Feliz Dia dos Pais, Pai!!!!

I just want you to know, you are MUITO, MUITO FANTÁSTICO E ÓTIMO E MARAVILHOSO E LINDO!!! I am super super grateful to have you as my Dad. I have learned SO much from you and your example and continue to think about you often and the things you taught me such as hard work and dedication, "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear", and how willing you always were to do whatever the Lord or your leaders asked of you. I am not as good at you yet, but I am striving to sacrafice more of myself like you always do and to be willing to submit myself to the will of the Lord. Thanks so much for making my life so wonderful Dad! No matter what I´m doing or where I am way far away on the other side of the world, I will always be your baby girl!

This week was a little unnormal. We had the world cup terça-feira (which we won by the way) and so we stayed inside that day and everything else got a little mixed up. It´s fun to walk down the streets and see Brazilian flags EVERYWHERE and everyone dressed in green and yellow jerseys. We have two giant flags set up in our apartment as well and are super excited and ready for Brazil to win the whole thing. I am really proud of our Brazilian missionaries. The Cup only happens once every four years, and this might very well be the only time in their lives in takes place in their country (the last world cup was here in the 60s). I know some of them are dying to watch it, but aparently we found out that every one of the missionaries in our mission obeyed the rules and stayed inside to study on Tuesday. I hope muito that this continues as Brazil moves on to the bigger games. The French are camped out in Ribeirão Preto in some hidden place that we will never see them, and I think there might be one game here in the city, but not much. What an adventure this is to be here at this time!

We are teaching a man named Carlos now who had a stroke I think or some kind of accident and understands a little slower. He is always home though and always lets us in. He loved the Plan of Salvation and is learning quickly. Last time we went there he opened the Book of Mormon in the middle of Alma and read all the war chapters until 3 Néfi 11! He is really doing his part. He is still searching for an answer to know about authority of the Priesthood because he was already baptized twice in other churches, but I know with his diligence and faith he will get an answer. The Elderes had a baptism this week that he was able to attend and he liked it a lot. He originally came to the Church because of our english class which is still going strong, especially with four duplas with Americans agora. I hope I can see Carlos be baptized before I leave Campos Eliseos!

We are also still teaching our old friend Anália. She is currently not going to move to the nursing home like we before thought and we are continuing to teach her and perpare her for baptism. She has lots of dificuldades remembering things and doesn´t understand our Portuguese very well so we have to teach everything two or three times and very slowly, but she has a huge desire to follow the teachings of Christ the best that she can. She is always asking us when we can come back and loves it when we come. I hope she can understand well enough to pass the baptismal interview because she is keeping the commandments and is ready for baptism!

I am loving life and ready to follow the will of the Lord wherever he sends me from here. Life is great! Time goes way too fast. Síster Hoggan is beginning her "twelve week program to get trained back to normal life" here soon! How fast time goes!

Love you lots and lots e muitos,

Síster Marchant

Muito obrigada pelas suas palavras Presidente,

Eu sempre sou edificada e aprendo algo mais com seus emails. Esta semana fez divisões com Síster Freitas e Síster Morales. Eu saí com Síster Freitas. Foi muito bom conhecê-la melhor e falar sobre nossas forças e fraquezas. Eu amo minhas Sísteres muito e sou muito grata por esta oportunidade conhecê-las tão bem. Elas são maravilhosas e trabalhando com fé. Síster Freitas e Síster Morales estão ensinando muitas famílias agora. Acho que a divisão foi muito boa para nós duas. Eu continuo aprender muitas coisas com estas divisões. Demos um treinamento sobre felicidade e como mostrar mais alegria em nossos rostos durante lições e em contatos. Convidamo-las ler o discourso de Elder Bednar na Conferência Geral sobre aprender de nossos fardos e submeter-nos à vontade do Senhor.

Eu continuo aprender muitas coisas esta semana de meus estudos e os estudos de Síster Hoggan. Ela é maravilhosa e tem muita paciência comigo. Nós duas estudamos muita esta semana dos atributos de Jesus Cristo e os discursos da Conferência. Eu amo esta Conferência, e o lendo esta me ajudando em Português também.

Nós temos dois pesquisadores com muito potencial agora. Se chamam Anália e Carlinho. Eles são um pouco velhos e aprendem devagar, então estamos ensinando muito basicamente. Eles estão aceitando bem e estão cumprindo compromissos, alem de ir a Igreja. Quando os dois foram a Igreja mais uma vez, elas estarão prontos para batismo. Espero muito que posso ver pelo menos um deles ser batizados antes do que eu saio Campos Elíseos. Eles são muito maravilhosos, têm muito fé, e querem fazer o que é certo seguir o Senhor. Minha vida é muito abençoada agora.

Estou pensando muito sobre paciência, fé, e gratidão recentemente. Realmente, todos os atributos de Cristo são ligados, e todos apontam à Expiação. Eu sei que qualquer dificuldade ou fardo que encontro na missão ou depois tem propósito, e que com a Expiação de Cristo posso vencer tudo. Tudo vai ser maravilhosa e vale a pena nesta obra. Nada poderia melhor.

Eu amo minha vida!

Obrigada,

Síster Marchant

Oi é,

The sun is shining in Ribeirão. Oh wait, it always does! The heat is back and the heat of the world cup is continuing strong. I am so happy we don´t get to watch it! We will just study all night long. What a great life.

We traveled to Franca this week! Síster Hoggan has served three trasfers there in the past so it was a little dejavu for her, but it was a new adventure for me. We took this fancy charter bus with giant, comfy seats and foot rests and overhead baggage. It was a little under a 2 hour bus trip to Franca where lives Síster Castro, Síster Palomino, e Síster Ferreira. Síster Palomino is training Síster Ferreira in a trio with Síster Castro who actually finishes her mission next week. It was a great division. The best part was a lesson with a woman named Carmen. We were doing contacts and she had just barely gotten home. We started talking to her as she stepped out of her car and she let us right in. Brazilians are so nice. She started talking to us and as we asked her more questions she opened up her heart to us about her problems and concerns in her family. The Spirit was strong and she started crying and was really excited to read the Book of Mormon. I am working on trying to ask better inspired questions and it is slowly but surely making a difference in my lessons. I love talking to these people and getting to know all of their stories. There are so many wonderful people in this world just waiting for the gospel!

Yesterday we had a giant stake conference for all of the stakes in our area do Brasil. It was a broadcast from Salt Lake, and Elder Ballard and Elder Scott spoke! The Spirit was strong and we had two investigators there. What a blessing to have modern prophets and revelations! It was neat to watch in Portuguese too. Did you know Elder Scott speaks Portuguese? It´s hard to remember a lot of what they say when I am focusing on the Portuguese, but I can understand everything now and think that Portuguese is more beautiful than ever. I am so blessed to be speaking this wonderful language. They talked about missionary work and basically everything we need to do in the gospel: scripture study, prayer, family history work, temples, and family, family, family. I love you guys so much! Thanks for literally being the best family in the world. I have taken for granted all of my life how wonderful my family is and how rare it is to have a stable family where we all love each other very much! Thanks for all of your constant support.

I´m studying right now a ton about atributos de Cristo em Pregar Meu Evangelho. It is amazing to me how perfect Christ is. There are so many things I need to change and improve still, and I am learning a lot from the example of Christ. There are about 9 Christlike attributes in Pregar Meu Evangelho I think, and all of them can be learned from studying the Atonement. I never noticed really before how Christ had such perfect faith in God, hope, charity, humility, obedience, etc. when he fulfilled this ultimate sacrafice. I love the doctrine and material of the gospel because there is always TONS more to study and learn. I will continue to learn for the rest of my life.

Obrigada Presidente,

Esta semana terminou ótima com a Conferência da Estaca com o reunião de satélite de Salt Lake. Eu AMO ouvir as palavras dos profetas. Mesmo que eu não lembre todas as coisas que eles falam em Português, eu amo sentir o Espírito que eles têm e aprender as doutrinas do evangelho em uma nova perspetiva. Eu quero sempre estudar e entender as palavras dos profetas.

Esta semana fomos para Franca para visitar Síster Castro, Síster Palomino, e Síster Ferreira. Síster Castro estava muito triste para ir embora logo, mas nós (incluindo ela) sabemos que é seu momento e que ela serviu uma missão excelente. Eu tenho muito respeito e amor para com Síster Castro e tenho aprendido muitas coisas dela. Eu fiz divisões com Síster Palomino enquanto Síster Hoggan saiu com Síster Castro e Síster Ferreira. Síster Palomino é maravilhosa. Ela tem um espírito muito calmo e tranquilo. Ela sabe as lições MUITO bem e ensina com seu coração. Me senti o Espírito Santo muito forte em nossas lições, especialmente quando encontramos alguns novos pesquisadores. Fizemos bons contatos também e tivemos um dia maravilhoso. Gostei de Franca muito e sei que tem muito potencial lá. Síster Palomino é uma líder muito amoroso e vai ajudar Síster Ferreira muito. Síster Ferreira já está fazendo muito bem e parece confortável na vida missionária. Tenho confiança completa nas três. Demos um treinamento sobre fazendo perguntas e ouvindo durante lições. Síster Palomino e Síster Ferreira não tem tanta experiência na missão mas têm o desejo forte para trabalhar e fazer a vontade do Senhor. Eu amo elas muito!

Nossa área em Campos Eliseos está bem e os membros estão continuando ajudar. Vamos continuar correndo atrás pesquisadores e buscando para novos. Tivemos alguns contatos bem chiques esta semana e estão sentindo o Espírito forte. Eu estou amando estudar e estou aprendendo coisas novas em meus estudos todos os dias. Pregar Meu Evangelho realmente é um livro inspirado por Deus, e tenho confiança completa em tudo que é escrito lá. Eu amo estudar!

Obrigada por tudo,

Síster Marchant

 

 

 

English

 

Thank President,
This week ended with great Stake Conference meeting with the satellite from Salt Lake. I LOVE hearing the words of the prophets. Even though I do not remember all the things they say in Portuguese, I love to feel the spirit they have and learn the doctrines of the gospel in a new perspective. I always want to study and understand the words of the prophets.
This week we went to France to visit Castro Sister, Sister Palomino, and Sister Ferreira. Sister Castro was very sad to leave soon, but we (including her) know that your time is and that she served an excellent mission. I have much respect and love for Castro Sister and I have learned many things from her. I did divisions with Sister Sister Palomino while Hoggan left with Sister and Sister Castro Ferreira. Sister Palomino is wonderful. She has a very calm and quiet spirit. She knows very well the lessons and teaches with his heart. I felt the Holy Spirit very strong in our lessons, especially when we find some new investigators. We made good contacts and also had a wonderful day. Franca liked very much and I know you have a lot of potential there. Sister Palomino is a very loving leader and will help Sister Ferreira much. Sister Ferreira is already doing very well and seems comfortable in the missionary life. I have complete confidence in all three. Demos training on asking questions and listening during lessons. Sister and Sister Palomino Ferreira is not so mission experience but have a strong desire to work and do the Lord's will. I love them too!
Our area is well Eliseos Fields and members are continuing help. We will continue chasing and searching for new researchers. We had some pretty fancy contacts this week and feeling the Spirit strong. I'm loving study and am learning new things in my studies every day. Preach My Gospel really is a book inspired by God, and I have complete confidence in everything that is written there. I love studying!
Thanks for everything,
Sister Marchant

 

I have been very blessed here in Campos Eliseos for many reasons, especialmente healthwise. I haven´t really been sick at all my whole mission. I´ve had a few headaches and stomachaches here and there like anyone else, but I have never gotten the flu or worms like lots of other missionaries or had to miss any day of work at all. Thank you tons for your prayers! They are being answered here daily.

We had an interesting experience this week when teaching the Restoration. We had taught this one 13-year old boy named Guilherme once and went back to watch the short DVD of the Restoration with him. He was actually in the house of our menos ativo across the street. We didn´t know he was there but ran into him "coincidentally" and he reluctantly agreed to come back over to his house (that had the DVD player) to watch it with us. Then about half an hour later just after we had finished the film and were finishing the lesson, his other friend Alan who we had been trying to get in contact with that day had come to Guilherme´s house actually searching us out. "Sim as meninas da Igreja estão aqui!" we responded. He came in and was sad he missed the movie so we actually watched it again! I think I have seen the Restoration (20 minutes) now more times than any other movie in my life, but I never thought I would watch it twice in one hour. It turned out to be two really great lessons and they felt the Spirit strong, especially Alan. They both came to Church this week (wooooo!!!) and we are excited to go back and teach them again.

We also taught a great lesson to Débora about the Priesthood this week. I learned a lot from studying and teaching this lesson, and Débora said it really opened her eyes to see the gospel in a new light. Then the next day at Church there was a baby blessing and for fast and testimony meeting lots of members bore their testimony about the Priesthood. It was absolutely perfect and made me really excited that Débora was there to see the Priesthood in action so soon.

In Sacrament Meeting também Sebastião passed the Sacrament to me for the first time. He has been helping with the Sacrament for some time now but this was the first time he passed it to me in my corner behind the piano. He came over with a huge smile on his face and it made me super feliz. We had lots of little tender mercies from the Lord this week.

We also had a ward integration activity on Wednesday. This ward is really good at having activities. They just make it like a giant Family Home Evening for the ward. It is not a big deal, just a hymn, short message, game, and treats. This week there were LOTS of people there, and about half were investigators! The ward is really doing great to help integrate investigators, and with 8 missionaries we are seeing the blessings. When the activity was supposed to start we were all praying for members to come, not investigators, because we had so many visitors and few members to integrate them! But eventually lots of people arrived due to normal Mormon Brazilian time. We also had a mini miracle of the multiplicação do cachorro quente. We had hot dogs Brazilian style but not very many and had tons of people, so Síster Hoggan and I and Paola (wife of the bishop) said a prayer and started dividing and improvising to multiply these cachorros. It turned out great and there was plently for everyone.

For those of you who are curious, we got news this week that no, we will not watch the World Cup. For me I could care less and actually I am pretty excited because we will have more time to study. We will come back home half an hour before a game of Brazil starts (there are three marked so far) and have a few extra hours of study until the game ends. You would be amazed (maybe) at how much hulabaloo is going on by the copa. Everyone gets off of work and the whole country shuts down to stay inside and watch the game. I personally think it is a little ridiculous, but then I have never been a big football fan in the first place so who am I to say?

It´s starting to get colder (halleluiah!) and I am sleeping better these days with a blanket. That calls for strange dreams. But I am happy and using a jacket in the mornings. I miss the snow and ice, but at the same time it is hard to imagine going back to that again! It took a while to accostum to this hot weather but it will be very strange to be in a cold place again some day! I think I´ll stay here for a while instead.

I love you all! Stay cool and drink lots of lemonade (Brazilians think it´s weird that we like lemonade so much. Why would you choose lemonade when you have so many other wonderful crazy flavors of juice?)!

Síster Marchant

Obrigada Presidente!

Esta semana foi muito boa de novo. Síster Hoggan está um pouco resfriada esta fim de semana, mas esta melhorando agora com um pouco mais descanso. Eu acho que depois desta P-Day vamos estar com boa saúde e pronta trabalhar de novo. Nós tivemos algumas lições boas esta semana com novos pesquisadores também. Estamos ensinando dois rapazes agora se chamam Alan e Guilherme. Eles são jovens mas têm muito desejo para saber a verdade e parecem dispostos sacrificar para saber por si mesmos. Eles foram a Igreja esta semana sozinhos e estão fazendo sua parte. Nós não os ensinamos muitas vezes ainda mas temos esperança que eles vão progredir rapidamente.

O Conselho de Liderança foi uma bênção grande de minha semana. Aprendi muitas coisas e estou incentivada para ser uma Síster Treinadora melhor. Sei que tem muito mais que eu posso fazer como treinadora e também em nossa própria área, e quero dedicar tudo que tenho ao este trabalho. Vamos ligar nossas Sísteres mais e trabalhar mais arduamente esta semana.

O dia depois o Conselho eu decidi estudar da Liahona desta mês de junho para conhecer os escritos dos profetas e líderes da Igreja melhor. Encontrei uma artigo sobre o Sacerdócio que abriu minha mente muito. Nós ensinamos nosso recém-converso sobre o Sacerdócio aquele dia então foi perfeito. Aprendi tantas coisas que nunca entendi! Estava muito animada que o Senhor respondeu à minha oração tão rápido. A experiencia fortaleceu meu testemunho sobre os profetas vivos e as forças que ganhamos quando somos obedientes ao conselho de nossos líderes.

Também tive uma experiencia muito doce esta semana na Igreja quando meu recém-converso que recentemente recebeu o Sacerdócio passou o sacramento a mim. Foi tão bom para ver ele firme no evangelho e crescendo e aprendendo cada semana. Esta obra é maravilhosa.

Obrigada por tudo!

Síster Marchant

Hello bonitas! This week was very busy but very wonderful. First of all...we had three batismos esta semana! Finally the três meninas made it to the agua. We have been teaching them for quite some time now but the past two weeks they have really got their act together and prepared to be baptized. On Saturday, May 24th (two days before the day I was baptized :)) Geovanna, Bianca, and Mariana were baptized. Our Ward Mission Leader, the good ole Tiago, helped lots and it turned out to be a wonderful meeting. With 8 missionaries in one ward and a ward on fire for missionary work, there were lots of people eager to help. Debora sang a special musical number and Tiago conducted the meeting (for the first time in his life) and the Bishop gave an awesome testimony/welcome to the ward at the end. Then we had a nice little reception in the back with lots of good little treats and everyone stayed and talked lots. This was great especially for our new investigator Sna. Anália. She is about 75 and the mom of a less-active. She had never been to our Church before, although her son was super active many years back. She agreed to come to the baptism last minute and liked it a lot. Now she has a baptismal date and is learning very quickly to get there. She said she has always wanted to visit our Church and really likes the good morals it supports, but has never had anyone to go with or to invite her in the past 10 years. We found this family actually looking for a different less active completely unrelated to them, but it turned out really great. I think her son Arnoldo will be a little harder to get to Church, but with the good example of his mom great things will happen! She came to Relief Society yesterday and said she wants to come to more next week but had a compromisso later on in the morning so she couldn´t finish the meetings. It is sometimes hard to find her em casa, but if she is home lots of days this week I think she could be next! We also did divisions with Batatais this week. Those Sísteres are great and we had lots of fun. We had a bit of a scare coming home though. We were waiting at the bus stop in Batatais when an old woman alone came up to us and started talking to us really quietly. She looked really weak and tired and suddenly collapsed in Síster Hoggan´s arms! At that exact moment the bus (which only comes once every hour) showed up. Luckily there were lots of people close by to help out. There were two guys there with a car who helped her get in and took her to some hospital nearby. We were very blessed there was so many people there because we were in a foreign city and didn´t know anyone or anywhere to take her. It worked out well and just shook us up a bit. Then we got on the bus and started on our way back to Ribeirão (about a 45 minute trip). We had just gotten to the outer limits of the city of Batatais when Síster Hoggan turns to me and says "I think I´m going to be sick". So we yell to the motorista to open the doors and we hop off at the last bus stop and the bus drives away. Síster Hoggan really was sick so it was good we got off...but our phone had died ealier and we didn´t know where we were. We started walking down the street looking for a supermarket or something to buy crackers and water and luckily found one really fast. We went back to the bus stop and another bus for Ribeirão showed up before long, and we finally made our way home. It was an interesting morning and one to remember, but in the end didn´t actually turn out too bad. We had our baptisms that day too so we were happy and safe. Síster Hoggan is feeling better already and we are going to be fine. What an adventure! We continue to do contacts like crazy and have way too many people to visit. What problems we have in Brazil. We have trouble helping people keep commitments (especially coming to Church), but there are always TONS of people to visit and not enough times in our days! These days are zooming by and I am very happy. I am learning more about the Atonement and repentance and forgiveness lately. Elder Torgan said something very interesting about repentance when he was here. He said that none of the general authorities are perfect yet and they still sin, but the difference between the apostles and us is that when they make a mistake they repent istantaneously, and don´t hold on to it for anything. I want to learn to repent and forgive myself and others immediately, and to understand the Atonement better in my life. There are so many things I still want to learn and change about myself. Good thing I still have many months as a missionary! Love you lots, Síster Marchant Obrigada Presidente! Esta semana foi maravilhosa. Estamos tentando encontrar novos esta semana e temos MUITAS pessoas visitar. Fizemos muitos contatos com endereços então temos muitos pessoas contatar de novo em casa e compartilhar nossos testemunhos. Nossos números esta semana foi melhor e estamos animadas melhorar mais. Síster Hoggan e eu estão trabalhando duro e bem juntos, e conseguimos vencer qualquer problema rapidamente. Ela é uma companheira e missionária maravilhosa e estou muito abençoada estar com ela ainda. Estamos continuando aprender e crescer. Tivemos 3 batismos em Sábado! Foi um dia cheio de amor e felicidade. Nossas três meninas, Geovanna, Bianca, e Mariana foram finalmente batizadas, tudo mundo no mesmo dia. Trabalhamos muito com elas para chegar neste dia, e elas estavam prontas e muito felizes. Foi uma reunião muito feliz e bem organizada. A ala, especialmente nossa líder da missão da ala, ajudou MUITO, e tivemos muitas pessoas para ajudar. Também tivemos um outro pesquisador Anália que gostou muito e está preparando para ser batizada próximo! Nós estamos vendo as bênçãos de nossa fé. Eu ainda tenho que ganhar muito mais fé em Cristo, mas cada dia aprender mais e amo Ele mais. Eu sei que com a Expiação de Cristo tudo é possível, mesmo que pareça bem difícil. Fizemos divisões com Batatais B esta semana. Eu saí com Síster Sidon e Síster Hoggan saiu com Síster Kelly. Foi uma divisão muito boa. Síster Sidon é uma missionária de poder. Ela fala Português quase perfeito e está começando o programa de inglês agora. Ela ensina muito bem e tem um espírito calmo e feliz. Me sentia muito segura e alegre como a companheira dela e acho que ela seria muito boa com qualquer Síster. Elas começaram de nada em Batatais mas têm muitas pessoas visitar agora e estão fazendo uma obra maravilhosa. Foi um pouco difícil esta semana para elas ao elas buscarem uma casa nova, mas parece que elas encontraram uma boa e que tudo vai ser mais normal em breve. Fizemos um treinamento sobre fazendo perguntas de poder e pelo Espírito, porque nós duas sentimos como estávamos falando demais durante nossas lições. Tenho confiança que elas vão continuar melhorar e ter muito sucesso em Batatais. Elas são um bom exemplo para mim. Estou muito feliz estes dias! Estamos estudando muito e trabalhando ainda mais. Eu sempre amo estudos e especialmente amo este programa de níveis de uma missionária de Pregar Meu Evangelho. Espero que eu consiga terminar o primeiro nível em breve. Vida é fantástico! Obrigada por tudo, Síster Marchant     Google English   Thank you President ! This week was wonderful . We are trying to find new this week and we have MANY people visit. We made many contacts with addresses so many people have contact again at home and share our testimonies . Our numbers this week was better and we Animated improve more . Sister Hoggan and I are working hard and well together, and we managed to win any problem quickly . She is a wonderful companion and missionary and I am very blessed to be with her still . We are continuing to learn and grow . We had 3 baptisms on Saturday ! It was a full day of love and happiness . Our three girls , Geovanna , Bianca , and Mariana were finally baptized , all the world on the same day . We are working hard with them to get to this day , and they were ready and very happy . It was a very happy and well organized meeting. The wing , especially our ward mission leader , helped A LOT , and we had many people to help . We also had another researcher who liked Anália and is preparing to be baptized next ! We are seeing the blessings of our faith . I still have to earn a lot more faith in Christ , but every day more and learn love Him more . I know that with the Atonement of Christ all things are possible , even if it appears very difficult . We did divisions with Batatais B this week . I went out with Sidon and Sister Sister Sister Kelly Hoggan left with . It was a very good division . Sister Sidon is a missionary power . She speaks Portuguese and is almost perfect English program starting now . She teaches very well and has a calm and happy spirit. I felt very safe and joyful as the companion of her and think she would be very good with any Sister . They started from nothing in Batatais but have many people visiting now and are doing a wonderful work . It was a little difficult this week for them when they seek a new home , but it looks like they found a good and everything will be normal soon . We did training on asking questions of power and the Spirit , because we both felt like we were talking too much during our lessons . I am confident that they will continue to improve and be very successful in Batatais . They are a good example for me . I'm very happy these days ! We are studying hard and working even more . I always love studies and especially love this program a missionary levels of Preach My Gospel . I hope I can finish the first level soon. Life is fantastic ! Thanks for everything, Sister Marchant

Hello dearest familia que eu amo!

This was a great start to the transfer. We had a few hard days when no one was home, but overall we had some awesome lessons and the week ended with a wonderful Sunday. It was ward conference, and the bishop and the rest of the ward have been working really hard the past two weeks to bring as many people as possible to Church this week. We had lots of miracles and ended up with a full chapel--with a higher frequency than I have ever seen here in Campos Eliseos: 121 pessoas. I don´t think I have ever been there with more than 100 people! The ward is working hard and we are seeing miracles daily. For Sacrament Meeting Presidente Brum came and spoke to us! He spoke about the power of member missionary work and our mission plan for the family (to help members pass out Books of Mormon, invite people to Church, and invite friends to meet with the missionaries). Presidente has such a strong testimony and a wonderful spirit about him. I love to hear him speak and to learn from his counsel. I am very blessed to be in this mission and to have Presidente and Síster Brum taking care of us. I know I will be protected and well-directed aqui.

Bishop Fabio gave a great talk as well about how much of a diference even the little things can do in missionary work. He talked about how Christ really has the power to do whatever He could ever want, but that He uses us humble servants on the Earth to move His work forward so that we can learn and be blessed. We have had maravilous experiences as we have shared the gospel and will continue to have these blessings as we continue to share what we know. After all that is said, the most important task on earth is to preach the gospel. I love Bispo Fabio and his family so much. They have changed my life and are great examples to me of how to fulfill callings and be a solid LDS family amongst much discord and dificuldade in this world. They are so kind to us and are like my second parents here in Campos Eliseos. Bispo is supportive of the work and will do whatever it takes to help us is our missionary efforts. He might as well just put on a badge himself the way he´s working sem fim.

Today we had an interesting experience in our apartment. The complex is cleaning the water tank or something and turned of the water for today. It´s a shame that the day they do this it is Preparation Day and the one day we really have to do laundry, wash the floors, wash the bathroom and cook at home. I never realized the wonderful importance of water or how much water we use every day. It is such a wonderful gift in our life to have running water! We have been running around town trying to find public bathrooms (which are not very common in Brazil) and saving every drop we have. Luckily we were forewarned so we filled up all of our bottles and buckets last night. I will never take water for granted again. We will only be lacking for a day (hopefully). I can only imagine not having running water in your house! We are a very blessed, or spoiled, generation We use water for everything. Water is a blessing in my life!

Life is great and going smooth. We are really excited for our tres meninas who will be baptized this next weekend! Pray for us that everything goes right. I love baptisms more than anything!

Beijos beijos,

Síster Marchant

Olá Presidente!

Aprendi muitas coisas esta semana. Síster Hoggan e eu estamos trabalhando muito para ajudar pessoas frequentar a Igreja. As novas melhores são que vamos ter três batismos este próximo sábado! Três meninas em uma família, Giovana (15 anos), Bianca (13), e Mariana (11) estão animadas ser batizadas logo. Foi um caminho longo para chegar aqui, mas finalmente elas estão prontas e dispostas entrar as águas. Síster Hoggan e eu estamos muito animadas e visitando elas todas as dias. Hoje temos uma reunião familiar planejado com elas que estou animada assistir.

Muito obrigada por suas palavras em nossa ala domingo. Senti o Espírito forte durante todos os discursos. Os membros aqui realmente são ótimos e estão mudando mais para nos ajudar mais. A desculpa mais comum que nos recebemos agora quando nos pedimos que membros ensinem conosco é, "desculpa, já marquei sair com outros missionários!" A ala, especialmente o bispo e presidente do sociedade de socorro, é animada e disposta ajudar e cuidar com todos nós oito. Vamos ver sucesso aqui. Todas as duplas tiveram pesquisadores na Igreja esta semana, e tivemos uma freqüência maior do que qualquer outro domingo em minha missão de 7 meses aqui em Campos Eliseos. Quero trabalhar muito arduamente e ensinar um monte de pessoas!

Fizemos divisões com Sister Casperson e Síster Rodriguez esta semana. Eu saí com Síster Casperson. Ela é uma missionária muito forte e não tem medo de nada. Ela está disposta fazer qualquer coisa que o Senhor pede. Foi muito divertido para mim ensinar algumas das pessoas aqui em Campos Eliseos que eu ensinei no passado quando não tinha tantas duplas, como o recém-converso Nesia. Síster Casperson é uma pessoa muito feliz e tem um espírito de alegria e tranquilidade com ela. Eu confiaria nela sem dúvida. Ela está ensinando muito bem e sabe os fundamentais bem. Sua grande desafio agora é para falar Português. Ela está melhorando cada dia e não tem medo nunca para tentar, ainda quando pessoas não entendem. Por causa disto eu acho que ela não vai ter muitos dificuldades logo. Ela entende quase tudo agora também, só tem problemas conjugar verbos, como eu também. Ela está fazendo muito bem e está feliz. A partir de 3 meses morando com elas, eu nunca vi ela com raiva ou muito triste. Síster Casperson é uma Síster com poder e trabalha com Síster Rodriguez muito bem. Ela é um exemplo bom para Síster Casperson também e é um líder excelente. Nós demos um treinamento sobre compromissos e a importância dar compromissos com tudo mundo em todas as lições. Também falamos sobre planejar quais compromissos dar antes de enter as lições. Esta dupla é maravilhosa, e eu amo morando com elas!

Esta semana foi tranquila. Tivemos alguns dias difíceis com quase ninguém em casa, mas ensinamos algumas lições ótimas e tivemos milagres. Foi um bom começo a esta nova transferência.

Obrigada,

Síster Marchant

 

 

English Translation:

Hello President !
I learned a lot this week . Sister Hoggan and I are working hard to help people attend church . The best new is that we have three baptisms this coming Saturday ! Three girls in a family , Giovana (15 years ) , Bianca ( 13) and Mariana ( 11 ) are excited to be baptized soon . It was a long road to get here , but finally they are ready and willing to enter the waters . Sister Hoggan and I are very excited and visiting them every day . Today we have a family reunion planned with them that I'm excited to watch .
Thank you for your words in our ward Sunday. I felt the Spirit strong during all speeches . The members here are really great and are shifting more to help us more . The most common excuse we received us now when we ask that members teach us is , "sorry , already marked out with other missionaries ! " The wing , especially the bishop and president of the Relief Society , is excited and willing to help and care with all eight of us . Let's see success here . All doubles had researchers in the Church this week , and had a higher frequency than any other Sunday at 7 months my mission here in Elysian Fields. I want to work very hard and teach a lot of people !
We did divisions with Sister and Sister Casperson Rodriguez this week . I went out with Sister Casperson . She is a very strong missionary and not afraid of anything. She is willing to do whatever the Lord asks . It was really fun for me to teach some of the people here in Campos Eliseos I taught in the past when I had so many pairs, as the new convert Nesia . Sister Casperson is a very happy person and have a spirit of joy and tranquility with it . I trust her without a doubt. She is teaching very well and know the fundamental right. His challenge now is to speak Portuguese . She is improving every day and has never not afraid to try , even when people do not understand . Because of this I think she will not have many problems soon . She also understands almost everything now , just have trouble conjugating verbs , as I also do . She is doing very well and is happy . From three months living with them , I never saw her angry or sad . Casperson is a Sister Sister with power and works very well with Sister Rodriguez . She is a good example for Sister Casperson and is also an excellent leader . We gave training on commitments and commitments give importance to all the world in all lessons . We also talked about which plan commitments to enter before the lessons . This duo is wonderful , and I love living with them !
This week was quiet . We had some tough days with almost no one at home but teach lessons and had some great miracles . It was a good start to this new transfer .
Thank you,
Sister Marchant

 

Yay!

Obriagado por tudo família! It was wonderful to talk to and see you all yesterday. Happy Mother´s Day once again Mamãe! You are looking so good and beautiful every one! I love you guys more than anything and am so grateful for your constant support. I will never take for granted the importance of family in my life. I am so blessed to have a family who is all active and going strong in the gospel. It is the best thing in the whole world! Thank you so much Mom and Dad for teaching us the gospel and showing us the way since the very beginning. I never wavered because you never did.

This week was absolutely wonderful. We had two meetings this week with an Area Seventy, Elder Moroni Torgan. On Thusday we had a training in our leadership council. It was composed of all of the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders. He had us put the numbers for the zone of new investigators, investigators in sacrament meeting, and batismos on the board. He burned us a little bit (because there were a lot of unknown numbers) then taught us some great lessons and really built us back up. He talked a lot about excuses and repentance. He said that there is never any reason for excuses and that when we make excuses we are denying the Atonement and repentance. We need to be accountable for our actions and numbers and instead of responded with excuses (such as "our investigators are using their free angency against us!") say "I´m sorry my faith was not strong enough. I will repent and do better next week." He talked a lot about faith and told stories of how if we truly trust in the Lord we can baptize weekly. Christ has the power to do all things. If we have sufficient faith we can see the miracles daily and have success sem fim. I have been thinking a lot about faith lately and want to increase my faith to the point that I can completely rely on the Holy Ghost and devote every second of my time to the Lord. I know that improvement is a process and I am learning to trust more in the Holy Ghost daily.

At the end of the training he asked us to have a mini testimony meeting where each one of us spoke of what we had learned that day. The Spirit was SO strong and lots of us were in tears. It was one of the most spiritual experiences of my life and gave me a completely new outlook on my work and priorities. I will be a completely different missionary because of this training. Elder Kimball was working in the escritório upstairs above where we were having the training and he said that even he could fear that something really special and amazing was happening down below. I am SO grateful for the opportunity to repent and learn new things from our leaders. I have complete confidence in Presidente Brum and all of our leaders aqui. They are a huge blessing in my life and lead us in righteous and power.

On Friday we had another training from Elder Torgan with three zones here in Ribeirão Preto. The Spirit was super strong again and we learned a ton. He taught us the qualities of a Celestial missionary and lots of new ways to find new investigators. I am excited to apply these things and to have the chance to continue to work hard in Campos Eliseos. We had two AMAZING lessons, one after each training, when we had the Spirit with us strong. I know that with Him we can do all things and truly change hearts. The only way to do this work is through the way of the Holy Ghost.

For those of you who don´t know, transfers were this week and...I am once again staying in Campos Eliseos! This is still my first area in Brazil and I love it to death. I am staying with Síster Hoggan and still living with Síster Casperson and Síster Rodriguez. As Síster Training Leaders we are only in charge of four duplas now instead of six, so we will have lots more time to work in our area. We also gained another dupla of elders in our ward! The zone leaders, Elder Pacheco and Elder Baker will be moving here too. With the office elders Elder Kimball and Elder Johnson, we will have 8 missionaries in one ward! Presidente said that this was the only ward in Brazil to have four sets of missionaries assigned. The Lord and the Presidente have a lot of faith in this area and our ward is on fire to help out as well. I am excited and ready to see lots of success here!

I love this area and love the work. Our Savior continues to shower lots of blessings upon us, especially when we have the Spirit extra forte with us. I know that this work is led by the Lord and that with Him all miracles are possible. I am excited to continue to find the elect in this bairro. This is the best job in the world.

Love you lots!

Síster Marchant

Olá Presidente,

Uau, é difícil pensar que esta transferência já terminou! Ela foi tão rápida. Estou muito animada continuar trabalhar aqui em Campos Eliseos com Síster Hoggan. Há muito trabalho para nós fazer aqui ainda e estou muito grata por minha oportunidade ficar aqui nesta lugar que eu amo. Vamos ter muito mais tempo esta transferência e temos fé que vamos conseguir ter milagres e batismos.

Esta semana foi maravilhosa. As reuniões com Elder Moroni Torgan literalmente mudaram minha missão e minha vida. Eu aprendi tantas coisas importantes que quero aplicar em meu trabalho. Sei que preciso mais fé e confiança no Senhor e que com Ele tudo é possível. Quero rededicar me mesmo ao trabalho e ao Senhor. Esta tour da missão veio no momento perfeito. Sou grata que tenho ainda muito tempo usar as coisas que aprendi. Quero encontrar mais novos e provar minha fé mais. Não vai ser fácil ainda, mas minha visão é diferente agora e quero dar tudo para meu Salvador e Mestre.

Mais cedo na semana visitamos Síster Freitas e Síster Morales em Batatais. Elas estão fazendo muito bem. Parecem felizes e sabem como trabalhar com a ala. Eu saí com Síster Morales. Usamos muito tempo andando para encontrar pessoas, mas tivemos um milagre com um novo pesquisador. Estávamos batendo portos e encontramos uma mulher que falou que ela já falou conosco mas que ainda nós pudemos entrar e orar com ela. Ela continuou falar e explicou muitos coisas difíceis que aconteceram em sua família. Nós ensinamos o Plano de Salvação completo e ela chorou MUITO. O Espírito foi forte e foi uma experiência muito especial para nós duas. Síster Morales e Síster Freitas continuam ver milagres lá e estão animadas receber uma outra dupla para ajudar com a área grande. Acho que elas vão continuar ter muito sucesso. Damos um treinamento sobre planejamento diário e como elas podem usar seu tempo com mais sabedoria. Elas são missionárias muito fortes e dedicadas. Eu também falei com Síster Morales um pouco sobre seu estudo da língua. Mostrei como usar os recursos do CTM que ela tem e como dividir seus estudos para aprender mais coisas do que só aprendendo hinos todos os dias. Ela vai continuar melhorar rapidamente.

Estamos animadas trabalhar mais arduamente esta semana. Foi muito bom falar com nossas famílias e ver elas em skype. Só grata por este tempo cada seis meses e tenho um testemunho que realmente esta é a quantidade certa para falar com elas. Eu só MUITO grata por minha família maravilhosa e o apoio que elas sempre dá para mim. Sei que não é muito comum para missionários ter famílias quais são completamente ativas na Igreja e percebe ainda melhor a grande importância de famílias agora por causa de meus estudos e experiências aqui. Tenho muitos bênçãos do Senhor em minha vida e quero compartilhar elas com mais pessoas. Vamos continuar em fé! Precisamos encontrar mais pesquisadores para alcançar o ânimo da ala aqui. Vamos ter batismos esta transferência.

Muito obrigada por tudo e por seu exemplo para nós,

Síster Marchant

 

 

English Translation:

 

Hello President ,
Wow, it's hard to think that this transfer has ended ! She was so quick . I'm very excited to continue working here in Campos Eliseos with Sister Hoggan . There is much work for us to do here yet and I am very grateful for my opportunity to stay here in this place I love . We'll have much more time this transfer and we have faith that we will achieve miracles and baptisms .
This week was wonderful . Meetings with Moroni Torgan Elder literally changed my life and my mission . I learned so many important things that I want to apply to my work. I know I need more faith and trust in the Lord and with Him all things are possible . I want to rededicate myself to work and the same Lord . This tour of the mission came at the perfect time . I am grateful that I still have much time to use the things I learned . I want to find newer and prove my faith more . It will not be easy yet, but my vision is different now and I want to give everything to my Saviour and Lord .
Earlier in the week we visited Sister Sister Freitas and Morales in Batatais . They are doing very well . They seem happy and know how to work with the ward . I went out with Sister Morales . We use a lot of time walking to meet people , but we had a miracle with a new search . We were hitting ports and found a woman who said she talked with us but still we were able to come and pray with her . She continued talking and explained many difficult things that have happened in your family . We teach the Plan of Salvation and she cried VERY full . The Spirit was strong and it was a very special experience for us both . Sister and Sister Morales Freitas continue to see miracles there and are excited to receive another pair to help with the area . I think they will continue to have much success . We give training on daily planning and how they can use their time more wisely . They are very strong and dedicated missionary . I also spoke with Sister Morales a little about your language study . Showed how to use the features of MTC she has and how to divide their studies to learn more things than just learning songs every day. She will continue to improve rapidly .
Animated We work harder this week . It was very nice to talk to our families and see them on skype . Just grateful for this time every six months and have a testimony that this really is the right amount to talk with them . I just VERY grateful for my wonderful family and the support they always give to me . I know it's not very common for missionaries to have families which are fully active in the Church and even better realize the great importance of families now because of my studies and experiences here . I have many blessings of the Lord in my life and want to share them with more people. We will continue in faith ! We need to find more researchers to achieve the mood of the ward here . We will have baptisms this transfer .
Thank you for everything and for your example to us
Sister Marchant

Fam!

Wow, this has been a crazy but wonderful week. Sorry I don´t have much time to write this week--as a Sister Training Leader I spend lots more time writing emails to the President than I did before. But I will have time on Sunday to talk to all of you for lots of time! (40 minutes de novo). I cannot wait for that day to see your beautiful faces again!

Yesterday was my birthday! I am officially 20 now. Yep, feel different. Two members of our ward, Lilian e Karinne, threw me a surprise birthday party! It was supposed to be a FHE at their house, but instead they had a quick little message and just made lots of great snacks (including my favorite homemade pão de queijo) and bought an ice cream cake. It was super sweet of them and super unexpected. We also had two investigators and our recent convert Tiago there (who is a professional photographer so took lots of pictures. And who is getting the Melchisdek Priesthood this month já! I don´t know if I told you yet but he is our new Ward Mission Leader (with only 20 days as being a member) and is SUPER excited to get out and bring more people unto Christ. I have never seen a recent convert so excited to do missionary work. He wanted to serve a mission really bad but is just barely too old. Tiago is the man!). The other three Sisteres in our house planned it for me and were there singing and smiling the whole time. It had been a crazy day with a bunch of surprise meetings but it turned out wonderful in the end. I am so grateful for all of the wonderful people here and their kindness to me. I feel very loved and safe in this place.

We also had an amazing Ward Council this week. We have Ward Conference next Sunday and everyone is really excited to bring tons of people to Church next week. I have never seen a ward so excited in my life. This ward is completely missionary focused in almost every meeting and everyone is ready to go on divisions, have ward family night, or try to find references. We love working with them. With Bispo Fabio at the head, this ward is zooming forward with high goals and actions to follow them up. I cannot get transfered!

I love you all and will talk lots next Sunday! Feliz Dia das Mães Mamãe!

Love lots and lots,

Sister Marchant

Boa tarde Presidente Brum,

Esta semana foi corrida mas muito boa. Nós fizemos duas divisões esta semana. Primeiro foi com Iguatami A, e eu saí com Síster Barros enquanto Síster Hoggan saí com Síster Zapata. Síster Barros é ótima. Ela já sabe muitas coisas muito bem e eu talvez aprendesse mais com ela do que ela aprendeu comigo. Um de seus pontos fortes é com fazer perguntas. Ela faz perguntas muito poderosa e direita, e também tem um testemunho muito forte. Ela esta trabalhando bem com Síster Zapata e elas sempre estão rindo. Elas estão fazendo seu melhor, e nós vimos milagres durante a divisão. Demos um treinamento sobre como prometer bênçãos melhor e dar mais motivação para os pesquisadores agir em a fé delas. Síster Zapata e Síster Barros estão fazendo muito bem.

Também fomos em divisão com Síster Sumsion e Síster Alegria. Síster Alegria está muito doente com pneumonia. Ela não consegue dormir durante a noite então geralmente fica em casa e dorme todo dia, tadinha. Sister Hoggan ficou em casa e estudou muito do Livro de Mórmon para ajudar-se em sua meta para terminar antes do que ela volta para casa, e eu saí com Síster Sumsion para que ela pudesse trabalhar. Ela estava muito feliz para sair e trabalhamos muito arduamente, mesmo que ela tivesse vermes. Nós conversamos muito durante o dia, e ela está feliz e em uma lugar de segurança e paz esta transferência. Ela ama Síster Alegria, e elas estão amigas muito boas. Síster Sumsion é muito forte e quer ser a melhor missionária ela pode. Ela está estudando e descansando de vermes muito, e é obediente e diligente. Eu não conheci ela muito bem antes, mas agora tenho muito respeito para ela e sei que ela vai fazer muitas milagres em os próximos poucos meses que ela tem aqui. Demos um treinamento sobre coisas que Síster Sumsion pode fazer ainda quando está em casa, por exemplo ligando e escrevendo bilhetes para membros.

Síster Hoggan e eu estão muito felizes. Nossa ala é maravilhosa e amamos servindo aqui em Campos Eliseos! A liderança da ala tinha uma reunião ontem, e tudo mundo está MUITO animado sobre a obra missionária. Eu nunca tenho visto uma ala tão animada e disposta para tentar levar amigos da igreja e fortalecer os membros que já estão aqui. Temos muitos bênçãos aqui. Nós não tivemos muito tempo recentemente para trabalhar nossa área, mas estamos tentando usar todo o tempo que temos com sabedoria. Síster Hoggan é maravilhosa e muito simpática para comigo. Sei que posso confiar qualquer coisa com ela, e trabalhamos em união muito bem.

Também foi meu aniversário ontem que foi muito feliz! Vai ser meu único aniversário da missão e foi um para lembrar. Dois membros compraram um bolo como surpresa e cantaram muito bem. Me sinto muito amada e feliz na missão!

Obrigada por tudo,

Sister Marchant

 

 

English Translation:

 

Good afternoon Chairman Brum
This week was running but very good . We made two divisions this week . The first was with Iguatami , and I left with Sister Sister Barros while Hoggan left with Sister Zapata . Sister Barros is great . She already knows many things very well and I might learn more from her than she learned from me . One of its strengths is to ask questions. She is very powerful and right questions and also has a very strong testimony . It is working well with Sister Zapata and they are always laughing . They are doing their best , and we saw miracles during division . We took a training on how best promise blessings and give more motivation for researchers to act on their faith . Sister Sister Zapata and Barros are doing very well .
We also went on a combined Sister Sister Sumsion and Joy . Sister Joy is very ill with pneumonia . She can not sleep at night then usually stays home and sleeps all day, deary . Sister Hoggan stayed home and studied much of the Book of Mormon to help in your goal to finish before she returns home , and I left with Sister Sumsion so she could work . She was very happy to go out and work very hard , even if she had worms . We talked a lot during the day , and she is happy and in a place of safety and peace this transfer . She loves Sister Joy , and they are very good friends . Sister Sumsion is very strong and wants to be the best it can Missionary . She is studying and resting a lot of worms , and is obedient and diligent . I do not know her very well before , but now I have much respect for her and know she will do many miracles in the next few months she has here . Demos training on things that Sister Sumsion can do even when you're at home , for example turning on and writing tickets for members .
Sister Hoggan and I are very happy . Our ward is wonderful and we love serving here in Campos Eliseos ! The leadership of the ward had a meeting yesterday, and everything else is VERY excited about missionary work . I have never seen such a lively and willing to try to take wing church friends and strengthen members that are already here . We have many blessings here . We have not had much time recently to work our area , but we are trying to use all the time we have wisely . Sister Hoggan is wonderful and very friendly to me. I know I can trust anything with it , and work very well in marriage .
It was also my birthday yesterday which was very happy! It will be my only birthday and it was a mission to remember. Two members bought a cake and sang amazing as well . I feel very loved and happy in the mission !
Thanks for everything,
Sister Marchant