In Which I Learn What It Means to Be a Member of the Church

My last week in Dias D'Ávila, my friends and family! Probably.

This city (close to Camaçari, if you're searching on a map of Bahia), is heaven. It is flat. It is full of married people. There are geladinhos everywhere.

Here I learned more what it means to be a member missionary. Here I learned more what it means to be a bishop. Here I learned what it is to lead. Although I am still "junior" companion, I haven't felt junior since I arrived here four months ago. My companions, Sister Marciano and Piola, have been wonderful, and with each I have worked on an equal level.

Two experiences of the week to share.

First, Rosa. A few weeks ago, we were brought by a member to the home of her grandmother, who was bedridden but very happy and communicative still. We had the wonderful opportunity to sing several hymns for her, and to bear our testimonies of Christ. We went to her house twice. Two or three days after the second visit, we received the startling news that this grandmother had passed away.

The next week, we went to visit the household who had lost this sweet woman. Rosa, her daughter, received us with open arms. We hugged her and cried with her. She thanked us, from the bottom of her heart, for what the church had done for her. "The members of my church preach of love and service," she said, "but don't show it. The members of your church were always here in my home, helping my mother and me, quietly showing their love through service."

I was so touched, and SO thankful for the incredible members who had shown their light.

Second, the wonderful family we're teaching. They have been off coffee for 6 days now! They are "firme e forte"! They had awful awful headaches the third day, but after we stopped by and said a prayer with them, the headache left. That phone call --"Sisters! Our headaches stopped!"-- was such a testemony builder.

I know the Gospel is true. I know that the commandments are for our happiness--not just in heaven, but RIGHT NOW (Mosiah 2:41). I know that God's hand is in the work.

If you want to read incredible adventure stories, read the Acts of the Apostles. CHIQUE DE MAIS.

Thank you all for your support and love. Don't be afraid to shine your light--you can truly make a difference in the lives of people around you.

I've seen it happen.

Sister Petty

P.S. The language is going well. In fact, sometimes when I'm writing in my journal (basically the only English in my life these days), I have to slow down and think...in order to translate my thoughts into English. Who'd have thunk?