Sister Sarah Elizabeth Crofts: CTM Week 5!

This week was a good one! Wednesday was pday! We got up super early because my Brazilian roommates have weird beauty routines haha. Then we got on the bus to go to the Campinas temple. Our bus started making weird sounds so our driver pulled over and checked it out a bunch of times. After sitting on the side of the road for 30 minutes we got a new bus--and the driver was a little less crazy, which was good! (In Brazil the drivers are the most insane I've ever seen! When we got to Campinas temple it was raining, which I loved! The temple was good, but everything was in Portuguese which always hurts my brain a bit! While we were in the temple our 2nd bus broke down and we had to wait for a new one.

When we got back to the CTM we only had two hours to explore. We got these funky hot dogs--they were loaded with mashed potatoes, salsa, chips, and more! It was definitely a one time experience! After that we walked around which was fun. I love pday because i can walk around and exercise! I am excited to do lots of walking and hard work in the field. I hate how enclosed we are, it really is a spiritual prison haha! I also do not like the CTM caffeterio desserts... they are always so weird and usually have gelatin in them even when they shouldn't! haha! Brazilian sweets are AMAZING (a little too much) though.

My favorite thing about the CTM is the people!! I love the people I talk to on a daily basis, I love the Elders in my District, and all of my other Brazilian friends, instructors, and SIS WALKER, my BFF here. I love the spirit felt here, and how much I feel myself changing daily through learning how to preach the gospel in Portuguese. I have gained a stronger testimony than I could've anywhere else at this time.

The elders in my district have been going bonkers being in a classroom all day, so they'be been having rubber band wars all day--everyday!! They have a hard time staying focused, but I love and will miss them all so much! It's definitely been a unique experience being the only sister in a group of elders! My district song for the CTM is "Nearer My God to Thee." My roomies are great! I love them to death, and we get along well. Communication is hard, but they are patient and willing to help me and laugh with me! I feel like Iam learning again at night when we are all together, and I love to see different aspects of Brazil--like their weird beauty routines haha!!.

This week I was also able to go proselyting! We thought we wouldn't get to go, but we did--este sabado! It was a good experience! I was a bit down after it because my Portuguese isn't where I want it to be, but then I remembered men are that they might have joy! So I stopped being stupid and looked for the positive! That is one thing I am really working hard at doing is being more faithful and positive!! We talked to a lot of people and even though I couldn't understand a ton, we got four contacts--and tons of sweet old lady hugs and cheek kisses! I talked to some wonderful people! We drove on Paulista Avenue in Sao Paulo on the way back which was way cool because apparently it is famous!

Sunday was really good! It is the one day when we can relax and I can spend time with other sisters. We had testimony meeting and the spirit was so strong! We also had a devotional in English by one of the heads of the MTC department. It was awesome! I was literally was complaining right before the devotional how I'm sick of listening to the translator! Answer to prayers! This week I have been especially studying and reading the Book of Mormon. I love it so much! I am trying to finish the BOM by the end of October, I am in 3 Nephi 11 right now. I just love the Book of Mormon, it has become so real to me. I cant get enough!! Christ is mentioned so often. The purpose of the BOM is to help others come unto Christ and be perfected through Him. I can feel Christ work through me to make me a better person as I read, and apply with faith the verses I read. I know you will feel that too!

It is so cool to see how much we can relate the Book of Mormon to our lives today! I think one of my favorite parts of the Book of Mormon is Alma 56--specifically verses 46-48 and 56. "We do not doubt, our mother's knew it." I have been reflecting on this scripture a lot lately. I feel like I can relate to the stripling warriors as a missionary. This is the hardest thing I have ever done, and I know it will get harder. BUT, if I have faith, nothing wavering, nothing fearing, nothing doubting, God will deliver and strengthen me to become the person he needs me to become and to do what He would have me do--to bring JOY (Alegria)to those around me through inviting them to come unto Christ. The part I quoted has also struck me hard and gratitude fills my heart when I think of my own parents, family members, leaders and their unwavering faith through affliction (especially my Mom and Dad). Without them I would not be the person that I am now. I thank God for the blessings He has given me, and for all that that have helped me along the way develop Faith in Christ.

Monday we sang goodbye hymns to the sisters leaving (Sister Phelps:(). That is always sad! Today (Tuesday) we had class, cereal for breakfast (yay!) and TRC--where you teach members. Life is good! Mission life is great here at the CTM, but...I am ready for FLORIPA (Florianopolis) and to see all of the people I love so much already! I love you all so much! Remember I pray for you always and remember Ether 12:6, and Helaman 5:12.

Love, Sister Crofts

P.S. My elder's favorite words (they say them all the time!):

mofo (mow- fuu) aka mold

alcashofra (spelled wrong) artichoke!