Small Town From Utah That Speaks Portuguese

We started off this week fasting for specific goals we set in our companionship, and wow, fasting never ceases to amaze me. So many miracles and blessings that I know wouldn't have happened if we weren't dependent on God.

However, the biggest blessing I have seen this week was the time I got to spend with Hermana Fornazario, my Brazilian companion. My mission President sadly told us yesterday that she will be moving to a different sector, and I am going to miss this woman so much.

The story of her conversion of becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ brings me to tears every time. It is so powerful and raw.

Basically, she grew up extremely religious with strong beliefs in God. When she was about 20 years old, her dad passed away. She began to ask herself questions like, "Why am I here?", "Where am I going after this life?", "Will I see my Dad again?"

She felt like she couldn't find the hope she needed in the religion she belonged to.

During this time, her friend, who belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ, gave her a Book of Mormon. Thankful for her friend's thoughtfulness, she accepted it; however, she never opened the book.

She explained that for years while cleaning her room, she would almost throw the Book of Mormon away but would somehow always forget about it or decide to hold on to it a little longer.

After years of feeling as if something was missing, she decided to kneel down in prayer and attempt to communicate with God.

Days later, this same friend (who gave her the Book of Mormon) invited her to institute (church classes for young adults). As she entered the class, she could feel a burning in her heart and told me she almost exploded with joy. She didn't want to leave that night because she finally felt like her questions were being answered.

She continued attending the institute classes until she asked the missionaries if she could learn more about the Church.

3 weeks later she got baptized, and one and a half years after that, decided to serve a mission.

Her story reminds me of the same burning desire Joseph Smith had to know for himself the truth.

He said,

"In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties is right, or are they all wrong together? If any one of them is right, which is it, and how shall I know it?...

At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God." (Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 13)

President Thomas S. Monson taught,

"To those who humbly seek, there is no need to stumble or falter along the pathway leading to truth. It is well marked by our Heavenly Father. We must first have a desire to know for ourselves. We must study. We must pray. We must do the will of the Father. And then we will know the truth, and the truth will make us free. Divine favor will attend those who humbly seek it. That is a promise which I leave with you. Think about it."

My companion's conversion story has changed my life. Not only do I get to hear her share it every day, but I live 24/7 with her genuine passion and love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

She has inspired me to more often kneel down in humble prayer with the goal of truly connecting myself with my Heavenly Father. I have seen major growth in my testimony and a more profound/next-level discipleship.

Someone help me find the quote that basically says, "I want to declare the gospel with the sound of 12 trumpets" because that's how I feel. I am just obsessed with what I am doing in life right now. There is nothing I would rather do than preach the hope of the gospel to those who are ready to accept it. I don’t even have the words to express my love and gratitude.

Highs:

Santiago got baptized!! He became blind 20 years ago and felt extremely lonely until he found the church. Precious man.

Andres (amigo eterno) told us after a straightforward discussion we had, "I have received authorization from God to be baptized in His church." Miracles!

We taught Hermana Fornazario how to say "I am from a small town in Utah that speaks Portuguese" and now tells every gringo that. I die laughing every time.

At Santiago's baptism, 52 people came.

It rained, but the streets didn't become rivers like in Puente Alto.

Intercambio with bestie/CCM comp Hermana Opager. We thrived.

Praying in Portuguese.

I am going to be in a church video. WUJU!

We got to go through new missionary training and train. YAY!! I love new missionaries.

My scrambled eggs this week have been divine.

Everyone here is hip and has sick outfits.

Hermana Fornazario learning "Love One Another" in English while I play the guitar.

Oikos Greek yogurt: Coconut flavor.

Alma 30:8.

My cousin Catherine making a classical music Google Drive for me.