July 29, 2013

"This Week was a slow one... Élder B Carvalho got hit with a virus so we spent several days in the house. Ive been pretty blessed staying healthy on the mission so far, maybe because my eating habits have bettered? I ate a tomato like an apple the other day!

i got a question about the pope here in rio, it was quite an interesting week! he was on tv a ton, but here in Caxias we´re pretty far away from the center so i didnt see much of a difference in the work. many people thought we were a part of his gig. ive heard some great things about the guy, i was secretly hoping to encounter him here to have a quick chat about the restored gospel...

Sandra´s baptism fell through... her husband is being super controlling and so we haven´t been able to speak directly to her. She knows shes being cheated on but is powerless to stand up for herself... we´re doing everything we can to help! Our relief society is awesome though, they´re right along side us in this lost lamb pursuit. She needs these blessings the Lord has to offer!

We´ve got two families that are really progressing towards baptism at the moment-

Gil and Minza- Miracles are happening in this household! This couple is progressing a ton; we´re heading there tonight to mark a baptism date. Theyre the parent in laws of Thiago, and after 10 years of knowing the missionaries theyre finally putting their lives in order to make covenants! Thiagos baptism had a big affect on them, their other son was sealed this month which has helped as well! Theyre really fond of me, we´re shooting to baptise them before i get transfered so cross your fingers! 

Ana and Henrique- Another family  whose been pretty involved in the church without being baptised. But after some support from the ward, Ana has commited to make covenants! Shes even having her brother whose flying in from the states preform the ordenance. Henrique is progressing more slowly, but we´re working to get him ready for the same baptisimal date.

Tons of potential and progress here, the only thing between us and sucess is our faith! the mission doesnt have to be a roller coaster of ups and downs, when faith is applying in the enabling power of the atonement, the work becomes an exponential increase of marvelous works, miracles, and salvation. Im actively looking for this level of faith. the Lord is being so merciful to me! thanks for all the prayers and support on my behalf. Eu vos amo! 

PS im attempting to make some pancakes when i get back to our house... if i don´t write next week, you know why!!!"

-Elder Kelland Hansen