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

Welcome to Natal!

Oi todos familiha!
 
Well I made it safe and sound to Natal! It's absolutely beautiful here. I love it already. We left at 10:00-ish this morning and landed in Natal just after 1:00. It's been a really long day, I woke up at 3:00, 4:00, and 5:00 to say goodbye to my peeps from the CTM. I'm, like, beyond tired.

I find out what area I'll be in and who my companion is tomorrow.

I've just spent the day at the mission office and with the Mission President. I love them so much.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll get a picture soon. I have P-day on Monday, so I'll talk to you then. Much love!!!

Sister Moss!

Week Five - Last Week in the CTM!

What's up everyone!!

Alright, so this is my last week in the CTM! I leave for Natal on Tuesday and I'm so beyond nervous! So beyond excited, and soooo ready to be outside more! I loved my CTM experience but I'm ready to not be locked in a building all day.

The language is getting easier day by day. I still really struggle with understanding people, which really sucks beacuse people in Natal talk much much faster. Hence the worried feelings! I'm speaking a lot better (at least I think so). Teaching comes a lot easier when you know more words haha! But it's going great!

I'm so not ready to say goodbye to the amazing people I've met here, let alone say goodbye to Sister Moss. Definitely is going to be a rough day. And maybe rough first few weeks... But I know that the Lord will watch out for us both and make sure we are okay.

The days here really just kind of run together, lots of classes, lectures and tons of studying! Easter in the CTM was awesome, it was actually kind of cool to forget all the worldy parts of Easter and just focus solely on the Savior and all the amazing things he did for us. Guys, I want you all to know, that I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. That he suffered, bled and died so that each of us would have the opportunity to live with him in heaven again. I know that he rose again, that he has been ressurected and lives today! HE LIVES!!!!! There's no doubt about it. And because of him, all of us, willl have the same privilege to be ressurected. I love my Savior and all that he has done for me. Without him, sacrificing his life for the world, I would not be here. I know he lived, died and rose again. How awesome is that!!

Um, we went proselyting on Saturday, and it went waaaaay better than it did the first time! Not to brag or anything, but Sister Barney and I gave out 9 Books of Mormon!!!!! It was so cool to see the progress from the last time. I love this work and know with all my heart that it is the work of the Lord. That all those people who accepted Books of Mormon are ready and willing to hear of this restored gospel.

I love you all so so much, and miss you tons!! My next real email will be from Natal and will contain tons of pictures! Be ready!!

Till then, much love!

Sister Moss

My new home

Week Four - Teaching

Hello,

Okay, what an awesome week!! So we had divisions last week, and I got paired with Sister Moss' companion and Sister Bittencourt. Both are so amazing! We taught really well together, I feel like. Um I had the opportunity to teach Sister Barney and her companion Sister Duarte, also both are amazing! I really love teaching them, Sister Duarte is so sweet. She gives me a lot of hope for my teaching. She told me last week, that she enjoys to listen to me teach because she can tell how hard I work to make sure the investigator feels how I feel about whatever I'm teaching about. She says the spirit is so strong when I give the first vision, which is really cool because I've worked really hard to memorize it. But yeah that was awesome.

Um Sister S gave us a scare yesterday, we were teaching and we saw her run out. We followed to make sure everything was okay but when we got there she was on the ground crying in sister Southwick's arms. Apparently she had a hard time breathing and passed out for a bit. I know from this experience that God does answer our prayers. She's doing much much better today! Whew!!!

For the past few nights I've been up almost to the last minute just talking and hanging out with Sister Southwick and Sister Skelton, I love them so much and we all get along so well!! 

I'm almost out of time but I wanted to share a little bit from the devotional last night. It was a recorded MTC devotional by Elder Holland and it was incredible. He asked a bunch of questions that really got me thinking. So he said that, obviously, our purpose here on the mission is to invite others to come unto Christ, but said that we couldn't invite someone to do that if we aren't there or on our way there ourselves. That really hit me. Am I on my way to Christ?? Can I invite people to come with me or would it just be a hope. Anyway, think that's about it. I'm out of time.

Love you all so much!!!

Sister Moss!

Questions and Answers

What kind of awesome things happened for you and Sister Barney this past week? So Sister Barney and I taught one of our investigators this week on eternal families and part of the plan of salvation. I went in with absolutely no notes, and I think it went super well. We spoke the words to Families Can Be Together Forever and I shared about how we had Maiya sealed to us and Zac will be sealed to us soon. The spirit was so strong, we were all crying! I absolutely love Sister Barney, we get along great! 

How was the temple? The temple is always incredible. There's something so special about going with nearly 120 missionaries. I love the temple so much!

What was the most spiritual thing from this last week that you'd like to tell me about? The most spiritual thing was either testimony meeting on Sunday, the lesson with our investigator or our devotional last night. Super amazing stuff. I really enjoyed the devotional last night, it got me thinking about a lot of stuff. I'll share more in the group email.

How are all the elders and sisters in your district doing? Everyone in my district is great, we had a little scare yesterday with Sister S, but shes much better today. To make a long story short, she couldn't breathe and passed out for a bit. We aren't totally sure what happened but she's much much better today. Whew!! I've honestly never been so scared in my life.

What has been something you've struggled with and how have you overcome it? I struggle a lot with not understanding the language. and I'm still working on overcoming it. One of my instructors told me to study the Book of Mormon more and pay more attention to the grammar and stuff. I really hope it works!

What kind of fun things do you have for your p-day? We basically just roam the street and explore a bit. Find some really cute skirts (I bought one last week) and just kind of enjoy being out in the city.

What's your favorite thing to do at the CTM? Favorite thing in the CTM is probably pday being out and about, or choir one the nights we have devotionals. Music just brings the spirit so quickly it's amazing.

Least favorite? Um I don't think I really have a least favorite. The whole experience here is amazing!

Week Three - General Conference Weekend

Oi everyone!!!

Alright, so this week was sooo good!!!! I feel like I emailed y'all like 3 days ago, it's absolutely crazy! But this week was General Conference weekend, for those who may not know General Conference is 2 days every 6 months when we hear talks from our prophet Thomas S. Monson, and all his apostles. Really really good, if you're ever interested you can find all the talks on the church's website. I highly recommend it! Anyway, there were a few talks that really stood out to me that I'd like to share a little bit from each. In the Saturday Afternoon Session I really enjoyed Elder Gary B. Sabin's talk about being committed and ALL IN. He said "In order to be all in, we need to stand up on the inside." I really liked this because since being in Brazil, I've noticed some people who just claim to be all in and don't really show it. I want to be All In, with all my heart, all my mind, and all my love. I don't know, I just really liked it, it's hard to explain.

From the Sunday Morning Session, I really loved Elder Ronald A. Rasband's talk on Recognizing the promptings of the spirit and acting immediately. He shared a story that made me think of my mom and her journey to becoming a member. He said he was knocking on doors and had a prompting to follow one more referral and go to just one more house, he introduced them as missionaries and the lady at the door immediately turned them away. As she was closing the door, he put his foot in the way so she couldn't close it. and asked again if there was anyone in the house who was interested in learning more about the gospel. Turns out her 15 or so daughter was the one that the referral was for. <Mom note: One of the missionaries who taught me also stuck his foot in the door so I couldn't close it on them!> I know for a fact that if we follow the first prompting of the spirit that great things will come about it. He said "if you act on the first prompting you will get it right 9/10 times" Pretty high odds to ignore the first prompting of the Spirit. But yeah, general conference was bomb!! 

Um Sister Barney and I changed rooms last night and are no longer roommates with Sister Kearns and Sister Goodrich :( but we are getting some new Brazilian roommates later today! This should be really good (hopefully) with understanding the language more! 

Something super funny that happened this week; so this whole week, there's a sickness going around and unfortunately Sister Barney and Sister Goodrich got it. But Sister Goodrich has melatonin to help her sleep at night and Sister Barney hadn't been sleeping well because of the sickness and asked to take some. Well she took it and within about 30 minutes of her taking it she didn't fall asleep. Instead she got hysterical and it seemed as if she was high! It was so funny, she was laughing and crying hysterically. She was saying things that made, literally,  no sense and just random stuff! But needless to say, after that she didn't get melatonin again! 

I miss you all so much and hope everyone had a super awesome week!! Much love!!

Sister Moss

"We must recoginze the Spirit the first time we feel or hear it. It's a still small voice but a familiar voice" - Elder Rasband

From Sister Moss's letter to Mom

The temple this morning was amazing, I love the temple. I have so many pictures with my friends that I cant wait to show you and tell you all about (stories only make sense when you have a face to the name so you'll have to wait). We gained almost 100 new missionaries this week! It's crazy how quick people come and go. General Conference in the CTM was sooooo good. I loved Elder Holland's talk about being apart of the Lord's choir. But the talk that got me most excited about missionary work was Elder Rasband when he shared his story of how he put his foot in the door. It got me so excited and so grateful for wonderful, courageous missionaries willing to throw a body part in the door just to keep talking to someone. I hope I can share my own story about this one day. Love you so much!! Please send videos and pictures of the kiddos, I miss my babies!!