Novembe 25, 2013

Oh man, so great to see that picture of Chad as a missionary!!!  Are you feeling sad that you'll be so alone this Christmas? Knowing that Emerson and Chad aren't there too makes me feel less homesick. 

Here's the thing about my shoes falling apart. I've already glued them several times and today I will glue them again. They aren't completely destroyed because I can still walk in them without a problem. I thought about buying new sandals here, but I haven't yet because my feet are already adjusted to these ones and my tan lines are for these ones so I don't want to have to worry about part of my foot getting sunburned. I might break down and buy some new sandals... but I think these ones will last. It's amazing what a little bit of super glue can do. It's not because I'm prideful, it's more because of sentimental value. 

The weather this week here has been perfect. It's super hot, but not as hot as I was last year in Caicó so I'm feeling grateful. There is almost always a nice breeze and sometimes it is even overcast. Natal is a really good city. Super beautiful. I sent some pictures of our adventure we went on last P Day. It was a good hike.

 

 Also, one with the stadium that is being built for the world cup. As you can see it's coming along very nicely. Everyday a little more progress. 

We had our investigator Judson, the alcoholic, at church yesterday. He came two weeks ago too. He brought a lot of stress and frustration and tears this week for my companion and me. It's difficult to help someone leave an addiction. I think he needs professional help. We were going to stop teaching him because he wasn't progressing this week, not praying, drinking every day, but then on Sunday we passed by his house and it was all closed up so we just went to church without him. When we got there he had come too thinking that we wouldn't come get him. At least going to church he showed that he really understands what we're teaching him can help him, he just lacks the courage and strength to completely change. He will though. This week things will be different. We aren't going to use all of our energy chasing him down and taking him out of the bar, but we'll try to help him be baptized and change his life. Our plan is to find other people to teach though. Everyone and anyone we can get to listen we will teach. We're going to knock every door and knock happily. Believing that each person will have their life changed by the message of the restoration. My companion is feeling like she won't be able to handle being a missionary, she's still getting used to the disappointments and stress of missionary life. It's really tiring. We're going one day at a time. The other elders in our district are a huge blessing, they're super full of inspiration and motivation. I want her to be able to have her first baptism and see that it really is worth all the hard work and challenges. Pray for me to be able to have enough excitement and faith for the both of us. 

Here are some pictures of the ward activities the other week. The ward had a potluck lunch after fast Sunday and the other is a noite de integração (night of integration) that we planned and they dressed my companion up as Draculaura to judge which dessert is the best. 

 

Oh and one with a group of ladies in our ward.

Love you. Until next week.