If I had to sum up this week in one sentence it would be this quote from the Christmas Devotional:
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, then you have never spent the night with a mosquito."
This sums up my week for many reasons:
1. I am getting eaten alive. Trust me, I know how much a difference a mosquito makes.
2. Even in the hardest of days little small acts of kindness make ALL the difference.
3. Heavenly Father directs our paths, when we follow His will in the small and simple things, the small and simple things can have drastic consequences over time.
This week was a hard one! A lot of our appointments fell through, and things definitely didn't go our way, but it was still a good week to be a missionary!
Weekly update:
-Following promptings. I have learned this week to follow even the smallest of promptings. Even if I don't know where it is going to go, God does! It always ends up being great.
-I set up a little Christmas area in our apartment, I made a Christmas tree and fireplace out of cardboard!
-Our pesquisador, Luiz (who lived in Utah for 5 years) went to conference and didn't even know it at the time, AND saw president Hinkley. He thinks it is funny he saw the prophet and didn't even know it! He is golden, and we are working on the word of wisdom, to prep for baptism the 29th!
-Braulio is back! We aren't sure what changed, but Braulio wants us to start teaching him again! And he gave us funny dish cloths as lembrantes.
-Went to Wallace's Bday party (The whole Ramo was there) we had good ole Churrasco (Chu-ha-sco) which was delish!
-Right after that we taught Marcelo, who is great, but he is an analyzer! He made us a feedback list with pros and cons so far with his experience with the church and missionaries. It was quite entertaining!
-POPCORN FROM HEAVEN. We were starving, as missionaries are, and I was talking to Sister Kener about how much I wanted someone to drive by and give us money or food. We walked around Centro and this guy comes over, and hands me a GIANT grocery bag of popcorn (from the vender). After we go to thank him, and taught him the first lesson! Anyway, that was definitely a tender mercy, that I know was from God. It is the little miracles that make all the difference!
-Some of the guys here are CREEPS. We taught some of those this week. Also, I have never been stared at or honked at or catcalled this much in my life! All the sisters say it's normal, that's how Brazil is...
-Saturday we had a Branch activity where we fed lunch and gave presents to orphans in the area. It was so so sad. Hurt my heart to see these kids without parents to love them. But my comp and I want to do something nice for them this Christmas. Let me know if you have ideas!
-We have had so many experiences this week that were testimony builders that God's hand is guiding us through everything!
Spiritual thought:
Christ, the Prince of Peace, the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Shepard, Redeemer, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Messiah, Only Begotten of the Father, Lamb of God, Savior of the World.
There are so many different names used to describe our Savior Jesus Christ. I encourage you during this Christmas season to think of 1 word that describes how you feel about Christ. Focus on Christ centering your CHRISTmas. Through service, kind words, making amends, reading the scriptures, etc. We can focus on the the reason behind the season. I love what President Nelson said at the Christmas Devotional, "The followers of Jesus Christ have the privilege of unspeakable Joy forever."
As you Christ center your Christmas, you won't only have more Joy and light in your Christmas, but in your life! Let us Christ center our Christmas, spread light, love, and peace in our homes and to others around us through exemplifying our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Much love to all,
Sister Sarah Crofts
Brazil Florianópolis Mission
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| Christmas Scene Sarah made |
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| Christmas Branch Party |
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| Pday hike with Bruno (Branch President) and his wife |
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