Week 85 (Week 39 Back in Brazil!)

 

Stake Conference in the Itaqua Stake!

"The only way to acquire spiritual knowledge and keep it burning brightly is to be humble, prayerful, and to strive diligently to keep all of the commandments." James E. Faust, April 2002. 

This quote from the 2002 General conference in April (just under a year after I was born) became my theme for this week, as I strive against the physical, mental, and spiritual trials that I had. This was one of the harder weeks I have had in a few weeks, but that isn't to say that I didn't see the Lord's hand every day, helping me to continue onward. This week was certainly a strife, but each night, as I kneeled to pray, I simply thanked God for helping me make it through one more day. I did my best to keep all the commandments, as Elder Faust implored, and though I wasn't perfect, I know that my works were sufficient in God's eyes. Sometimes all we can do is persevere, with faith. And so if any of you are passing through difficult times, keep your faith, and press forward, with steadfastness in Christ. His grace will make up the difference. 

On a lighter note, this week we had stake conference! It was our first stake conference back in person, and it was awesome to see so many faces including 4 sisters from our district! Naturally we took a picture together, and one sister, Sister Bird, ended up making us all cookies, which were DIVINE. But the conference was wonderful, and afterwards we had lunch with an amazing family who absolutely love missionaries, and also cook professionally. So let's just say, it was one of the better meals we have had here in Poá. 
Lunch with Irmã Nice and her awesome family.

Elder Ceron and I also found out that we will be staying together for my last transfer as a full time missionary. Everything is becoming super real now, but I'm just grateful to get to continue in an amazing area, with a humble and kind companion. We may not always see eye to eye, but that's okay, because so many times He has suggested something, which I could never have thought of, that turned out to be a brilliant idea. I'm certainly going to miss having a mission companion to always back me up, like Elder Ceron does!
My new area, after transfers, Madagascar!
Or wait, it's just a garage door?
Pshhhh. Okay, you got me.

If all goes well, we should also see the baptism of our dear friend Gloria, and then then following week the baptism of our pal Davi. These two individuals are so special to us, Glória showing such enormous faith in her decision, and Davi, showing determination, even with his lack of attention and energy, to follow Jesus Christ. It always amazes me how innocent and true little children are. No wonder Christ invited us to be like children, because they are so pure, humble, and trusting. Well, little does Davi know, but he is shaping how I look at things, and helping me to be slow to judge and patient as well. In general, I'm just so thankful for the example of these wonderful people that I have come to know on my mission in Florida, Michigan, and Brazil. I pray that I can continue to learn, as I exercise my faith in Christ, and that you too may experience a great change of heart like the Nephites after King Benjamin's sermon. 

But anyways, as always, thank you all for your support, care, and trust. Have a wonderful week y'all!

~Elder Kasey Lightheart

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