he will soon be baptized.

This week we had a Festival of Dance for the youth at one of the church buildings. It was a ton of fun! We were able to watch the youth dance a bunch of dances from different films like High School Musical, The Greatest Showman, Glee and Grease. All of the wards prepared and participated.  I loved the show and I love the youth here a ton.

Sister Linhares, Sister Smart and youth at Festival of Dance

This week we don't have p-day or preparation day because we are going to the temple tomorrow so that will be good! I hope all the missionaries are able to stay awake. I know I am exhausted and know most if not all are so..so..so exhausted with all of the things we do. We need to be ready by 5:00 AM at the temple. Wish us all luck! Have an awesome week!

Sister Linhares and Sister Smart

Your Heavenly Father loves you - each of you. That love never changes. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there.

- Thomas S. Monson

The Gospel is Joy!

I hope that everyone had a fantastic week!

Two weeks ago was kind of crazy with a rush of emotions and activities. We had a baptism for a teenage boy named Felipe who is thirteen years old. Another awesome baptism! I am happy for Felipe! We went to his house two Sunday's ago, in the morning, to take him to church for his baptism. We knocked and called his name for about thirty minutes straight and nobody came out. We thought all was lost, but he ended up making it to sacrament meeting; which is the last meeting of the block of meetings, and was able to be baptized! He is super hilarious and a great young man.

Also, we had six investigators come to church these past two weeks and I hope that we can continue to teach each of them. I hope they can also be baptized because they are amazing people!

Two weeks ago we had transfers and I am now with Sister Linhares here in the same area, Cursino! I am grateful for the time I had with Sister Lara.

It feels like it has been forever since I have written because of so many things that have happened! It was an awesome couple of weeks. I was able to joke and have fun with our investigators, play soccer with the kids, and just have fun! We definitely work hard as missionaries and have fun too. Yet, this past week was super busy and tiring since I am now supposed to be the expert in the Cursino area.

Carini will be baptized this week and is super ready! She is sixteen years old and reminds me a lot of someone back home that is a friend of mine. I have thought that people always talk about the elect of God and she is definitely one of them! She never doubted the things we taught her, she just believed. She said she loves going to church and that she feels the Spirit incredibly strong when she prays and reads the Book of Mormon each day. She also has a boyfriend that has been to church a few times with us and is very respectful of Carini's decision. We are teaching him as well - hope he too will be baptized!

We also are teaching Patricia. She might be baptized this week if things work out. She reminds me a lot of myself. She is twenty years old and lives with her brother that is a less active member. Her brother was able to go to church with us this past Sunday and is excited for soccer at the church house because there is a futsal field there.

We are also teaching Alexandre who is twenty-two years old. He is extremely kind-hearted and super smart. He told us that he has been to lots of churches and said that there was something he found at these other churches that he didn't like and something that was still missing. We told him that we have the answers to his questions and as I explained and bore testimony of the Book of Mormon and that it is another testament of Jesus Christ, he suddenly says, "I want one!" We have a goal to baptize four people this month which is a lot because our area can be difficult. Yet, I know that with faith and hard work, God will always help us missionaries accomplish our goals.

It is hard being the senior companion and trying to figure out everything, but my District Leader Gonçalves has always been willing to  help me a ton with the things I don't know how to do - even though he is very busy.

A little while ago we were able to do a service project painting a local school house. I think I ended up with more paint on me than on the walls of the school house but that's part of the fun, yeah? 😃

A service project helping to paint a school.

I know that God has a plan for each of us. I know that He loves each one of us and that only through service and love can we come to know more about our Saviour. I love this Gospel it changes lives and brings more happiness than anything else on earth!

Rain and Abundant Blessings

This past Sunday marks five months that I have been in Brazil, crazy right?!

This week in Brazil there was a ton of rain and I mean a TON! It made me think of the Mormon message about blessings. God is always showering blessings on us like rain but sometimes as imperfect human beings we use our umbrellas that block us from seeing the blessings that are constantly pouring down. I have gained a testimony that God's hand is always in our lives we just need to have the courage to let everything else go and recognize the blessings. "To look at the future we should be filled with faith and hope remembering that Jesus Christ, the creator of the world, the architect of our salvation, and the head of this church is in control. He will not let His work fail. He overcomes all of the darkness and all of the pain."

São Paulo Brazil skyline in the evening

I did not get to the email at the scheduled time for this past week, a day late because we had a service project with our entire zone. The service project consisted of cleaning the top level or fourth floor of an LDS church building here in São Paulo. When the church was built the top level was left unfinished. President Acosta wants to turn the top floor into a mission office and a "Bazzar" or a marketplace that missionaries can go to get clothes and shoes when they need them. All items are free of charge and have been donated (it is funny that I can't remember these words in English anymore 😃). Because the top level was left unfinished, over time it has collected a ton of trash, wood, furniture, paper, that "yellow stuff" that goes in the wall (forgot the name again 😃) and other miscellaneous items. As a zone, we had the job to clear it all out and mop the cement floor; all while wearing masks and gloves as it was very dusty. Since it was on the fourth floor, we loaded it all onto the elevators and sent it down as we made a huge pile of trash. The large piles then were loaded onto the trucks. Needless to say between the loading and unloading and cleaning it took almost the whole day. I was covered in dust and dirt from head to toe. I am a little sore from the lifting, because its been a while since I have done heavy exercise. Sister Larsen, one of the sister missionaries in our zone had so much dirt in her hair that it was a completely different color! It was hard work and took our whole p-day, but I really enjoyed it!

This week we found a family that are members of the religion, Congregação Cristã; I don't remember the translation in English but their church has some strict guidelines or rules; derived from their religion's doctrine that they believe has some rules that are extremely rigid. For example, one needs to be "liberated" from almost everything that is not of the bible or related to their church. For example, they can't cut their hair because they believe that it takes away their virtue; they believe that women should not wear pants and that television is of the world and should not ever be watched. It was an interesting learning experience for me; as well, for me to explain and testify of the things we believe as latter-day saints.

This past week we visited a member Juliana with her cute little son Dexter. As we were leaving the house she said he pointed to the door and said, "Je Je!" Which he only does when he sees a picture of Jesus. I was having a hard day and asked for Christ to be by my side and know that He is. God definitely answered my prayer that Christ is watching over me. I know that He loves and watches over each one of us.

Remember Mario, he was not able to go to church with us so he will not be able to be baptized this coming week which is super sad. I am hopeful he will continue to progress and we will pray hard that he will someday be ready to be baptized. I learned this week that even with a small, small testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel it still, in the end is ones choice whether to accept Jesus Christ or not. We are working super hard but sadly we didn't have a baptism to plan this past week.

This is the last week before transfers this coming Sunday. Sister Lara has been in Cursino seven months so she might be transferred. My District Leader thinks that it's possible I will train a new Sister this transfer here in Cursino, although I don't think I am ready or will do this 😃. We will see what happens and know this coming Sunday. Sister Acosta also wants me to help her with some things related to healthcare here on the mission because of my background in nursing so I might be working with her a few days a week.

Have a great week!

The Gospel of Jesus Christ Changes One's Heart.

We had a baptism this past week! A wonderful blessing and miracle actually because Dorival was baptized! I don't know if you remember him and a little about his story. We invited him to make certain changes in his life, but he initially told us that he didn't want to. Although he continued to do certain things, we told him we wouldn't be visiting him anymore because he was not accepting God's invitation to change. He kept reading the Book of Mormon, coming to church every week without us reminding him and praying several times each day. He asked God for an answer to his prayer that he could change and whether to continue his current path or go on a different path. He received his answer very clearly.  A man that had previously had a hard time accepting that our church has the restored priesthood keys - the power and authority of God and that his baptism in the Seventh Day Adventist church wasn't sufficient had been touched by the spirit and a change in his heart had occurred. I remember the first time we visited him, he disagreed with us that the Sabbath Day was Saturday and not Sunday😊.  We saw prayer, church attendance and most of all the Holy Ghost and the Book of Mormon literally change his heart. The Gospel of Jesus Christ changed such a hard heart of a sixty-seven year old man and healed wounds that had been so hard for him to heal on his own! Our recent convert Roberto was able to baptize him! What a wonderful day too!

(Left to Right) - Sister Smart, Dorival, Roberto, Sister Lara

Sister Lara made Brazilian Cuscuz (pron. - couscous)  for us to eat. It tasted great! In Brazil, the traditional couscous is made from cornmeal. It was awesome! One can add fruit or what is similar to American stew.

Couscous - Add fruit (e.g. Pomegranate and Lime), vegetables, or meat

This past week Sister Lara and I were knocking on doors trying to find people to teach and found a man that is super, super great! His name is Mario. He is very kind and receptive. We taught him about baptism and invited him to be baptized on the 12th of August and he accepted! We set a follow-up appointment and he accepted our invitation. We went back to teach him the lesson on the Restoration. He currently lives with his Grandmother. Aside from the fact that we were "scared to death" of his huge dog, the lesson went super well.  He already knew a ton of information about Joseph Smith and had read a little of the Book of Mormon. The Spirit he felt while teaching him was extremely strong and he said that this coming Sunday he will come to church with us! Everything was trying to get in the way of him listening to our message, the dog, his grandma and he was trying to recover from a recent injury that probably required a hospital visit but he didn't let any of those things get  in the way from hearing our message. He listened with his heart and saw the importance and love in what we shared with him.

I know that my Saviour is with me and that he is guiding us to the people we need to talk with even if it is just planting seeds. I know that the Book of Mormon and the Gospel of Christ changes lives and moves hearts. I know that families are forever and each person is special and loved by God. I know that God knows our tears and fears and successes. The people are what make a mission so glorious! We were able to baptize a man of sixty-seven years that had completely changed his heart. His burdens were lifted and wounds healed because of this glorious Gospel and plan that God has for us. Have a great week!

Sister Lara and I found some swings - It made me happy!

The Book of Mosiah, Chapter 5, verses 1 through 5 (The Book of Mormon)

1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them.

2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.

4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.

5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.