Mission Log: 25 Feb 2013

Everything crazy. My life is everything crazy. I am still with Sister Petersen and now I'm training and we've added Sister Garn to the mix. Sister Garn is one of the first of the younger missionaries, she just turned 19 in September, and she is a rockstar. Being in a trio is interesting and comes with it's own blessings and challenges as does everything in life. In the few days we have been together it has been incredible to see how well we work together and how our personalities complement one another when we are all focused on our purpose: to help others come unto Christ. 

It also feels like we run into more ridiculous than ever before. The other day we met a random Portuguese woman who fed us take our chinese food and told us all about how top ramen is the duct tape of food. It was hilarious. 

I also find it really interesting how Heavenly Father chooses when and how to bless us with little tender mercies. I may only be half Brazilian and I may not speak Portuguese very well but I LOVE everything about Brazilians and Brazilian culture. This week we ended up teaching a sweet little Brazilian woman. I barely had both feet in her door when she had already kissed both my cheeks and was still just holding me in a tight hug. It reminded me so much of my dad that I almost burst into tears right then and there. Then she made room for us in her small house and had me sit right next to her on her bed. She held my hand as she told stories and went on about how Portuguese is the greatest language and everyone should learn it. She asked us to sing a hymn for her and she cried through the whole thing. There was so much emotion bursting from this small woman that I couldn't help but be in awe of her. I am a woman of passion. I love that I can feel a range of emotions. And I love this woman for trusting me instantly and for letting me be a complete part of her world for the 45 minutes that we sat in her home. She and I are friends for life. 

I know that Heavenly Father is perfect aware of each of his children. He knew that I needed to be reminded that it is okay to be a little bit crazy, really loud, and everyone on the spectrum of emotions. I am so grateful that he would grant me such a wonderful opportunity. 

I hope you're having a great day. 

Love,

Jari

Mission Log: 20 Feb 2013

My life is a giant mess of crazy. I'm training again. Back in October a prophet of God, Thomas S. Monson, changed the world. He said that all worthy young men will have the opportunity to serve a mission at 18 years old and all worthy young women are able to serve at 19 years old. And 4 months later my life got crazy. My new companion, Sister Garn, is 19. She, Sister Petersen and I are in a trio. I am learning a lot about communication and patience and simplicity and obedience...I'm basically just learning a lot about everything. I think it's funny that any time I get to a point in my life where I even dare think "Okay, I think I know what I'm doing. I think I got a hang of this." Heavenly Father decides it's time for a new type of experience that completely throws me for a loop. 

I have to remind myself that God never gives me a challenge that I am not capable of overcoming. He always supports and qualifies me for all He asks me to do. I'm grateful for how much trust He has in me. I always want to live in a way where I will be worthy of the guidance of His Spirit. I am so dependent on that heavenly aid. I know that God lives. I know he will give me every experience and opportunity necessary to refine me. I look forward to learning and growing more than I ever have before. 

I am making dear friends on my mission. Friendship has grown to mean something different to me over the last month or so. I am supremely grateful for the people in my life who encourage me to be my best. I am grateful for the people who make good choices and seek after truth. I am grateful for prayer and the opportunity I have to develop a real relationship with my Heavenly Father. He's there. He listens. He fills any void in your soul, whether or not you even know that it's there. I am so grateful that God knows me well enough to have sent me dear friends throughout my life. People who have helped me to grow and learn; people who help me to feel and recognize the Spirit. I will seek to always be such a friend. 

Love you,

Jari

Mission Log: 12 Feb 2013

My friend Guillermo got baptized on Sunday. It was one of the most incredible services of my life. It is something special to watch a man who loves God make a promise that will forever put his life on a new path that will bring him greater happiness than he has ever known. It was a wonderful day. I don't really have words for it actually. It's something that you know how to feel more than you know how to talk about.

I don't have much more time to say what I would like to. 

I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know there is power in faith and obedience. 

Have a wonderful week.  

 

Mission Log: 4 February 2013

What happened with that groundhog? I'm really interested to know how much more winter I've got on my plate. I don't much like being cold, but I decided that I can put up with it because it helps me better appreciate all the glory of hot, humid summer days! 

Things in Jersey are going well. Yesterday was fast and testimony meeting so members from the congregation were all sharing their testimonies and feelings about the gospel. It was a powerful meeting. At one point a nine year old boy stood up and said he would like to share a story about how his knowledge of the gospel has helped him. He said that he was at school earlier in the week and all his friends were talking about the end of the world. One of his friends asked him if he is afraid of the end of the world and his response was "No, I know it is all part of God's plan and that if I do the things he asks of me that I will be safe." 

I LOVE the purity of children and how much confidence they have in the Lord. I want to have as much trust in God as that young boy, he's my hero of the week. 

I hope you are each having a wonderful week. 

All my love,

Jari