Monday, August 4, 2014

9 Months!

Good morning everyone!

How is everyone doing? Everyone getting ready to start school again? Wow, it feels like you all just got out for summer break, and yet school is just about to start all over again. 

Well, this week has been a good one. First, I hit the 9 month mark. Crazy, right? It feels like I just left. I am starting to realize that 1.5 years isn't long at all. 

So this week rained quite a bit. I have given up trying to understand temperature here in Brazil. Today is really cold and rainy, but yesterday we REALLY hot. It just makes no sense at all. But I am not complaining, because during the summer EVERY day was hot hot hot, at least I wake up wondering what is going to happen-- Keeps it interesting, you know?? 

Well we went to Meline's house this week and helped her do a few household projects. Also, she started reading 2nd Nephi and wasn’t understanding much so she made us some popcorn (I am kind of addicted to it here) and we taught her about 2nd Nephi. Way cool! 

Also, this week we went to the house of a less active. There is a less active member there that always promises me that he is going to be at church Sunday, but then is never there. So anyways we were teaching him, and I don't remember exactly what happened, but he asked me if I would marry him. To make it worse, his entire family was there. Yup, fulfilled my awkward quota for the week... I told him I wouldn't marry anyone who wasn't a return missionary. He said he's going to be at church Sunday. Well I guess we will see.

Speaking of church on Sunday we had 33 people!! It was so great to see that little building filled with 33 people. We were told to divide our area with a set boundary with the other sisters here in Panambi, and it was really hard, because the members all live on one side of the city, so it really took a lot of faith to be 100% obedient to what our Mission President said, but as soon as we decided that we would be 100% obedient we began to see the miracles. 

Well, that has been our week. It was really good. We are working REALLY REALLY HARD! I know that God loves his children here and will bless them with the miracles they need when they are obedient.
Mosiah 2:41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Well I love you all. Thanks for the letters and support!!
Transfers are this week so EVERYONE pray that I can stay here in Panambi mmkay??

Much Love
Sister K. Seal


Monday, July 28, 2014

So much rain!

Good morning Family!!

Wow this week has been a really good one. 

So first off... Well I have never ever ever seen so much rain in my entire life! Like really I almost drowned... Okay fine but it was a lot of rain. Kim said that she controls the weather and that I am not doing well enough at writing enough in these blogs and that is why I am having such bad weather. I am going to repent right now!!

Well this week at church was really great. First off we got a Ward Mission Leader!! Even though we have so few members we finally got a Ward Mission Leader. He is the husband of Meline (our recent convert). He was inactive for like 7 years. But he returned to the church and is SUPER STRONG!! He has a really strong testimony and even better he has some really great ideas for this branch. 

Well last week our Stake President came (he lives about 1 hour away) but it was really good because he gave a stellar talk that helped motivate the members that were there. He also stayed after to talk with us missionaries about our work here in Panambi. He told us that we need to focus our efforts on the inactive members. So we are going to try and really reactivate these members. 

We have been visiting these inactives this week. It is so sad to see how many people have left the church because there isn't a chapel here. How many people have lost hope that one day this church will be stronger here. I have been thinking a lot about how in 2 Nephi it talks about how God never said that this church would be huge, that everyone would eventually join the church. In fact God said that this church will be few in numbers. BUT we need to remember that that doesn't mean that it isn't the true church. THIS IS THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST. The same church He organized when he was here. And size or popularity of any other church is not going to change that. 

Another cool thing this week I ate tacos 2 TIMES this week It is almost like I am right back at home. When I came to Brasil I thought the food would be similar to Mexican food. But really it is nothing like Mexican food. They don't even have taco seasoning here. But there is a member here who bought some taco seasoning to do a family night with us. It was SO GOOD. So if anyone is wondering what to send Sister K. Seal for her upcoming birthday... FIRST LETTERS. SECOND PHOTOS. THIRD TACO SEASONING... FOURTH PEANUT BUTTER. Haha :) 

Well Thanks so much for all the letters. I love you all so much. I am so lucky to have the best group of friends and family :)

Our next transfer date is August 12. But I am secretly praying to stay here in Panambi. So I guess we will see what happens. 

Love you all, 
Have a great week. 
Sister K. Seal


How did I do Kim... Did I earn 70 degree weather with some wind??

Monday, July 21, 2014

Surprise Birthday Party Planner

GOOD MORNING FAMILY AND FRIENDS!!

How is everyone doing? Well, this week has been a really good one. Lots of hard work, but we have accomplished a lot!! 

So I have decided what my future career is...Surprise Birthday Party Planner. Haha, don't worry mom.  I am just kidding. But I found out that I am actually getting better at this whole hiding secrets thing. I don’t know if that is something I should be proud of. Haha. But really I threw 2 surprise parties for 2 of the sisters that I am living with. We had lots of fun. We had a barbeque and best part of the whole thing here in Brazil is they have a custom of throwing eggs on the person who is having the birthday, but I felt too bad to throw yucky eggs. So, instead I threw flour all over Sister Alves (I know Kim, you always say to be good to my companion...don't worry, I just live with Sister Alves.  She isn't my companion :)) 

Well, one lesson I learned this week is that we have many investigators that don't read the Book of Mormon, and without a doubt this is one way Satan prevents them from learning the truth.  But also this week, we had an investigator that read the Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants within 1 week’s time. The problem is, he went through it looking to prove it wrong, and with such haste that he truly couldn't have learned the truth. Satan also works like this.

Think about this. Even Jesus Christ had to learn line upon line and precept upon precept. It’s like it talks about in Alma 37 when we are told that this is how God works. We have to accept that we are going to learn here a little and there a little. Satan tempts us and tells us that we want it all and want it all NOW. But if our Savior and Master, even Jesus Christ had to learn step by step, then who are we to desire it all now. 

I know this church is true. I love my Savior. He truly came and suffered for us all, and all that he asks in return is that we follow him (2 Nephi 31) and keep his commandments (John 14:15)

Thanks for all the love and support. It really keeps me going. I hope everyone has an amazing week:)

Love you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LOGAN THIS WEEK!!


Sister K. Seal





Monday, July 14, 2014

Message to My Favorites!

Hey, I don't have too much to say this week just a heads up, so no blog post, just a message to my favorites;

I love you all. I am doing well. I keep thinking about the promise in my setting apart that said that there would be so much work, but not enough time to do it all. It is so, so true.

Well, sorry for the lack of words this week. Next week will be good. There are 2 sisters having birthdays this week and I am throwing a surprise party with a member. So, good photos to come as well.

I love you all.
Thanks for the letters and love.

Sister K. Seal

Monday, July 7, 2014

Fireworks for the 4th of July?

Oi Good Morning!!

Well is not really too much to share this week. It has literally flown by. It feels like I was just sitting down writing everyone, but I will try to muster up something to say:

1. Well I guess one exciting thing Brazil won on Friday, which means one game closer to competing in the final game this Sunday. Wow, are Brazilians crazy for their soccer. They all love the world cup, but the majority of them are really upset in how much money Brazil spent to finance this world cup. So I just hope Brazil wins or it could get pretty ugly here. 

2. Loved the 4th of July photos mom!! Looks like a lot of fun. I actually saw fireworks here too... Believe it? Haha Jk these fireworks were for the Brazil soccer game that so happened to be on the 4th of July too! But it was fun to spend a 4th of July on the mission. I made an apple pie and we kind of celebrated at my apartment. 

Well this is kind of pathetic, but that is about all the news that I have for the week. Sorry, I am a lame missionary this week. Will be better!

Much love for all the cards and letters--
Sister K. Seal
HAVE A GREAT WEEK!


Red lipstick for the 4th of July!

Monday, June 30, 2014

Festa Junina

Good Morning Friends and Family!!

So this week has flown by and I don't have a whole lot to relate about this week. Well okay I will try to come up with a couple of interesting things:

Well, we had our Festa Junina! It was a blast. I sent some pictures I hope you like. We dressed up- yes don't worry I didn't actually lose my front tooth Kimmy! We made some great food and it was fun. Only down side it has been raining this whole week. No joke I haven't seen the sun since last Sunday. Sad story, I know. But anyways, so because of the rain we didn't have all of our investigators we invited come. But hey, we still threw a pretty awesome party all things considered. 

Also, this week we had transfer calls. Good news. I am staying here in Panambi. Really I already told President I want to stay here for the rest of my mission. He hasn't responded yet, so I will let you know how that goes. JK. 

Well Brazil is still in it to win it in this world cup. I know I know I am American, but I think I am starting to turn into a real Gaucha-- Like southern Brazilian. Well I hear Michael has been watching the games I just want to make sure he knows that the team that is going to take it home is BRAZIL!! 

Well, folks, that is about it for this week, Thanks for all the continued letters!! My zone leaders are going to pick up all the mail from the office in Santa Maria this week and I am excited to get some good updates from everyone. Thanks Papa, Kim, and Grandma for all the cards I have gotten here in Panambi!!

Well, I love you all, 

Quick Spiritual thought:

Today I was studying in D+C 101 and I read the parable of the vineyard. I love the idea that really God knows best how to protect us from Satan's grasp. He loves us and gave us the tools to keep us protected, but how many times do we lull ourselves into false security and say to ourselves we don't need to study more because we already have a strong testimony. This truly is one of Satan's tactics. Every day we need to grow our knowledge learn more and build our testimony so that when Satan attacks (Helaman 5:12) That we can be strong enough to fight him off.

I love you all. I am so grateful to be a missionary. I love this work. I love my Savior. 

I hope you all have amazing weeks! Eat some good barbeque for me on the 4th of July. 

Sister K. Seal


Monday, June 23, 2014

You're Officially Invited...

June 23

Morning Everyone:)

What a week. Okay actually we didn't do a whole lot this week, it has been pretty slow, but I do have a few highlights:

Well first off. We had 23 people at church yesterday!!! That is double what it was when I first got here in Panambi! I can really see the Lord helping us out here in His work.

Also we are working a lot with a recent-convert/less active of the last sisters that were here. It is so sad to see how people choose to be baptized because of the missionaries instead of testimonies. It happens WAY TOO OFTEN! Anyways his name is Fabio. He is really great. This week he gave us 2 references to contact. And one of his friends (one of the references) was at church yesterday. So we are really excited to help both strengthen the testimony of Fabio by helping him help his friend. (I hope this is all making sense, living with only Brazilian sisters is killing my English).

Also this week I learned a valuable lesson and figured I could pass this lesson along: You can't cook an egg with the shell in the microwave. So here in Panambi we don't have very many members, so we cook our own food at home for lunch. So one day this week my companion was boiling her egg on the stove top, when our gas went out. So she, trying to be clever, put the egg in a dish with water in the microwave. She sat down and all the sudden there was a loud noise coming from the microwave she went to look in the microwave but as soon as she got right in front the container exploded. No worries my companion is now fine, we all gave a good laugh and made a new house rule, but it did give us a little shock.

So mom said Kimmy keeps asking for a daily agenda here in Brazil: It really is just the same thing every day. We wake up at 6:30, write in our journals, eat breakfast, then study, study, study. Then we go to lunch. I already have recipes that I plan to bring home and make for everyone!! Then we have appointments from 1:30 until 8:30 meeting with the families we are teaching. Sometimes we have Family nights like the cookie Picture from last week. Then we come home, plan for the next day, and go to bed. I wish there was some exciting thing to share, but well, it’s the same thing every day.

Well, I did want to send you all an invitation to our Festa Junina. You are all invited it is going to be Saturday here in Panambi!! Jk:)

I love you all. Thanks for the letters and support. It means the world to me.

Well, this next week is transfers. I have no doubt that I am staying here. Which is good, because I love it here!
Well until Next week,
Much Love,
Sister K. Seal

“Behold I say unto you, that by small and simple‍ things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
“And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.” (Alma 37:6–7.)




Monday, June 16, 2014

The World Cup is finally here in Brazil!

Well, folks, the World Cup is finally here in Brazil! That has made for an interesting week here in Brazil. I knew that Brazil took their soccer seriously, but wow it's like a whole other religion here. 

Quick funny story of the week. Remember in São Borja when the drunk man broke into our house?? Okay, well, one of the members that helped us kick him out moved here to Panambi. And I didn't remember him, but he remembered me and told the story for all the sisters here. Haha. Gave me a good laugh. Don't worry, our new apartment is much safer than São Borja. 

This week has been a crazy one! We had splits with our Sister Training Leaders-- Wouldn't that be great if they could Transfer Sister M. Seal down here for a week to do splits with me? No but really it was really good. Sister Saito came and she used to serve in Panambi and so she showed us a lot of helpful things seeing as I am still new to this area. I learned a lot and have lots of plans to improve. 

Also this week we had a family night with one of our investigators. She is really a miracle. So I found her my first transfer here in Panambi. She was running to pick up her son from school, but I felt like I should talk with her. She said she was in a hurry, but quickly gave me her information. 

One day we tried to go and contact her, but she lives in an apartment on the top floor, and the doorbell wasn't working. So we said a prayer. And within 5 minutes a girl walked passed us to get into the building and we asked if she would let us in. Turns out she is the step-daughter of Botira (our investigator) and showed us in to her apartment. We've been teaching Botira and her family for about 2 weeks now. They are so nice, and are reading the Book of Mormon. I am excited to see what comes of this family. 

Well this week was pretty good lots of work to do, and not enough time to do it in. Normal for missionary work right?? I always feel like I am running from one appointment to the next, and well sometimes it literally happens. But there has to be some way to burn all the calories from all the delicious food here right?? 

Well I love you all! Thanks for all the letters and support. It means the world to us missionaries!! Have a great week.

Sister K. Seal


P.S. Read this story in the Liahona this week and thought I would share. Loved it. 

"Almost three years ago a devastating fire gutted the interior of the beloved, historic tabernacle in Provo, Utah. Its loss was deemed a great tragedy by both the community and Church members. Many wondered, “Why did the Lord let this happen? Surely He could have prevented the fire or stopped its destruction.

Ten months later, during the October 2011 general conference, there was an audible gasp when President Thomas S. Monson announced that the nearly destroyed tabernacle was to become a holy temple—a house of the Lord! Suddenly we could see what the Lord had always known! He didn't cause the fire, but He allowed the fire to strip away the interior. He saw the tabernacle as a magnificent temple—a permanent home for making sacred, eternal covenants.

"My dear sisters, the Lord allows us to be tried and tested, sometimes to our maximum capacity. We have seen the lives of loved ones—and maybe our own—figuratively burned to the ground and have wondered why a loving and caring Heavenly Father would allow such things to happen. But He does not leave us in the ashes; He stands with open arms, eagerly inviting us to come to Him. He is building our lives into magnificent temples where His Spirit can dwell eternally.

"In Doctrine and Covenants 58:3–4, the Lord tells us:'Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation. 

"For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory.”

"Sisters, I testify that the Lord has a plan for each of our lives. Nothing that happens is a shock or a surprise to Him. He is all-knowing and all-loving. He is eager to help us, to comfort us, and to ease our pain as we rely on the power of the Atonement and honor our covenants. The trials and tribulation that we experience may be the very things that guide us to come unto Him and cling to our covenants so that we might return to His presence and receive all that the Father hath.” (Sister Reeves October 2013)

I also echo the testimony, that sometimes when we feel that we are in the ashes, we just need to look up and ask for help and guidance. He will never leave us in the ashes. He has a plan far greater for each one of us than we could ever imagine. And we would do well to acknowledge His love and Divine Power to shape our lives into something far better than we could ever imagine. He loves you, and through the infinite power of the atonement of His son we can become like Him. 



Monday, June 9, 2014

Absolutely Fantastic!!

June 9

Good Morning!!

So this week has been absolutely fantastic!!

We had a mission tour, where Elder Suarez came to visit us. He told some amazing stories about how the Church started in Recife. It felt a lot like how the church is right now in Panambi with a frequency of only 12 people including the missionaries. But I realized that really we just have to be diligent and patient and understand the Lord has a plan. 

Speaking of being diligent we had the baptism of Meline. It was so amazing. It felt like everything that could have gone wrong that day went wrong. The water heater didn't work, and we found out last minute that we didn't have 2 witnesses for the baptism. Seriously everything that could have gone wrong-- Did. But it just gave me the opportunity to notice to things. We as missionaries are truly in the midst of a battle- a battle for souls. We are here trying to help our brothers and sisters enter the pathway towards salvation. But as much as we want this happiness for them, and as much as God wants this happiness for them, Satan doesn't and he truly is willing to give it his all to destroy their happiness. But the day of the baptism came and it was sunny and really warm, and we didn't even need the water heater and the Elders from Cruz Alta came and everything went according to plan. It was a beautiful baptism. And the next day we got to have a testimony meeting and it was to date one of the sweetest experiences I have had here in the mission to watch this recent convert Meline bear her testimony that she knows this church is true. It was absolutely beautiful. 

Well I also wanted to give a BIG shout out to Grandma and Papa-- I got a wonderful package this week!! Thank you so, so much!!

I love you all and hope you all have a fantastic week. 

Sister K. Seal





Monday, June 2, 2014

A Super Week!!

Good morning everyone!

Wow this has been a super week!! 

Well first I received some pretty great hand-written letters!! So thanks to the faithful Great-grandpa Hulet, Oma, Mom, Skylar, Conner, McKenna, Kim, Grandma and Papa. Seriously thanks for the support. And for Conner-- I am really trying to be better at writing back. So practice some patience okay, kiddo?? JK Love you. 

Also BIG CONGRATS to Michael! I worry to think about you going to college this year-- I mean who is going to wake you up now that Zoey is not there to bite your butt? Mom you may need to find an apartment that allows pets... JK but really Parabéns!! 

Mom, keep it strong one more week!! You can do it. 

Skylar and Dad-- BEAUTIFUL cakes!! Send me one in a package okay?? No, but really, I think I figured out why you were decorating cakes. You figure hey, I got 2 daughters coming back from missions and hopefully getting married soon-- trying to cut wedding costs, huh?? Smart man. 

Well. like I said, amazing week! Sounds like the rest of you had some pretty steller weeks too. This week we had Stake Conference. It was really nice and we had some AMAZING speakers!! The temple president of the Porto Allegre temple, my mission president, and Elder Lear of the quorum of the seventy came to speak at the stake conference. The messages were beautiful and I learned so much. 

Even our investigators loved the conference. Meline is going to be baptized this Saturday. But also we brought another investigator; she is the mom of Fabio, a recent convert (for mom and dad she is the mom of "The Bread"). Anyways, after the conference she said she too wants to be baptized. That is truly a miracle, because the sisters have been teaching her for like 7 months and she never wanted to get married... but after this conference she said she knows it is all true!!

Well it was perfect! This week is also going to be AMAZING!
1. We have a surprise member of the quorum of the seventy coming to visit the missionaries Wednesday. 
2. We have a baptism
3. Because I get to catch up with my old district from São Borja.
Makes for a good week. 

Anyways well I just wanted to leave you with a quick thought I got from Stake Conference. Elder Leal shared this story:

A man died and was resurrected and waiting in a room to be interviewed. Another man was ahead of him. The door opened, the man entered, and the door closed. The man on the outside could hear the conversation on the other side of the door. The interviewer began: “I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.”

“Well, He was born of Mary in Bethlehem; he lived thirty-three years, spending the last three organizing his church, choosing his Apostles, and giving the gospel to direct our lives.”

The interviewer stopped him and said: “Yes, yes, that’s all true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.”

“Well, he suffered and died so that we could have eternal life. Three days later he was resurrected so that we might return to Heavenly Father.”

“Yes, yes, that is true, but I want you to tell me what you know about Jesus Christ.” The man, a little perplexed, again began: “Well, he restored the gospel in its fullness to the earth through Joseph Smith, reorganized his church, gave us temples so we could do work to save our dead. He gave us personal ordinances for our salvation and exaltation.”

The interviewer again stopped him and said, “All of what you have said to me is true.” The man was then invited to leave the room. After he left the door opened and the second man entered. As he approached the interviewer he fell upon his knees and cried, “My Lord, my God.”

I love you all! Thanks for all the love and support! Hope everyone is enjoying there summer!!

Much Love,

Sister K. Seal

Monday, May 26, 2014

Doing A LOT of Contacts...

Good Morning Everyone!!

This week has been a good one, well I am pretty sure I say that all the time, but really it has been pretty great. 

This week, like I mentioned last week we have been doing A LOT of contacts. Its really a great way to meet new people, and especially with such a small branch, its hard to work a lot with the members. This week we had 10 people in sacrament meeting- again including 4 missionaries. That is something that kind of breaks my heart a little coming from Utah County, but there are always two ways to look at a challenge. So there is a lot of work to be done here in Panambi. I am excited. But in these contacts, it has been really interesting to get to know a lot of different people, and if we are really friendly and nice they usually say we can share a message with them. 

We met a man this week named Nieltor who has a degree in theology. He is really smart and knows the Bible really well. Honestly, that scared me a little when we went to his house. But it went really well. We taught him about prophets and how Jesus organized His church when he was here. He quoted a scripture that talks about false prophets, and then asked us about Joseph Smith. It is awesome how in the moment God truly can put words into your mouth. We talked about if the Bible warns against so many false prophets then truly there should be one true prophet. He became real quiet and thought about that. After that we asked him to pray about we had taught, and he said he would. 

Also this week, we have been dying to talk to Melini. She was the girl that let us use her computer to skype for mothers day. She had a baptism marked, but got into a fight with her husband and backed out. So I went to talk with her at church yesterday to ask her when we could meet to talk about the baptism. But before I could even get 1 word out she told me she wanted to be baptized and that we need to mark a date. WOW! I am excited that she has such a strong desire to be baptized. 

Well my companion is really great! She is patient with me as I am learning how to train, which is awesome! I love the other Sisters I live with too, we have been working together with the other companionship to get to know the other less actives here in Panambi, and really I couldn't have asked for better Sisters to work with... Okay maybe if I could request for McKenna to get sent down here, and maybe we could put Kim back as a missionary... But hey! 

Well, congrats to Michael! Graduation!! Way to go, kiddo. Don't trip on your robe when you walk to get your diploma... okay?? JK you’re tall. That won't even be a problem for you.

Conner.... I am expecting a letter to hear how your competition went!! 

Thanks for all the letters folks!! You are all the best support a missionary could ask for!!

If I could just leave you with a quick thought I read this last week in studying the atonement:

To accept our weaknesses as permanent frailties is to deny the power of the atonement. This gospel is a gospel of change. We are imperfect children of a Father in Heaven who loves us, but who has high expectations of us. He knew on our own we couldn't be perfect so He sent His son. And through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we can have the opportunity to access the power of the atonement and change, become better, and ultimately become as our Father in Heaven~Perfect.
(3 Nephi 12:48)

I love you all. I pray that you all have a great week. Thanks again for all the continued support. 
With all my Love, 
Sister K Seal


Sorry no photos it rained all week long, and didn't want to ruin the camera. Next week:)

Monday, May 19, 2014

Change

Morning Everyone-

Well this week has been a crazy one- Well okay they all kind of are in the mission field. It just seems like time keeps flying by. 

Well, I have my new companion. She is from Curitiba. She is very sweet and already teaches super well, it doesn't even feel like I am training. That is always a nice thing. 
Other than that 2 other sisters moved into our house. Sister Alves and Sister Reis. They are both Brazilian. So yup, I am living with only Brazilians. Yes, that scares me a little, haha but I guess that means my Portuguese is about to get a lot better, and my English a lot worse, so just prepare yourselves for some poor grammar folks. 

Thanks to mom, I got my package and loved it. I promise to write some good letters now that I have some fancy pens. 

Well, like I said this week flew by right now we are trying to build a teaching group, which means we are doing a lot of street contacting. So there is not much to tell, but I am excited to get to do a lot of work here. 

One thought I was thinking about today is the idea of change. I was reading about the atonement this week and came across this idea that has really stuck with me.  I “know I cannot change my situation, but I can change how I respond—I have to humble myself and depend on Him for help."  Here in the mission there are so many things I can't change. I can't change who will accept me into their house, how fast I improve my language.  But the thing that I can change is how I view my opportunity to serve. I can respond by not becoming frustrated with what isn't going right, but instead looking for the things I can improve and looking for the things that I have to the opportunity to change. 

Well I love you all. Thanks for all the letters and package this week too mom. I am so grateful for them. The secretary of the mission said that I am the missionary who receives the most letters, that made me laugh and then I realized how great you all are!! SO, THANK YOU!!

Until Next Week,

Much Love, 
Sister K. Seal

Subway in Santa Maria

Monday, May 12, 2014

Transfers!

Bom dia!

Good Morning Family and Friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day! It was so good to talk with my family- Special thanks for Kim for driving clear down from Idaho. It was so good to talk with you. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms!!

Well this week is week of Transfers! And well it finally happened. I am going to start training. I am scared as all get out. So I am going to solicit the prayers of all of you. I am going to need extra help this transfer. I don't know much about my new companion, but I do know she will be Brazilian. I am excited, but very nervous to meet her. I get to meet her tomorrow and then we will return back to Panambi. I am very excited to stay here in Panambi. It is a very big city and there is lots of work to do. 

We are right now teaching 2 people that will be baptized this month. One is Diocir. He is awesome and going strong in his goal to stop smoking by the end of this month. When we first met him 3 weeks ago he was smoking around 40 cigarettes a day and now is down to 11! 

The other lady we are teaching is Melini. I honestly love her. The Sisters before us helped her get legally married. And she is about 23 years old and is amazing. She makes us lunch once a week and she is preparing to be baptized as well. 

Well this week is going to be another busy one, but I am very excited because I am going to Santa Maria so that means I am going to get all your wonderful letters. Big shout out to the faithful writers and big apology also for the lack of letters. No need for a call to repentance. I already repented and am going to write a bunch of letters today! 

Well I love you all and just wanted to leave you with a quick message from one of the Greats...
Neal Maxwell 

Just as "doubt, despair, and desensitization go together, so do faith, hope, charity, and patience.  The  latter qualities must carefully  and constantly nurtured,  however,  whereas  doubt  and  despair,  like  dandelions,  need  little encouragement  in  order  to  sprout  and  spread.  Alas, despair comes so naturally to the natural man!" 

I love this thought. Satan is clever, and truly following him will always be easier. And at times even more enticing, but when we hold fast to our faith, our hope, and our charity we can know and WILL know that there are better days and better ways! 

I love my Savior and the opportunity and privilege I have to represent Him and in His work. I love the Gospel and the perfect plan our Father in Heaven has for each one of us. I know God lives. I know Jesus is the Christ and He too lives. And because of this we too WILL live.

Love you all. As Kim would say: Be good! 

Thanks for the continued letters and support. 

Sister K. Seal