Growth in Guimaraes

There is a definite growth going on here in Guimarães, it’s a lot different than when I first arrived, so that’s been pretty exciting to witness. I know it will only continue to grow too. We talked to some one awesome yesterday, he actually listened, he’s studying philosophy, but he questioned and was open minded, that’s something you don’t find a lot here, in this very very, Catholic part of Portugal.

Also lessons are going good with our velhoatas (old ladies) No they’re not progressing with reading and well their prayers are getting better, sigh, but we taught them the Plano de Salvação and they seemed to get it and like it.

The best part of last week was the Elders had a baptism, a mother and daughter (she’s the one that just showed up to church, her cousin is a member in Brazil) it was really good a lot of people showed up. The best part of it all is of course the spirit that was present, it´s wonderful the spirit that is felt when they’re being baptized, so sweet, and beautiful, honestly it’s so delicious. Anywho our velhoatas definitely felt it. Conceção was so impressed and one of the younger members of the ward said the closing prayer, and she was amazed at how pure and beautiful it was and she was just going on and on about it. Conceção I love her she’s more the emotional one, she has a lot of faith and just is more feeling, more receptive to the spirit I think, where Amélia understands the doctrine better, good thing we’re teaching them together so they can help each other out, anywho I think Conceção wants to be baptized she talks about “when they’re baptized” she also said the members are different they’re open and friendly, so she was impressed with them. So yay we finally got them to come to church because of that, Conceção got a priesthood blessing because she’s having eye surgery, so we’ll see how that goes too. Other than that, we’re going to work more with the less actives this week, and I still haven’t been able to teach Gracielle, so great is my tristeza (sadness) Anywho I love this church, I love studying about it. I love my Portugal and my Guimarães and even the language sometimes although it doesn’t love me. I miss all of you terribly, and hope that you all are well. The Lord truly is aware of all of us, just to have that knowledge and to know that He is my friend and confidant is what gets me through when I’m struggling, I am so blessed. I thank you all for your friendship and the lessons you have taught me. I love you all.