August 29, 2016
Well! Another week already! This week was pretty basic and I don’t have much to say that’s new or exciting! Just lots of work, work, work!
Well! Another week already! This week was pretty basic and I don’t have much to say that’s new or exciting! Just lots of work, work, work!
A Little Piece of Home and Heaven
I don’t know if I have written much about the Copa’s, the senior couple serving here. They take such good care of us and help so much in our area. Being in their home, being fed American food, playing games with them, and staying at their house on P-days (which we have done a couple of time) is like heaven! They have really helped me and our branch sooo much and I don’t know what we will do without them! But they have to go home in a couple of weeks (senior couples can only serve 23 months) and I am so worried about it. Sister Copa always makes me laugh. This week she was trying to convince me to marry her grandson because we would make “beautiful babies” Lol. The whole p-day she would tell me random things about him and every time she asked me a question it felt like a test. So funny. They also took us out for fondue this week and it was amazing! Plus, we got to tour around Gramado again and went to a fun wax museum. This week we also had a little going away party for them and there were so many people there! Members, investigators…sooo many. It was actually pretty depressing for me to watch. I’m going to miss them so much.
Saving São Chico
On Tuesday we had a big day when all of the missionaries in our zone (20 of us) came to São Chico to help! We set up a bunch of things outside the church and then all headed out to talk to people to explain that our church was open today for people to learn more about our beliefs and then, if they had five minutes, we would walk to the church, give them a five minute tour, and then ask to teach them more later. By the end of the day we had 107 people come to our church! That’s pretty good.
Mission President’s Visit & Big Decision
We also had a zone conference with President Campos this week and each of had an interview with him. I pretty much cried through the whole thing, but I was very impressed with my ability to express myself and to understand him. It was very good. I talked with him about everything and he helped me make a few goals. But something that was cool was when he asked, “you have been out 12 weeks, right?” Nope…only 6! He said that I am doing better than other missionaries who have been out 6 weeks and that my Portuguese is good. That was nice to hear. It’s hard. But one day at a time I can improve little by little. I cried, he understood, we laughed, I joked a couple times. It was all very good. J I was really lucky to get an interview this early in the mission too. It was definitely a blessing. Definitely.
One of the things that President Campos talked about is what to do with the São Chico branch. He is seriously considering closing the branch. He said he put 4 sisters here, the Copa’s here, and even the Assistants and there was not really much progress…and he also asked if 2 sisters would be able to handle it. WHAAAT? We all think that is what is going to happen though. Two will stay, two will go, and I think Sister Santana and I will stay. I’m terrified. I have NO idea how 2 sisters will be enough to handle all of this! I don’t even know how we would handle it without the Copa’s Ahh… but it does make sense. There are great members, but 10 members is just not enough, especially when none of them are ready to lead or teach. But then I go to church and everything is so good and the Spirit is so strong and I realize that they can’t close São Chico! These people need it! But the Lord knows what is best and he will guide the President about what to do.
First Dogs, now Frogs
Funny side note: We were walking home one day when there were a bunch of big frogs in the road. It was gross! Normally I just see them squished in the road and I had never seen an alive one until last night! They are everywhere…along the road, dead and alive. Blahhhh!
Sticking Out is Good
I’ve decided that sticking out is good. When mom wrote about how people in Finland just assumed they were Finnish and speak the language to them it made me grateful to be here. People know I am different, which helps in several ways…(1) people know I don’t speak the language very well (or assume) and are more patient, (2) People notice us more and then want to know why we are here and what we are doing, and (3) if you draw attention to us, you draw attention to our Church! Soo…overall, it is a very good thing.
My Favorite Scriptures
Thank you all so much for your support! Also, if you guys want something to do this week then read chapter 4 of Mosiah. It’s amazing!! My favorite part (or one of) is in verse 9 “believe in God.” He has all wisdom, all power, and can comprehend way more than man can comprehend. Why is it that we have a tendency to forget that? If we understand this, then why don’t we rely on Christ more? We need to humble ourselves and rely on Christ for everything! Why not? What is holding you back? Why wouldn’t you want help from someone who knows everything? Christ is amazing and I am so grateful for the Gospel and the Book of Mormon in my life. Read the whole chapter…it’s great!
Also, another challenge for everyone…bear your testimony I church on Sunday! You know this gospel is true! Help lift those around you and let them feel it is true too! Lead by example!
Love and miss you all! Keep the branch of São Chico in your prayers!
Love, Sister Knapp
