A True Gaucha

BOM DIA! 

This week has been good. I love this new area it is really so pretty. There are so many hills, but it keeps things interesting. This week we have been doing a lot of contacts. The people here are so friendly, and funny thing there are a lot more German people here. I almost feel like I am back in the United States. It is kind of nice that people are not constantly staring at me like I am some crazy-- well I am a crazy, but...

This week I gave a talk in my ward for the first time. I was really nervous because it was my first one in Portuguese, but it actually went really well. On the plus side this branch is really small and only has 15-20 people every week. I spoke about Love, Charity, and Service. 

Also I have finally become a true Gaucha (southern Brazilian) I have learned how to make a cuia of mate (its a drink with hot water and some type of green herb thing, don't worry I will show you all when I return home) and I am starting to really like it too. All the members say that I am the first American here that truly knows how to drink it right. 

Well I hope you are all enjoying beautiful spring weather. One thing I have learned to love from here in Brazil is there is always some type of fruit in season and they plant the trees on the side of the street so there is always good fresh fruit. 

2 messages to leave with you today:

1. Jesus Christ who was perfect in all things also left us the perfect example in how we should treat others. Think about how he treated his fellow men. Think about his example he left upon the cross, as he petitioned the Father to forgive those who had crucified Him. We too need not only show charity to those we love, but to all those we come in contact with, even those who mistreat us. 

2. Our God who loves us and wants to give us all He has even unto salvation also requires much of us. Paraphrasing C.S. Lewis the Lord says to us: "Give me all. I don't want so much of your time, so much of your talents and money, and so much of your work: I want You. All of you. I have not come to torment or frustrate the natural man. but to kill it. No half-measures will do. I don't want to only prune a branch here and another there; rather, I want the whole tree out. Hand it all over to me, the whole outfit, all of your desires, all of your wants and wishes and dreams. Turn them all over to me, give yourself to me and I will make of you a new self in my image. Give me yourself and in exchange I will give you Myself. My will, shall become your will. My heart, shall become your heart."

I know God loves each one of us. I know this church is true. I hope you all have a fantastic week! I love you so much and again please MY ADDRESS CHANGED, so if you want to send any mail it would be much appreciated!! NEW ADDRESS: Caixa Postal 1287, Centro, 98280-000, Panambi-Rs, Brazil.

Love you all, 

Sister K. Seal

Diaine and Casiane from São Borja and their cute kids. I miss them.

 Batismo with Gabriel

 The hills here, too bad that the picture doesn't do it any justice, but if anyone remembers Great Grandma Seals Park City house the hills are just like up there. It is so pretty. 

Mate

 

Panambi

Hey,

This week has been amazing! 

So first I was transferred last week, my new area is Panambi. So if anyone feels a severe desire to send me a loved package or letter this is the new address. 

Caixa Postal 1287 Centro

98280-000

Panambi- RS

Well, this area is amazing!! There are so so so many hills and this area is a lot bigger than the others, so I will not fault exercise here. 

Also, guess what. I had my first baptism. His name is G. He is really great and is 16 years old. His mom was baptized last week and he decided that he also wanted to be baptized. He also wants to teach with us when we go teach new investigators. And he brought 3 new investigators for us to teach to church this week. 

I am so excited to be here. 

Easter was also really good. It was beautiful here; I even used a cardigan which shows that I may survive here in Brazil. 

I love you all. 

Thanks for all the letters. I love you all .

Photos:

  

My last week in São Borja we went to the border of Argentina, and entered into Argentina. 

 I also had to say goodbye to everyone from the ward in São Borja so these are some of the fun families form the ward.

So General Conference...AWESOME!!

Maybe it’s the fact that I am a missionary, or maybe that I was just grateful that I got to listen in English, but I thought this General Conference was really great!!

My favorite idea shared was the message from our beloved prophet, Thomas S. Monson about how love is essential to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There were so many good ideas, but unfortunately I forgot my journal at home and the talks are not yet written yet, but if you didn't get a chance to watch. WATCH IT! Seriously was really great!

Yesterday was my companion's birthday and that was fun! I made her a cake, with Texas sheet cake frosting. Everyone loved it, I was just impressed that I remembered the recipe-- I guess after you've made that cake 100+ times it kind of just sticks:) Also we shared the cake with the elders, I have never seen anything disappear so quickly! 

Well we have a new investigator, her name is Christina. She is really great and wants to be baptized. She has to get married first, but when there is a will there is a way. And luckily for her the will is not only her will, but God's will too! So there is definitely a way. 

Well I love you all. Transfers are next week. So I will find out Friday what is going to happen, and will let you all know next week:) Thanks for all the love and support. I honestly have the best friends and family I could ever ask for.

Love you all.
Sister K. Seal

 Photo: From birthday lunch with Sister Claret. Yes I know I look like a poodle, there is no helping it with all the humidity here in Brazil. I told the members that I looked like a poodle and they laughed and laughed. I think I just got a new nickname. :)