Dear Everyone,
Tuesday (After the last email)
Weve
made it a week. Just as we were saying the room prayer tonight I was
filled with love for the Elders in my room. Elder Abbott, Elder Hughes,
and Elder Evans. I think that that is how God sees us. He knows our
challenges and weaknesses but magnifies our potential and our strengths.
Wednesday (August 1, 2018)
Our
room has room for two more Elders and today as the new missionaries
came in we got new roommates. They are both Brazilian, speak almost no
English, and it is probably the best thing that could have happened to
us. We are going to learn so much from them. Tonight I also
had the opportunity to seal the anointing given to Elder Gillespe for a
blessing for the sick. Elder Harris, who at first I thought was kind of
distant from the church, gave an absolutely beautiful blessing. I could
feel the Spirit working through him, even in a simple blessing for a
rough sore throat. I felt the Spirit so strongly and I know that Elder
Harris did too.
Thursday (August 2, 2018)
Today
we went to the police station to make sure our Visas were valid so we
didnt get deported back to America. To be honest I think that it would
be kind of funny to get deported to America. But I probably should stay
on my mission. It was really boring but something different. Also a
highlight of the day was that we got to have cereal for breakfast which
was so much better than the ham and cheese sandwiches we normally have.
Also when we were teaching both of our Instructors who are our fake investigators, we got baptismal commitments from both of them.
Friday (August 3, 2018)
I
forgot to write in my journal that day so to be really honest with you
I have no idea what happened. Must not have been that important though
if I cant remember it.
Saturday (August 4, 2018)
Today
has been a long day. We started to fast for Fast Sunday and to be
honest. Im pretty hungry. I am starting to love the Brazilian people so
much. They are so kind and so patient with our very poor Portuguese. I absolutely love São Paulo and I have only been here for a week and a
half. My Portuguese is coming pretty well I think. The gift of tongues
is so real. Without Heavenly Fathers help there is no way that I could
be doing this.
Sunday (August 5, 2018)
Today
we had a testimony meeting with our district and it was the most
spiritual thing I have ever experienced besides my Patriarchal Blessing.
Both Elder Cannall and Elder Harris said they were fully expecting to
be on a plan home 48 hours after they arrived but they testified that
because of the Love of the Savior, the love of our district and the Holy
Ghost, they now love the MTC. All the testimonies were so sincere and
heartfelt and I felt the Spirit so strong. This Gospel changes lives.
Another
awesome thing that happened tonight is that we found out that one of
our Brazilian roommates doesnt have a enough money to buy pajamas. So we
had the opportunity to give him some of our extra clothes for pajamas.
He was so excited and grateful and loving. It was a humbling experience.
We dont need things to be happy, we need faith and a love for Christ
and others.
Monday (August 6, 2018)
Today
me and Elder Abbott gave a lesson to our "new" investigator without
any notes for the first time. It was so cool because when I started to
talk about the story of the First Vision, the Portuguese words seemed to
come to me. Now Im sure that it wasnt perfect by any means but I could
feel the Spirit testify to me, even in Portuguese that these things are
true.
Guys I love you and miss you all but I know that there is a work to be done and I have been called to do it.
As my amazing Branch Presidency member said in very broken English "Go! Do! And be happy!"
Love you all!!
Elder Allen
