Boa tarde everyone!
Thank you for all of your emails, they have all been a blessing for me today!
So we went to Walmart today. This may seem insignificant to you guys in America, but I haven't been in two months. That is way too much time apart from my favorite store. My love was rekindled and I am grateful that a store with cheap fruit and everything I need is only a half hour walk from my house! I also got Sister Moura to like Walmart (today was her first Walmart experience) and I would be lying if I say that it doesn't feel like an accomplishment.
Silly thoughts aside, my week has been good! After I emailed you all last week, a group of us went to an exhibit called human bodies. It was all about how the human body functions and all of the bodies (5) were real. At first, I felt freaked out, then interested, then crushed. The reason being was that they had a group of eight feti, and that is when my missionary mind kicked in and I thought about the ressurrection. Knowing me, I started to cry. I tried to hide it from the others in the group, but Luan (recent convert) noticed and told my companion. I couldn't communicate how I was feeling in português because I was so emotional, so one of the American sisters, Sister Kemp, came over and helped me out. I told her that I know God's plan is perfect, and that everyone's bodies will be made perfect, but the bodies here were taken apart! She told me that Heavenly Father is all powerful and will take care of the people here and that they were here so we could learn more and educate ourselves. It was still hard for me to feel better, but I've been praying for the souls that belong to those bodies.
Sad story aside, we had divisions this week! My sister leaders are Sister Kemp and Sister Leyva, and they are really awesome! I went on splits with Sister Leyva, and it was hard! Their area feels like they have mountains, and not many people were home to hear our message. But we did teach one person, Gloria. She's an old Catholic woman that understands a lot about God and Jesus Christ, and we were able to teach her about the restoration! I'm grateful for her sweet spirit, it really helped encourage me and not feel sad that other people were not wanted to listen.
Friday was also a blessing because we had lunch with Joana, a member with a husband that didn't want to listen to our message. But after we ate, we shared the third lesson with him, with a lot of emphasis on baptism (that was his main concern). What I thought was anger was simply animated conversation and questions. The real blessing is that his heart was touched, and he is willing to hear another lesson this week. Muito legal!
Saturday was another blessing! We were visiting with Kátia, she's ready to be baptized but needs to get married first. We taught her son (who is preparing to be baptized) and her husband. The lesson was blessed with openness and understanding, and we got a reference! Kátia's mother has never been contacted by the missionaries even though her daughter goes to church every week. She wants to learn more, how exciting!
And of course yesterday was wonderful, we got to hear the women's session of General Conference! It was a mix of listening and understanding the português and trying to hear the English under the português. I think my favorite talk was by Sister Marriott. At the end of her talk, she spoke of Christlike love, and that was really strong for me. Something I've realized is that I love my family so much, especially my twin. But Sister Moura is not my twin, she is a different person, and she can't read my thoughts like my twin can. That being said, I have the potential to love her just as much as I love my twin, but I need to learn her love language, which is very different from mine. Something I've needed to ask myself is how can I show my companion that I want to be her friend and that I love her? We've been able to talk about it yesterday and today, and I'm excited for the change that's ahead! I know that when we accept change and strive to become more Christlike, we can receive blessings and increased happiness!
I love you all so much, please keep sending me all of your inspirational thoughts!
Sister Carlson
Monday, September 25, 2017
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
September 18, 2017
Good morning everyone!
So today is my two-month mark in Brazil, how exciting! This week has been full of exciting things!
First of all, it has been hot! Someone told me we skipped spring and went straight into summer! Because the sun is so strong and I really don't want to have a sunburn, I've been using an umbrella to keep the worst of the sun away from my face. Talk about dainty!
Second of all, I ate half of a chicken heart yesterday! At lunch, Márcia had a Brazilian BBQ (which was fantastic). She showed me a piece of meat and asked if I wanted it. After my brain processed "coração" and "frango", I politely declined. Sister Moura wasn't having it and put one on my plate. I tried to eat the whole thing but remembered half way through that I was eating a heart. I'll be trying to be more open about what I eat in the future!
Another exciting thing was that when we were walking to an appointment. Sister Moura does not like dogs, she does her best to avoid them. We walked past this family, and a tiny little dog suddenly shot out from the open gate, barking like mad. The owners were able to get the little dog under control, but I think he probably would have chased us down the street if given the chance. And this dog was smaller than Hinckley! It was a funny experience.
After I emailed last week, Sister Moura and I got to have a picnic with Sister Kemp, Sister Leyva, and Luan (a recent convert)! After we ate, we took lots of pictures in the park! I'll try to send some, but my camera is not great with computers. It was really fun!
So this week has been kind of hard, but good! With one investigator, Janaína, we were able to talk about marriage in the temple! She and her boyfriend have a tiny little baby named Julia, and she is two months old. When we were there to teach her, Janaína wanted to make us suka (a drink), and Sister Moura was in the bathroom, so she gave Julia to me! I was about to protest because missionaries aren't supposed to hold babies, but no one else was there to hold her. I think I held her for fifteen minutes, she's so cute! I talked to my companion afterward because my goal is to be exactly obedient to the white handbook, but she said that this was alright because I held her to help Janaína out. Anyway, we had a special experience with her. Janaína said that she didn't really want to get married, but when we talked about the promises of an eternal marriage in the temple, her view changed. She kept saying "I want that." Sister Moura and I are hoping for a wedding by the end of this transfer!
On Friday, we had interviews with Presidente Silcox! He was able to share with me something he does to prepare for the sacrament and encouraged me to find something, a hymn, scripture, or talk, that helped prepare me for the ordinance of the sacrament. Then Sister Moura and I talked about our Area Book with Sister Silcox, it was good! She's also the health manager, and the thing she emphasized the most was for me to use sunscreen and drink water, because "you're so white". She must have said it five times, it was funny!
Sister Moura and I were informed that we would be moving houses this week. Apparently, this is very exciting because past missionaries have been trying to live in a different house for a long time. We'll be living close to a less active family, so I'm hoping that we'll really be able to help them get back to church so they can feel the blessings of this gospel in their lives!
I think that's all I have time for! I love you all so much!
Sister Carlson
So today is my two-month mark in Brazil, how exciting! This week has been full of exciting things!
First of all, it has been hot! Someone told me we skipped spring and went straight into summer! Because the sun is so strong and I really don't want to have a sunburn, I've been using an umbrella to keep the worst of the sun away from my face. Talk about dainty!
Second of all, I ate half of a chicken heart yesterday! At lunch, Márcia had a Brazilian BBQ (which was fantastic). She showed me a piece of meat and asked if I wanted it. After my brain processed "coração" and "frango", I politely declined. Sister Moura wasn't having it and put one on my plate. I tried to eat the whole thing but remembered half way through that I was eating a heart. I'll be trying to be more open about what I eat in the future!
Another exciting thing was that when we were walking to an appointment. Sister Moura does not like dogs, she does her best to avoid them. We walked past this family, and a tiny little dog suddenly shot out from the open gate, barking like mad. The owners were able to get the little dog under control, but I think he probably would have chased us down the street if given the chance. And this dog was smaller than Hinckley! It was a funny experience.
After I emailed last week, Sister Moura and I got to have a picnic with Sister Kemp, Sister Leyva, and Luan (a recent convert)! After we ate, we took lots of pictures in the park! I'll try to send some, but my camera is not great with computers. It was really fun!
So this week has been kind of hard, but good! With one investigator, Janaína, we were able to talk about marriage in the temple! She and her boyfriend have a tiny little baby named Julia, and she is two months old. When we were there to teach her, Janaína wanted to make us suka (a drink), and Sister Moura was in the bathroom, so she gave Julia to me! I was about to protest because missionaries aren't supposed to hold babies, but no one else was there to hold her. I think I held her for fifteen minutes, she's so cute! I talked to my companion afterward because my goal is to be exactly obedient to the white handbook, but she said that this was alright because I held her to help Janaína out. Anyway, we had a special experience with her. Janaína said that she didn't really want to get married, but when we talked about the promises of an eternal marriage in the temple, her view changed. She kept saying "I want that." Sister Moura and I are hoping for a wedding by the end of this transfer!
On Friday, we had interviews with Presidente Silcox! He was able to share with me something he does to prepare for the sacrament and encouraged me to find something, a hymn, scripture, or talk, that helped prepare me for the ordinance of the sacrament. Then Sister Moura and I talked about our Area Book with Sister Silcox, it was good! She's also the health manager, and the thing she emphasized the most was for me to use sunscreen and drink water, because "you're so white". She must have said it five times, it was funny!
Sister Moura and I were informed that we would be moving houses this week. Apparently, this is very exciting because past missionaries have been trying to live in a different house for a long time. We'll be living close to a less active family, so I'm hoping that we'll really be able to help them get back to church so they can feel the blessings of this gospel in their lives!
I think that's all I have time for! I love you all so much!
Sister Carlson
Monday, September 11, 2017
Sept 11, 2017
Hello everyone!
This week has also been a blessing because I´ve learned the importance of Christlike love. When I´m feeling discouraged, it is not as easy for me to feel Christ-like love. The adversary knows this about me, so whenever my companion and I would be walking to an appointment and I was feeling inadequate, he would point out small annoyances, things that didn´t really matter. With all of these little things building up to create a big thing, I was overwhelmed. The thing I have to take away from this week is "Calma". Heavenly Father knows that this life is difficult, real people have real problems. But that never means we cannot have compassion for one another. Something I shared with a sister yesterday was 3 Nephi 12:39. It talks about turning the other cheek when someone offends you. For me this week, it meant turning aside my frustrations, taking a deep breath, and continuing on with my day.
Monday, September 4, 2017
September 4, 2017
Bom dia!
Wow it feels like 60 years have passed since I last emailed you all! I have a lot to say, so get some snacks and buckle up!
Tuesday was the day we transferred! I stuck close to Sister Kearsley because I was feeling more than a little nervous. When we pulled into the mission home, my adreneline went through the roof! Elder and Sister Silcox are really great, and made sure we all felt welcome. When I had a moment to think, the tears surprised me! Just the newness and apprehensiveness caught up with me, but it passed quickly and excitement replaced it! I got my new companion Sister Moura and she is amazing! Here in Brasil, I'm her "daughter" (instead of greenie) because she needs to teach me everything. She later told me that she was relieved that I knew some português because she doesn't know much english. Before we left the mission home, Sister Silcox pulled me and Sister Kearsley aside for a second. She said that if we ever needed to speak some english to please call her! Isn't that cute? She said that this would be really hard, but I already knew that! The thing that I keep at the front of my mind when I'm discouraged is that Heavenly Father needs to break me down before he can build me up as the missionary He needs me to be! I'm like a muscle!
After our orientation, Nilton (a member) came and picked us up with his wife. That was when I really realized that my português has a long way to go until I'm fluent! When we got to our house, I felt overwhelmed; it is so tiny! This new home is humble, and I'm really glad that Vila Carrão is my first area, it has helped me remember to be grateful for everything I have. What a beautiful plan that Heavenly Father has given us!
This week has been one of much growth for me. Initially, I was terrified to teach people with my broken português, but it has been really great. The night I got there, we went to teach Jisela. It was a good learning experience for me because my testimony about the Book of Mormon and the restortation have increased. Why? Because I'm sharing my testimony always!
On my first day, we has a meeting with our zone. They are a really fun group, some Americans were able to help me figure out some questions I had. After, we had lunch with Simone. Here in Brasil, instead of dinner appointments, we have lunch appointments! It was kind of hard because people usually speak quickly, so following what they're saying is difficult. My companion is a great lunch companion, she is always engaged in the conversation and sometimes turns to me to see if I understood. Then we taught Evelyn, a thirteen year old that has committed to be baptized next Sunday! What a cool experience! At night, we gave pass-along cards to people. It was scary at first because I couldn't remember my memorized line "Queremos compartilhar este carto com você" (We want to share this card with you). It becomes easier to speak each day!
On Thursday, we taught Regina. We found Regina at her hair salon, it was raining and work was slow. So we taught the first lesson to her! I was asked to give the closing prayer, and afterwards, I saw that she was crying. For a second I was scared she was crying because my português was bad, but then Sister Moura started talking and I realized it was the spirit that touched her. How special that I could be an instrument in the Lord's hands!
On Friday, we had a really special experience with Kátia. She is known as an "infinitivo pesquisador", which means that she's doing all the right things, but she doesn't want to be baptized. After lunch, and we had talked for a while, I asked "O que impede você ser batizada?" (What is stopping you from being baptized?) She then told us about things in her live that had lined up, and how she wanted to be batpized! The only problem is that she's not married, and she has four kids. That's the situation for many people in Brasil; they have a family but don't get married because it's expensive. The law of chastity and eternal marriage are very important topics we teach here! She said she would talk to her husband about marriage once we left.
On Saturday, we taught Flávio. He had contacted the church and asked for a Book of Mormon. The lesson went poorly, to say the least. He is single and there was no woman that could be with us for the lesson, so we sat outside. It was late, and Satan easily scared me with different senarios that could happen. Because I was feeling this fear, the spirit couldn't reach me and I taught shortly and badly. Sister Moura said she couldn't feel the spirit either, so we are both praying that next time the spirit will be present. Flávio lives at the edge of our area, and it was a long walk home. I told Sister Moura about all of the thoughts I had had, and she asked me "Are those thoughts from you or from the spirit?" I didn't know, so we took the bus home.
Sunday was great! Everyone was really nice and could mostly understand me! It was fast Sunday, so I was able to bear my testimony. Something Sister Moura has helped me realize about myself is when I'm nervous, I can't teach. Because of this, she said "Teach what you know, not what you've memorized". This has really helped me in teaching lessons. Another thing she often says is "Calma" or "Tranquila". I am a naturally stressed person, so to have someone like Sister Moura in my life, someone to tell me to chill out, is a blessing! Anyway, that night we taught Vagner and his wife Taiane. He's an investigator and she's an inactive member. They are not married, and they have the cutest 2 year old named Ana! The spirit was definitely with me when I was able to testify about our purpose on this earth. Because I had pushed my nervousness aside, I could speak well and with the power given to me by God. This was a powerful experience for me because it has encouraged me to learn and know all of the lessons like I know about our purpose here. Vagner wants to be baptized, and said he will think about marriage. What a miracle! After the lesson, we had to run to the church for an appointment with the LMA. We actually ran up several hills. Let's just say that my heels are not happy with me!
In our planners, Sister Moura and I have a section called "Milagre no Dia" (Miracle of the day). This has really helped me to have gratitude in my life and to see His hand in the work. Sister Moura is a great companion, she's laid back but ready to get the work done! I've learned so much from her, especially because we've been practicing lessons and words as we walk.
Before I sign off, I want to tell about one more experience! Many people in Brazil know a lot about the Bible, and I've found my lack of knowledge embarrassing. So I started to study the book of Job. Usually, I would be hesitant to study the Old Testament, but I love it! The word of God, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, are a blessing!
I think that's all I have time for! I don't think I can send picures, my camera is acting funky. I'll try to find a way to send them soon!
I love you all so much!
Sister Rollins-Carlson
Wow it feels like 60 years have passed since I last emailed you all! I have a lot to say, so get some snacks and buckle up!
Tuesday was the day we transferred! I stuck close to Sister Kearsley because I was feeling more than a little nervous. When we pulled into the mission home, my adreneline went through the roof! Elder and Sister Silcox are really great, and made sure we all felt welcome. When I had a moment to think, the tears surprised me! Just the newness and apprehensiveness caught up with me, but it passed quickly and excitement replaced it! I got my new companion Sister Moura and she is amazing! Here in Brasil, I'm her "daughter" (instead of greenie) because she needs to teach me everything. She later told me that she was relieved that I knew some português because she doesn't know much english. Before we left the mission home, Sister Silcox pulled me and Sister Kearsley aside for a second. She said that if we ever needed to speak some english to please call her! Isn't that cute? She said that this would be really hard, but I already knew that! The thing that I keep at the front of my mind when I'm discouraged is that Heavenly Father needs to break me down before he can build me up as the missionary He needs me to be! I'm like a muscle!
After our orientation, Nilton (a member) came and picked us up with his wife. That was when I really realized that my português has a long way to go until I'm fluent! When we got to our house, I felt overwhelmed; it is so tiny! This new home is humble, and I'm really glad that Vila Carrão is my first area, it has helped me remember to be grateful for everything I have. What a beautiful plan that Heavenly Father has given us!
This week has been one of much growth for me. Initially, I was terrified to teach people with my broken português, but it has been really great. The night I got there, we went to teach Jisela. It was a good learning experience for me because my testimony about the Book of Mormon and the restortation have increased. Why? Because I'm sharing my testimony always!
On my first day, we has a meeting with our zone. They are a really fun group, some Americans were able to help me figure out some questions I had. After, we had lunch with Simone. Here in Brasil, instead of dinner appointments, we have lunch appointments! It was kind of hard because people usually speak quickly, so following what they're saying is difficult. My companion is a great lunch companion, she is always engaged in the conversation and sometimes turns to me to see if I understood. Then we taught Evelyn, a thirteen year old that has committed to be baptized next Sunday! What a cool experience! At night, we gave pass-along cards to people. It was scary at first because I couldn't remember my memorized line "Queremos compartilhar este carto com você" (We want to share this card with you). It becomes easier to speak each day!
On Thursday, we taught Regina. We found Regina at her hair salon, it was raining and work was slow. So we taught the first lesson to her! I was asked to give the closing prayer, and afterwards, I saw that she was crying. For a second I was scared she was crying because my português was bad, but then Sister Moura started talking and I realized it was the spirit that touched her. How special that I could be an instrument in the Lord's hands!
On Friday, we had a really special experience with Kátia. She is known as an "infinitivo pesquisador", which means that she's doing all the right things, but she doesn't want to be baptized. After lunch, and we had talked for a while, I asked "O que impede você ser batizada?" (What is stopping you from being baptized?) She then told us about things in her live that had lined up, and how she wanted to be batpized! The only problem is that she's not married, and she has four kids. That's the situation for many people in Brasil; they have a family but don't get married because it's expensive. The law of chastity and eternal marriage are very important topics we teach here! She said she would talk to her husband about marriage once we left.
On Saturday, we taught Flávio. He had contacted the church and asked for a Book of Mormon. The lesson went poorly, to say the least. He is single and there was no woman that could be with us for the lesson, so we sat outside. It was late, and Satan easily scared me with different senarios that could happen. Because I was feeling this fear, the spirit couldn't reach me and I taught shortly and badly. Sister Moura said she couldn't feel the spirit either, so we are both praying that next time the spirit will be present. Flávio lives at the edge of our area, and it was a long walk home. I told Sister Moura about all of the thoughts I had had, and she asked me "Are those thoughts from you or from the spirit?" I didn't know, so we took the bus home.
Sunday was great! Everyone was really nice and could mostly understand me! It was fast Sunday, so I was able to bear my testimony. Something Sister Moura has helped me realize about myself is when I'm nervous, I can't teach. Because of this, she said "Teach what you know, not what you've memorized". This has really helped me in teaching lessons. Another thing she often says is "Calma" or "Tranquila". I am a naturally stressed person, so to have someone like Sister Moura in my life, someone to tell me to chill out, is a blessing! Anyway, that night we taught Vagner and his wife Taiane. He's an investigator and she's an inactive member. They are not married, and they have the cutest 2 year old named Ana! The spirit was definitely with me when I was able to testify about our purpose on this earth. Because I had pushed my nervousness aside, I could speak well and with the power given to me by God. This was a powerful experience for me because it has encouraged me to learn and know all of the lessons like I know about our purpose here. Vagner wants to be baptized, and said he will think about marriage. What a miracle! After the lesson, we had to run to the church for an appointment with the LMA. We actually ran up several hills. Let's just say that my heels are not happy with me!
In our planners, Sister Moura and I have a section called "Milagre no Dia" (Miracle of the day). This has really helped me to have gratitude in my life and to see His hand in the work. Sister Moura is a great companion, she's laid back but ready to get the work done! I've learned so much from her, especially because we've been practicing lessons and words as we walk.
Before I sign off, I want to tell about one more experience! Many people in Brazil know a lot about the Bible, and I've found my lack of knowledge embarrassing. So I started to study the book of Job. Usually, I would be hesitant to study the Old Testament, but I love it! The word of God, both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, are a blessing!
I think that's all I have time for! I don't think I can send picures, my camera is acting funky. I'll try to find a way to send them soon!
I love you all so much!
Sister Rollins-Carlson
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