Well, as I said in my last email, I was transfered. I left Leira on Tuesday (my birthday!) and got to Abrantes two hours later.
MY BIRTHDAY: It went well, haha. To be honest, I kind of forgot that it was my birthday, lol. I mean, I would remember during random moments during the day, like " Oh, yeah, I turn 20 today." But it was a good day! Because it was my last day with Elder Cardenuto, we went and ate sorvete ( icecream) at the Italian sorvete place in Leiria ( a native Italian always made it from scratch!). We didnt get too much missionary work done, because we were running all over the city getting last minute things done (including picking up a package that had come to the apartment for me, but missed me so we had to go to the post office, haha). But we were able to teach one last lesson to Rui and Gilberto! The night before, I was able to visit three of our investigators before being transferred: a family "Rui and Cristina and Mariana, and "Wyllam". It was very sad to say goodbye to them all, because I had grown so close to them and I was excitited to see them start to progress.
In my new area, one of the members found out it was my birthday, and she made me a birthday card. It was very, very nice of her (dont worry, sheś in her forties, lol). She even wrapped it all up in wrapping paper. Also, the mission presidentś wife called me later in the day and wished me a happy birthday. And also the Sisters (they were transfered as well). So overall, my birthday was different, but I felt loved. Thanks for all the birthday emails!
ABRANTES: Abrantes is definetely a lot different than Leiria. For one thing, the congregation here is very small. We have a branch of members here. On sunday, we had a grand number of 14 people in church (including us). The chapel is a rented store space, but has everything that we need. There are no kids! Most of the active members are middle aged ladies haha. But despite this, I have great faith in Abrantes. i feel very strongly that Abrantes has lots of potencial. I know that there are people here that are ready for the gospel. When I think of Abrantes, the scripture that says "the field is white, ready to harvest" comes to my mind. Abrantes is literally a city on a hill. Remember how I would complain about my apartment in Leiria being at the top of a big hill? That is literally Abrantes. Every where we go, we are either going up or going down, haha. Based off of Sunday, it looks like the missionaries really have to be the leaders of the ward. As in, we teach the lessons, conduct the meetings sometimes, are incharge of Family home evening, prepare bless and pass the sacrament. You know how generally the new missionary is asked to get up and bear his testimony? One of the members who was supposed to give a talk didnt show up, so I was asked to give a talk, ahhh. i talked about charity, and all of the members really liked it. They were even replying back to me as I was talking. Oh branches, haha. But I know that I will get to be closer with the members here!
My companion is elder Nascimento, from Brazil, haha. He speaks very good english, but I try to speak portuguese as much as I can when we areńt in the house.
I am so grateful for this time of year, and the oporunity we have to celebrate the birth of our saviour! Each day I feel more grateful for all of the blessings that I have been given. I have really seen the gift of tongues start to work more strongly these past few weeks. I have been able to have slihtly better conversations with people haha. I know i have a long ways to go, but I have faith and Im grateful for every blessing I receive!
I love you all and miss you lots!
Love,
Elder Barker
Elder Barker
No comments:
Post a Comment