Thank You (Week 52)

Hello everyone!

Last week I hit the one year mark in the best mission in the world. It was a time for looking back and reflecting on what I have done so far and what I would like to improve this year. More than anything, I have felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Being on the mission has been a life changing experience. I have become a better person and a more active disciple of Christ. Walking everyday with His name on my chest, trying to do what He would do were he among us today, has helped me to more fully appreciate His sacrifice and atonement. Like my dad said to me one year ago, I have learned to love people in a way I didn't know I was capable of loving. There is no bigger love than sharing the gospel and helping others benefit of the atoning power of Jesus Christ through baptism and the receiving of the Holy Ghost. I am grateful for my parents who taught me since young to walk in the gospel path. Seeing the sad situation and state of many families and children here in São Paulo has made me appreciate more fully the sacrifice they made for me and my family. I am thankful for President Farnes, all my companions and for the things I learned with each one in this one year. So here are some inevitable Pizza Pics to celebrate my one year, sorry it's a week late. ;)

My companion ends his mission next week so we both had something to celebrate. On the pizza box it says: "Elder Torres, 1 Year... and Elder Burt is FINISHED!" This week we had a few miracles along the way. While chasing some names on a less-active members list, we found a wonderful man called Carlos, probably in his late sixties. He was incredibly receptive and let us inside to pray and share our message with him. We taught the Restoration simply to him, bearing testimony and focusing on the Book of Mormon. When we invited him to be baptised and he accepted! Elder Burt says he reminds him of his grandfather and the more I think about it, I can also see some similarities in my grandad and Carlos. He went to church on Sunday and really enjoyed it. Be praying for him! :)

Sadly we didn't have baptisms this week and some investigators didn't go to church. Seeing a few of the areas baptising was wonderful but seeing few fruits in our area at the end of a particularly hard week was a bit disheartening. After we set goals and plans for the area and how we could improve, I decided to open up my very first diary and read the messages written by my mum, dad, siblings and friends. As I read your messages I was comforted and felt your love and encouragement to keep going. Thank you family for lifting me up and helping me start another week of hard work with a cheerful spirit. It will be a week of miracles, we've just got to make them happen! :) Me and Elder Burt are getting along super well, he's awesome and I'm learning a bunch! This week he made french toast with maple syrup for breakfast so our stomachs could endure weekly planning until lunch. It was so gooood!!!

We made awesome zone shirts and tomorrow we will hand them out to the missionaries. They look so cool!

I love you all and am grateful for your many prayers! I can feel them sustaining me in the work. Til next week, Elder Torres