Beijinhos (little kisses)

Portuguese culture:

Something i love about the portuguese culture is beijinhos. (little kisses) Every time we greet someone, we give kisses on the cheeks. it is so great because it is an expression of love and respect for the people with whom we meet. Even strangers that we don´t know, after teaching them a small lesson, or a conversa at the door, it´s beijinhos. 

 

This past week has been better, but it was a rough week. Irmã Perkins has been sick this whole transfer with a cough and finally it took a toll on her, so last night she stayed with the senior couple who are serving ehr in the centro dos Jovens Adultos (YSA). Guess what dad Elder McConkie is brothers with Joseph McConkie!!  I had a feeling and i finally asked him.  He said that he and two of his brothers were all bishops at that same time when Joseph McConkie was your bishop! small world huh! 

Irma Fontes and i taught some lessons last night while irma perkins was resting. we met a family who is from ghana! the brother told us that he was baptized here 6 years ago!!  the lesson was in half english half portuguese.  We also passed by the house of Patricia and family (the recent converts who just moved to our area) they had a friend visiting and he had a lot of questions because he has been doubting recently if God really exists. It was neat to hear the testimonies of the two boys sharing with their friend. They said that they used to be just like their friend until the elders met them and helped them see that God really does exist and He hears and answers our prayers.  Mosiah 4:9

We began teaching Neia, who we met on the street 2 weeks ago. She has a son who´s 3 yrs old and her friend Delila also lives with her. They both are really interested in learning more, we ahve passed by a few times this past week and I want to share one experience we had with them.  We left 3 Nefi 11 for them to read, adn when we returned Neia had read some but Delila hadn´t so we read a little bit together. WE talked about the part where Jesus Christ visited the americas and how He invited every person, one by one to come unto Him and feel His hands and feet.  I felt the spirit testify in my heart that this really is true. He is calling each of God´s children to come individually. We are here as missionaries to invite each person to come unto the Savior individually. He loves us every one.  I am so grateful for the Love that the Savior has for each of us. 

Sunday was a day at church really interesting. We got a new bishop. Neia was there but didn´t understand very much of what was going on as the transition was made of bishops, but she enjoyed the other classes.  Sara Coelho who was baptized with her daughter Diana 2 weeks ago received the dom do Espirito Santo and also Lusianne who was baptized back in July finally received the Holy Ghost! She has been having some really hard problems at home with her husband and he has not let her come to church. SHe almost didn´t make it this week as well, but we told her to just take a taxi from her house (she lives really far) so she did and arrived right in time! she is so amazing! she has a testimony so strong and she was so happy to finally receive the gift of the holy ghost!!

 

Eu sei que vive meu Senhor!

 

Eu amo vocês!!

 

xoxo

Irma Michael