New Comp And Baptism [Week 13?]

Opaaa tudo bem everyone!! This week flew by so quickly, but still so much has happened! I'm realizing that these emails have been getting a tad bit too long, and I kind of want more time to play some soccer, so they are going to have to get shorter. I'm sure a lot of you are super happy to hear that!

Some bigger things that happened this week: had my first baptism with my boy Jose; got a new companion; was informed that I'm now leading my area; and I think I had a birthday.

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT

Elder Rasband, ONE OF OUR PROPHETS, gave a televised devotional from Natal, Brazil. In this devetional, he focused on three things: The importance of families, gathering Israel on both sides of the veil (missionary work and temple work), and recognizing the spirit. All things that I desperately needed to hear!

He also talked a little bit about our prophet, Russell M. Nelson. Yes, we have a living prophet on the earth today who leads, guides, and receives revalation for everyone! Elder Rasband told us that he had a message from the prophet for us!! 

The message went like this:

President Nelson: "Tell them that I love them! Tell them thank you! And tell them that we need them!" 

I'm going to relay that message for all of you guys. Our prophet and president of our church, Russell M. Nelson LOVES YOU, THANKS YOU, and NEEDS YOU! Please listen to all of his counsel because he truley is a Prophet of God!

HIGHLIGHTS

- First baptism last Sunday with Jose! From the moment that we started teaching Jose, I knew he was part of the elect. There was a moment where my companion Elder Sanchez asked him who he wanted to baptize him. He then, with a huge smile on his face, pointed at me and said "Elder Ware" (completely butchering my name by the way because no one can say it). That literally made me so happy, and I'm so thankful for this opportunity to help change Jose's life!

- I got a new companion! His name is Elder Lucas. He's from Sao Paulo, loves basketball, is fluent in English, works super hard and makes this work so fun! And in addition to him, we got two new Elders in our apartment, and they're both American. So with three Americans and a fluent Brazilian, there's a whole lot of English and a whole lot of pizza! I also have to lead my area since my companion left and honestly it's scary but super fun! For the first time, I feel like I'm actually playing a huge role in the work!

- Portuguese Update: can understand about 90% of the things that are said. Can say, in broken portuguese, pretty much anything that I need to say. Honestly, speaking English these past few days has actually improve my Portuguese a lot. Don't ask me why, it kind just happened.

- My birthday was last Friday. When they say lose yourself in the work, they literally mean lose yourself. Because I honestly forgot it was my birthday. That is until I received two eggs on the top of my head! For some reason, it's a Brazilian tradition to egg people on their birthday (at least I hope so, because it happened to me). Although absolutely no one knew it was my birthday, the day ended up being good because I ordered pizza and a cake for me and my companion to celebrate hahaha. 

- One of our friends, Gil, had some set backs and is no long able to be baptized for a few weeks. In addition to this, her boy friend has been talking bad about us and cursing us out. And because of this, she is losing her desire to come to church and be baptized. It honesly breaks my heart, so please keep Gil in your prayers!

Okay, I honesly think I was able to make this email relatively short, so I'm hoping that there are some new readers! If this is your first email that you read or you've been keeping up with the journey, I love you all!! Please continue to update me on your lives!! Till next week!!