Os Eleitos Existim

Sometimes we have birthdays and don't feel a difference. This
birthday, however, I really feel like I grew older and wiser, too.

I have a habit of naming each week. Have I mentioned that here yet?
This week, the first of the transfer (my third transfer here in Dias
D'Ávila, my second area), was Semana de Escolher. (Week of Choosing).
I feel that I really changed. I chose to bite my tongue when I was
tempted to rush my companion out the door. I chose to be patient with
the people I'm working with. I chose to do my best to help others
choose to follow Christ.

Change is possible. Not easy--but certainly possible. I'm so grateful
that I am learning these things here on the mission. My husband would
be a very unhappy man if I hadn't decided to serve a mission before
marrying him. Did that sentence make sense? I don't think in English
anymore. Anyway, I'm growing so much!

This week was incredible. We taught a mature, sensitive, sincere young
woman of 14 years on Wednesday, our second visit with her, and marked
a return appointment. When we returned on Friday, she had read the
marked chapter "tudinho." We began to review the chapter with her
(Alma 32) but after a couple minutes she changed the subject.

"Sisters," she said, with an almost confused look on her face, "I said
that prayer you told me to say, asking to know if the Book is true.
Sisters, it was very strange. I felt something that I've never felt
before. A peace, a warmth in my heart. I don't know why, but I started
to cry there on my knees."

We tried to stay calm and listen without jumping up and dancing around
the room or the couch.

"So do you feel that this was an answer to your prayer?" I asked slowly.

She nodded, her eyes wet with tears.

This is something so beautiful to see--these people keeping their
commitments, reading the Book of Mormon, and praying to know that it's
true...with faith! And getting answers from the Lord!

I am so grateful for members who share the Gospel with their friends.
This week we worked with members, who not only gave references, but
took us to the person's house and were present while we taught.

We're teaching families!

MARRIED PEOPLE!!!

I love the Gospel and I love you all! Thank you so much for your
letters, your support, and your love!

READ the Book of Mormon and pray-- you will receive an answer.

Over and out.

Sister Petty