Everything was going normal until i received all call from the assistants saying that i had an interview marked with the President this next week. i quickly scanned my mind trying to remember any rules that i had broken or if i had offended anyone. He then reminded me that this would be my FINAL interview.....
i haven't stopped crying since then.
what a privilege it has been to represent Christ these past two years. the mission has past as though a dream(Jacob 7:26), i think they've mixed me up with another missionary, there´s still so much fight in me! But i can say, even though i may not be perfect, that the miracles that i have witnessed here in this personal holy land were divine. i cannot deny the tender mercies of the Lord in this marvelous work.
i read some comforting words this morning in II Timothy-
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
these words were comforting to me, reminding me that the only constant is change. I can say with all of my heart that i have fought a good fight amongst the children of God here in Rio. I am grateful for everything tha God has given me in return. There´s so much more to do! i am anxious to experience the next page of life, even if the story has a few twists!
Meanwhile the fight continues here, Nova Iguaçu is receiving more missionaries!!! Its good to know that the work here isn't going unnoticed(not the glory of men is important... there's just soo many people here who need to hear this message!) My poor companion, who hasn't even finished his training, will have to show the area to all the new Élderes... pray for him!
I praise God for the chance he has given me the chance to help build his house here in Rio. Im humbled as i reflect on all of the love and support he has given me- through members, converts, companions, leaders and you guys! I am forever changed. I bid a temporary farewell to the beloved city Rio de Janeiro, i´ll be back soon! and for my family and friends, i am sooo excited to labor in your midst to bring other unto Christ. I love you all, and will see you soon!
Com amor e fé, Élder Hansen"
Easter letter:
"This week was an especially diffcult but an especially rewarding for us! the neighoring area was closed due to an emergency transfer, so who was called to take care of all of the leftover investigators? ÉLDER HANSEN AND PIRAJÁ TO THE RESCUE! our area is now a lot bigger, and we have only a week to master it all! the reception was varied, we were surprised to find some investigators ''rebelling'' against us in response to the disappearance of the other missionaries. but we did our best to show them that we´re here to love and help them just as the others were!
Of the millions of inhabitants here in Rio, i just happened to run into Mateus, a young man that was baptised while in my first area! since his baptised, he stayed firm for a while but then turned back to the drugs and trafficing life that he was once involved in. When hearing of this, it broke my heart. Well, after our unexpected reunion on the train he joyfully told me that he´s returning to church!! ive contacted the missionarires there to visit/fellowship him, i have high hopes that the ward/missionaries do everything possible to help him stay on the straight and narrow!
This week was special in the fact that all of our lessons were centered on easter. As with other holidays, most brazilians use the days off work to booze it up and commit all manner of abominations. i was glad we were albe to bring a message so contrary to this social norm. as we taught about Christ, sooo many miracles happened! hearts were softened, investigators progressed, families grew closer, and i could feel the powerful but gentle touch of the masters hand in my life and in the work. we brought this atoneing message to a young man named Douglas, who had stopped to progress due to doubts about the Book of Mormon. as we shared the easter lesson, he decided to take up his cross and follow christ, as soon as possible! He told us the Joseph Smith and Book of Mormon had to have been true, in no other book has he felt closer to the savior and understanded better his sacrifice! He was Baptised this saturday, telling me that if i didnt baptise him, that he´d never enter into the water. How could i refuse? we normally let the members preform the ordinances to create freindships and more fully involve the ward, but i couldnt hide the joy as i put on my white tie and lifted my right arm to the squre one last time. the happiness cant be described as he gratefully embraced me in the font as a reconcilled man with God. How grateful i am for the redeeming power of the atonement!
A Happy Easter everyone! I hope that in the midst of calamity and despair, that we can remember Christ. He is the Light!
PS Here is a powerful video that my mom sent me about easter. Enjoy!
