Monday, September 15, 2014

Sept. 15, 2014- Londrina, Brazil

Rachel's 21st Birthday is this Wed., Sept. 17th. Time is flying by!

Dear Family! 

What a week! It was great though! This week Sister Sedgwick and I returned to our original city of Maringá!!! It was so awesome! We were able to see all of the members and our recent converts. I never felt so loved! 

We arrived at the door steps of many people and waited to see their suprised faces! I felt loved because everyone remembered me and was actually really happy and excited to see me! I dont know how to explain it. But pretty much it was the best tender mercy to be able to see all the people who I love so much and who have helped me to become who I am now. The funniest part is that they were all amazed at how I learned to speak portuguese! haha. 

The weather has been extremely hot. It feels like the sun in 1 yard away from your face. Today is more overcast, thank goodness! We spend the day completely soaked with sweat, and that is not an exageration. I was enjoying the cooler season... I forgot the heat:P But life is good, and the work is going well.

 Antares was a unfruitful area. Seemed like all the missionaries that passed here caught the bug of disappointment and saddness, some even depression. But we are doing well! We have been finding some great new investigators with tons of potential. 

One is a family of 7!!!! There is the Dad and his 6 children. We still do not know what happened with the mother but he is so incredible. All of them are under the age of 12 and he takes care of them all alone. They went to church with us and it is really obvious that he sincerely wants to help his family. He loved church and so did the kids! 4 children are 8 and up and we are praying and working to be able to baptise them here soon. Please include them in your prayers! (Silvio, Gabriel, Manuel, Jonaton, Gabrielle, Juju and Silvinho). 

We also are teaching a GOLDEN couple. They are elderly (they are my new Brazilian Grandparents! And, I love them) Arí and his wife have tons of faith. They lost one of the 7 children 6 months ago. We taught them about the plan of salvation and baptisms for the dead and eternal families. They feel a great need and desire to go to the temple. It was a very spiritual experience. They are progressing really well! Arí makes laundry detergant and softener and gave us a ton for free! It smells good and works better than the stuff from the store! Please add them to your prayer lists too! Thanks! 

Kelvin was confirmed on Sunday. I have not seen someone smile sooo much! :) 

 This week our Zone leader shared this sciputure with us all. I really liked it and want to share it with you all too! Mosiah 24:13-16

13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their  afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort,for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.

 14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, evenwhile you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand aswitnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety thatI, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.

 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease,and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.

 16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying:Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

I liked it because the Lord really is helping us to do this, HIS work. 

Our zone didn't baptize anyone this week which was sad for us. Lots of baptims fell, including our (Kelvins mom). But this scripture helped us remember the how the Atonement applies in the lives of our investigators and our lives too. 

Blessings are coming! Can't wait to share them with you! After the trial, is the blessing. After the reallly hard trials are the miracles! We just need to open our eyes, focus and we will be able to recognize them. The Lord loves us and wants us to be happy! Men were made to have joy! Joy comes through Jesus Christ! 

Love you all! Thank you for the birthday wishes! 

I hope you can all find joy in Christ this week and look for the blessing he is sending you too! 

Love, Sister Rachel Edwards















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