Dirty Water And Bowling Champ || Week 17?

Bom dia, tudo bem com vocês? I hope you guys had the best week and I hope this email can be a light to you in some way. I don't really know how to start these emails anymore, but this was a solid week for me with many fun, memorable experiences and a couple cool teaching moments! I'm going to try to keep this one shorter though, my time on my p-days is precious, and yes I love you guys, but I'd rather be using this time somewhere else. Hope you understand!

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT

Yesterday we were in a lesson, and we were reading out of the Book of Mormon in Alma chapter 7. This is a really cool chapter by the way which talks about the birth, life, and suffering of Jesus Christ. I explained to this lady that because Jesus Christ died for us, he prepared a path for us to be saved. And in order to follow this path, we need to be baptized and be clean of all of our sins. 

This woman responded saying, "Why do I need to be baptized if Christ already took upon himself all of our sins?" At first I thought to myself, "Oh no, she stumped me." But then the portuguese words translated properly into my head and realized that this was like the easiest question that I had received all day. 

Our purpose on this Earth is to become like Jesus Christ, because Christ was literally perfect in everyway. Well, in order to do this, we need to follow him example in everyway, right? So because Jesus Christ was baptized, we need to be baptized. This is the same for a lot of things. Because Jesus Christ died and was resurrected, we need to experience physical death, and overcome it, being resurrected. But then as I was talking to this woman, I thought to myself, "Why don't we have to suffer the same things that Christ suffered?"

Jesus Christ is so merciful that he not only set the example of all righteousness, but made it so we don't have the experience these sufferings in our own lives. 

In Alma 7: 11-12 it says:

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

   12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Jesus Christ made it so that if we follow him example in every other way, through faith, repentance, baptism, etc., that we don't have to follow his example in this aspect. He has already suffered for all of your sins, whether you choose to follow his example or not. The path has already been prepared, the foundation is layed, the atonement was made, we just need to do our part.

HIGHLIGHTS

- Went bowling last week again and I'm officially back in my prime. Bowled a 198 and absolutely choked the last frame. Feels good to be back!

- Also dropped 15 dollars going to an all you can eat brazilian steakhouse last week. Ate 20 pieces of sushi, 5 pounds of steak, a plate of fruit, lasagna, and pineapple cake. Probably the best meal I've had in Brazil and about the equivilent cost of a chipotle burrito and a drink. 

- Had interviews with President last week and it was honestly just such a chill conversation. We were just sharing stories and laughing the whole time. I love our President! The only thing that kinda scared me was that he was really impressed with my portuguese and told me that there are big things coming for me in the near future. 

- We ran out of clean water this week because my comp left the filter running during our Zone Conference so now we're drinking contaminated water I guess. I have definitely already felt the effects.

- We went to this look out spot in my area with our district, which is literally the coolest place to watch the sunset in the entire João Pessoa. We dressed up in our Christmas colors and handed out christmas cards and Book of Mormon. I was such a fun and happy experience. We all split up witch was kinda intimidating, but I think I had well over 50 conversations, handing out over 200 cards, and gave up 5 Book of Mormons. Truly a test of my portuguese, and people skills lol.

- We had a family night the other day, where we bring some of the people that we're teaching to a member's house, share a quick message, and eat and play some games. When we got there my companion announced to my suprise that "Elder Ware will be giving the message." Kind of annoyed, pulled out my Book of Mormon and taught about the Holy Ghost. After teaching a ten minute lesson on the Holy Ghost, I felt the spirit telling me to extend a baptismal invitation. At first I was straight up like no. We were with other Elders and another family and it would have been so awkard if he said no. But I felt the prompting again and was like "okay, oh well, doesn't hurt to try". I extended the invite and he was so happy to accept. I was overwelmed with joy!! 

- Handed out a Book of Mormon this week and this family literally fought over the book. Super wholesome. Luckily I came in clutch with another book. 

- another triantula siting.

- Running through the cobblestone streets of Brazil at night with a bunch of kids that we brought to soccer Thursday night was definitely one of those "I'm in Brazil" moments.

- Had an exchange yesterday with Elder Reynard on his island. We are both Americans with zero experience. We had some many funny experience that I can't include all of them. But in one of our lessons, we taught the Plan of Salvation. (again, this lesson is the hardest to teach). After the lesson, I was feeling super confident that the lesson went so well. I then asked her if she learned and understood a lot. She replied saying, "Um pouco", meaning "a little". Immediately Elder Reynard and I just started dying laughing right in front of her. Definitely felt defeated, but what can I say, we tried our best. 

That's it for today's email. I hoped you enjoyed! Keep sending me emails! I love to her from you guys! It's honestly super hard to respond, but I'll keep trying my best. I'm a little backed up right now sorry. Anyways, love you guys and I'll talk to y'all next week.