Feliz Natal!

Merry Christmas EVERYONE! I hope you have all had an amazing Christmas!

Here in São Borja its so so so hot. Its 41 degrees Celsius. Y'all are free to look up what that means in terms of Fahrenheit but I am pretty sure its somewhere around 105. HOT! So this will definitely be a Christmas I am going to remember. 

This week we had a great Zone Conference, where we set up some goals. I am excited to get to work. Right now we are trying to get to know the members in the area. Our mission President discourages us from knocking on doors, so we spend most of our time talking with members to get references from them. But that means we do a lot of walking walking from house to house on opposite sides of the city. But its a great way for me to learn some Portuguese. My companion is also trying to learn some English and its so funny to hear her say the words in her Portuguese accent, so I can't imagine how I sound. LOL! 

Being on a mission is quite the experience- Let me tell you. Everyday you have to actively choose to "be in the mission." Its so easy to say "this is too hard", "I didn't know what I was signing up for", or "I just miss my family and friends too much." But when you have those "ah-ha" moments thats what makes it vale a pena- in English that means worth the pain. One of the ideas that comes to mind when I think about the pain of a mission is a thought I heard from Elder Holland. And its this very thought that I would love to share with each of you today. 

 

I chose to serve a mission because the happiness, hope, and love in my life comes from the knowledge I have that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. He sent His only Begotten to atone for us so that one day we can live with our families for forever. Now I am no way insinuating missionaries are perfect like our Savior. None of us are perfect- Perfect people wouldn't have needed a savior. But I would like to use the comparison that Elder Holland used concerning missionaries. As missionaries we literally wear the name of Jesus Christ on our name badges, and if we chose to represent Him in His work we are choosing to need to expect to experience a little of what he experienced; shed a tear or two of the tears he shed; and we need to expect to walk a little of the path he walked. I would also like to suggest that that same responsibility not only applies to missionaries, but applies to all of us. We are all followers of Christ in one way or another- and as such need to remember that when the burdens we are called to bear seem to be more than we can carry- Remember He is there. As His representatives, missionary or not, we have His promise that he will accompany us through our trials, and raise us up in strength when we are weak. 

 

I am sure that today there have been some amazing presents both given and received today. But today is truly about the ultimate gift ever given- the gift of a Savior for the world, the gift of Jesus Christ. That through our Savior we can each be made whole. I ask us to think about this gift, and in no way can we ever repay this gift, but we can each find something we can give our Savior this year. I leave you with this challenge to ask yourself what gift you will chose to give back to Him who sacrificed all for you? In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 

I love you all so much. Thanks for the supportive emails. As a missionary its so hard not getting to talk with family and friends often. But emails and letters definitely make it worth it. So thanks:) Please keep them coming. 

Much Love, 

Sister K. Seal

 

 

Sao Borja!

This week has been absolutely crazy to say the least. So I left the MTC @ 2am in Provo to the travel agency. Arrived at the airport to check in, then as I was sitting waiting for my flight I was browsing over my travel documents and I realized there was a really big error. I immediately called the travel agency and they said that they've never had this happen before so they neeed to call the consulate in LA. 

My flight for North Carolina was about to leave so they had me board the plane. I left Utah feeling crazy nervous if I was supposed to go to Brazil or not. So they asked me to call them back when I landed in NC. I called them when I landed and they still had no answer and asked me to yet call back again 40 minutes before my flight. So as I waited for the news I called my parents and told them the situation, dad just laughed and of course mom worried. After that I called the travel agency and they said that even with the problem I should still go to Brazil. 

So here I am in São Borja, Brazil. For those of you who don't know where that is, its very very south of Brazil, right on the Argentina border. Which means that its HOT!!! I have never felt such heat or humidity in my entire life. And trust me I love the heat. One of my favorite things I used to do was get into my hot car in the middle of summer and sit on the black leather seats. But down here its so so so so roasting hot. And as missionaries we walk ALOT! I really like the walking part though, it gives me a chance to memorize words and phrases. 

That brings me to a new point. The language. I left the MTC feeling pretty good about my language abilities. I wouldn't have called myself perfect by any means, but I felt confident in my ability to communicate with others.Lets just say this week my ego took a big blow. Leaving the MTC I understood 100% of what my teachers were saying... here I am lucky if I am listening intently and get 50-60%. So shoutout to any of you bi-lingual people out there. If any of you have a couple minutes help a sister out and give me some suggestions neh? It would be much appreciated.

Something else crazy down here- actually I think in all of Brazil- is no one and I mean no one has air conditioning. So when its super hot outside- which is all the time, even during the middle of the night- its better to be outside in the breezy air rather than the hot stuffy house. Crazy neh?

The people are so so so amazing though. My companion and I, and two other sistersre actually re opening the area. So when we arrived this week we have been working alot with members to help get to know the people who need us. Its exciting and really dificult at the same time. But Like Nephi 3 7 says the Lord knows what he needs. He will prepare a way for us to do his work.

My companion is Sister Claret. She is from São Paolo. So excited to have a native companion. Then I live with 2 other sisters. --Side note we inherited this house from the previous Elders who were in the area who left a disaster and left clothes, the bathroom was a wreck, the kitchen was a wreck, JUST EWW!, and they also left the missionaries with a bad name among the members. And nobody wants to feed us because when they had the Elders over they ate everything-- Anyways so one sister is from Washington the others are from Brazil. We never speak English though. It's awesome, because then I am forced to learn and fast. My new best friend is my pocket dictionary. Also I am getting really good at charades. My companion thinks it's hilarious.

I am excited to be a missionary. I am excited to share this beautiful message of love, happiness and hope with the people of São Borja. Seeing as how we are approaching Christmas- which is weird to think about seeing as how hot it is here- my savior has been close to my heart these last few weeks. I've been thinking of Him. He loves us more than we could ever know. Being a representative of Him as a missionary or as a member isn~t always easy- but was His ministry easy? I testify to you that no it was not. If you have time ready 3 Nephi 27-11-12. Jesus Christ atones for our sins. He came to the world for that purpose. He knew his purpose and knew it would be hard, but he understood the Father's plan for Him. Do we know the plan that God has for each of us and are we actively trying to better fulfill that? I love my Savior. I am proud each day to wear his name over my heart. I know that whether it be in English or broken Portuguese, the message we have as members of this church is a message of love, happiness, and hope. Em nome de Jesus Cristo Amén.

I love you all. Have an amazing Christmas and week. I couldn't be the missionary I am without each one of you who has touched my life significantly. So thank you and enjoy the cold weather.

Much love

Sister K. Seal

Last Days in Provo

Okay so y'all are going to be sick of me by the time I even get to Brazil. Actually hopefully not, but since I am going to miss my P-day next week my Branch President is going to let us email today.

So out of the 10 members in my district 2 of us received our visas. Ready for the kicker? Both of us are from Utah. I guess that shows promising signs for the L.A. consulate. I am so excited. As for the rest of our district this is where everyone is going:

Sister Arthur: Roseville, CA

Sister Byrne: Roseville, CA

Sister Beazer: Dallas, TX

Sister Hollister: St. George, UT

Sister Allred: St. George, UT

Elder Hist: Philadelphia, PA

Elder Clayton: BRAZIL

Elder Chipman: Tuscon, AZ

Elder Harolds, Tuscon, AZ

So I count myself pretty lucky to have received my visa looking at how many people haven't. Kind of sad, but I am the only one in my district going to Santa Maria, Brazil. But I am still very excited to go meet those that are currently serving in the area. 

The other thing I wanted to share with everyone are just a couple things I learned in the MTC. 

1. Don't laugh while drinking water- yes there's an embarrassing story with this. 

2. God knows where He wants you and when He wants you there: I came in to the MTC with no hope of going straight to Brazil, and it taught me that God truly has a plan for me.

3. I learned that I am perfectly content eating pineapple everyday for the rest of my life: I think there are a few of you doubting this statement. But by week two of cafeteria food I didn't know if I could make it much longer. 

4. Being with a companion is hard: I just want to go sit by myself sometimes, and its so hard to have someone with you 24/7. -- Don't worry I am still being obedient.

5. Finally and most importantly:The Atonement of Jesus Christ is real: I have a request for anyone reading this- If you have even just two minutes look up a video. Its on Youtube and is called The Atonement (and it has to do with missionary work). Changed my way of thinking.

Its not an easy task. Being a missionary is hard. My teacher told us something that really got me: As a missionary I am doing stuff that is not natural. I am waking up at 6:30, even harder going to bed at 10:30. I am eating cafeteria food. I am studying all day every day. Why am I doing it? Why would I say goodbye to everyone I love so much, everything I love to do? Why do I do something so unnatural? This church is true. I know it with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. God is our loving Heavenly Father. He loves us more than we could ever know. He cares about us individually. The message that I choose to share as a missionary is a message of love, a message of hope. Hope that through Jesus Christ we can feel the love of God in our lives. I know these things with all my heart and hope to be able to bless people's lives through my knowledge. Em nome de Jesus Cristo. Amen. 

Thanks to everyone! I hope that everyone is loving this beautiful snow outside! Somebody go through some snowballs at Jeff at Carrabba's mmkay? I heard its really good if you go on the roof? :) 

Enjoy this beautiful weather. 

Also if you would like my address in Brazil here it is:

Sister Kaitlynn Seal
Rua Alberto Pascualine,

121 Sala 403 Centro 97015-

970 Santa Maria- RS Brazil

I miss you all, be safe and be good:) 

McKenna I am pretty sure with the success you've been having there is no way God is going to transfer you. 

Grandma- Wishing you the best! I am praying for you! 

Love y'all

Sister K. Seal

VISA HERE - Brazil on Monday!

So for those of you who didn't already hear, I received my Visa earlier this week. So I head out in less than a week... Like on Monday. Que Legal! I am nervous but so excited! 

Thanksgiving was AMAZING! I remember coming into the MTC hearing that holidays were going to be absolutely amazing, but wow they really are. We got to hear from Elder Nelson and then we also got to participate in a service project. We made soup packets for starving children. It was just all in all a great day. I am not going to lie and say I didn't miss Costco pumpkin pie and dad's stuffing and smoked turkey. But to my pleasant surprise the meal was pretty good. And best surprise of them all was the fact that they still had pineapple. Something to be grateful for right there. 

So Portuguese. Wow not claiming to be perfect by any means. But we ran into some Elders that are from Brazil yesterday and I am shocked at my understanding. God truly blesses the missionaries with O dom de Linguas. I am so nervous to go to Brazil because then I really have to start relying on my Portuguese, but at the same time I know that it will help me to grow. 

They just put up all the lights for Christmas and they're absolutely beautiful, not Temple Square level, but they're still a nice view. Pictures to come in the next letter with the beautiful snow. 

So walking into the  first day of the MTC they said that time flies like crazy. The days are long but the weeks are so short. Don't get offended when I say this mom, but it feels like I have only been here a couple days. But I only have 5 more days until I leave for Brazil. Its so crazy, but so exciting to be a missionary. You learn so much!!

So my letter this week is pretty lame sorry about that. But I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving. I am sure you did. Also I will be sending my mission email for any of you who want to send me a letter. Any day you get letters as a missionary is a great day. Just saying. :) I love you all! Remember God loves you! 

Sister K. Seal

Pic 1: This photo makes me so grateful that its summer in Brazil, and that I got my Visa ontime. Its beautiful, but I am ready for some warmer weather. 

Pic 2: My companion and I when we found out it was snowing. It looks so pretty, definitely too cold for comfort though. 

Pic 3: Not an amazing photo, but enough to see the beautiful lights and crazy Elder Hirst of our district. 

Pic 4: So before I left on my mission my grandparents and I went to the Timpanogas temple where we met a super sweet woman. She found out I was going on a mission and told me that she liked to make socks for missionaries. And asked if she could make me some. Of course i said yes. #mywholedistrictisjealous Anyways I think they're pretty great. 

Again love you all. I am wishing you the very best of weeks!