Pennies fro Heaven

Twas the week before Christmas and all through Brazil, not a creature was grinding, 'cept for The Hill. Welcome back yet again folks! The poetic prelude is no lie, the grind continues here in Brazil. This week especially was incredible, I saw tons of miracles and there were a lot of high points. I'll keep the introduction short and get into the meat of this Christmas turkey, or in other words, what all went on this week!

Try to count how many times this email I say the word Christmas. 

The Christmas Conference '24

      This week, we had our Mission Christmas party, which was a time and a half. We hit the temple first thing in the morning, and when asked about who would be baptized and who would be baptizing, President Ribolla informed us that he was going to be the only one doing the baptizing. He was in the font for like 2 and a half hours, and baptized each and every one of the missionaries by name. It was legendary. Afterwards we went to the institute center, had a Christmas lunch, some Christmas lessons and played some Christmas sports. They were just regular sports but like c'mon, they were Christmas sports. The night ended with the leaving Missionaries bearing their final testimonies, and a lingering feeling of reverence for the era of Christmas. It was both a super fun event, and a reminder of how specific and special the reverence surrounding Christmas is. 

Tauany's Baptism!

     This sweet girl Tauany was Baptized this Sunday, and gosh dangit dude it was so special. It was a multi-stake baptism, so we had missionaries from 3 other areas baptising folks from their areas as well, and the spirit in the chappel was literally so strong. It was like a soft loving punch from the Spirit straight to the heart. I had the priviledge of getting to do the Baptism for her, which was super super special. It was a great meeting, and it's always such a happy time when people of any age choose to make their first covenant with God. I've got such a testimony of covenants, the fact that God 110% keeps his promises with his children and just how powerful they are. Always such a special spirit in the air when we get to have a baptism, and this one for sure was one I will never forget. 

Pennies from Heaven

      This week I was still fresh into the healing process of my precious big toe. The doc told me I couldn't get it wet for a couple of days cause of the open wound and the bandage, which was very problematic with how much rain we had this week. However, on the day we had the most rain, there was a total tender mercy moment. We probably had 3 or 4 lessons scheduled with folks for the day, and during each lesson the rain was pouring on us. Like inside each house giving the lessons, we could hear it on the roof just dumping. And then, literally the moment we would leave to walk to the next location, the rain would stop pouring. And then right when we arrived at the next location, it would start raining cats and dogs all over again. And that happened like 4 times. Call me superstitious, but I took it as God undoubtedly looking out for me, or giving me a sign that he was watching over me and knows what's going on in the specifics of my life. 

Random thought

      A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is probably one of the most deluxe meals in all of Brazil. Peanut butter here isn't even a thing that exists, which already makes this meal a legend, and jam here is like crazy expensive. Not sure why. But here you have me, a fervent peanut butter and jelly enjoyer, unable to dine on this classic lunchtime cuisine. A box of uncrustables here would probably be looked at as like a treasure chest full of dabloons from an ancient pirate shipwreck. To any american audience members reading, enjoy a PB&J on behalf of me. 

3 Nephi 14:7

7 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

      I think this phrase/line might be repeated a couple of times throughout the scriptures, but I genuinely love it's simplicity. One of the biggest reoccuring testimonies I give to people here is that Jesus Christ genuinely is always waiting to help and to bless you. He is not as far as we sometimes think, but we first have to show desire to grow closer to him. If you give him just a bit of your time and attention, he will return it 10 fold. You CAN feel the peace of Christ today, it doesn't have to be tomorrow. Growing your relationship with the Savior doesn't have to be a New Year's Resolution you start in 2 weeks, it can start today. Show God that you are genuinely interested, with a sincere heart, and he will show unto you his wisdom and peace. 

Well everybody that just about does it for today. I know I say the same thing every week but really, thank you for reading, and thank you for those who email and reach out to me. Each one of you are my homies and my friends and I'd always love to hear about your life. This ain't gotta be a one sided conversation you know! Love you all. Stay safe, and Merry Christmas! 

1. Just two chill Elders

2. Estava chovendo bastante 

3. Baptism of Tauany!!

4. May your days be Merry and bright...

5. The Elders of Tapajos 

6. Thats all folks