SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 20

Dear Family & Friends,

Guess what... MURILO WAS BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!! I cried Monday night when we visited him and he told us that he was ready and everything would work out. Miracle for sure! I told him how my family all the way in Alabama (and everyone else who reads my letters) had been praying for him. He was very touched by this! His baptism was SO sweet. Thomas, one of the young men's leaders, baptized him and bore his testimony about how the Lord prepared Murilo to strengthen the young men in the ward (there are only 2 active right now). His less-active mom Ivone and stepdad Silvio (nonmember) were there and are super excited to get active. Silvio told us that as soon as his divorce is finalized and he and Ivone get married, he's next to be baptized!!! OH YEAH! What started out as a simple street contact a few months ago will end up with an eternal family. We are determined! This is only the beginning!

We were a little disappointed yesterday at church when we didn't have any other investigators there. It seemed like all our miracle people from the week before were falling through. Then, out of nowhere, in walked our next miracle...

Camila, 18 years old, is dating a returned missionary who lives in another city. He has been talking to her a lot about the church and she has already been 4 times with him. He took her to see the temple in São Paulo and she wants to be married to him forever! Rafael (her boyfriend) decided it was time to take her to church where she lives so she could meet the missionaries and get to know the members. OUR AREA! They stayed all 3 hours yesterday and we took advantage of the moment and taught them right after church. She accepted baptism for Dec. 6th

!!! She has a few doubts and wants to take things slowly, but she is excited to meet with us and knows that she wants to be a part of this church! SO EXCITED!

I am so grateful that Heavenly Father prepares people and puts them in our path. He knows who is ready to accept the gospel and if we pray hard, work hard, and strive to be exactly obedient, He leads us to the "elect"! Many times, missionary work is frustrating and disappointing (what a roller coaster!), but these miracles make it all worth it. So thankful Murilo was baptized this week and for the miracle of Camila!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope we each continue to strive to recognize the Lord's hand in our lives, not just in the big miracles, but in the many little victories and tender mercies as well. Read 1 Nephi 1:20. One of my favorites!!! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Seja Valente e Fiel (be valiant and faithful),

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. Pics of Murilo's baptism and the beautiful sky after the rainstorm we had

Oh and guess what... Sister R. Santos and I made the weekly mission newsletter! We taught the most lessons last week out of all the missionaries in our mission! WOOHOOO!

SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 19

Dear Family & Friends,

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me, confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me!

I love that hymn. This week was incredible! I am so amazed at the blessings the Lord is truly showering over us. I know for a surety that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers and He knows the desires of our hearts. He wants to bless us! He wants us to be happy!

Let the miracles begin...

We found an old teaching record for a lady named Aparecida that was taught over 10 years ago. We clapped at her gate and called her name, waited and waited, and nothing. We started walking away when I glanced back and saw her. "Who are you?" she said, "How do you know my name?" Then she saw our name tags. "Mormons! How did you remember me?" My companion looked at her and said, "Heavenly Father never forgets his children". We ended up teaching her, her husband, and her 30 year old daughter named Ket. Ket accepted baptism and by the second lesson, was reading the Book of Mormon- she explained to us perfectly how the Book of Mormon and Bible support each other in testifying of Christ. WOOHOO! Unfortunately she didn't make it to church yesterday but I still have faith in this miracle.

We visited another former investigator named Juliana late Saturday night and invited her to church. SHE CAME!!!! She brought her 3 young kids. It was her first time and she loved it. SO excited to teach this family!!!!

Sabrina (girlfriend of less active Julio) came to church for the second time yesterday. We hadn't been able to get in contact with her so we took advantage of the moment, talked to her after church, and put her on date for baptism November 29th!!!! I'm excited about this one too!!! Problem with her will be teaching her. Her mom isn't supportive and Julio is always working, but I know Heavenly Father will provide the way!

We found a family with 5 kids!!!! Marcos, Denise (the parents) and Biatriz, Julia, Tiago, Pedro, and Gustavo (the kids).  All over the age of 8! And this family is perfect. So happy and united. Marcos truly wants what is best for his kids and wants to learn more about the church. They accepted the invitation to be baptized last night during our lesson, but they work on Sundays and are very busy during the week. But I know it's all going to work. I have faith. This family is too perfect. We have to teach them!!!

Luiz Carlos received the Priesthood yesterday! He is really doing well and staying strong. His mom told us she doesn't want to join our church but is glad her son is happy. Broke my heart a little bit, but I know one day soon she will realize that this gospel is for her too!

And last but not least, Murilo. If his Silvio (stepdad) decides not to travel this weekend, Murilo will be baptized on Saturday!!!! We are doing everything to make this happen. I have faith, I have faith, I HAVE FAITH!!!

So I have been reflecting alot this week on my personal testimony and how my testimony has been strengthed through out these past few years:

"Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might be born of God and be filled with the Holy Ghost" (Alma 36:24).

I think about moving to Alabama and everyone asking me questions about being Mormon. It was then that I had to decide if I really believed all of this was true or not. My testimony was strengthened from those experiences. I think about serving in the Ensley Branch with my family, seeing the gospel change lives. This is what sparked my desire to serve a full-time mission. And now here in the mission field. Serving in the United States and here in Brazil, watching before my very eyes how the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses everyone!

I know with all my heart that this church is true. I am proud to be a Mormon. I am proud to be a missionary! I am working hard every single day and not wasting a single moment because I want everyone to taste this same joy that I have tasted!! Valiance in this great labor of love!

I love and miss you all!

Sempre Sorria,

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. Pics of Luiz Carlos, his mom Tereza and Eduardo after one of our lessons last week. And the other, # 1 BYU fans here in Brazil!!! Thanks for the package mom :)

SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 18

Dear Family & Friends,

LUIZ CARLOS WAS BAPTIZED ON SATURDAY!!!!! We had a combined baptismal service with the other sisters who share the church building with us. Everything went perfectly! He was definitely nervous, but Irmão Claudi (member who baptized him) helped him alot. It made me so happy to see the ward members jumping in to make him feel welcome and comforted. Luiz Carlos was our miracle this transfer. No doubt the gospel changes people from the inside out! His mom came to the baptism and to church on Sunday to see him recieve the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She cried as she saw her son get baptized and told us she never thought this day would happen. Luiz Carlos has caused her much heartache and sleepless nights over the years, and now, she has the biggest smile and glow of happiness. |Makes my heart smile! Yes, let's baptize her next :)

Yesterday was the best Sunday of my mission. Aside from the fact that Luiz Carlos was confirmed and his mom Tereza came to support him, Eduardo (recent convert) passed the Sacrament, gave his first talk, and recieved his first calling. He will be helping out with the Young Men- perfect! I can't even express how happy I am to see one of our recent converts progressing in the gospel and growing his testimony. SO AWESOME! And Murilo also was at church with his mom and stepdad! Such a great Sunday. WOOHOO!

Unfortunately Murilo was not baptized this week. When we passed by his house the other night to confirm everything for the baptism, he was so stressed out and crying because he didn't want to be baptized. He felt like he was being rushed into it and he was worried about what would happen on the weekends when he went to his dad's house. After listening, resolving his doubts, and much prayer, we decided to take a few steps back on focus on helping him gain a stronger testimony. We had a basic lesson on the name of the Church and we taught him the Joseph Smith story again. He was able to see Luiz Carlos get baptized and I know this helped him feel a lot better. I know it won't be long before he gets baptized! Keep praying for him please!

To my surprise, Sister R. Santos and I will be staying in Rio Acima for another transfer! I was shocked when we got the call. Normally after training, the trainer leaves so I was all ready to be transferred. But the Lord certainly knows better than I do so here we go! I found a lot of peace reading Alma 17 this morning. As I continue to serve the people of Rio Acima just like Ammon served the King, I know the Lord will bless me with the ability and strength to  continue in this area with my companion. Oh how my mission is teaching me lots and lots of pacience. Let's make this transfer the best one yet!!!!

I only have 3 transfers left of my mission... SCARY.

I hope you all have the best week ever!! LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for praying for Luiz Carlos, Murilo, and the rain! Yes, it rained a ton this week. We won't die of lack of water! I know the Lord hears and answers our prayers!

Sempre Sorria,

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. Pics of the baptism (Luiz Carlos is on the far right- he was happy, I promise!) and of Murilo, his mom Ivone, and his step dad Silvio. Love this family. Murilo WILL be baptized! I have faith!!!!

SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 17

Dear Family & Friends,

Happy November! It really does not feel like November. Are you sure it's not July?! Still melting and Brazil is having a severe lack of water. There are several areas around us that didn't have water for a few days last week. I'm a little bit scared! Actually alot. So we are preparing and doing everything possible to save water! We are all praying for rain and November 16th all the members of the church in Brazil will fast together to help those without water. I know Heavenly Father will take care of us!

And Happy late Halloween! Unfortunately no one here really celebrated and I love Halloween so that was a bit sad. But I'll get my candy fix when I come home. Did you hear that family? Save some for me!

Ok now for the exciting news. Luiz Carlos went to church again yesterday and he had the chance to see the baptism of the other ward, so he is all set to be baptized on Saturday!!!!! I am so excited! He is very anxious and a little bit scared of what will happen after baptism- if he will be strong enough to resist temptation and addiction. We have been talking a lot about the gift of the Holy Ghost and he tells us every lesson "I'm ready to change, I know I can do it". We fasted for him yesterday. Please pray for him to stay strong this week. He's gone several weeks without using any drugs but he did drink one day last week. I know he will stay strong. He needs baptism now more than ever!!!!

Moroni 8:25-26 "And the first fruits of repentance is baptism, and baptism cometh by faith." Luiz Carlos is showing that he has repented of his past and he has faith to enter the waters of baptism. "[The] Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love". With the Holy Ghost as his light and guide, he will have the strength to overcome his problems and stay firm. With perfect love and hope, we can't have fear. The gift of the Holy Ghost will be the confidence he needs to continue on the straight and narrow path back to our Father in Heaven!

Murilo was at his Dad's house this past weekend so we aren't sure if he made it to church in another ward. If so, he can be baptized Saturdaytoo. If not, his baptism will be Sunday after church. His mom (less-active) is so grateful we are teaching her son. She is so excited for Murilo to be baptized! Murilo is truly feasting upon the words in the Book of Mormon, studying with real intent, and always says the most sincere prayers during our lessons. He is so ready for baptism! Pray for him too!!!

On Saturday we did a service project with all the missonaries in the interior (half the mission). We helped clean and paint a school in the city of Trujilo. It was awesome! President and Sister Farnes and their family were there too. I loved having the opportunity to do a big service project. Reminds me of all the service projects we did in Sacramento! I love service. Always makes you feel good.

So guess what... I am having lots of trouble remembering English. I never thought this would happen to me! Eduardo (recent convert) is learning English and has been asking me lots of questions. It's a little bit frustrating when I can't remember how to pronounce words or remember how to say things in English. I can write just fine but even reading my scriptures in English is starting to become more strange than reading in Portuguese. Just goes to show that having a Brazilian companion has helped me A TON. My language abilites have improved so much over the past 2 transfers. 

This week is the last week of training Sister R. Santos. We are going to end this transfer with a BANG! Finish strong!!!! Next week we will have transfers. Stay tuned :)

I LOVE YOU ALL!

Sempre Sorria,

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. Pics at the service project. First is with all the sisters- look closely and you'll find Sister Talli Archibald! Love her. The other is with a group of us and our awesome new tshirts. They aren't exactly "Mormon Helping Hands" shirts, but close enough! 

SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 16

Dear Family & Friends,

Luiz Carlos came to church yesterday!!! YAY! He is really progressing. He has trouble reading but we've been reading with him and teaching him slowly so he understands everything. He told us that we are angels sent from God helping him change his life! Woohoo! Eduardo (recent convert) has been doing awesome at being his friend this past week. He's been helping us teach him. I am so happy with this!

We have another investigator on date for baptism November 8th: Murilo. He is 15 years old, the son of a less-active named Ivone that we found street contacting. She moved here recently so we didn't have her on our ward list. It was a miracle we found her because she didn't have the courage to go to church on her own. The youth in the ward are doing a great job of interacting with Murilo and inviting him to activities. He loves the Book of Mormon and is really excited about baptism!

On Tuesday all the missionaries in our zone (about 20 of us) went to one area to do a "Blitz" to help out the other sisters. Each companionship was in charge of a road and we had about 3 hours to contact people and find as many new investigators as possible. Sister R. Santos and I found some really neat families and put 2 people on date for baptism! That day was certainly a powerful and productive day of missionary work for this area. It was a good experience! United our zone, helped the other sisters, and we learned that we can accomplish ALOT in just a few hours.

"And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence..." (Jacob 1:19)

This scripture really jumped out at me during my personal study this morning. We always talk about being more diligent missionaries, but I have never thought about teaching more diligently. How can I teach more diligently? I can ask more inspired questions, listen better. I can seek to follow the Spirit in discerning what our investigator needs. I can explain scriptures and testify more. I realized today that I truly have a responsibility to "teach with all diligence", teach every person to the best of my ability to they can understand. I must continue to do my best to teach simply, boldly, and with love. I must continue to pray and study for the needs of my investigators so they can feel and learn through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I am so grateful to have this chance to serve the Lord and teach His gospel! I am learning so much and seeking to be a better missionary each and every day. It's not easy but it's so worth it. We had so many moments of pure happiness this week. Pure happiness for me is seeing my companion happy. She's not one to express joy, but when she finally does, I can't help but smile!!! Sister R. Santos is an incredible missionary and I am so thankful for the chance to be serving with her.

I hope you all have a great week! Just have to thank each and every one of you for your love and support. Love and miss you all!

Sempre Sorria,

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. Pics... I CUT MY HAIR!!!!! I feel at least 50 lbs lighter and so free! And I hit my 13 month mark this week. And 6 months in Brazil. WOOHOOOO!

SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 15

Dear Family & Friends,

This was a really, really good week! This week was AWESOME! Still melting and baking in the brazilian sun, but hey, we are on fire in more ways than one! We had a district meeting about using every possible opportunity to teach and it really pumped us up. We taught over 60 lessons this week! And we've been working on inviting everyone to be baptized with a specific date on the first contact. Sounds crazy? Oh, it is. It's kind of thrilling! This is thrill in the life of a missionary. Conquering our fears. 

We have to take advantage of every moment to give people the chance to change their lives for the better. I have no doubt that there are people all around us right here, right now, ready to accept the gospel and be baptized. Here's proof:

Tereza was a referral. Sweet older lady who has super strong faith but really doesn't want anything to do with the church. She wanted help for her 30 year old son Luiz, who is recovering from addictions. First visit he stayed in his room and didn't want to talk to us. Second visit, even after much coaxing and persuasion, he still stayed in his room. Then, when it came time to pray at the end, he came out. He told us he had been listening, how he wanted to read the Book of Mormon, how he wanted more than anything to change. It was a very humbling moment and the Spirit was strong. So what did we do? We invited him to change his life and put him on date for baptism in that instant. November 8th. It's going to be the best day of his entire life. And guess what... HE PRAYED AT THE END!!!! I'm so excited to teach him more!

We found a 19 year old less-active named Julio a few weeks ago who told us he had been feeling like the missionaries would visit him that day. He felt like everyone had forgot about him, and this visit was what he needed to have the desire to return to church. We were sad when he didn't come to church last week, but he came yesterday!!! Wooohooo! He even took out his earrings and was wearing a suit! Best part. He brought his girlfriend Sabrina. And we're teaching her tonight!

We had one another investigator at church yesterday. His name is Otavio. Sister R. Santos street contacted him in another area when we had exchanges this week. She tried to get his address but he was being stubborn and wouldn't give it. We found him again on Saturday (there are no coincidences!) and he ended up telling us his whole life story about how he lost his wife and how he doesn't know what happiness is anymore. He still wouldn't give us his address so we said "If you want happiness, meet us at church tomorrow". He told us that if we weren't out front waiting for him exactly at 9am, he would turn around and go home (haha this man really is a funny one). We kept our end of the deal and there he was. He stayed for all 3 hours and loved the Gospel Principles lesson about Eternal Marriage. Perfect. We are going to be teaching him this week!

As you can see, Heavenly Father is really blessing us ALOT! We have been working so hard and we are so exhausted. But it's all worth it. 

I gave a talk in church yesterday about missionary work, how Christ was the perfect missionary. I love Matthew 4:19 when the He says, "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men". Key word "I". HE will help us. HE will qualify us. This is HIS work. I got lots of compliments on my talk so I think everyone was able to understand what I was saying. I hope so! It was a good experience for me and I learned a lot preparing for it.

I know my Savior lives and He is helping me be a valiant missionary every day. This week was truly a week of valiance for us! When we show the Lord we are willing to work, He blesses us. It's that simple! So happy and excited for this upcoming week! More miracles!!!

Love and miss you all!

Sempre Sorria,

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. Pics from the Campinas temple that I wasn't able to include last week and a family we are teaching. Rita, the daughter of a less-active, just turned 8! We are helping her family return to church and preparing her for baptism. 

SP Barcelona- Rio Acima Letter 13 & 14

Dear Family & Friends,

Did you all miss my email last week??! I missed writing! I hope everyone is doing well. We had a surprise temple trip and got back late. So here is my past 2 weeks in a flash:

First, I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE! All the missionaries serving in the interior (about half the mission) got to go to the Campinas Temple for our Pday. This is why I didn't have time to email last week. I feel so lucky because this is the 4th temple I have visited during my mission (Provo, Sacramento, and São Paulo are the others). It was SO beautiful! Perfect spiritual upliftment for me. Just what I needed! I am so grateful for the temple. The temple truly is the house of the Lord, the closest place to heaven on Earth.

General Conference was great! I have to admit it was a bit different listening to everything in Portuguese. I missed hearing the power in Elder Holland's voice! But it was neat to hear the talks of our prophet and apostles translated live. All the music was still in English so everyone was asking me what the words meant haha. The theme that stood out to me from the talks was that of knowing for yourself, gaining your own testimony. This was perfect for the 3 investigators we had watching with us at the church building. I really enjoyed conference!

Last Sunday was Election Day here in Brazil. Posters and flyers EVERYWHERE. There were a few roads where you couldn't even see the sidewalk. The roads with the schools, where people voted, were the worst. Here in Brazil, everyone over the age of 16 votes. It's a law. If you don't vote, you have to pay R$3 (about $1.50). Not alot of money, but kind of riduculous! I thought that was interesting. I'm not sure who won the election and I'm not sure if people are happy or sad about what happened. I don't really understand politics, especially in another country!

The weather has been SO hot. I have no idea how many degrees it is, all I know is that I have not stopped sweating for days. There is no air conditioning anywhere. And fans can only do so much! And guess what, it's only October. It's still spring. Which means summer is going to be even worse. I think back to my high school cross-country days running in the heat. This prepared me! Also it seems like all the bugs have come out to play. Lots and lots of bugs! But it can always be worse, so I will put on a smile and "keep swimming" -like my mom always says, but now, in my own sweat :)

Yesterday was "Dia das Crianças", (day of kids) a special holiday for all the children under 12. I think this is just so cool! They have parties and the kids get presents. I know my little sister Addi would love this! All the primary kids got treat bags at church. Super cute!

Yesterday at church Sister R. Santos and I taught the lesson in Relief Society (the class for the women) about missionary work and the "fruit", or blessings of the gospel, in our lives. The lesson turned out really good! My companion shared her conversion story and had everyone in tears. She was baptized because of her friend. We as members don't realize the impact we can have on just one person! And just one person can affect generations of others. During the lesson, when I looked around at all the moms and ladies in our ward, I felt so much love for them. I love Rio Acima! These people are my family.

These past few weeks have been awesome! We've been having investigators at church and we have a few on date for baptism. We will keep working hard and I know the Lord will continue to bless us!

I LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL!
Sempre Sorria,

Sister Jorgensen

P.S. I had some great pics to share this week but the computer doesn't like my camera today. Next week, I promise!