Brazil here I come:) (July 21, 2018)

OLA

This week was a huge step up from last week. It's only been a few days since I last sent an email, but a lot has happened!!

First off, our Tuesday devotional speaker was M Russel Ballard and MAY I JUST SAY that man is called of God. The spirit he brought with him was so unreal. His message developed my testimony of Joseph Smith more than I thought possible. His words were so full of power, and I sang in the choir so I was on the big screen;) Anyway, it was an amazing devotional, I haven't felt the spirit that strong in a long time, though I feel it almost always here in the MTC. It was like the spirit on steroids.

It was great to see Ridge! (Middle)

Next great thing, my district hosted this week, so we took in all the baby missionaries. That was quite the experience. Being on the receiving end of those elders and sisters, was super fun and cool. But seeing all those cute families cry so hard was so sad cause that was the worst moment like... in my life... saying bye to my family. Talk about heart break. But even though it is sooo hard, and so sad, these elders and sisters grabbed their things with eyes full of tears and walked away from their families for 18-24 months. How can this gospel not be true if we are so willing to sacrifice? food for thought. Just awesome. I love being here!!!! Later Wednesday me and my companions sat outside our residence and watched all the new missionaries go to class, and I saw RIDGE!! It was the best thing in the world to see another familiar face. He's so strong. Keep him and his family in your prayers everyone!

Yesterday (Thursday) was hard cause it was the second to last day of classes here at the Provo mtc. It started getting real that we were leaving this place... AH! It's gonna be a good experience but speaking only Portuguese.. pray for me por favor. Anyway, we taught Artur about families, and how the Gospel could bless him with his family, if they pray together and read in the book of mormon together. The spirit was so strong in that room as we testified in broken Portuguese of the truth of the things we taught. It's amazing the things you can say when you teach by the spirit, and rely on the Lord to help and guide us when we get lost or stuck. I testify that when we live in such a way that the spirit can be our constant companion, we will be able to overcome any trial we face. I'm grateful for that knowledge and for the opportunities I've had to grow my testimony and faith in Cristo being here for the past few weeks. 

Today we taught Rodrigo about his relationship with Jesus Cristo and invited him to read 2 Nefi capitulo 2 to learn more about Jesus Cristo and what we can do and recieve through Him. It was so sad to say bye to my teachers. They have been awesome! I'm so grateful I got to come here (to Provo). I now understand why I came here first, and I honestly wish I was not leaving on Monday. MAS I know I will learn things I need to learn in Brazil, that I wouldn't have learned here. Like learning to like beans and rice................. eeeek

I love you all so much, I can feel the power of prayers getting me through the moments I wanna give up. Both with the language and when my eyes hurt from reading too much. Keep them coming I appreciate them muito.

Packages! :)

TCHAU FOR NOW

See ya in Brazil;)

sister walstad