Yesterday we received transfers, and me and Elder Tavares will be staying in Castelo Branco at least one more transfer period (six weeks). I believe that this transfer will be a really good one, because when we received the phonecalls, I felt a big feeling of peace come over me.
This transfer will be one of positivity, working with members, and more positivity! Something that I realized these past few weeks was that I wasn´t giving my whole heart and dedication to Castelo Branco. I was letting myself get discouraged a lot, and I didn´t have too many happy thoughts about this area and branch. But this transfer, I am going to jump in with both feet and do everything in my power to be the missionary that this area needs!
A few days ago we did divisions with the other elderes in our district (Elderes Morrisson and Romano.) I stayed with Elder Romano, and it was probably the most fun division that I have ever done on my mission so far! He´s from Guatamala and is in his third transfer. We spent the day talking to almost everyone on the street. I realized that everyone has a story, and that most people will at least shake your hand on the street.
We had some cool experiences as well, one of which included a man yelling in our faces. We were talking to an older man on the corner when one of his younger friends passed by. The friend realized that we were missionaries and right away started yelling at us to leave this poor old man alone. He was swearing and was within inches of our faces sometimes. He called us an embarrassment, and also the Church an embarrassment.
What did we decide to do? We simply just kept smiling, even laughing a little bit. We told him that our message is about Christ´s love for us, and that we loved him. After his little yelling spree, I reached out my hand and said, in the kindest, nicest voice I could find, and said that it was a pleasure to have talked to him.
Long story short, this angry, mean man ended up laughing with us, and we parted ways on good terms. This was the first time that anyone has really yelled at me because I was a missionary, but it was a good experience to see the change in his behaviour just because we were received him in kindness.
This last week the missionary couple (the Roques) from Abrantes came to do a house inspection! Afterwards, they took us out to lunch to this yummy barbecue place. In this restaurant, we started with an empty plate, and the waiter or chef would come out and give us one different piece of meat at a time. At first it was a little strange, haha, but after awhile I got used to it I ended up getting so stuffed! It was fun to be able to talk to the Roques, especially because I was able to hear about how Abrantes is doing.
I think the most exciting thing that I heard was that Manuel and Susana, and Rosa and Claudia are still active and coming to church every sunday. Manuel will receive the Priesthood this next week! I´m grateful for this unique opportunity I had to hear about so many of the people I loved in my last area!
After lunch, one of our members here in Castelo Branco showed up and was so excited to see us, and introduced us to all of the people in the restaurant (there was just a few people, including the waiter and the chef.) After this, one of people in the restaurant(an old man) sang a folk song, lol. Our member then sang a hymn,haha. It was a different day, but it was fun!
I am excited to spend at least another six weeks here in Castelo Branco with Elder Tavares! This transfer will be different than the last one, because it all has to start with my attitude! I will give Castelo Branco everything that I have.
I don´t have very much time to write today, so I won´t be able to write all of the letters that I would like! But I love and miss all of you, and hope that this week is a great one!
Love,
Elder Barker
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