GENTE...("folks")...I left Catú. I am now in Dias D'Avila, about 30 minutes of busdrive away from Catú. I've been here for about an hour, so I can't tell you much about it. I am very happy. A chapter in my life...a little chapter, being Catú...is closing, and another opening.
I learned SO MUCH with Sisters Tiburcio and Santos...As Tres Nefitas. I loved them absolutely to pieces and learned more from them than I ever imagined I could. We saw the ward grow, we saw lives change, we saw testimonies blossom. My experience in Catú was beautiful. Now, I am very excited to bring what I learned in Catú to Dias D'Avila.
My whole experience of missionary work was Catú. I loved it there. I had three wonderful companions, four wonderful months. It was very hard to say goodbye to the ward that I had seen grow so much, through a few baptisms and LOTS of reactivation. This last transfer I truly gained a testimony of reactivation...that is, visiting and strengthening members of the ward who are not coming to church, or who are less active.
I haven't heard much about this area, but I do know that it was once the "best" in the mission. Now, it seems that things have slowed down and become a little "bleh." I'm seeing a lack of enthusiasm among the sisters that have served here. My goal: ANIMATE THIS ALA! (ala = ward = group of LDS members that attend church together, based on geographical boundaries). I will love the members with all my heart, strengthen them as much as I can, and get them excited about missionary work.
My advice of the month: love love love your companion. On your mission, in your marriage, in your work, tudo. This makes all the difference.
I am learning to open my mouth, my friends. I have stopped using the excuse "I'm American" to avoid leading, teaching, asking for addresses. I am learning to sit down in a little Bahian living room, look around at the family and friends who are there, gather the household, pray for inspiration to know what to teach them, and lead out in teaching the lesson. I am learning to love people I don't know, very quickly. I am learning to teach from the heart. I am learning to forget myself...although this is still a work in progress.
I love the mission. I love Bahia. Family, I love you all so much--the post finally started working again, and I got a bunch of letters today that made me so happy.Thank you SO much to all those who wrote. Family, I got your letter as well! WOO HOO!
The Gospel is true, Jesus lives, and Dias D'Avila will know it!
Com carinho,
Sis. Petty
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