Still Smiling in Catú

Well everyone...it's another week. This post will be quick and scattered (sorry, I need to stop saying this. I think I always say this).

This last week was kind of a weird one, because of a big conference on terça-feira (Tuesday) and then one of my companions being away for a couple days thanks to a knee problem. Our week didn't really start until quinta-feira (Thursday). However, we were able to truly help families this last week, which is the most important. Our very special family, Jocélia and Gerffeson and children, are truly progressing. Yesterday we had lunch with them, and for the message I did that little object lesson with a jar of rice and rocks. Everything fits if you put the big rocks in first (the Gospel) then the rice (everything else in life). "Eu quero que vocês perguntarem para se mesmos," I said, "O que eu estou fazendo com meu pote de vida? Estou colocando as coisas de Deus primeiras? Vou ser feliz no ultimo dia [here, putting the cap on the jar to represent death] com as coisas que eu fiz?"

It was neat.

Oh. I need to say a quick, specific thank you. First, I need everyone to know that I love EVERY LETTER that I receive, and I feel so blessed that people are still sending letters--thank you with all my heart to those who have sent a letter in the last couple months. I truly am receiving them and they are lighting up my life here in Catu, Bahia. I received letters this week and that were POWER de mais for me. I was struggling a little these last few weeks to know how to not only study the Gospel, but actually APPLY what I am learning to my life. This is a lot easier said than done, and I have been thinking a lot about this.

One friend wrote that charity cannot be acquired without the help of Christ. "Change is a gift from God," he said. I needed these words. Another friend wrote about personal limits, and each day choosing to follow Christ or not. These were also just what I needed. I'm pretty sure the Lord guides the hands of my family and friends to write inspiring letters saying the words I need to here. Thank you so much, everyone, for your letters.

The work is true and the book is blue, everyone. I love the Gospel and I love Jesus Christ and I love Bahia, Brazil.

Until next week.

Com amor,
Sister Petty