April is flying...

April 21

Hey everyone! Happy Easter! Happy Birthday Kasidy. 

It was a great week. Leandro was baptized. He is from Rio, which makes him SUUUUUUUPPPERRRRR cool. Always wanted to be carioca. Já era. Anyways, we found him tracting. (So thank you President for the request!)

This week was interviews with President and Sister Nogueira- it went very, very well. Sending mom some details ;)

April is flying, right? Can’t believe I will be talking to you guys in a few weeks! Stoked! Anyways, we are all doing well here, just loving Guarabira. 

2 funny stories. 1) Almost weekly, someone tells me I look like an actress from a Mexican soap opera. Hysterical. Don’t know what I think about that. 

2) I have a new investigator that is calling me her `nora` - daughter-in-law. O my goodness... Jacqueline #2.... if only she could be Jacqueline for real? I really miss her....; /

One thought I had today- inspired by my Katie and her thoughts on happiness.. I have been thinking a lot about happiness lately (thanks for the letters, Kate) and came across this quote: ``You know you sometimes think yourself into unhappiness and depression. But did you know, you could also think yourself into happiness? By positive thinking, you will be well, you will prosper, and your prayers will be answered. Become the master of your thoughts. Stop thinking about how tough life is. Stop thinking about the future and the past, think of God´s riches and love and express these thoughts daily. You will become what you think.`` Albert E Cliffe. 

Obviously this is much easier to hear and say than to do, isn’t it, so for those of you discouraged, President Uchtorf always seems to help, ``My dear brothers and sisters, don’t get discouraged if you stumble at times. Don’t feel downcast or despair if you don’t feel worthy to be a disciple of Christ at all times. The first step to walking…in righteousness is simply to try…We must try to believe. Try to learn of God, read the scriptures, study the words of His latter-day prophets; choose to listen to the father, and do the things he asks of us. Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible- and that which seems only possible becomes habit and a real part of you.``

You can do it!!! We can! Smile about that! Yesterday we celebrated the greatest act of all- what made it all possible!

So the pictures are better than the message this week. Sorry.... I am already out of time. But I love you so much! Have a great week. Michael, stop breaking so many hearts ;)

PHOTOS:

My delicious lunch after district meeting. 

My district

Our baptism- Leandro

Easter Message

It was a good week and really, it hasn't been too long since I last emailed (Wednesday). All is well here in Guarabira and the work is moving forward. 

I wish I had more news or something excited to say... but I don’t. We do have a lot of investigators that are progressing right now, and that is a huge blessing!

Really, all my thoughts this week are turned to next Sunday, Easter. What an amazing day it is to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. In that spirit, I had to quotes I wanted to share today. 

 Jeffrey R. Holland gave a few things to remember during sacrament meeting and I found one idea particularly interesting. He said, ``On some days we will ahve cause to remember the unkind treatment He received, the rejection he experienced, and the injustice- oh the injustice He endured. When we, too, then face some of that in life, we can remember that Christ was also troubled on every side, but not distressed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but ´dot destroyed´(2 Cor 4:8-9). 

``When those difficult times come to us we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before he could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His people in their infirmities (Alma 7:11-12). 

``To those who stagger or stumble, he is there to steady and strengthen us. In the end he is there to save us, and for all this He gave His life. However dim our days may seem, they have been darker for the savior of the world... in fact, in a resurrected otherwise perfected body, our Lord of this sacrament table has chosen to retain for the benefit of his disciples the wounds in his hands and his feet and his side- signs, if you will, that painful things happen even to the pure and perfect. Signs, if you will, that pain in this world is NOT evidence that God doesn’t love you. It is the wounded Christ who is the captain of our soul- he who yet bears the scars of sacrifice, the lesions of love and humility and forgiveness.``

I think the message of the resurrection is the most beautiful that there is... and the same hope comes from Joseph B. Wirthlin´s message, Sunday Will Come. He said, ``I think that of all the days since the beginning of this world´s history, that Friday when the Savior was crucified was the darkest. But the doom of that day did not endure. The despair did not linger because on Sunday, the resurrected Lord burst the bonds of death. He ascended from the grave and appeared gloriously triumphant as the Savior of all mankind. And in an instant, the eyes that had been filled with ever-flowing tears dried. The lips that had whispered prayers of distress and grief now filled the air with wondrous praise, for Jesus the Christ, the Son of the Living God, stood before them as the first fruits of the Resurrection, the proof that death is merely the beginning of a new and wondrous existence... Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world, we will be reunited with those we have cherished.``

I love my Savior. The words of the hymn, ``I stand all amazed`` come to mind as I think of all He did for each and every one of us. He loves us. My prayer is that this Easter Sunday and always, we remember His loving sacrifice that made everything possible. 

I love you all. I am grateful to have the greatest family to have ever lived. We are not a perfect family, are we? But we are together to teach each other all we need to know that one day will may be perfected in Christ. 

Have a wonderful day, week, whatever. Be safe. I love you. May God be with you until we meet again.

Sister Seal

Transfer news? Still in Guarabira...

Transfer news? I am still here with Sister Willette. What a blessing to stay in this area. One of my really good friends, Sister Augusta went home. That was super sad; she has helped me SO much these last 2 months. I will miss her. It’s strange watching a missionary ``die``. I don’t know how to explain it really. When you’re a missionary, when you've been out long enough, you get to the point where you forget your old life- it feels like a dream. It truly feels like you will never go home... Watching her leave was hard- most have blank expressions- like it doesn't sink it until long after you've reached the airport back home, and even then I’m sure the shock doesn't pass....

Since I hit my year mark, I have had many tell me to keep focused and keep working hard. I appreciate the encouragement, counsel, and support. And to make it clear- I’m more focused than ever. And even though I love you all more than life itself- it doesn't feel like I’m going home ANY time soon- or ever for that matter. Know that my mind is here...and even though you all have a very big piece of my heart there, my heart is here too. When bad things happen, you just learn quickly that the gospel is all you really have. That’s a lesson I am learning very well these days.

This was a good week- full of hard work and topped off with General Conference, as you know. I don’t have any inspiring stories... I only watched one session in English and the rest was Portuguese. So let’s just say I am very much looking forward to the Ensign (in English). But it was phenomenal, as always. The highlight for me was the last session. I can’t remember who taught the first vision/ restoration, but it was stellar. 2 speakers invited us to pray to know of the truth for ourselves. We had an investigator with us during that session and at the end she turned to me and asked, “Do you really believe I can pray and know for myself too?” The hope in her eyes nearly brought tears to mine as I replied, “I promise you that you can know, too...” She readily accepted baptism after that and now we are working with her with a date. The gospel changes people’s hearts. Our message is a message of change and hope and we couldn't have a better one to take to all nations. (or to all neighbors... hint hint)

Fun fact: I have bangs now- Sister Augusta cut my hair for me last night... and I love it- so even though, Mom, you always told me not to... you would like them, too. Ha, that was random- but só vai.

I really don’t have much else to say. Can’t believe its April. Super excited for Easter- to celebrate the greatest act of all history. And...I love being a missionary. I really do. I would be nothing without my mission. I see why God called me to serve now and am ever grateful that He did. 

I hope you all have a stellar week. I love you and pray for you always. Wish I had a quote for today... but I don’t. All I have is something I learned last week about prayer:

We don’t pray to change God´s final answer. We pray to finally reach the same conclusion for ourselves that He arrived at a long time ago.

He already knows what we need and when we pray- we find out how it is that He plans to give it to us and a lot of the time that means work on our part. It requires that we use the enabling power of the atonement. 

LOVE YOU! 

GENERAL CONFERENCE IS FINALLY HERE!!!

I can’t believe it.....March is over. Time won’t stop! But, the good news is: GENERAL CONFERENCE IS FINALLY HERE!!! Yes, I have a paper chain in my bedroom, a countdown on my phone, and it circled in bold colors on ALL of my calendars. I don’t think anyone really realizes how excited I am... muahahaha. Stoked. And my request to all of you is that each of you sends me just one quote- (at least) your favorite quote from this conference. Deal? I’m not actually offering anything in return, but know that it will probably result in blessings pronounced upon your head. :)

Speaking of time flying- next week is transfers again. You know the drill. And, we all know I only have 2 months here, so 5 more to go- I will probably stay. Hallelujah- this area is my mission GOLD MINE- we are baptizing weekly here, so I have NO complaints and NO desire to leave. 

I forgot to mention awhile back that I switched companions in the middle of the transfer (well, one week in, actually). You see... we are living with another companionship that didn’t get along too well- and it was hurting our whole district here. (In all reality- the girl is just struggling a lot here on the mission, and it’s been hard on all of her companions) So, I emailed Pres and offered to switch. He called me up the next day and the rest is history. But- companionships are what you make of them, you know. That’s an idea we ALL can learn from, and quite honestly her past is her past and I only care about her future. We are getting along very well and everything is going smoothly. No more problems. Lessons learned: love your companion for who they can become, everything is what YOU make of it. 2 people with the same situation will act very differently- lets choose the way Christ would react. Attitude is everything. Perspective is everything, so let’s keep ours eternal. 

We had 2 miracle baptisms this week- Ana and her daughter Nina. It was amazing. Ana struggles with depression and just wants to be cured. Depression is a soft spot for me these days and thus, I am quite motivated to help her find her cure- the Savior, the Gospel. 

My message today is from Katie Bean. She sent me a stellar talk on the atonement- I was blown away, and have to share. Group companion study?

She didn’t send me the title, but it’s by Neal A. Maxwell. I am not going to type it all out, and it probably won’t make much sense altogether, but I am going to share some of the highlights- my favorite ideas from his message. He said, "There are also our customized trials such as experiencing illness, aloneness, persecution, betrayal, irony, poverty, false witness, unreciprocated love, etc. If endured well now, all these things can be for our good and can greatly enlarge the soul, including an enlarged capacity for joy. Meek suffering often does the excavating necessary for the enlarging.

“Special guidance is found in His instructive, personalized words about the Atonement. As He began to feel the awful weight of the approaching Atonement, Jesus acknowledged, ‘for this cause came I into the world’. We too, brothers and sisters, came into the world to pass through our particularized portions of mortal existence. Even though our experiences do not even begin to approach our Master´s, nevertheless, to undergo this mortal experience is why we too are here! ...Moreover, partaking of a bitter cup without becoming bitter is likewise part of the emulation of Jesus. ... Some ‘why me’ questions would be much better as ‘what’ questions, such as, “what is required of me now?”

“...yes, we need the essential ordinances, but we also need the essential attributes. Yes, we need to keep our covenants, but we also need to develop our character.” 

And finally, Dallin H. Oaks said, “The final judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts- what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts- what we have become.”

I testify that all he said is true. We need to understand the atonement more and more each day if we want to stand before God at the last day and know we have been changed by His grace and mercy. Studying His life and love has brought me so much peace in a world that only offers misery. I promise it will do the same for you.

Thank you for your support and love. I received a bunch of letters this week- and I read every one of them with SO much gratitude. I know I am AWFUL at writing back- but I hope you know the difference you make. Your letters are very helpful to me- appreciated more than you´ll ever know. Don’t give up on me, please. 

I love you all so much. Until next Wednesday. Pray everything goes according the Lord´s will, and know that I pray for you all as well-daily. Be safe. ``Be good``- Kim. Haha :) LOVE YOU! 

Sister M. Seal

One Year!

Happy Birthday Friday, Michael! 18- you are old, kid. And... Happy birthday tomorrow, Holly :) Hope it is a wonderful one!

Gente. This week makes 1 year that I left home-headed for who knows what, know one really knew (at least I didn't). I can honestly say, looking back on this year that it has been one of tears-happy and sad. Its had its ups and downs. But, I wouldn't trade a minute of it, I wouldn't change any of it. It wasn't necessarily all I thought it would be, but it has been everything that I needed it to be, and I am SO grateful to be a missionary, and very much am looking forward to these next 6 months. Like a sister from my MTC district said, “We are going to finish our missions RUNNING!” And we will.

Ok, it was a good week, as always. My message today is on mercy. I have never read a more beautiful talk on the subject than the one by Uchtdorf. I’m just going to share some of the highlights. Dad will like that, it’s the “Driver´s personality version”. 

“Strained and broken relationships are as old as humankind itself. Ancient Cain was the first who allowed the cancer of bitterness and malice to canker his heart... since those first days, the spirit of envy and hatred has led to some of the most tragic stories in history... I imagine that every person on earth has been affected in some way by the destructive spirit of contention, resentment, and revenge. Perhaps there are even times when we recognize this spirit in ourselves...

“...but when it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we too often justify our anger as righteous and our judgment as reliable and only appropriate. Though we cannot look into another’s heart, we assume that we know a bad motive or even a bad person when we see one. We make exceptions when it comes to our own bitterness because we feel tat in our case, we have all the information we need to hold someone else in contempt...refusing to forgive is a grievous sin- one the savior warned against.”

Uchtdorf’s bottom line was, “STOP IT” It’s that simple. 

“...We must recognize that we are all imperfect-that we are beggars before God. Haven’t we all, at one time or another meekly approached the mercy seat and pleaded for grace? Haven’t we wished with all the energy of our souls for mercy-to be forgiven for the mistakes we have made and the sins we have committed?

“Because we all depend on the mercy of God, how can we deny to others any measure of the grace we so desperately desire for ourselves? My beloved brothers and sisters, should we not forgive as we wish to be forgiven?... Brothers and sisters, let us put down our stones. Let us be kind. Let us forgive. Let us talk peacefully with each other.``

And my FAVORITE part of the entire talk, ``Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it with our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment.``

Go back. Read it again, please. And again and again--however many times it takes you until you're ready to “put down your stones”. We didn’t come here to fight. 

“We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life, it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go our of grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn to let go of such things. That is the Lord´s way.

“Remember Heaven is filled with those who have this in common: they are forgiven and they FORGIVE.  Lay your burdens at the saviors feet. Let go of judgment.  Allow Christ’s atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another. The merciful will obtain mercy.``

Okay, so it wasn’t actually the readers digest-but I tried. I’m long-winded, you know. 

LOVE YOU GUYS. Have a great week. Lets all try to be a little more merciful and compassionate this week and it will do us all a lot of good. Be safe. Be good.

Love, Sister M. Seal

Photos-I wash dishes every day at the members house... They say I’m good-I wash like a Brazilian! Ha! But the photo is because of the cute apron. Hope grandma wants to help me make one just like it when i get home??? :)

Week of Many Miracles

Bom dia.

My heart is full of so much gratitude for the miracles I have seen and heard of this week. The first and greatest of all, being the most amazing story I ever heard from Conner. That is one I will keep tucked away in my journal forever. Conner, I hope you know that I could NOT IN ANY WAY OR EVER be more proud of you. Who you are, are becoming, and who you have always been. You are a rockstar- and I have learned a lot from you. Keep it up, kid, and the Lord will bless you forever.

This week Joseane was baptized (the sister of the man that was baptized 2 weeks ago). It was really sweet. All week we have been studying and praying for ``desire``.  Joseane wouldn't stop hugging us, and with tears in her eyes, she said several times, ``I feel free.`` That moment changed me- and little by little I am seeing just how much the world NEEDS this. They don’t even know what they are missing…but once we show them- their lives fill with the sweetest joy, and in turn, our lives too.

Tuesday my district leader asked Sister Augusta and I to give the training/lesson. He asked that we teach the Plan of Salvation. It was incredible- and only one or two stubborn elders with dry eyes in the room. The Plan of Salvation encompasses the fulness of the gospel-it’s what we have and what we know that the world has lost, ``because they know not where to find it`` as the scripture says. Please don’t take the knowledge you have for granted. I am really grateful for the opportunity I had to learn more about God´s plan for us- and our role here on earth in the execution of that plan. We have a lot to do-so lets get to work.

Friday we had another training-the assistants. They talked about desire (YES!) and it was really cool! They way we become more motivated is through obedience, prayer, fasting, and diligence. These 4 things are KEY.

Well, we starting tracting this week-first time in my mission since Oregon.. Let me tell you, I didn't miss it. It is a request directly from President Nogueira-to tract out the areas closest to the chapel to do a “clean sweep”, if you will, of our area and make sure everyone is hearing our message. We have found a few really great investigators already, and as this is a question of obedience and diligence, we know many blessings will be granted.

My message today comes from Sister Linda Reeves, “Claim the Blessings of Your Covenants”. She used a really profound analogy similar to the idea of clay in the hands of the potter. She said, “Almost 3 years ago a devastating fire gutted the interior of the beloved, historic tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Its loss was deemed a great tragedy by both the community and Church members. Many wondered, “Why did the Lord let this happen? Surely He could have prevented or stopped its destruction.”

“Ten months later, during the Oct 2011 general conference, there was an audible gasp when Pres. Monson announced that the nearly destroyed tabernacle was to become a holy temple- a house of the Lord! Suddenly we could see what the Lord had always known! He didn't cause the fire, but He allowed to fire to strip away the interior. He saw the tabernacle as a magnificent temple- a permanent home for making sacred, eternal  covenants.

“My dear brothers and sisters, the Lord allows us to be tried and tested, sometimes to our maximum capacity. We have seen the lives of loved ones- and maybe our own-figuratively burned to the ground and have wondered why a loving and caring Heavenly Father would allow such things to happen. But He does not leave us in the ashes, He stands with open arms, eagerly inviting us to come to Him. He is building our lives into magnificent temples where His spirit can dwell eternally.

“In Doctrine and Covenants 58:3-4, the Lord tells us: `Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come here after, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Where fore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory.´

“I testify that the Lord has a plan for each of our lives. Nothing that happens is a shock or a surprise to Him. He is all-knowing and all-loving. He is eager to help us, to comfort us, and to ease our pain as we rely on the power of the Atonement and honor our covenants. The trials and tribulation that we experience may be the very things that guide us to come unto Him and cling to our covenants so that we might return to His presence and receive all that the Father hath.``

I testify to all that she said, recognizing that it can be easier ``said than done``.  That is where prayer, patience, and faith come in. I really don’t believe God changes our circumstances-Ive said that before.  But, I know that prayer is enabling. The atonement is enabling. When we pray for strength to change our own circumstances, that is when we find power. That is when we find strength. Instead of asking God to fix things for us, lets pray to Him, asking humbly that we might find the strength through the grace of His son to LEARN to fix things with His hand and help.

I love you all and pray for you daily. I pray for your health. For your safety and for your success. Above all, I pray for your happiness-but happiness only comes through living the gospel the way it is meant to be lived. Your life is as simply as you make it- nothing is out of God´s control. This week, my challenge for each of us is to take a step back and look at things with a new perspective. Let’s try to simplify the challenges and circumstances in our lives-bit by bit and day by day and I promise you things will become easier-your burdens will be lifted. Eternal perspective is key. Aside from the building of God´s kingdom, NOTHING is THAT important. And God cares MOST for the things which pertain to His kingdom, He is always in control, so even in that aspect-we should not feel overwhelmed. By living simple lives, people will be drawn to our examples, and we can then help others to live their lives in a way that is a little more simple, too.

I hope you have a wonderful week. I love you all. Please be safe and take care of one another.

Carnaval

This week was carnaval- we couldn’t find computers... that’s my excuse for the 3 day delay. Sorry!

Great week. We had two baptisms this Sunday! WHOOT! And, the other photo is of my two future missionaries. Ha! Yes, we have another baptism this Sunday. It will be wonderful; it’s actually the sister of the boy that was baptized last Sunday- love working with families. :)

We had a zone meeting this morning- love my zone. That’s the group pic I sent. 

I am going to start writing to missionties to get letters to you all faster. THANKS FOR THE LETTERS I GOT TODAY!!! Papa and Grandma, Oma, Kim, Katie, Holly and her wonderful family (loved the pictures too!!!) and Mom. Thanks guys!

My message today is one I need to learn from.

``We´ve all felt anger. It can come when things don’t turn out the way we want. It might be a reaction to something which is said of us or to us. We may experience it when people don’t behave the way we want them to behave. Perhaps it comes when we have to wait for something longer than we expected. We might feel angry when others can’t see things from our perspective. There seems to be countless possible reasons for anger. But…To be angry is to yield to the influence of Satan.  No one can make us angry.  It is our choice.  If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. Anger is Satan´s tool. Anger doesn’t solve anything. It builds nothing but it can destroy everything.”

Kim’s questions?

I got from Prossind to Guarabira by bus. They have a cool bus system here...

Our branch is awesome, but small. The building is beautiful and normal looking.

Our area is all hills and green and horses. It looks like one of the boys´ video games- or Skylars :) It’s mostly houses and not so many apartments, but we live in an apartment.

I am living 15 minutes from the church- it’s in the center of Guarabira- it’s a great place. Close to Acaí shops (delicious). 

I don’t have a good permanent address yet... the mail system for this apartment is strange... but we will work on it. 

My companion is still Sister Mingledorff. she is from georgia. She has 8 months on the mission but I finished her training last transfer. She is super sweet. I like her a lot.

Gotta go- gotta be obedient. Have a great week.

Love you!