There is a bright spot in a gloomy week.

 Tuesday, April 15th

            Well, I didn’t end up writing anything for p-day yesterday.  I took a nap instead and went to Campo Grande to run errands.  We bought practical shoes for my companion, mailed letters (which I hope some folks are getting), bought picture frames for recent converts, etc.. We did the kind of things that you can’ do in Santa Margarida.  I. hate. Campo. Grande!  Also it is week 11 of Sister R’s training, which means that she is senior for the week – so I can relax a bit and not be in charge. (Is that a good thing?) It has been a very rainy and gloomy week on top of all that.  Mix all that with still struggling to cope with the fact that my Dad is very sick, and you have a 22 year old who is throwing a lot of pity-parties.  I am fine though, and actually happy when we are out working and serving, but when we are at home it is hard to keep my mind off of weightier matters.  I am striving to look for the blessings and develop and attitude of gratitude like President Uchtdorf taught in general conference.  But, this week my resolve is a lot weaker.  I figure that once the rain and my hormones stop raging, I will feel better.

Wednesday, April 16th

            It is a very cool 60 degrees and still raining. We are on divisions with Campinho and it is so nice to get a break from training.  I am working with Sister N. who was also trained by Sister Z . (my trainer). Sister N is a dang hard worker, skilled teacher, and doesn’t complain about anything.  She is humble, charitable, and just a great missionary.  BUT, like many missionaries, she confused walking faster and farther as a sign that we are working harder. There is a way to work without leaving you exhausted with achy joints at the end of the day.  It seems as though some sisters think that we have to be hurting in order to show that we are working.  Sister N is seriously broken… what I think is probably a torn MCL, yet she insists on walking and working some more.  Her entire left leg is swollen and she has had this problem for 9 months.  Sister B and I have insisted that she sees a doctor and take care of the problem.  She is scheduled to get an MRI this week.  I admire her drive and righteous desires, but you just have to take care of yourself. 

Thursday, April 17th

            Divisions went well, but it was kind of a bummer to get back to training.  Sister R. is doing well with her work as a senior.  That gives me comfort knowing that this time around I did something right while training.  We had a pretty good day despite the cold.  We taught 2 lessons with P.H. (the tall, dark, and handsome RM in our ward). We were able to visit with Ge. and Jo. along with the bishop, who talked with their father about baptism preparations.  That discussion went smoothly and the girls will be baptized on Saturday!

Our Young Women's President went all out on decorating for the baptism.

The girls with their dad, whom they adore!

The young women supported the baptism!

Bishop Curty baptizes G. and trades out for J.

A bunch of happy young women!

Beautiful girls on a beautiful day!

Monday, April 21st

            I am hoping that transfer week next week brings something different. I like challenges, and I feel like with a new companion, area, or leadership I will be able to channel my energy towards problem-solving. This past week was week 11 of the 12-week program--the week where Sister Rosário is senior for a week. I tried my best to allow her to have real experience--ie, not letting my natural tendency to take control of the situation take over. She learned a lot, and learned how to lead and control our lessons, but by the end of this week I am feeling my self-esteem is quite a bit lower. When I don´t have that responsibility to be "on" all the time (like a senior HAS to be), I find myself feeling quite down... Next week´s P-day we have to go to Andarai to have Sister R´s last evaluation...so there is a STRONG chance that we will not have the opportunity to email.