October 7, 2013

Alright for the Eagle Project!!!! Hopefully grandmother feels better soon. Anyways Passo Fundo, what can I tell you about it here. Everyone is really excited to have Sisters in the stake. There are now two companionships here. My companion Sister Ropke is from Recife and is incredible. I love her.

Dad was talking about how he didn´t baptize very much on the mission, its funny because I feel like I haven´t really made much of a difference or baptized either. But Sister R---- told me that she was scared to be my companions because everyone was telling her that I baptized a lot and that with me she would work a lot. She was scared she wouldn´t be able to live up to the standard or something. I told her we work hard and we do a lot but a lot of the time we don´t have baptisms. The Lord tests us, a lot. To see if we really will be obedient. This transfer I´m not so focused on baptisms or numbers (less pressure now that I'm not in POA) but on being obedient and consistent in all things. Because consistence has always been a difficulty for me, and I´m going to master it in these next 5 weeks.

When we arrived here in the area, we cleaned the house (because it was a mess), Sister R---- and I are sleeping on mattresses on the ground while we wait for our bunkbeds. But at least this apt has an elevator, microwave, a hot shower and all kinds of comforts the other didn´t haha. Although I miss Lindoia, may have been the hardest area to leave.

I love conference, but I don´t know why it makes me so trunky haha. I think its all the talk of home and Family but at least this conference was really focused on missionary work. Its definitely the last days, the work is pressing forward with such great speed that if your not careful you´ll miss the boat. Its something I have been thinking a lot about, it doesn't´t end on the mission here we learn how to live we have to continue giving everything afterwards as well. There's no room for laziness!

Well love you,

Hopefully I have more stories this next week,
Carissa

September 30, 2013

Hey,

So I almost didn´t say anything about our little hold up. It was nothing, he didn´t even have any weapons or anything. It was 9 in the morning on a street, on our way to district meeting at the mission office. It seemed as though he was on drugs. We only gave him our cellphone because it was already in my hand, and its one of our rules. But when he asked for money we just told him we´re missionaries and he left. (sadly with our phone). But it really wasn´t anything, it was more just...seriously you're doing this???


So lots of news this week. 1st, TRANSFERRED AGAIN!!!! Closed Lindóia for Sisters. (Opened with Sister C----- and closed with her). But we left in style. 1 more baptism this week and us + the elders = 6 confirmations on Sunday. (There was hardly anytime for the discourses). And then us and the mission secretaries we sang in Sacrament Meeting a hymn to the tune of If you Could Hie To Kolob. Turned out alright. This week Sister C----- and I achieved the week of excellency!!!! whoooohooooooo finally after all this time

This week B----- was baptized...FINALLY! Its been about 2 months we have been teaching her. We contacted her in the street-- she was my present from the Lord. Do you remember the story I told you about the week I did 2 fasts last transfer with Sister C----, and the special fast with Sister C-----( a different Sister C!). Well the day we finished we contacted B-----.  And she has been ready to be baptized since the 3rd visit. But she travels every weekend.
But she has such a strong testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, she stopped drinking Cafe without any questions or problems, She loves the book of mormon--she is just incredible!

This weekend was her baptism, and we were finally able to encounter her husband at home. (He´s obsessed with the USA) he came to her baptism, and then to church the next day. We visited him last night, and he seems very interested. And all this time B----- has been scared to have us visit with him. But we believe he will be baptized shortly.

Sadly we won´t be here anymore. Both Sister C----- and I will be transferred. I´m super excited for this transfer. Last week after district meeting President called me into his office and told me what would happen this next transfer. So.....well I´m excited so I´ll tell. I´ll try and pass how incredible this is.

So there is a zone that every sister has wanted to go. It is the farthest zone from Porto Alegre, a long time ago there were sisters there but because its far its been a really long time since Sisters have been there. Ever since I arrived I have wanted to go to Passo Fundo.... well I have received the best present I could ever have hoped to receive for this birthday. 6 baptisms, and open an area in Passo Fundo. Its going to be tough I know, because I will be training as well. But I am so excited. I love Porto Alegre especially Lindóia, it is an amazing area! But as always I need change still. And this is lots of change.

Farewell Lindoia

Birthday Picture

Well this week had so many things, My birthday I was on divisions in Santa Cruz, the sisters there made a cake and cookies for me. and then on friday my district did the same thing (although i brought the cookies, peanut butter cookies have been a hit here). Well i love you so much miss you all!!!

Good work on the eagle project!!!! I´m so proud of you michael!

September 23,2013

So this last weekend was REALLY REALLY REALLY special. 4 baptisms!!!! The whole world is in shock. It was such a miracle, a family and an eternal investigator.

But as always before the baptism there will be trials. This time the trials were different than any other baptism.

1st, we were robbed. The 1st time on my mission. And the only thing he took was our ugly little cellphone. What a blessing because I had my camera and my two bank cards with me! The sad part is our cellphone had umlimited credit! (and NO ONE has that, just APs and secretaries).

2nd: We reviewed the baptismal questions the day before the interview, we learned that one of our investigators had some issues that could very well hinder his baptism! We couldn´t believe it, he is so ready for the gospel. He takes the Book of Mormon to work and reads during lunch even with all his co-workers giving him a hard time. We borrowed a cellphone and called President, and President Wright came and gave the baptismal interview. Our investigator told the experience and President said that he could be baptized! WHAT A RELIEF! Because if he wasn´t baptized, his wife wouldn´t be and who knows if his daughter would be.

Anyways sunday was really special. Our Eternal investigator Her son baptized her (and then the family). But the best part was President and Sister Wright came and played piano and violin for the baptismal service.
 Also on sunday our 1st baptism here in lindóia passed the sacrament. He never had before because he showed up late, and didn´t have a suit. Someone in the ward paid for a white shirt and slacks for him. i love this area, we have seen so many miracles!

I haven´t really talked much about investigators and members here because  it so hard to explain everything. So many details an e-mail just doesn´t do justice. And also because its been a while since we´ve had an experience like this one!

Well Dad, the man thats very prideful we haven´t been able to teach him anymore. He won´t answer his phone! and he never returns our calls. But its so true, what we think makes us happy in the long run won´t.

No we haven´t yet, I am going to look up all the scriptures for each point so we can show it to people. But in reality we probably won´t use it to teach because people that ask these types of questions just want to bible bash. And despite how much we want to it won´t help them feel the spirit.

my goodness mom probably won´t need that much. Because here  a dollar=2 reis. I think I will be transfered next week so I´m going to buy a few things before hand because who knows where I´ll go. I don´t want to spend a lot here because when I come home....i´m  going to have to re-do my entire wardrobe!

 I´ve been looking for a nativity scene but haven´t found one thats descent (just the catholic type that are made in china).

Well have an awesome week, I´ll attach some photos of this weekend.

LOVE YOU ALL AND MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!
Carissa

AND CONGRATULATIONS FOR LAUREN!!!!!!! I was thinking about her this week actually it was saturday haha Thinking that her time was coming up! Thats so awesome! I can´t believe how many things have changed!

September 16, 2013

Sisters Conference

Porto Alegre Temple

So we just finished week four of this transfer. It is going by so quickly. There is so much to do and so little time to do it. So much happened this week, so many blessings and miracles.

Tuesday: before going to the temple we taught of our investigators (it was his 2nd visit, and we visited him during his lunch break). It was one of the worst lessons!!! He destroyed us! He wants to learn about the church because there are many ´´influencial Mormons.´´ He wants to know how the church will bless his life....professionally. Its so frustrating because he won´t go to church, but he wants us to give him all the answers. And when we give him the answers he doesn´t believe us. He wants to talk to someone more ´´´mature´´ and experienced. SO FRUSTRATING! I asked him what was his greatest desire. He said to be an influencial leader. Reminded me of myself a few years back. I began to think about what the gospel of Jesus Christ brings to our lives. In reality it changes our priorites and desires. When we put our focus on celestial things we end up not only being blest with celestial things but material as well. Anyways after that lesson Sister Carniero and I were pretty down in the dups. Luckly we had the temple afterwards. Saved our week

At the temple I saw a family from one of my past areas. I love how even in another country I always see people I know at the temple.

Well on to the bigger miracles.

We have another investigator. She is an eternal investigator (6 years), that we have restarted visiting. She has two children. One recently returned from a mission and the other is preparing. Last week she (the investigator) was home alone which hardly every happens. We talked with her for hours, about her live and challenges. In the end we invited her to be baptized, or rather to pray about baptism. We returned this past week and after a ´´brutal´´ lesson haha we invited her to be baptized again....or rather just told her her baptism was this week. She didn´t resist and we marked the day. whooohooo x-mate! Anyways we left a reminder on top of the TV and when her daughter arrived home we called her and told her to look on top of the TV. It was the best surprise. They dídn´t even know we had been visiting her again.

We also have another family we are teaching. They are already active in the church. They come the entire family, motorcylce, car all 8. Its incredible. They from the NorthEast and so they are very animated. Love it!

Everyone is really excited, but this next week is going to be a lot of work. Bút its such a blessing!

I know I don´t usually talk much about investigators or baptisms but I can´t help it this time. It is such a miracle.

Sunday was really special as well. All our recent-converts and almost all our investigators preparing for baptism were at church! whooohoooo

This past week was also the Sisters conference. We had to give a training about a topic I don´t understand why people have such a hard time with it; honoring the priesthood. So many Sisters struggle with this. Its incredible how so many things from my patriarchal blessing are being fulfilled here on the mission. And I thought that my blessing didn´t talk about serving mission!
Well I love you all! Hope you have a fantastic week.

I knew Sara would love BYU, and i bet she´ll learn she likes the cold haha

Carissa

September 2, 2013

Carissa is back  (and the graduate application is done!!)

So this coming week we will be having our leadership meeting and the
week after our sisters conference. and on top of all that Sister
C---- and I will be transferred. Because the Elders house has some
problems so they will move into our house for a while and I will go
back to Canoas!!!!! So next week I´ll have lots of news whoohooo

Yesterday was really funny everyone we talked with wanted to bible
bash. We were teaching a man in the park and all of a sudden he stood
up and started yelling and telling us all sorts of things. Poor guy
he´s really confused by all the different ideas he learned about
religion but the problem is he thinks he´s smart and knows everything
but he doesn´t realize that he´s contradicting himself.

I don´t really have to much to say this week. Sister ------ had some
problems this week so we didn´t work as much as I would have liked
too. It was difficult but in the end everything worked out.

Ir---- was baptized friday night...the 1st baptism sitting down haha.
She got scared at the last minute and just sat down in the water.
She´s adorable, 84 years old and she walks about 15-20 min to go to
church.

Well hope you all have a wonderful week. This next week we will
probably be going to the temple so I will e-mail you on Tuesday I
think.

LOVE YOU!





Well i hope this was the photo I wanted to send. This was probably one
> of the most special occasions on my mission. Happened a few weeks back
> but never had the chance to share it. The Father is a recent convert
> and the week after his baptism he baptized his wife, and daughter.
> Sunday he shared his testimony and it was exactly what our
> investigator needed to hear. Never has anyone meet a family so
> elect!!!! wow they are incredible!

August 5, 2013

Divisions

 Lindoia

Building a bunk bed with her new companion

(We haven't heard much from Carissa as she is spending her precious computer time preparing her application for grad school.  It sounds like all is well and she is really busy.  Thank you for all your support and prayers!  I know she appreciates it.  Jennifer)

July 1, 2013

Hi Mom,
Well, lets just go with this week was discouraging and happy all at the same time. We went on two divisions (tuesday and wednesday) and wednesday night President put us in trio. And we´ve been in a trio all week. I haven´t been in a trio since the CTM, its fun to be in three but so hard to work. And Sister Carniero and I were already two days behind working in our area, it was a rough week.

But the cool part is for Dad. I believe you know my new ´companion´s´ dad. You both served in the same mission and are the same age. Earl? She is going back to the states for a little while to get medicine and then she´ll be coming back to the mission. You have no idea how this mission has sisters returning home. Every week!

Here in the Rio Grande do Sul, the big day is not the same as the rest of Brasil. Its the 7th of September. (or 20th) I don´t remember.

I can´t believe you stayed in a 4 star hotel, and saw Lauren, went to the beach!!! My goodness sometimes the Lord tests our faith haha

Well don´t have many stories this week. Oh yes I do. On Wednesday when we went to pick up our new companion and go on splits with another companionship. We stayed almost the entire day in the car with President and Sister Wright. I love them, they are wonderful examples. We joked around, we talked in depth about prayer. How is it that something so simple we still can´t understand and do correctly? The Lord is so patient. It was special for Sister Carneiro and I to have that time with them. You can´t help but learn from them.

Well love you!!! Miss you tons and tons
Carissa

June 24, 2013

Oh My goodness I don´t believe all the changes. I had no idea about
Sister Brown, that has to be so hard for everyone. She was such a
special lady.

And yes we saw the training yesterday. My companion and I left the mtg
thrilled to be missionaries. Its interesting because I am certain it
was for me to serve my mission during this time. But its so true, with
so many missionaries there won´t be work for us all if the members
don´t become involved. Sister Carneiro and I have been talking a lot
about that. Because its through members that missionary work should be
done but most members have this idea that missionary work is for the
missionaries, and if it fits in their schedule for members. Its
hilarious because our mission has been using the phrase new era for
months and when we heard it yesterday we all became very excited. It
truly is a new era, the last days are here. Its the final push, for
now its exciting and new but we will have to maintain this stamina for
who knows how long it will be hard but its incredible.

Its funny you say the part about numbers because I was talking with
the secretaries about numbers. For us as missionaries its all about
numbers, church headquarters as well. And the prophet probably uses
numbers as well. And when he spoke yesterday about his experience as
mission president what did he do....gave him a number/goal. haha we
just have to get used to numbers they follow us throughout our life.

Yes already renewed it. (I was asking her about her visa and if she 
had to renew it.)   I´m good to stay here for another year.
(Although with all the changes I kinda want to stay till the
millenium).

I´m so excited we are going to have sisters. Keep them busy, show them
that Chico knows how to treat missionaries. Referrals, family nights,
the house is always open for what they need, cars, visits. Its so hard
to be a missionary without the help of a ward, and there is so much
more success if the members are involved. But usually missionaries
won´t force them to help, if you help wonderful if not we run even
harder but without as much success.

(Carissa is tellinig about her latest baptism)his name is j--------. He is 12 years old, a contact, he is
amazing. He is so excited to receive the priesthood, he is already
trying to baptize his entire family. After his baptism (in freezing
cold water) he was telling his cousin (who we´re teaching) that her
baptism will be next sunday. What a good little missionary!!! Its
crazy its only been 3 weeks we´ve been teaching him and he´s already
such a strong member. The problem the leaders don´t see that, they see
a 12 year old kid that the sisters brought to church once and are now
`throwing him in the water.´ But it doesn´t matter because we know and
we know the lord knows.
well love you tons and tons!!!
carissa

(I was asking her about the demonstrations in Brazil and if she was affected)we received a phone call telling us to avoid groups of people but so
far we haven´t seen anything its more in areas like sao paulo or
brasilia, bigger famous cities

June 17, 2013

Hi Mom,

Yes I got my package this week!!!! THANK YOU!!!!! Peanut butter and
nutella I´m a very happy camper.

So our new assignment is to be Sister Leader Trainers. Not too much has
changed just that we go on splits once a week with a companionship.
Its a new calling and so all the bugs haven´t been worked out, but our
most important responsibility is to be examples for the other sisters
and to have an exemplar area. No we don´t travel alone, always have to
be with a companion. Usually the sisters are close to our area but
this past week we went to an area that was about 3 hours away. But it
was where we needed to be. It was an incredible division, I learned so
much and Sister Carneiro and I really feel we were able to do miracles
with them. One thing the assistants told us when we first arrived here
in POA was that when we went on divisions we would do miracles in
those areas. I was a little skeptical, I didn´t see how in 24 hours I
could really make a difference in an area. After this weekend, I´ve
repented! Miracles happen everyday, and during a division they are
even clearer and more powerful! Its so interesting to see how much
things have changed on the mission since I arrived. And how much I´ve
already changed, sometimes I wonder if its really for the best haha. I
remember when I was set apart and it said I would develop attributes
and talents faster than if I hadn´t served, I´m seeing this change in
my life as a response to that promise.

Another thing I thought interesting in one of my blessings says
that as I give of myself in Christlike service I will have
opportunities to have a ´vast influence´ in the church. Here we have
sisters from 5 different countries!!! I´m seeing so many promises and
blessings being fulfilled! Its kind of scary but incredible all at the
same time!

Tell Taylor hi for me, ask if he ever got my letters? and that he
better e-mail me someday!!!!!

Oh how I miss girls camp!!!! Thats so fun you got to go! I received a
letter a few days ago from a recent convert S----- . She´s a young woman and oh I
wish she could go to a girls camp like ours. And have those special
experiences I had. Really in Chico we are so blessed with all the
activities and opportunities we have in the church!

Kash, she will get portugues scriptures, preach my gospel and
everything in the CTM, its not a quad (you wouldn´t want it) and
actually its really hard to find a quad in portugues. Yes you will
probably want your English scriptures,

Well I love you tons and tons!!!
Carissa

OH Dad I'm so happy you're a les mis convert. Its amazing!!! Well I
gotta be quick today but hope everything is well with you. Matthew I
completely agree with you the mission is a beginning and prepares us
for the future. Michael! a mini mission whats that??? Congrats on the
eagle project. I'm so proud of you for achieving this great
accomplishment!!! whoohooo we're gonna have an eagle scout in the
family!

June 10, 2013

Hey hey,

Ok well what can I tell you about this week. I have learned the power of a phone call. One phone call changes you entire life. I was in Gravataí (on splits with a Sister) when Sister Wright called me 10:20 at night telling me I had to come back to Porto Alegre. Division ended and 1st thing the next morning I was on a bus back to Porto Alegre. Now we have another companionship living in our house and no one really knows whats happening. But we just keep going. Everyday something happens and we just have to be flexible and go with the flow! Or rather Satan is giving lots of chances to be weak and we have to stay strong, positive and just keep working no matter what.

Thats so awesome you going to see Elder Arnett (has he already ended his mission??? time goes by so fast!!!) Yes I remember him. Its really special to have those connections on the mission. There is a family I know here in Porto Alegre. I knew them when I was in Elizabeth, but they live here in Lindóia but they are moving to the USA next month. (We´ve already made plans to meet when I get back haha).

WE HAVE SISTERS IN OUR STAKE!!!! How cool is that!!!!!!!!! whooohooooooooo

And Les Mis....I can´t believe you all went to see it without me. No one can wait haha. Now that you´ve seen the play you can watch the movie and tell me its as amazing as I hoped!

So many changes, I can´t believe it. I can´t keep up with everything. (to be honest kinda stopped trying).

No haven´t gotten the package yet, but usually takes a while. I haven´t had to pay anything...yet. But I know of another Sister that had to pay and still hasn´t received her package. You never know. But no worries, it all works out.

But I´m starting to think about the UofU and there is the summer semester. When does the summer term start? It might be easier to apply for that one and not have to worry about it while I´m here. But then that raises the question what will I do for 6 months when I get back. Who knows. I don´t know, how complicated does it seem?


Well I don´t have much news its been crazy here but kinda complicated to explain. But all is well, we´re happy and always exhausted!

Love you,
Carissa

The group in Santo Antonio da Patrulha

Sister Missionaries at their farewell in Osorio

June 3, 2013

Dad,
Ya that's becoming the story of my mission. Work in one area, find people....leave and the baptisms are another's. But now I hope I will stay here in my new area until the end of my mission....lets see. Probably just 6 six weeks again. No its a huge responsibility. I am the first sister trainer leader. Basically we´re the LZ´s (zone leaders) of the mission for sisters. We will be going in divisions with sisters every week, and our area has to be the example area of the mission. Baptizing every week!!!
And my companion Sister Carneiro just finished her training. She only has 12 weeks but she is incredible! Sometimes I feel really overwhelmed but its really just an opportunity to get closer to the spirit. And there's no time to rest--- its run run run from the min you wake up till you lay down again.

Its funny the things you hear sometimes. My last area was a branch and a group. Just imagine the things we heard! haha

Love you
Carissa

Mom, 

Well lots of news and adventures!!! I´m back in Porto Alegre I´m in the area Lindóia. (Right next to my old area in POA, Elizabeth) Its fun to see some members I already knew. Lindóia is an amazing area. We are already seeing many miracles. One of the first was a referral we received. From Elder Godoy!!!!! His cousin lives in our area, who isn´t a member. My 2nd day here we went to teach him with the Stake President! He is incredible, he came to church on sunday and his aunt (Elder Godoy´s mother) Came to church with him. She lives in another city and came especially to accompany him to church. ((The really cool part is in a few weeks, Elder Godoy will be coming to visit our mission....we hope we can do a visit with him)). We´re learning to dream big. Its so different here than my last area where the church is so small. Here everyone has been members for FOREVER!

Well our new assignment is to be sister leader trainers. So we will be visiting one area every week and going on divisions with them. And our area needs to be the example area for Sisters. Here we have a standard of excellency for every week. President showed me his list and as of this year, not one companionship of sisters has met this standard. I´ve been close a few times but never met the goal. Now we have to meet it every week, and baptize every week. Its a lot of pressure. 

Our new house is above three recent converts. They are so funny, but are not used to missionary life. They treat us like neighbors, they want to visit us and want us to visit them. Its complicated but very funny. Like every area the problems here are very different than any other area. 

My Companion is Sister Carneiro. She is very new to the mission. This is her 3rd transfer. But is a very powerful sister. It appears as if she´s been on the mission longer than me! She´s a natural. She is from Sao Paulo as well. 

But how are things with everyone. I can´t imagine it being summer. Its starting to get cold here I have one more year of cold to look forward too! How are things with applying for UofU. Do I have to have an interview? If so that could create a little problem. If not could you send me information about the school again. Because I didn´t write my letter of intent so i need to do that. and information about the courses would be very welcome and helpful. 

Well glad Sara´s back and all is well. And is going to BYU I´m soooo excited she´s going to love it!!!!!!

Oh and can you please add S-----  on facebook. She is my recent convert from Santo Antonio and it just about killed her when I was transferred. I told her you would accept her as my friend haha. 

Well love you tons and tons

Carissa

May 27, 2013

QUIET WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (My letter to Carissa was titled Quiet Week, obviously hers was NOT!)  It was everything but a quiet week here! And no my journal is covered in dust.  (I had told her she had better be writing in her journal.) I´m trying to be better but there just isn´t time to keep up with all the drama. But I´ll share the most important. I am now four for four....TRANSFERRED AGAIN!!!!!! But this time its because of what I told you last week. I just got off the phone with President, I know where I´m going, whose my companion, and I´m going to continue doing divisions with the sisters but now its my calling. AHHHHHHHH I´m so nervous and so excited. But it will be fun to go back to Porto Alegre.

It is so hard to leave Osório and Santo Antonio. This past week, the 1st person that was baptized in Santo Antonio, left home, to live with her boyfriend (15years old). And we were there talking with her and her mother when she left. It was really hard for her mother. Now her little sister (Shaiane, who was baptized after) has changed completely. She used to be a rebellious teenager. Now she is doing personal progress preparing to go to the temple to do baptisms. But her older sister who before appeared to be more interested in the gospel changed completely. It was a really dramatic day.

And then the APs called and said that once again I will be transferred and that Osório will change to an area for Elders so all four sisters are preparing to leave the area. Its crazy. Imagine 4 sisters packing and organizing everything. Our apt is a mess.

Give my best to Lauren. She´s so amazing, and of course i´ll keep her in my prayers.

I loved this past transfer. Living in 4 (sisters in one apartment) is a blast. This morning I died laughing with sister loss, sister costa, and sister barnes. It was a transfer full of challenges, one of the most challenging i´ve had but it was one of the funnest and most satisfying transfers.

Shaiane- (recent-convert) cried and cried when Sister Costa and I told her we were leaving. She told me that I had changed her life. Its really the 1st time i feel like it was me that helped someone become and see how they could be.

Well glad you all had a calm week. give a big hug to sara and everyone.

Love you tons!

May 20, 2013

Best area yet? Lets go with the area with the most challenges where I will learn the most. Where I am not wanted but am learning its not about acceptance, its about work. Everyone says you change on the mission, its true. You learn to be hard hearted. (Who´d have thought). You learn to do the things no one else will do, you learn you can´t trust anyone, only your companion. But you learn to rely on the savior to guide you through. And you learn to appreciate the good people in your life and to appreciate the sweet moments.  

Next week will be transfers, and its going to be interesting to see what happens. There are going to be some huge changes in the mission. 

Well I don´t have to much to say this week. Hope everyone is well. Tell everyone congratulations for me!

Love you

Sister Bradley

May 6, 2013

Miracles, Faith, Trials, Tribulations, obedience, diligence, force.....what other words can I use to describe this crazy week. 

So I´ll just start from the beginning. 

Tuesday we had a wonderful day. It was literally a day planned in heaven for us. We had spent the week before contacting everyone here in Osório and Tuesday we visited them. The houses were close together everyone accepted our message, baptism and was just incredible. I told Sister Costa this was going to be a wonderful week! 

Wednesday, we went to Santo Antonio. I was really nervous, because the group leader did not want me there. He was really upset when the sister was transferred. I was really worried to take him with us to teach. I was worried he wouldn´t like my teaching style or something. I don´t know exactly why but I was worried. Anyways we went to visit a recent-convert with him, her Sister (S-----, an ex-investigator of 13 yrs) started to talk to us. We taught her a lesson, and I felt a strong impression to invite her to be baptized. I started the mental battle. Sister C--- had told me She´s a rebellious little girl, who has already had 1 or 2 baptism dates and then decides its not what she wants. So I started asking questions. I asked her if she was praying, she didn´t really answer. I asked if she had asked if the church was true, she said she hadn´t asked (I felt like I was trying to show the spirit I couldn´t invite her). But then the spirit taught me a lesson, I asked her why she didn´t ask. She answered I don´t need to ask I already know..... I was like ok it takes me a while but I learn. Invited her to be baptized this Sunday....she said yes. OH ya best week ever. 

thursday...normal

Friday night. S----- called saying she was too young, she wasn´t ready. I started to talk with her. She finally accepted to continue at least with the interview. 

Saturday: Interview. We arrived at her house with the Elders. It was hiliarious. She had put in a fake piercing in her lip. (There is no way it was real because she´s not allowed to leave her house). Rebellious little girl. haha But everything else went smoothly we talked with her and she said decided to continue forward.

Sunday Morning: I called to make sure she and her sister would be going to church (the sister's confirmation was that day). S----- said they wouldn´t be going to church and her sister didn´t want to go anymore. ahhhhhhhhh

We drove with some members from Osório to Santo Antonio (30min) stopped by their house. She didn´t let us in, so I started talking to her through the window haha. She started giving me all kinds of excuses and told me she wouldn´t go. I asked her if she wanted to still be baptized today. She said yes. and then I asked if she would go to church and she said no. And then I said something I never thought i´d say on the mission. well then you will not be baptized. She gave me a look a teenager gives to her mother when they fight haha. But she went and got ready and went to church. (but still her sister didn´t go). After Church we returned to Osório, we had lunch with the branch president while we were eating her sister called saying S---- went to the hopital. One thing after another. We returned to Santo Antonio (with the President´s wife who is a nurse) we went to see the sister, confirmed her a member of the church. and then went to the hospital to see S----.  We arrived and hardly anything was wrong with her. Her blood pressure was low because she hadn´t eaten (Satan really works hard). We arrived at the hospital with members from Osório and the group in Santo Antonio. When we learned everything was fine (and was something almost ridiculous). We took her up to the pool and had a beautiful freezing cold baptismal service. I couldn´t believe how many times I had to invite her to be baptized in one day. She is such a special young lady. It was a beautiful day, the view was beautiful. And it was neat to see how we were tested to see if we really would do all in our power to help this family. And we did there was nothing else we could do more, it wasn´t just us missionaries but everyone sacrificed and gave their all and we were blessed with a miracle!

well thats all i have time to write this week but know i love you and can´t wait to talk with you all this weekend!!!!

April 29, 2013

Carissa with her blonde highlights 

Cuter than ever, don't you think?

Hey, 

Sorry my e-mails haven´t been as informative as before. There wasn´t much to tell, but now..... lets see how fast I can type. 

As you all know I was transferred again. So far i´m 3 for 3 for transfers this year. But my new area is incredible! I´m in Osorio, its near the beach although its really not that close to us!!!! Its a little city. Here is very different than all my other areas. Here we are working in a branch, and my companion and I also are responsible for another area Santo Antonio where the church is so new it is only a group. So i´m learning two areas (and one that my companion doesn´t know we get lost all the time) haha. Santo Antonio is really far, we have to take a bus for 50 min to arrive there. But it is a really special ´place. 

I don´t really know how to explain this area. It has such a strong spirit you can feel the potential of this area. But there is opposition in all things. We have to be 100% dilligent, obedient, faithful. 

So my new companion Sister Costa is from Sao Paulo (the state not the capital). I am living in four!(meaning she had three other roommates) and Sister Loss (who lives with us) is 19 she is the baby of the mission. But she´s awesome. And we are having a blast. There are so many missionaries coming we are bursting at the seams. The work is going so quickly, you can feel it accelerating. 

One of the photos that i sent was of a man I taught in my last area. He was baptized last week. I wasn´t there but it made me so happy to see his name on the list of baptisms for the week. To give you an idea of how the work is accelerating. When I arrived on the mission i think there were 30- 40 baptism per month last month 135. 

The other photo is me and my new companion! Sister Costa at a Conference we had on sunday.

I´m still not sure what we will do for mother´s day. I just arrived here and so I don´t know yet. But i´m very excited to get to talk to you all. FOR THE LAST TIME!!! I can´t believe how quickly time passes. 

Well I love you

The change is wonderful. its a wonderful area here. Here reminds me a lot of home. its not a huge city. there are mountains!!!! its closer to the beach, but its not in our area. Which is a good thing or its a constant reminder that you're on the mission. we don´t have a chapel and so we have a small pool for baptisms and in Santo Antonio, they had a baptism in the lake. Oh ya its an adventure here!

April 22, 2013

Ok another really quick e-maill. TRANSFERED AGAIN!!! And This time its terrible because thursday night will be a baptism, one that is really special for me. I´m in complete shock!!!

I loved seeing your pictures of Florida, looks like you all had a wonderful time. And yes I agree with Matthew its really sad I couldn´t be there! But I wouldn´t trade this past week for anything!!! I have grown so much this past week and learned so much. I just can´t believe I will be leaving again. Remember before the mission I said the sacrifice would be I wouldn´t be setting down or have my own place for 18 months.....seriously when I finally reach that point in my life I am going to appreciate it so much! I never imagined I would leave Fernandes so quickly (also because every sister that passes through here stays for 4 transfers). I was sure I was ´´safe´´ here until August!

Well I love you all tons and tons. Thank you for your prayers and support. I´ve received another curve ball.
Love
Carissa

April 15, 2013

WHOOOHOOOOO so jealous you are there!!!!  (We were writing to Carissa from Florida/ DisneyWorld)   You have no idea! I´m so trunky hahah.

What a beautiful temple. We´re so excited about the new temple in Rio de Janiero. My companion is from Rio so its even more exciting.

This past week was wonderful. We had a conference with all the sisters of the mission. It was so amazing. They shared a video called the butterfly circus. Look for it on youtube, Its amazing. I bawled the entire time. Because it was exactly how i´d been feeling the past week. And it reminded me why we are given trials and put in difficult situations. President Wright challenged us to leave our comfort zones and always do difficult things.

This week we have found (finally) some wonderful investigators! R----  is incredible. And now I understand why the missions in the northeast are always baptizing. He is from Forteleza, He is very open, and has a strong desire to do whats right and follow God. He always stopped and talked to us in the street but never wanted to receive the lessons (his sister had already taken and received an answer (last year i think) but didn'´t want to follow.). Anyways one day he started talking to us and told us he had stopped going to his church and started asking about the church. We invited him to conference. He went. He loved it. and last night we had a family night with him and another family in the ward. It was incredible! Even though this couple is a lot older than him, P--- is becoming like a father to R------ already. When R---- said the closing prayer he thanked Heavenly Father for putting all these wonderful people in his life. It was one of the most sincere prayers I´ve ever heard! He has been resisting saying a prayer with us, and he finally did it, and made everyone cry. The spirit is so strong when we teach him. Its wonderful. He is ´dating´a girl from Forteleza and is going to invite her to receive the missionaries. He´s already thinking about getting married in the temple (helps that I showed him a picture of the currently being constructed temple in Forteleza)!!!! YEAHHHHHH

Well i don´t have too much news this week. Hope you all have a wonderful week in Florida. Did Dad go? or is he working?

Oh and my surprise I told you about a few weeks back. I´m going to do it today! I´m going to dye my hair!!!! Highlights!!! I´m going to be blond!!!! (kinda). I was supposed to do it this morning, but he couldn´t so here in 10 min we´re going to the salon!! But the best part is I don´t have to pay anything! Its a member who has a beauty school and its a service he does for the sisters in our zone!

Well if i like it i´ll send pictures next week. And next week is transfers!!! I don´t think anything will change but who knows!

Love you all
Carissa

April 8, 2013

       Carissa and the missionaries in her area

Missionaries at Zone Conference

                                                                 

April 8, 2013

Hey!

Conference was wonderful, Sunday a little less for us because the Assistants to the President called the morning of telling us to invite all our investigators at conference to be baptized THAT DAY. Stressss!!!!!! (and no we didnt have a baptism).

So Conference we watch the normal transmission. One o´clock in the afternoon and 5. The only sessions that are rebroadcast was priesthood (9-11 at night) and YW broadcast Saturday morning. But we can only watch the general session.

It was really funny because we watch it at the stake center....my old area. So It was really special to see a bunch of people that I already knew!

Meals: So in the Rio Grande do Sul, its not like the northeast of Brasil where there are fruit and coconut trees on every corner. But there is a store here that every wednesday they have a huge sale on fruit. Dad would die everythings so cheap. Luckily our area is small so when our meals fall through or they give us money, we just eat at home. (Its cheaper than eating at restaurants everyday). Smoothies yes, all the time....except this week because the mission office forgot to pay our energy bill....we are know 4 days without energy! (This week was wonderful, the most stressful of the mission by far).

Thats so funny, my last companion in Canoas Centro, she has been there 6 or 7 transfers! She only had 2 areas here in Brasil! And I´m already in my fourth!

but thats so awesome he´s training? Tips???

The Liahonas you´ve been sending i don´t think i´ve been getting them. Some months we receive the liahona but sometimes no. Which address have you been sending it too? Oh my mission address in the church bulletin is wrong. Sister Seipert sends me a card every now and then and she always sends it to the secretaries (with all the bills and financial stuff), and then it takes forever to get to me.  The address is the Caixa Postal.

Anyways like I said this week was crazy. One difficulty or disappointment after another. Started on Thursday. We had marked to visit an investigator (who should be baptized this week) He´s a young man, and doesn´t know still if this is what he wants. We planned to bring a member to his house....and for the 1st time in all the time we´ve been teaching him....he wasn't there. Tell it to the Elders and they´ll understand. A lesson with members is the HARDEST THING (I think she means it is hard to coordinate and organize) and it is one of the few things that matter for our mission. and then immediately afterwards it started to rain....and rain and rain and rain. We were completely soaked to the skin. and when we thought we couldn´t get any wetter. we did. and when we were completely soaked we arrived at our apt. and in front of our complex was a lake. That we had to walk through up to mid-calf to get in. And the streets here are not exactly clean. In fact they are usually full of trash. Thinking about what could be in that water.....ya don´t want to think about it.  And that was just the start of our adventurous weekend.

Hoping this weekend will be less adventurous. Luckily are Zone Leaders are amazing. (one of them was in the CTM with me) I was telling them everything that happened with us this week. They helped me keep everything in perspective. ...The blessings better be coming soon! and if not, my husband is going to be incredible haha.

Well I love you! Have a wonderful rainy week in Florida. Still jealous you're all going there. How long is Sara going to be working there? haven´t heard anything from her since she went to Florida

Love
Carissa

April 1, 2013

Trying to catch up!!


Hey, Ya on the mission you are always running its crazy. And its really a sacrifice, because I´m so ready to stick in one place!! Remember before the mission? someday those days will come....i hope.

This week was easter here too. And holidays are always complicated. But Saturday was a miracle and we managed to surpass almost all of our goals for the week! IT was nice to have a day with lots of success. Because this area is hard. 

For Kashmir, i don´´t know if she´ll need to brink the sleeping bag. Its nice but here all the houses already have blankets. I have never been to curitiba, but Sister M said its cooler there. Not freezing but won´t be as hot as Rio Grande do Sul during the summer. Shoes, the clarks are good but you will have a terrible tan line. So I don´t use them very much anymore. An Idea is crocks. Not the ugly type everyone knows. But the mark crocks has some lightweight shoes that have worked really well for S. M.    

Our apt here in Fernandes is good. I like it, its larger than in Canoas Centro. 

This area is a little harder because, our lunch apts almost always fall through or people just give us a little money to eat at home. (I want to know if that happens in our ward!?) It could be good because it give me an opportunity to eat healtheir....but it doesn´t happen i end up eating worse. So I need your help in ideas of filling satisfying cheap things i can buy to eat. I´m trying really hard to stop drinking soda...especially coke. Can you believe it, before the mission I couldn´t stand cokacola....and now I love it! grrrr 

but exciting news....I FINISHED THE OLD TESTSTAMENT YESTERDAY!!! It was really neat because I saved Isaiah for last and so i read the prophecies about Jesus on Easter...that was kinda cool. 

Investigators: special story. M----- is a young man about -- years old. When I went on Splits with Sister B here in Fernandes a few months ago, we visited him for the 1st time. and now I´m teaching him. He is a good young man but is scared to death of comitments! He won´t accept a baptismal date! So we tried our new technique, and talked about the baptismal interview, and he accepted an interview! We fasted for him yesterday, and when he didn´t come to church like he promised....i´m terrible and went to his house 9:30 in the morning to `make sure everything was ok´....and bring him to church. It was hilarious. My companion did not want to go she was afraid what he would think....the things we do on the mission. I´ve done things here that before the mission I would NEVER do. But I´ve learned we have to show our investigators we really care. and that the things we ask them to do are important for them and for us. But he came to church.

once again i´m short on time to write, there are so many things they want us to do on the internet now one hour just is not enough time! 

and next week its possible i will have a surprise for you all....we´ll see if president will let me do it. hahaha suspense! 

well i love you! 
Carissa