Baptism this week!!!

Ola familia e amigas!!!

So this week was probably the best week for me so far! I feel like I struggled less with the language and we had a baptism!! My first one!!

She's amazing, her name is C and she's 12 years old. She's so strong in the church already. The baptism was really good, we had the baptism at a members house in his pool because our chapel is being remodeled right now. G (the one who baptized her) was explaining what was going to happen and when she got in the water she was so excited she tried to do it herself! But no, honestly it was really good. She was literally glowing when she came out of the water! She was so happy! And I know the Lord was and is happy for her desire to follow him! I have tons of pictures if i can get them to send.. The sisters who were there sang a special hymn for her. We sang 3 verses of Hope of Israel in Portuguese and 1 verse in English! I think it sounded pretty good!

Then on Saturday we went to another baptism for the other sisters in our house. Really cool! and on Sunday we went to another baptism for the other sisters in our zone. Also really cool, I think, if i understood correctly that the 2 the sisters had baptized on Sunday completed the family. Now they're all members!

I feel like I've been struggling less with speaking, and struggling a tiny bit less with understanding. it's still hard and sometimes I literally have no clue what people are saying. They'll ask me a question and if i don't reply immediately they know i don't understand and laugh at me.. oh well... it's difficult, really difficult. I just want to know the language so I can talk to people and help people! Other than that though things are progressing really well!! We have potentially 2 maybe 3 baptisms next week.

Oh, people want to feed us all the time!!! literally! usually we just get fed lunch but this week we were fed breakfast from C's family and dinner from another investigator! It was so good!!!!!!

Transfers are this week, and I have no clue what's going to happen!!! Kind of nervous, mostly excited! I want to see more of Brazil and i want to meet new people but i don't want to leave the group of missionaries here in Mossoró! ugh!! hopefully my pictures send, there's tons from last pday. It was the very last pday for a couple of the sisters so we went roller blading!! really fun!

anyway, I cant think of anything else to tell y'all! Oh except I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers! Everyday! This past week I've been praying to know that this is where I need to be. To know that this is where the Lord has called me. And on Saturday, I was reading the Book of Mormon, some scriptures Sister Udagawa had shared the day before that i didn't understand in Portuguese and I read a scripture, off the top of my head i don't remember which one. Somewhere in Alma (see Alma chapter 29) and it said something along the lines of "you have been called by the Lord to preach his gospel to these people" obviously not the exact words but you get the point! Really cool, and I know that Brazil is the place for me, and that I've been called here for a very specific reason. A reason I may not know right now but I'm going to work everyday to try and find that reason!

Love you all so much!!

Sister Moss

The Fruit of our Division!!

Oí tudo bem? Eu amo vocês muito!!

Okay so this week we had an emergency transfer. Sister Da Rosa is now in Natal, and we now have Sister Banderia! She's so great, I love her so much already!! She's 4 months into the mission, and so much fun! She speaks a lot different then everyone else, its nice, its slower. I understand her so much better! 

This week we have a baptism! My first one guys!! She's awesome, her name is C, she's 12 and so strong in the gospel already. I met her with Sister Hansen (hence the title of this email). She is the fruit of my first division! But when we met her we taught her the whole 3rd lesson (the gospel of Jesus Christ) and when we asked her if she wanted to be baptized she said "its always been my dream to be baptized"!!! GOLDEN!!!! So Sister Udagawa and I worked with her everyday this week and prepared her for baptism! We're also working with her little brother A -  he's 8, and such a sweetheart, every time he sees us he runs up and gives us hugs and asks me a bunch of things to say in English. haha he loves when i speak English. Since he's only 8 though we have to have someone in his family 18 or older to get baptized with him. We're really hopeful for his mom, but she struggles with smoking. She loves us and is so supportive of both A's and C's desire to be members of the church. 

We teach a lot of jovens (teenagers), I'm not sure why, but it's super cool. Out of it we also end up teaching their parents. Good results have come so far. It's really sweet. 

This week was a little strange for church, so our church building is under construction so we went to the next closest building in Mossoró Centro. and only had 2 hours worth of church instead of 3, because it was in the middle of almoço and that's the biggest meal here. I don't know, super weird. 

Oh, mom! that area you showed me on dad's phone over Skype is not my area. that's Mossoró Centro. and yes there's a skate park there. I'm in Urick Graff. about 15 minutes or so by car. quase <almost>! 

anyway, its been a good week guys! I feel like I'm very slowly (very slowly) but surely progressing in the language. understanding is still hard, but I'm really listening with love and hope that i can get enough words and figure it out by context. work in progress! but i know it will come!

Eu sei que o dom de línguas é real. Eu sei que minha missão será difícil, mas será tão vale cada luta no final. Eu amo cada minuto aqui em Brasil e eu nunca muda por qualquer cosia. Eu sei que Jesus Cristo é meu Salvador e Redentor e Ele sofreou para mim. Eu sei que A Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Últimos dias eram restaurar aqui na terra, e que é verdade. Eu amo este o evangelho com todos meu coração. E estou tão honrado pela minha oportunidade de servir como um instrumento nas mãos do Senhor.

<<I know the gift of tongues is real. I know my mission will be difficult, but it will be so worth every fight in the end. I love every minute here in Brazil and I never change for any reason. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and He has suffered for me. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was to restore here on earth, and that it is true. I love this gospel with all my heart. And I am so honored by my opportunity to serve as an instrument in the Lord's hands.>>

Eu amo vocês muito! <<I love you very much>>

Love, 

Sister Moss 

My nice tan lines.

Divisões e Skype!!

Alright, so this week was a little different. We started the week of as normal and then on Thursday we found out we would be doing a quick division. Sister Udagawa left me and switched with Sister Hansen, who is my STL (Sister Training Leader). She's amazing, by the way, and I'll tell you why.

So Sister Hansen and Sister Udagawa switched Thursday morning and switched back Saturday morning. I was actually really nervous to work with her. at first i thought the division was because I had bugged Sister Udagawa enough that she asked for a break (still not sure if that was the reason) but I am so grateful for the division. 

So Sister Hansen and I stayed in the house until 4 the first day. She was re-explaining all the numbers and stuff for our planner because she figured i didn't understand when it was explained the first time (she was right). so we went over that (in really slow Portuguese) and i finally understand them. Then she asked how i was doing.. I told her how much I've been struggling with the language and understanding people and just all the struggles I was having. I finished talking and she said she needed to share her experience of her first 12 weeks. She told me that everything I was and still am struggling with she had all the same issues. She felt the exact same way. It was so refreshing to hear that i wasn't the only one with these struggles. I know I'm not, but it was nice to hear and talk to someone who has overcome these struggles. We had a really touching and really needed conversation. Some tears were shed, and hugs were given and then we got to work. 

The first day we made 31 contacts. And met some of the most amazing families! They were all so open and excited for the message we had. She had me do a lot of the talking for some of them and helped me along the way. My favorite was when we were talking to this small family of 3 and she started to talk about the Plan of Salvation, then she looked at me and started asking me questions about it to explain the Plan to them. it was really cool, I could feel the spirit so strong while we were talking with this family. I had the chance to explain the importance of family in this plan and started crying when I shared about you guys and the kiddos, and how important this plan was if i wanted to be with my family forever. it was really cool. 

Then the second day we did a little bit more contacting, not a whole lot because we already had 31. But did a few more, saw some of the families we met the day before and committed 3 people to baptism. then we were headed home and Sister Hansen  told me the next desefio (contact) was mine. So i started looking around trying to find someone who i thought was ready. just trying to see who stuck out to me. we passed this guy sitting on the curb and Sister Hansen says that that's who i needed to talk to. we walked over and i started talking to him. I committed him to church and then his friend came over. I committed him to church too. and then she tapped me and told me to try baptism. So i explained the importance of baptism and stuff with a little help from Sister Hansen making sure they understood me. and then asked them both to be baptized! both said yes!!! it was so sweet! 

it was a bummer because when we went to confirm with them for church and stuff we couldn't find them.. but we'll keep looking. I know i just needed that experience for confidence. 

after this week with Sister Hansen I've been reminded of what kind of missionary i want to be and the kind of missionary i know i was called here to be. She has been such a huge inspiration to me these last few days. She probably doesn't know how much she has helped me, but there's so much i feel. so much better about after the 2 1/2 days i had with her. literally am so grateful for her and i know she was sent to me for divisions for this exact reason.. she was definitely an angel for me this week. 

and then I had the amazing opportunity to talk to my family over skype, so nice to see all your beautiful faces and hear your voices again. Glad to hear that everything is going well back home! overall i had a really good week. i feel so much more confident and more like myself after this week!!

eu sei Deus sabe nós pessoalmente. eu sei que esta igreja é verdade. eu sei que Deus envia anjos e responde nossas orações. eu amo este igreja com meu todos coração e prometo minha vida para compartilhar esta mensagem maravilhosa com todos mundo.eu amo vocês muito!

<<I know God knows us personally. I know this church is true. I know that God sends angels and answers our prayers. I love this church with my all heart and I promise my life to share this wonderful message with everyone in the world. i love you very much!>>

much love,

Sister Moss

 

GUYS I REALLY AM A VAMPIRE!!!!

Haha, so I'm sure the subject line is a bit confusing for some. If you want to know the full story ask my parents or siblings. Haha.

But no, seriously. You know how in Twilight when one of the vampires exposes their skin to the sun and they sparkle? Yeah, well that's how I look after 10 minutes walking around here in Mossoró. I literally glisten with sweat it's honestly so gross! 

Okay, so this week has been really tough for me. I think, minus saying goodbye to people at the CTM, this is the first time I've actually cried. I struggle a lot with understanding people still, I know it's only been 2 weeks, but it's still really discouraging. And I can feel Sister Udagawa growing impatient with me. Some days are better than others but still. On maybe Wednesday or Thursday, we were doing companionship study and she asked me a question, I had no clue what she said and had her repeat it 3 or 4 times. Still didn't get it, then she rephrased, still didn't get it. eventually she just gave up and got down on her knees to end companionship study.. 

and then it was fast Sunday, which usually isn't too hard. but going 24 hours with no water and walking around in the heat here is killer. I felt like i was going to pass out after only an hour into our fast. it was so rough!!! 

then in 2 of our lessons this week, I was teaching the Restoration and the first vision. I've never had a problem teaching this but both times the investigators said they didn't understand a word I said and had sister Udagawa reteach the whole thing... again, really discouraging... Missionary work is really hard guys, I knew that before but I'm really noticing it now. 

Other than that stuff it's been a good week. Our investigators are progressing well. J, one of the people we have a baptism date for, is really struggling with smoking, he's getting better but has a really hard time giving up those last few.. Sister Udagawa says that if he doesn't progress this week we have to drop him. apparently after 4 weeks if they're not progressing you kind of just move on. We had 6-8 marks show up to church on Sunday, it was really cool to see them all come in. The work here is really good guys, we find like 3 new investigators every day. Some more prepared and ready than others, but still. 

I love this work regardless of how hard it is. It's not supposed to be easy. But i know that it will be worth it for me and for those i have the chance to teach and love. 

Oh and happy anniversary Mom and Dad!!! I love you both so much and am so blessed to call you my parents and my friends. you guys have taught me so much and there aren't enough words in the world to express my love and gratitude for all you guys do for me!! 

Love you all and wish you all a super awesome week!!! 

With love,

Sister Moss

 

 

Saying goodbye at the CTM

 

Week One in the Mission Field!

Okay! So, unfortunately, my companion didn't tell me we were emailing right now, so I don't have my camera on me. I'm so sorry!!!!!!! But I´m here and alive. <Mom note: Pictures from Sister Moss's last day in the CTM are posted below!>

So, my first area is Mossoró (Urick Graff ward), super awesome here! From the mission home it was a 5 hour bus ride, so I'm beyond ready to get to work. But the first week here in Natal has easily been the most difficult week of my life. I hardly understand people - if I understand at all. I'm the only American here in Mossoró - at least it seems like it, but it's been good. Sister Udagawa is my companion and she's incredible! She's so fun, so spiritual and so so patient with my lack of ability to understand her. She's very understanding that learning a new language is very hard and helps as much as she can. She has some of the coolest ways of explaining things to people. she's so sweet and so patient with me. I've been so blessed to have her as my trainer. I'm the only American in my district and there are only 6 of us. 4 sisters and 2 elders. The elders seem really cool so far, I've only been around them once so... but I absolutely love the sisters!! The area is so cool, the people are amazing and so ready for the gospel.

As soon as I got assigned here to Mossoró everyone told me that this is where a lot of the work happens and where everyone is most ready for the gospel. That's definitely proven to be true. Since being here for all of like 5 days we've committed 3 people to baptism. A mother and daughter, and a sweet 11 year old girl. They're all so amazing. The work here is great!

Church was good...I think...I didn't really understand all that much...There were, maybe, a good 70-ish people there, which was a lot more than I thought. But it was really good, everyone is so friendly and they all try and speak English with me. It's great!

We walk A TON. It's hard but super fun. The area is really big, and I'm usually always lost as to where we are. It seems like all the roads connect somehow but I cant figure it out. The weather here is really hot!!! But it's rained 3 of the 5 days I've been here so that's been great.

We eat lunch with the members because lunch is their big meal of the day. IT'S SO GOOD!!!!! I have yet to find something I don't like. The people here eat cough drops as if they were candy, it's kind of odd but I love it here!!

Yes, my stuff got stolen.... it sucks... it was my official second day and I've already lost ALL of my money, my bag, my Portuguese bible and a sweet key chain for Kade's mission... I'm a little sad about it but the blessing is that neither one of us got hurt. Apparently people have been getting assaulted so it could have been much worse. But were okay! Don't worry!!!

Congratulations Parker and Jordan! So happy for you guys!!! Shannon drive safe please, and give the kiddos hugs and kisses for me. Mom and dad, I love you so much and am so grateful to not only call you my parents but my friends. Thank you for, literally, everything!!

I'm so sorry I didn't send pictures, I wish she would have told me to grab my camera... NEXT WEEK FOR SURE!!!!!! I love you all so much and miss you tons!

Sister Moss <3