The Cusp of Something Wonderful!

On Top of the World!

I can't believe this is the 2nd to last letter I will write as a Sister Missionary. Ever since I heard I would come to this area, I have been wondering why the Lord decided I should finish my last 6 months here. Now that we are almost at the end, I see I was just a small part in a BIG PLAN.

Offering Service Cards

Cachoeira Paulista has been a branch for 25 years. The church bought a plot of land and has just been waiting for the branch to meet the requirements so that they can become a ward. President, Sister Malan, and I feel like we are on the cusp of something wonderful. So here is why I think I came to Cachoeira:

1. To find Fernanda and her family! I have no doubt that their family will play an important part in this growth that will begin shortly. I love them so much and it has been a tender mercy to meet them and bring the gospel to them. Fernanda still wants her "answer," but we know she already knows this is all true, she just doesn't realize she does yet. Unfortunately, I don't think I will be here for the baptism because the rest of her family hasn't gone to church enough times to be baptized, and we really feel like they need to do this as a family. They are all as elect and excited as she is!

Feste Agostina

2. To meet Edna and her girls! She is marked for September 2nd. She could be baptized this Sunday, but she will just have gotten her stitches from the surgery out and hasn't been allowed to wet the wound this entire time.

3. To meet this big Branch Family. I am starting to feel like Cachoeira is home, just in time for me to actually go home, hahaha! Oh well!

4. Sister Malan and I were talking about why I came, and she says it was because we needed to be companions. I feel like she is the one to begin this change is Cachoeira, to wake it up! She is a very powerful, earnest missionary. I love her. She says I was able to "pass my wisdom on to her" and now she feels ready to be the leader here when she receives her next companion.

My favorite little Enzo

5. I also came to Cachoiera because I had forgotten how hard missionary work can be. Poá was just so easy, Vila Virginia too. The problem in Poá was not having enough time each week to meet with everyone, and here it is a struggle to just fill a day. I was able to remember what it is like to work your hardest and try everything and still have little success, but see the miracles from the Lord in your own life because of your sacrifices. I am so grateful I was able to end my mission working so hard, fighting until the last moment!

I already know this week is going to fly by because we have already planned all of it. I am just going to keep living it up and sharing my testimony with anyone that will listen! I will try to strengthen Fernanda as much as I can before I leave as well (we are going to pass p-day with her today :D) Lots of emotions. Hasn't sunk in at all yet. I am happy and feel like I'll just stay here in Cachoeira forever :)

Have a wonderful week! Sister L

(Right) Whenever we clap, we hear little Enzo's tiny feet running and he comes and gives our legs monster hugs.This is Family Night with Fernanda, Luis Enrique, Fernando, Miguel, and little Enzo. Irma Mari came with her boys and gave the most perfect message about The Family: A Proclamation to the World. A perfect night.

Sums up Cachoeira Paulista

The Catholic Complex