Mission Complete/Saying Goodbye

                                                                        February 12, 2017

My mission has been the most incredible journey of my life. I've learned how to be grateful for the little things in life, how to be happy even in the most trying of times, and how to trust completely in our Heavenly Father and in His Son's redeeming love. He is the only one who can mold us into who we are intended to be, and I am so very grateful for what He has taught me this past year and a half. My heart will forever be a part of Brasil.

SAYING GOODBYE TO VARGEM GRANDE, MY FINAL AREA

 My last companion, Sister Galletti, who's from Brasília, Brasil. She is one of the hardest workers I have ever met in my mission. She is super disciplined, kind-hearted, and obedient, and that's what I love about her.

One of the cutest couples I got to meet on my mission. Dayvid works for the Church in Ferreira's chapel, and has helped my companion and I numerous times to get into the chapel or perform small tasks such as making copies of something for our English class. His wife, Amanda, is adorable and super sweet as well.

It was so sweet to have my parents pick me up from my mission. I saw them for the first time on Sunday morning at Church. As I walked up to the chapel of Vargem Grande with my companion, I saw them near the front doors, ran to them, and cried with them, embracing them after such a long time of being away. They went with me to visit many of the wonderful people I met on my mission, and bore their testimonies of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to them. In almost every visit, we cried with the kind-hearted Brasilian people, saying our goodbyes and testifying of the love that Heavenly Father had for them. It was the sweetest experience of my whole mission, and I'm so glad that the Lord provided a way for them that they could come to Brasil to be my mission companions for a short period of time. 

 Ivan is such a humble, genuine man. He has a good heart, and just wants to do what's best for his 8-year-old daughter. His eyes were opened when he learned about the gospel, and he finally found what he had been looking for for a long time.

 Alessandra, Bruna, and their family (one of my favorites) kindly offered to treat us to a Sunday lunch

 Calling out to Bruna outside of her house :)

 Carlos, Dídima, and Priscilla, Carlos's daughter. Carlos was a contact I made on the street a year ago in Cotia, my first area in the mission. I found him on the street one day in Vargem Grande, and he told me he knew who I was--that I had talked to him a long time ago in Cotia, and he remembered me. I didn't really remember him at the moment because we talk with a ton of people on the mission, but later, while packing up my stuff in preparation to go home, I found his car service card he had given me a year ago with his phone number and name on it. That simply was not a coincidence.

Barbara, Célsio, and their girls. Barbara was a contact I made on the street who told me that her husband, a less-active member, was wanting to return to the Mormon church again, and she knew a little bit about the Church through him. After I met her, I immediately felt the Spirit, and turned to Sister Galletti telling her that we needed to visit her and that she was elect! She loves learning about the gospel, and is currently preparing to get married to Célsio and baptized into the true Church of Jesus Christ. She could not be more excited about her decision to become a member!

 I will miss Sister Pereira, Sister Johnson, and Sister Galletti! Saying goodbye to my roomates in Vargem Grande for the last time.

Gathering at the Mission President's House for the last time with some other missionaries that are also returning home. We had a closing testimony meeting and a dinner with President Thomas and his wife--barbecued ribs and french fries. President Thomas and Sister Thomas gave us some advice, and the Spirit was so strong.

Saying Goodbye to Sister Thomas--she has been so caring and has attended to a lot of my needs in the mission when I, or other companions of mine have been sick or needing attention. I love her because she reminds me a lot of my own mom, and when she testifies, she ALWAYS touches my heart by the Spirit. 

SAYING GOODBYE TO CASA VERDE, MY SECOND AREA

 Maria Luiza, my brasilian grandma. She is so pure of heart and humble. Today she is an active member of the Church. She is who she is today because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I had the chance to see her change immensely when she took the important step of following Jesus Christ by being baptized. Pricsyla, below, has been an eternal friend to her, helping her on this difficult journey to exaltation and eternal life.

Letícia, and Corado family–Wilson, Leila, Carol, and Fernanda. They spoiled us by serving us salgados, chocolate carrot cake, and coconut water. We read from the Book of Mormon with them, testifying of its goodness, and gave them one as a gift to their whole family to read. They were so appreciative of the gift, and we treasure each other's friendship.

SAYING GOODBYE TO FERREIRA, MY THIRD AREA

Before saying goodbye to Roberta and family, we talked with Edileusa, Roberta's helper and family friend. She recently lost her husband; he had a severe health problem and passed away unexpectedly. We shared a scripture with her in the Book of Mormon of how the grave has no victory because the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ, and cried with her. It was a special experience, and testimony of the love God has for His children. 

We visited Elis and Natasha, who I've grown to love so much. It was a tender mercy that we were able to say goodbye. A tragedy occurred in their neighborhood with a sweet friend of theirs, and they were heartbroken and distraught. We were able to bear our testimonies of the Savior's love for them, and my dad was able to give them a Priesthood blessing of comfort and peace. We felt the Spirit so strongly, and know that the Lord will watch over them.

SAYING GOODBYE TO COTIA, MY FIRST AREA

One of our last visits was with one of my favorite families: Robson, Walmíria, Emily, and Paulo Cézar. They spoiled us with churrasco--a huge brasilian feast! Robson and Walmíria are working toward the goal to be married in the next coming months, and Robson is progressing towards baptism. They set a goal to be sealed in the temple as a family one year later! They are an incredible example to me of perseverance and faith!! 

One of my final highlights was visiting the São Paulo temple with my parents. Afterwards, we went to a Church family history center, and I was released as a missionary via Skype by my Stake President. He told me that the Lord needs me now more than ever to carry on His work, and that truly touched my heart. 

Goodbye Brasil, I have fallen in love with your country and people, and hope to return someday!