Dear family,
I have a new area a new companion and I haven't been so excited since i arrived on the mission. Wow the ward is Aeroclube.
My companion is Sister Nigri from São Paulo. She is amazing, I always love learning new things, new styles of teaching, and having new opportunities to serve when companions change. The Lord has truly blessed me to have amazing companions.
WOW. AEROCLUBE=PARADISE. I love this ward. They truly understand that you dont need a missionary tag to share the gospel. I feel how excited the leaders and members are for the work and it compels me to be better to strive to always be worthy and give my best. Not that I wouldn't before but it is a very conscious thing for me. Many of the leaders here are the type of member I want to be in a few months when I no longer have this sacred call to serve full time. The Bishop the first day we ate lunch with us he was telling us everything about the area the leadership and his attitudes toward this work. WOW. I almost cried. The way he talks to and about the people in this ward is inspiring. He makes every single person he talks to feel like they are someone crucially important and of great worth. I want to be like this because the truth is, every single person is crucially important and of great worth.
This ward is a miracle.
Last night we visited a less active couple. They have been less active for a long time, but when they frequented church they were very very involved. The husband told us of his call as president of the young mens program, how he gave everything he could to rescue those young men from the world, drugs, problems of life in general. He told us that in the many years he served a few of them passed away and I felt the sadness in his voice. His wife also was very active as presidente of the RS she loved to serve. As often occurs, they were offended by a few things that happened 10 years ago and never let it go. As I and my companion talked to them and shared a message and our testimonies with them I saw the same light in there eyes that they has as they talked about there old calls when they were active. I shared Helaman a5:12 and they cited the scripture. We challenged them to go to church next Sunday, the husband accepted and also accepted the challenge to prepare a family for us to teach. Wow. I really felt the spirit testifying that the time had come, in fact the husband said that we came at just the right time...I know how difficult it is sometimes when the vision and trust people have in leaders is broken. It is very hard to accept the faults of others sometimes, but I know that it is possible to forgive and move on and this is a goal that we have to help this family back to the path.
God hears and answers our prayers. He knows each one of His children personally and He has provided an amazing plan of happiness for us to progress through the example and sacrifice of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that it is in and through His atonement that we can be made whole that we can be cured from our sins, our weaknesses, our sorrows, and our enfirmidades. I know the Savior loves us and I am incredibly indebt because of the love that He has shown for me and because of the love He has enabled me to feel for people that in any other situation I never would have had the opportunity to meet. What a blessing it is to know the truths of the gospel and to be a means of which many can receive this message.
sorry so short, i dont have much time today but i will attend to the rest of the emails i received next week!
Proud to wear the tag,
Sister Peterson
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
OLÁ FAMÍLIA!
How is everyone doing? Congratulations to James and Kristi on the new baby, I LOVE THE NAME! Paizley so cute.
Well my dear family i have news. Incomplete news but news all the same. Transfers. I am going to Maceió. I leave 630 from my new found home, beloved Sergipe. I am ready for this next part of my adventure a new area new companion but man Aracaju has a big part of my heart. The part that is incomplete is I dont know which area or who is my companion. Transfers are a little bit different now. We find out if we are transfered Saturday night and Tuesday morning those who are transfered have a training meeting with papai Beynon and there we learn who our new companions are. Good news is I dont have to travel only with Elders. Because we are the only sisters in Sergipe Campos will go to pick up her new companion there in Macieó. We were expecting the change, but she still cried a lot that I am leaving. I truly have a black sister from Vitoria, Espirito Santo. I would never know so many wonderful people who have changed my life if not for my mission. I am in love with my mission. Fim.
This last week I prayed for Heavenly Father to open my eyes to see miracles each day. My eyes have been opened.
This week we taught a woman who was almost baptized a few years ago. When she started talking to us, she explained a few situations in which when she was offended by others she 1) threatened to beat them up and 2) would hold a grudge against that person for a very very long time. The first thoughts were, this woman is very ignorant and no no, she won't change. I had to chastise myself a little bit. I listened intently and prayed for the Lord to show us what we needed to teach her to help her situation. The thought, the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and love thy neighbor as thyself. I also told a story that was spoken about a few conferences ago, a woman who had suffered greatly in a concentration camp and forgave one of the guards who worked there and had caused a lot of pain for her and her family. The spirit was super strong and I felt Heavenly Father's love for this woman. She said that she would try very hard not to be so nervous with other people and to forgive a member of the church that she said before, "Forgiveness doesn't exist between us." This was a miracle, a woman raised in a certain form with traditions of this type of behavior for over 22 years, at least thinking about changing this type of behavior.
Klisleide, someone that I taught with Zorzo my first transfer here was finally given consent from her parents, or rather support, to be baptized two weeks ago. Yesterday she bore powerful testimony in front of the congregation. A young woman incredibly shy, was not afraid to share what she knows. She also thanked me for teaching her and helping her to get to know the gospel. I'm not one to cry, but tears started falling from my eyes. I am so grateful for the time I have had in this wonderful area and for the opportunity to see the fruits of this work here.
A few other members from the ward came up to me and thanked me or said a few things about me in their testimonies. I bore testimony and told them how the Savior had given me a little bit more of the understanding of the type of love He has for them. That His love is real and can heal us and make us whole. Six months is a long time. This feels like home to me. I don't care if they forget my name, I just hope they remember that galéga who loved them.
Saturday Josués baptism was all planned we just had to confirm a few things with him. The first thing he said was i have good news and bad news. The bad news, Im not getting baptized. My heart stopped and i felt tears filling up the tear ducts in my eyes. Then he said the good news is i am lying. I almost had a heart attack! The baptism was really good. The ward mission leader was a little awkward but other than that the Spírit was there and I was very happy. Sunday I looked around and saw that although a few of the people I had the priviledge of teaching and baptizing have moved or have stopped coming, a majority of them were there. I was so happy to see how giseli Isabel and josue are very involved in Seminary. Klisleide is a rockstar. Edivaldo received the Priesthood this week. And Diana that adorable little girl has as firm a resolve as every to go to church. I love these people.I am leaving and the likelihood that i will see them much after this is slim, but the memories i have will last forever.
So next week i will tell you all about my new comp and area. I love you all be safe and do what is right. Go to the temple if possible. If you cant go prepare to go. MAn i miss the temple.
Proud to wear the tag,
Sister Peterson
ps. happy birthday Jordan this last week and owen this week!!!
Well my dear family i have news. Incomplete news but news all the same. Transfers. I am going to Maceió. I leave 630 from my new found home, beloved Sergipe. I am ready for this next part of my adventure a new area new companion but man Aracaju has a big part of my heart. The part that is incomplete is I dont know which area or who is my companion. Transfers are a little bit different now. We find out if we are transfered Saturday night and Tuesday morning those who are transfered have a training meeting with papai Beynon and there we learn who our new companions are. Good news is I dont have to travel only with Elders. Because we are the only sisters in Sergipe Campos will go to pick up her new companion there in Macieó. We were expecting the change, but she still cried a lot that I am leaving. I truly have a black sister from Vitoria, Espirito Santo. I would never know so many wonderful people who have changed my life if not for my mission. I am in love with my mission. Fim.
This last week I prayed for Heavenly Father to open my eyes to see miracles each day. My eyes have been opened.
This week we taught a woman who was almost baptized a few years ago. When she started talking to us, she explained a few situations in which when she was offended by others she 1) threatened to beat them up and 2) would hold a grudge against that person for a very very long time. The first thoughts were, this woman is very ignorant and no no, she won't change. I had to chastise myself a little bit. I listened intently and prayed for the Lord to show us what we needed to teach her to help her situation. The thought, the two greatest commandments: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and love thy neighbor as thyself. I also told a story that was spoken about a few conferences ago, a woman who had suffered greatly in a concentration camp and forgave one of the guards who worked there and had caused a lot of pain for her and her family. The spirit was super strong and I felt Heavenly Father's love for this woman. She said that she would try very hard not to be so nervous with other people and to forgive a member of the church that she said before, "Forgiveness doesn't exist between us." This was a miracle, a woman raised in a certain form with traditions of this type of behavior for over 22 years, at least thinking about changing this type of behavior.
Klisleide, someone that I taught with Zorzo my first transfer here was finally given consent from her parents, or rather support, to be baptized two weeks ago. Yesterday she bore powerful testimony in front of the congregation. A young woman incredibly shy, was not afraid to share what she knows. She also thanked me for teaching her and helping her to get to know the gospel. I'm not one to cry, but tears started falling from my eyes. I am so grateful for the time I have had in this wonderful area and for the opportunity to see the fruits of this work here.
A few other members from the ward came up to me and thanked me or said a few things about me in their testimonies. I bore testimony and told them how the Savior had given me a little bit more of the understanding of the type of love He has for them. That His love is real and can heal us and make us whole. Six months is a long time. This feels like home to me. I don't care if they forget my name, I just hope they remember that galéga who loved them.
Saturday Josués baptism was all planned we just had to confirm a few things with him. The first thing he said was i have good news and bad news. The bad news, Im not getting baptized. My heart stopped and i felt tears filling up the tear ducts in my eyes. Then he said the good news is i am lying. I almost had a heart attack! The baptism was really good. The ward mission leader was a little awkward but other than that the Spírit was there and I was very happy. Sunday I looked around and saw that although a few of the people I had the priviledge of teaching and baptizing have moved or have stopped coming, a majority of them were there. I was so happy to see how giseli Isabel and josue are very involved in Seminary. Klisleide is a rockstar. Edivaldo received the Priesthood this week. And Diana that adorable little girl has as firm a resolve as every to go to church. I love these people.I am leaving and the likelihood that i will see them much after this is slim, but the memories i have will last forever.
So next week i will tell you all about my new comp and area. I love you all be safe and do what is right. Go to the temple if possible. If you cant go prepare to go. MAn i miss the temple.
Proud to wear the tag,
Sister Peterson
ps. happy birthday Jordan this last week and owen this week!!!
Monday, October 11, 2010
whoa! Graças damos O Deus por um Profeta
whoa.
that is all i can say. that and the church is true.
Conference started with Holland and he basically gave thanks to everyone and everything. i sat there thinking, man am i ingrateful or what. I started thinking of all the amazing people in my life that I need to give thanks to. the list is pretty long. Then Presidente Monson came in with his talk on gratitude. hmm ya think maybe Heavenly Father is trying to say something...? Pres. monson talked about the disciples of Christ who when he wanted to feed the people with few loaves and fish, they only saw what was lacking. We too do this. He talked about gratitude as a divine principle and how optimism is an effect of gratitude. he quoted someone i dont remember but said that we as human beings have an imminent capacity to take things for granted. This is one thing that i need to work on. lately i have studied a lot about humility...gratitude is a sign of the truly humble.
a few other highlights,
if you dont teach your children about the world, the world will teach them.
14 fundamentals to follow the prophet (Wow)
"good question lets go to the handbook" importance of studying dilligently the 'words of life'
life offers two gifts. time and the freedom to choose what to do with that time-five elements of a consacrated life. wow.
simplify. when you have a hard time in life, slow down go back to the basics, natures reaction to slow down while ours is to try to speed up.
the moral light of our doctrine can be a beacon unto the world.
when we always remember Him, He can stand with us in all things and in all places.
Temple mirrors look through eternity.
the principles and laws of the gospel cannot and WILL NOT change
the importance of both the priesthood line of revelation and the personal line of revelation, balanced.
The activities in the church are not a bunch of things to do on a lengthy spiritual checklists but are directed to help us better receive the Holy Ghost in our lives.
Responsibility of parents and early intervention (que susto!)
Responsibility of parents to support one another
-let me just say i have seen and helped many families, the world would be a better place if men and women areound the world would literally put their spouses in the first places before other relationships
--Deiter F Uchtdorf showed us. 1st God, 2nd our family, 3rd our fellowmen and 4th our relationship with ourselves.
there are countles other messages but it is sufficient to say that i have been reminded a lot about my purpose and "what i am doing with His name" what a spiritual reload.
Yesterday klisleide was baptized. five months of praying and finally. i was so very incredibly happy.
well i love you all be happy. Please endure to the end. and endure it well.
proud to wear His sacred name next to mine,
Sister Peterson
PS happy birthday this past week drewy! i love you.
that is all i can say. that and the church is true.
Conference started with Holland and he basically gave thanks to everyone and everything. i sat there thinking, man am i ingrateful or what. I started thinking of all the amazing people in my life that I need to give thanks to. the list is pretty long. Then Presidente Monson came in with his talk on gratitude. hmm ya think maybe Heavenly Father is trying to say something...? Pres. monson talked about the disciples of Christ who when he wanted to feed the people with few loaves and fish, they only saw what was lacking. We too do this. He talked about gratitude as a divine principle and how optimism is an effect of gratitude. he quoted someone i dont remember but said that we as human beings have an imminent capacity to take things for granted. This is one thing that i need to work on. lately i have studied a lot about humility...gratitude is a sign of the truly humble.
a few other highlights,
if you dont teach your children about the world, the world will teach them.
14 fundamentals to follow the prophet (Wow)
"good question lets go to the handbook" importance of studying dilligently the 'words of life'
life offers two gifts. time and the freedom to choose what to do with that time-five elements of a consacrated life. wow.
simplify. when you have a hard time in life, slow down go back to the basics, natures reaction to slow down while ours is to try to speed up.
the moral light of our doctrine can be a beacon unto the world.
when we always remember Him, He can stand with us in all things and in all places.
Temple mirrors look through eternity.
the principles and laws of the gospel cannot and WILL NOT change
the importance of both the priesthood line of revelation and the personal line of revelation, balanced.
The activities in the church are not a bunch of things to do on a lengthy spiritual checklists but are directed to help us better receive the Holy Ghost in our lives.
Responsibility of parents and early intervention (que susto!)
Responsibility of parents to support one another
-let me just say i have seen and helped many families, the world would be a better place if men and women areound the world would literally put their spouses in the first places before other relationships
--Deiter F Uchtdorf showed us. 1st God, 2nd our family, 3rd our fellowmen and 4th our relationship with ourselves.
there are countles other messages but it is sufficient to say that i have been reminded a lot about my purpose and "what i am doing with His name" what a spiritual reload.
Yesterday klisleide was baptized. five months of praying and finally. i was so very incredibly happy.
well i love you all be happy. Please endure to the end. and endure it well.
proud to wear His sacred name next to mine,
Sister Peterson
PS happy birthday this past week drewy! i love you.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
im almost trilingual.
Hey family,
This week not a lot happened. Just work as usual. I am starting to feel the pull of six months in one area, or maybe it is one year on the mission. But it has been a big blessing with all these amazing experiences i am having here with amazing people. Sergipe will always be a huge part of my heart.
This week we were preparing to baptize Josue. He is the teenager who we have been teaching, he received a very strong and personal testimony when he prayed a few weeks back. His mom tried talking him out of his baptism a lot she thinks it is too soon etc. He said "i thought about desisting a lot, but everytime I thought about not being baptized I felt a horrible feeling." Basically we are watching him as he learns how to identify the spirit. It is simple but amazing.
Also, we baptized a man this week. The thought came "this is Heavenly Father's child" as he was baptized. I feel so blessed to have taught him and to help him through this change in his life. The baptism was great.
I read in Helaman 5 this week. WOW! it is a story that we have hear, Nephi and his bro lehi literally tire of the wickedness of the people so they go out to teach. They are thrown in prison, starve and are mistreated. When the Lamanites go to kill them, Nephi and lehi are encircled by a pillar of fire a thick cloud. I was reading how 1 Heavenly Father loves His children so much that He will give them every chance to have a real converting experience (read about Aminadabe -dont know in english v.35-42-a dissenter of the Nephites who had once belonged to the church. Watch how God uses this man that had rebelled against the truth to have a chance to remember repent and to help others) 2 how a testimony is not a result of miracles. First we learn a concept and we must exercise faith, then after our faith comes the consequences, one of which is the Spirit testifying., miracles are a consequence of faith.
I have seen that in my work here. i have felt Heavenly Father helping me and directing me. encouraging me and reminding me. WHEN i follow what is said I see miracles.
yesterday we ate lunch with a less active family. I started talking to the husband, one of the hardest workers ive met (literally when housebuilders wouldnt allow him to work in construction because he lacked experience, he went everyday to a different site to watch and learn from different companies. and then after he built his own house) I came to understand why he hasnt been going to church. As in most situations, he was offended, but when i asked him if he was preparing to go to the temple he said, bishop is always telling me i need to prepare. The thought entered in mymind and i voiced it, "do you know why you need to go?" he said no, that everyone just said ya have to go and wont tell him anything about it. We taught parts of the plan of salvation. I am convinced that in most situations like this there is a common lack of understanding. The theme of my mission, "true doctrine UNDERSTOOD changes behavior." fim.
Klisleide will be baptized this week.
So i had bishop bring copies of the BOM in Spanish and german. i understand everything in Spanish!!!! WHOO! but almost nothing in German. I love studying languages with the Book of Mormon.
proud to wear the tag,
sister peterson
This week not a lot happened. Just work as usual. I am starting to feel the pull of six months in one area, or maybe it is one year on the mission. But it has been a big blessing with all these amazing experiences i am having here with amazing people. Sergipe will always be a huge part of my heart.
This week we were preparing to baptize Josue. He is the teenager who we have been teaching, he received a very strong and personal testimony when he prayed a few weeks back. His mom tried talking him out of his baptism a lot she thinks it is too soon etc. He said "i thought about desisting a lot, but everytime I thought about not being baptized I felt a horrible feeling." Basically we are watching him as he learns how to identify the spirit. It is simple but amazing.
Also, we baptized a man this week. The thought came "this is Heavenly Father's child" as he was baptized. I feel so blessed to have taught him and to help him through this change in his life. The baptism was great.
I read in Helaman 5 this week. WOW! it is a story that we have hear, Nephi and his bro lehi literally tire of the wickedness of the people so they go out to teach. They are thrown in prison, starve and are mistreated. When the Lamanites go to kill them, Nephi and lehi are encircled by a pillar of fire a thick cloud. I was reading how 1 Heavenly Father loves His children so much that He will give them every chance to have a real converting experience (read about Aminadabe -dont know in english v.35-42-a dissenter of the Nephites who had once belonged to the church. Watch how God uses this man that had rebelled against the truth to have a chance to remember repent and to help others) 2 how a testimony is not a result of miracles. First we learn a concept and we must exercise faith, then after our faith comes the consequences, one of which is the Spirit testifying., miracles are a consequence of faith.
I have seen that in my work here. i have felt Heavenly Father helping me and directing me. encouraging me and reminding me. WHEN i follow what is said I see miracles.
yesterday we ate lunch with a less active family. I started talking to the husband, one of the hardest workers ive met (literally when housebuilders wouldnt allow him to work in construction because he lacked experience, he went everyday to a different site to watch and learn from different companies. and then after he built his own house) I came to understand why he hasnt been going to church. As in most situations, he was offended, but when i asked him if he was preparing to go to the temple he said, bishop is always telling me i need to prepare. The thought entered in mymind and i voiced it, "do you know why you need to go?" he said no, that everyone just said ya have to go and wont tell him anything about it. We taught parts of the plan of salvation. I am convinced that in most situations like this there is a common lack of understanding. The theme of my mission, "true doctrine UNDERSTOOD changes behavior." fim.
Klisleide will be baptized this week.
So i had bishop bring copies of the BOM in Spanish and german. i understand everything in Spanish!!!! WHOO! but almost nothing in German. I love studying languages with the Book of Mormon.
proud to wear the tag,
sister peterson
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