Eaten by mosquitos....

Herrrrooo Everyone!
 
 How are ya´ll doing?? I know it’s been forever, but that just means that I have lots of new news!

 I have been taking care of two areas here in Mangabeira, but two weeks ago we received two new sisters here! Two Americans and one just arrived. This is the first time that I am living with Americans and the first time having to share a house. It’s been pretty fun! I am able to remember English and my companion is practicing her English a lot too. It was a little sad to say goodbye to one of the wards I was taking care of, but I am excited to focus my efforts on the Branch. It’s a little weird to only work in one area- I am feeling like I only have a little space to work. But its fun- a new experience.
  We finally had another baptism! Jussara is the wife of Alexsandro, who is a member. She was really excited to be baptized. When the night arrived she was so happy and felt the spirit so strong. My companion and I did a musical number for her. She was crying the whole night! After, we gave her a Book of Mormon with a little note, and a copy of the plan of salvation that we made for her. It really meant a lot to her, because her father died and this is what led her to want to learn more. I love moments like this!
 Well my time is up. I will have to write more! Have a great week and I love you all!
 Sister Gordon

The rest of the story......he, he, he.....

 You can take some of the sunshine here. We have actually had a lot of rain, which is absolutely wonderful! The only problem is that with the rain comes mosquitos, and they loooove me! I have bites all over my body! They especially like my bum, which is really uncomfortable because it itches all day. I guess i have some sweet american blood!

What Have I Learned On My Mission?

Hey everyone!

 This week was transfers and I really wanted to stay here in this area with my wonderful companion! And my prayers were answered! I am excited to continue here and have some more wonderful experiences.
     Nothing much has happened this past week. I was able to talk to my family on Mother´s Day, and it was really nice to see them using skype! It´s incredible to me how fast time flies!
  Other than that, our work here has slowed down. My whole mission it has been the same- We find alot of people to teach, they either progress or no, and then we start all over again. Its now a new transfer, and we will have to start over and find new people. We will have a baptism this Sunday too!
 Her name is Jussara and she is recently married to Alexsandro, a less active member of the church. Other missionaries had been teaching her, but I dont think it was the right time. So when she moved to our area, we began to teach her and get to know her. She opened up to us and told us her doubts about life, and about her father who passed away. With her confidence, we were able to teach her about the Plan of Salvation and how she will certainly see her father again someday. She loved it so much that she wanted a little plan of salvation model for herself!
 The next time that we visited there, she said that she felt really great in the church and knew that it was true. She will be baptized this week and is really excited!
  But my family asked me a good question. What have you learned there? Why are you doing all of this? I have to say that my mission means everything to me. I have learned how important Jesus Christ is in my life. He has done everything for us! My relationship to Him and my Heavenly Father has grown. I have a desire to live with God someday, and I know through the plan that God has for us that we have to do some really important things here on the earth to be able to return to him someday. This is why I am here! To help others know what they need to do now to live with Heavenly Fatehr someday.
  Sometimes I feel a little sad because people think that Christ paid for everything, which means that they just need to accept him one day and they are saved for the rest of their life. I think that it is wonderful to accept Christ in your life, but we need to work hard to show our love for him. He suffered ALL for us, every pain, sadness, happiness, our WHOLE LIFE. So what do we need to do to repay Him? EVERYTHING. What would you do for someone who saved your life?
  I guess one little answer I have is that I would go to another country for a year and a half, leave everything, and walk in the sun till I am about to collapse to show my love for my Savior and to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.
 I love you all. Have a great week and keep me updated!
 Love,
Sister Gordon

You Are My Sunshine

Another week! I wish I had a lot to say, but unfortunately I don't. We work a lot, but things are about the same! One funny thing:

 I am teaching my companion English, and she speaks pretty well. While we walk, we teach each other songs in our native language. I have taught her a few funny songs! The other day we were talking about transfers, and how we would like to continue serving together. Suddenly she started singing "She is my sunshine, my only sunshine... Please don't take my sunshine away!" It was pretty funny! I love my companion!

Other than that, it has been raining which is absolutely wonderful! I am so happy with this cooler weather. We had one day of sun that almost killed us after having cooler weather. I got a pretty good burn! But that´s life!

I wish I had more to say. I will think of some fun things to say next week!

Oh- funny story. One day we were walking and talking about people and how they make life difficult for themselves. I was a little passionate about this subject, (after being tired of hearing everyone´s selfish problems..) and I said rather loudly `Your life is only difficult if you want it to be!!` When I said this, there happened to be a man outside of his house who, at the exact moment, responded`It´s true!` I thought that was pretty funny! And kind of embarassing.. oops!

But I hope you all have a wonderful week. Write me! I love you all

Tchau!

Sister Gordon