More Pictures and Cool Things

Alright... so... transfers happen this coming week. And we decided to just do NOTHING today but sleep (and party with our brand new refrigerator!) and we are just gonna be crazy headless chickens next P-Day.


Which I'm pretty sure will be my last in Cruz Alta.....


yup and I hate talking about leaving the cities that I love because I feel like I just got here!!!


aaaaaaaand! Something super neat that happened this week was the splitz that I did with Sister Rocha and her little American companion Sister Cornick (from Missouri) it was honestly a very spiritual experience. I had the priviledge (privaledge? Prevalage? Privalidge... wow I need to study more in English) to hold a little interview with each of the Sisters and testify of the reality of the Savior.


It's such a simple thing. Testify of our Lord and Savior. But it's such a sweet feeling when you feel a love for someone that is outside of yourself. I know that our Redeemer loves and knows and works with every one of our Sister missionaries.


super cool.


okay. Enough with cool spiritual things. Let's send pictures until you all get SICK OF IT MUAAAHAHAHA


a picture of Elder Santos Melo at the radio station last Saturday.


oh!!! A funny thing that I forgot to say about the radio!!


alright... just a warning to all those who have a future interest in radio shows. Don't try to be funny and send a "thumbs-up" or smile to the radio guy running the sound on the other side of the glass. He won't understand. And he will think that you are trying to communicate with him.


and yes. It was a fail. haha That was probably one of the funnest nights at the radio.


The second picture is of Sister Rocha, Sister Cornick, and me on the day of our splitz in a little city called Santo Ângelo. awwwww..... I love and miss Sister Rocha a TON.




Aaaaand..... we held a family night at the Patriarch's house and my companion is trying to teach our little investigator how to do a fun trick with a pencil. .... and no she never got the hang of it. hahaha but the picture turned out pretty cool.


So.... last P-day my companion and I decided to try and melt all the ice in our freezer. (because it was gettin ridiculous) aaaaaand...... after all that work with boiling water in hot pots and a blow dryer.....


our fridge never worked again. All our food went bad... we were all eating warm fruit and stale bread for a week... and there was a pot of nasty spaghetti that went bad.... it was pretty much an ugly sight.


So the mission house sent a new refrigerator! yaaaaayyyyyyy!!! And I am so very happy with a nice new fridge. It's just like that time when I broke the blender... and afterwards I got authorized to buy a nice new blender that is so much better than all the other blenders in our mission! Woooot! Let's break things more often to get nicer things! hahaha


haha.... no just kidding. Let's pretend that I never said that. ;)

Stuff Stuff and Stuffing

This past week we held our own little Thanksgiving!! yaaaaay!! With 3 americanas and one brazilian.... yeah.... it was bound to happen.

It was kind of a lot of work because.... with all of our traveling, and normal daily missionary tasks... we had to really split up our time and money to get a little feast. (which we ended up not eating on Thursday night because everyone got home from proselyting really tired. So we ate a Thanksgiving breakfast. :D)

We bought all the stuff on P-Day. And then slowly throughout the week, with incriments of 30 minutes in the morning and at night we made Green bean casarole, funeral potatoes, jello with banana chunks, stuffing, and apple pie. :) It was super rocking awesome. Our house was sooooooo hoooooottttt after all that cooking!

But it was comforting to eat american.... kind of food. :)
There's another picture of us before leaving to lunch sneaking a little snack from the fridge. I'm eating hummus (hummus...?? whatever) a paste made from garbanzo beans that I make every week because I find it oh so very delicious. And Sister Aune chose the.... less healthy route hahahaha

Guaraná is a very popular soda pop here in brazil. Very tasty. And yes, I will try to bring some home to share with you all.

aaaand.... one time we were waiting to meet a member half way to her house to eat lunch and..... I was losing my mind. I cannot stand to be still soooo... we took pictures of my insanity. (we ended up not even waiting. we just left to search for her house because it was hot, I don't like waiting, and we were both getting cranky from hunger hahaha oh dear.... I'm feeling like I need to study chapter 6 of Preach my Gospel.)

The third picture is just a little picture of the enormous statue of a ..... Saint? (I am seriously forgetting English. What a frustration) It's normally a little statue that catholics put on their tombs and in their homes and they worship them. She protects their homes and their past loved ones. When they pray they generally pray to her. Well... Our lady Fátima is very popular. And because the majority of the country is catholic.... they made a big monument for her. And every sunday tons of people go to the monument grounds to do religious rituals and pray to her to protect the city of Cruz Alta and to feel comforted.

We pass this statue every day walking to our area. So... I decided to take a picture. I'll try to get a better picture later. But I'd also like to take a moment to recognize how SLANTED AND AWFUL THAT HILL IS AT THE BOTTOM.

okay. Now you all know. :) Have a great weeek!!! love you all!


love,
Sister Hennefer

So... vomiting and passing out in a City 5 hours from home is awesome

Well!! The traveling this past week was simply exhausting. And I am so grateful to be back in our area to actually get some WORK done! I don't like the visits to Santiago and São Borja because they're so far away we have to stay 2 days out of our area. But.... this week it was actually 3 days... because, as you all guessed, Sister Aune and I got sick during the trip!

Never again will I eat from the Bus Station, okay? Thank you. learned my lesson. Amen.

and now some pictures! woooot! (if ya'll want the detailed story of my sickly adventure ask my mom cuz I sent her an email. :) .....(sorry, Mom... now everyone's gonna start emailing you)

And Sister Aune and I are getting a kick out of our Last 6 Months theme! but now it's..... 4 months DUN DUN DUN! it's called our 4-Month-Face! With every thought, every action... we want to make the most of it! Every opportunity of service or being healthy---take it!!!

The most powerful miracles and works that the Savior did were at the end of His life. And we want to make the most of the end of our missions! BOOM! we're stoked. :)

Anywho... it's called 4-Month-Face because.... in Portuguese it makes more sense. But in English it doesn't give the same HIYAH vibe... but whatevs! Life goes on.

the first picture is of us at the Radio Station! Every Saturday night we get to talk on the Radio!!! This past Saturday I anchored for the first time! It was super fun. sister Aune hates it hahaha but I'm loving it.

These are my shoes that entered in this state of poverty after only TWO WEEKS from buying them.... I am sad. That is why I have a face of death in this picture with my super sad not very durable shoes.

aand... one time were heading back to our area from lunch And there was a horse in our trail. we didn't really know what to do so... what are two american girls gonna do? We're gonna take a picture with it.

and then two people passed by super chill and the horse moved out of the way like it was nothing. Wow..... talk about an obstacle that was not even really an obstacle.

The first picture is of a giant cuia! Cuia is that little wooden cup thing that the natives use to drink chimarrão. Yerba mate? I think is how it is in spanish.... but anywho. It's really a big culture thing.

n public restrooms you have to take your toilet paper BEFORE entering in the stall. .... kind of weird, right?

In our early leave for São Borja on Wednesday, we were the ONLY ones on the entire bus!! Whaaaaa!!! The bus driver came out to announce his usual speal and then looked at us and said, "well... I guess we're the only ones. ... use your seatbelts and let's have a good trip." hehehe we chuckled.

aaaaand... unfortunetely the time is up!


I love you all and have a super special awesome THANKSGIVING WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT


love,
Sister Hennefer

tons of thiiiiiings!

.....so.......... From the very first MINUTE of our companionship we started cracking up about something. aaand.... it's been like that ever since! It's going to be a very fun and enjoyful month and a half (actually... 5 weeks....)

We are totally full of tons of THINGS TO DO! 

BUT! We're getting geared up for another 5 weeks of traveling. This week we're headed over to São Borja on Wednesday and then Thursday morning we're headed over to another little city called Santiago. And then Friday morning we'll get home to Cruz Alta and do our weekly planning session on Saturday. It's gonna be an awesome and inspiring splits. I'm excited to see how our little Hispanic sisters are doing learning Portuguese! (and of course... I just completely adore São Borja) 

And yes, Mom. I know that you love maps. And if ya'll are curious about how my travelings work out you can look up a map of the "Rio Grande do Sul" 

That's the state in which I'm serving. And from there look up the cities where I've lived and traveled. But don't look up Santa Maria. you will not find satisfaction in this route. 

anywho!!! let's send pictures!

This transfer we made a goal to take a picture every single day before we leave to work! Because.... I seriously need more pics on my camera. aaaand.... these are some of the results.

hahaha our first day.... Sister Aune sneaking food from the cabinet real fast before we run to lunch.

aaannndd... one time we found the shape of Rio Grande do Sul with the RGS's flag colors! woot! So we took a picture. (and then we ran away because there was a creeper man watching)

okay. real fast before time runs out.

Last week because of transfers I was left all alone the only Sister in Cruz alta for a whole day!!! so I stayed in a member's house waiting for my bus to show up later that night. 

so I got to have a personal study on a comfy couch, with a cat! hahaha pretty awesome. 

well! Love you all! sister aune and I are gonna laugh a lot... eat tacos (because ...of the three americans and 1 brazilian that live in our apartment it was the brazilian who has taco seasoning!!! hahahaha) 

and then we're gonna laugh some more and sleep until it's time to work again. :) It's a good life. 

oh...and a thought..... Every single one of my past companions (except sister Rocha) is now at home...wow... I'm feelin' old. 

love you all! byyyyyyye

Transferrrrrrrrrs

And once again, my dear ladies and gentlemen. Transfers have come upon us. And my dear little Peruvian friend has gone home to her country.


But! A couple of funny stories before I let you all know who is my next awesome companion!


Alright... so.... Sister Hernandez and I were walkin' along and there was a man (who honestly was one of the sweetest men that stop us randomly on the street.) who was, indeed, one of those a little bit special.


Alright. a quick back story. Is that in Brazil everyone calls the Sister Missionaries "Síster". Even though the word in portuguese is "irmã". I do not know why but.... ever since the gospel has reached portuguese speakers it's always been that way. Even in all the church manuals and books and magazines-- when you're talking about missionaries, the men are "Élderes" and the girls are "Sísteres".



So, this being an English word in origen, there are some people who sincerly struggle to pronounce it. And usually the little kids just call us "tia" (chee-yah) which means "aunt" or "teacher"


The missionaries lightly chuckle amongst themselves and usually just move on when someone struggles to pronounce the word Sister. And no problem.


But this guy just seriously cracked us up. We were crossing the street at a traffic light and he stopped us, " Síssiuu! Síssiuuu!"


Well... "Síssiuu" not being a word in any language, we knew he was trying to call us. And then he totally cracked us up as he said,


"you two are very pretty." And gestured towards Sister Hernandez with a little bow, "Sísi one!" and then gestured to me with a little bow, "and Sísi two!" and promptly when on his way. He complimented. He numbered. He had done his job.


okay!!! one more quick story before I have to catch a bus to Santa Maria!


We went to do some visits with a member and a member bought an american candy, Wafer. And then she said, "hey do you want a wafer?"


My companion laughed at her face and said, "Wafer? HA! it's wah-fair" ....and then she looked at me "what is it in English?"


"Wafer"


"oh, that's right."


yeah.... it was funnier when we were walking together.


but anywho! now she's gone in Peru and my next companion is actually an American!! Sister Aune! She and I arrived in the mission field together! And now we're companions! woot! She is the only other Sister MIssionary in my group. And now we're rocking the american sister team here in Cruz Alta!


Well my folks. Love you all! havea great week! tchau!


love,
Sister Hennefer

I have pictures! Yippee

The first picture I'm sending you all is a picture of the baptism we had on Saturday!! A little family! :) (awwww que amooor no meu coraçãozinho!!)


Alright. So the mom's name is Simone. She has three children. And the two of them were baptized along with her. Bruna and Bruno. They met us a little while ago and imediately started working with us to get baptized. Simone imediately stopped drinking coffee and started buying a coffee replace that's called Cevada.


And on Saturday the three of them were baptized! yippee!!! Okay... I wish I could say that it was like... you know.. the best moment of my life.


But I will not lie. .... there were many children......and little patience...... and I'm sure that from here in 5 years I'll be chuckling about it.... but for now I have a hernia and a headache. (no, jk I don't actually have a hernia do not panic.)


and theeeennnn a super cute picture with me and my little peruvian companion. awwww and the dress that she gave me. awwwwww que liiiindOOOO


aaand... then a picture of me with a BofM in front of the chapel in a feild. (It's a new dress, I was feeling good... we took pictures)


It's been an eternity since I've had time to send some pics. so....


sorry to those of you who hate to recieve a million pictures cuz.... three pics at a time is how we roll.


OH!!! Did I mention that we crossed the point of NOT FUNNY.? Because I got lice... again.


yes my dear friends, family, and other folk. I got lice for the FOURTH TIME on my beloved mission. Once for every city that I go to.


I take two showers per day, wash my clothes like a normal person, and I do NOT use brushes, combs, or hats of dirty people.


but you know what? I just think the little guys like american blood. And that's what I've decided. Becuase I've never gotten lice in my life until Brazil....


A picture of my companion and her last pair of shoes. She goes back home in two weeks so she's just gonna tough it out because shoes are a waste of money at this point of her mission. This, is the typical Sister Missionary shoe after... 3 months. We totally beat up and destroy our shoes. I cannot even count how many shoes I've gone through these past 13 months.


I made prayer rocks for our investigators!!! And we did it missionary style.


liquid white out, sharpies, and nail polish shine!!! yahoo!!! (except that... the first time I didn't realize that I bought nail OIL and not nail POLISH and I just rubbed flipping OIL all over the rocks... how... ugh stupid stupid... frustrated... waste of time.... okay it's all over now)


aaand..... a lovely picture of me with a flower hahahahahahaha


have a great week, everyone!!! I love you all THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS much!!! And remember to give my mom the BEST FLIPPING BIRTHDAY EVER ON THE 30TH OF OCTOBER!!!


And have a great halloween!!! And send many pictures of your halloweens because here in Brazil they don't have it! D*8 what a sad life!! the children don't even know what they are missing!!!


love,
Sister Hennefer

Birthday!

Thank you all for the Happy Birthdays. It was a happy one, indeed. :) 21... feels like... you know... yet another year hahaha

I love you all THIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIS much!

umm.. just an update.... this week I'll be doing some traveling to two little cities. The first one is tomorrow to Santo Ângelo... that'll be cool! A little American Sister MIssionary is still being trained over there. I'm excited to follow up with them. And then onnn.... I think Friday we're going to a little city called Santiago. :) wooooot!!


OKAY. LOVE YOU ALL. BYE
love,
Sister Hennefer

Pictures!

Found some pictures that somehow snuck past my observance.

Enjoy!!

Precious package

showing off the package from Kenna! Hymn book covers :)

Gaúchos

The Gaúcho (gah- ooh- shoe)

In Southern Brazil, especially where I live, there is a very strong culture called ... Gaúcho. I do believe that in English it would be something like ... Gauchan. That feels more comfortable to say....

Everybody and their mom (literally) has what they call Chimarrão (She- mah- how) or Erva Mate (Er-vah Mah-che). It's a green herb/tea thing that EVERRRYONE is addicted to. It's not actually against the word of wisdom... but I think it probably should be because... the people here get up at 5 in the morning to drink their Chimarrão. Or else they get headaches.

They put it in a little wooden cup/bowl thing and they drink it with BOILING HOT WATER.

It's very normal to walk into the store and see many people with 2 liter thermuses and the wooden container that is called a cunha. (koo- ñah) People driving with cunhas in their hands, people atending bank or ticket boxes with their chimarrão in hand....

yes. I have even tried it.. it just tasted like..... grass in hot water.

When people are gathered around their front rooms, chatting or watching TV they pass around the little cup thing to one another and take turns drinking from it.

The straw they use is metal with a round filter on the bottom to avoid drinking the flakes of the tea. Just the juice. It's so... odd. And I totally thought it was drugs when I arrived. hahaha

anywho! That's just a little bit more of the culture that I wanted to share with you guys! Gauchans are seriously one and only. And I encourage you all to look them up online and just read about the many crazy things that I am learning here! hahahaha

umm... what else this week? ah! I traveled to a little city called Panambi this past week to do a Splitz with Sister Tenorio and the newby! It was awesome! That branch is actually made up of 3 surrounding little cities!! Holy HUGE BATMAN!!! But .... they'll never leave the limits of Panambi because... it would just be a lot to travel between 3 cities.... unless they had an investigator there... then yeah they would have to take a bus every day..... wow.
but that's all for now, folks!

love you all!


Sister Hennefer

Cruz Alta and a new calling

Wow...
wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooww...

This week was so insane my head is still reeling. With tons of conferences (zone/mission conference and general conference) together with Transfers and tons of traveling... I am simply exhausted!!! Holy moly batman!!!

Okay. Let's talk about.. .Cruz Alta. A beautiful city. And our area is... so...very... GIANT. But! all of our investigators live next to the chapel! *YES!!!* It's just that..... we live in down town... and it takes 45 minutes (walking fast) to get to our area. ...

well I'll just say that I am grateful for the days I had when I lived literally next door to the chapel ... and also when I lived in the area in which I worked. hahaha But all is well! Cruz Alta 4th Ward is awesome. Our bishop has been in this calling for 11 years and he is still on fire!! We have I think... 65 (more or less) youth in this ward!!! Holy crap! That is a ton of teenagers!!! But it is so so awesome! Today we got a couple all ready to get MARRIED! yipeeee! And then they'll get baptized and in a year from now they have plans to be sealed in the temple.

*do a little dance!* ....*but missionary appropriate;)*

My companion's name is Sharon Celeste Hernandez. This little ball of fire is from Peru!!! (which means "turkey" in Portuguese... so... yeah we make a lot of jokes about that) She is my second hispanic companion. Her Portuguese is better than Sister Ramos's was.... but her accent is still really strong and it cracks me up. Actually.... it cracks everyone up. And she is such a goof ball!! She's been a STL for two transfers already (that's 3 months) And now she's training me! Yoohoo!! She's awesome. Sister Hernandez actually was my last companion's SECOND trainer. (Sister Rocha) Sister Hernandez is on her last transfer. Yes, ladies and gentlemen I finally have the privilege and honer to "kill" a companion. And I'm stoked. Because she isn't a dead companion. We are prepared to send her flying out of the Rio Grande do Sul with the gospel still flowing in her veins! It's forbidden to speak of home. And .....we're doing a trade! I'm helping her out with her English and she's teaching me Spanish! Wooot!

Okay... let's talk about my new calling! But before I talk about my calling... let's just talk about my mission limits.

As you all know, my mission's name is called Santa Maria, Brazil Mission. But Santa Maria is actually just one city amongst the 17 cities that my mission covers. The state (or "region") that I'm in is called Rio Grande do Sul (The Great Southern River) Where... actually I think we have several missions that cover RGS... but mine fits right there in the corner where the country border line touches Uruguay and Argentina. Yes... in my mission we actually speak Portuñol. I'm learning and hearing a lot more spanish in daily vocabulary that I ever did in the States. It's pretty cool. I've already served in two cities that touch the country border line (Uruguaiana and São Borja)

What do teenagers do when they're bored? They literally leave the country. Just cross the bridge over to Argentina and hang out *shoulder shrug* aint no thang.

anywho!!! 17 cities. Cruz Alta (where I am now) is my 4th city in RGS and my 5th area. As STL's we take care of 8 sister companionships spread out throughout 7 cities. 5 of these sister companionsships are training and 4 are "whitewashing". Although we belong to the Cruz Alta Zone... because we're the STL's.. we actually take care of all the Sisters within the 3 zones around Cruz Alta. (There are 6 zones in all of our mission)
Yes.... I will be traveling a LOT. D8 hahaha but I'm excited. I've got a ton of things to learn!

Oh! quickly before I forget. of the 5 sisters that are new... one of them is American (aawww....pobrezinha has to learn portuguese!) and 2 are from Peru (they also are still learning Portuguese!) and the other 2 are from brazil.

Well! I want to say so much more! like... here I get to talk on a Radio Show every Saturday! Suuuuuper cool! aaand.... the Portuguese scriptures are coming out all new and improved and I'm sad that I'll be home by the time that happens!

okay!! Love you tons! I'll give you all the address next week! have an awesome week!


love,
Sister Hennefer

AAAAAnd another one gone, and another one gone... another bites the dust!!!

This weekend comes the news... who goes where? Transfers are gonna be intense! I've got four and a half months in São Borja but just 3 months in this area... hmmmm.... any predictions?

Too bad! Because by the time I read your predictions I'll already have the news about transfers and where everyone is going so... HA!

In other words; please do not send letters or packages straight to Santa Maria. I am not serving in the actual city of Santa Maria... (well... I was like... 9 months ago....) But not anymore!! I'm in a city like 7 hours from Santa Maria and the Assistants get cranky when they have to hold on to random letters... and I get sad because your letters arrive super delayed. :) yippeee!!

okay... and... novidades....ah! I had no idea that Aunt Julie had surgery!! what! Or that Jenni and Josh were even pregnant! What!!!

How did it go?

And is the baby super cute??

Aaand.... oh! I


-new email here :)-

woops... did that again sorry.

I've been thinking about Uncle Hank recently. How is he doing?

love you all!! Have great weeks!!!

love,


Sister Hennefer

Look! A tiny bit of time to send pictures! Yaahoooooo!

I just want to say...

...I was not transferred!! Yippeee!! In fact Sister Rocha, Sister Tenorio, Sister Araúja de Souza, and I are ALL staying for at least one more transfer! I am stoked!!! I can't even believe that all four of us stayed. Especially Sister Tenorio. She's been on the mission for... one year and... like a month and a half? And this is the very first time she's stayed with a companion. ....cool beans!! And by the end of this transfer I can say with pride and gratitude that I have lived with Sister Tenorio for 6 months.

I'm so excited to be in São Borja. This is a branch that we are working so so hard to become a ward again. And you know... with the hundreds of people that we talk to in one week... of all the people who stopped coming to church, or the people who are struggling to get along with church leaders... it always always always comes back to one thing:


Hurt feelings.


Please. As a representative of Jesus Christ and as a missionary and as a member I beg of every single person in the universe one thing: Say nice things to and about each other.

In your talks, in your journals, in your activities--let us all just be kind!! It is shockingly easy to be offended. And the process from "Ah, this week I won't come to church" to 20 years of inactivity is frighteningly quick. Please be aware of what you say to one another.


And be even more aware of the little grudges your holding on to. And be rid of them!


And now... proof that my companion, Sister Rocha exists!! :D Yay sister rocha!! And then a picture of Sister Rocha WITH uma rocha (rock)

Wait... I have ten minutes to spare? I actually have time to write a decent email to you all??

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM BRAZIL.

It was super awesome to get to talk to my Dad yesterday. He is kind of a hilarious man. And I recommend to all of you that you just sit down and have a great 45 minute chat and a chuckle with that guy. He inspires me, you know?

WELL!! Sister Rocha and I are working tons to really get to know our area. We had some appointments waaaaaaaayyyyyy over in the corner of our area that we actually had to catch a bus to get home safe and sound. And to actually not waste tons of time just.... walking.

So much walking.

This week we met a lot of people. And I'm on the last couple of chapters of The Power of Member Missionaries (or something like that... I don'

(this is where the email ended. Don't we love our missionary <3)

--well... that's embarrasing that I sent that message literally in the middle of my sentance---

....I don't know what it's called in English. Poder do Membro Missionário in Portuguese for anyone who cares.)

And it basically rocks my dancin' little SOCKS off!!! This book is incredible. And I recommend it to anyone and everyone. It's just a simple and fast read. But also inspiring. It's got tons of short --yet true-- stories and examples of how we can be better member missionaries.

This week I finished the Book of Mormon in Portuguese! The first time I ever read an entire book in another language.... (unless you count those dinky little kid's books in Miss Proper's Spanish class in 7th grade... then... yeah I've read like 20 books in another language.)

And now I'm starting over again. I am determined to finish the Book of Mormon in Portuguese twice in the mission! (and also I'm reading other things like... Jesus the Christ, Our search for happiness, aaand nosso ligado because I seriously do not remember what it's called in English.)

I hope you all have baita semanas and you'll be hearing from me next Monday. :)

love,


Sister Hennefer

Ah, the joys

What's up my american friends and family out there?

You know what's up here? A very warm winter. And I'm totally okay with that! yahooo! 

Jacob 5:37 is an AWESOME SCRIPTURE!!! And it's kind of my big focus right now. Because working with less actives is actually, the priority right now in São Borja. We have sooo many people who get baptized and then hop out of the baptismal font and never come back to church. 

gosssshhhhhh dangiit!!! 

and every time we ask for references the members just remember and think about their friends who are fallen away and how much fun it was when they were at church. And it's really discouraging for the members to see so many new people in the branch who make the baptismal covenant but never come back. Why would they want that for their friends who aren't baptized? So.... yeah that was a problem. 

The best way to solve that is to really be a part of the conversion process of your friend who you presented to the missionaries. But, unfortunately we can't drag people from their work, family, friends, and beds to work with us full time. 

But we discovered that they willingly drag themselves when it's someone who they truly know and love and are excited for. 

So we decided to use a giant list of all the members in São Borja and find out what happened to all these people who never came back! And we are finding all kinds of people! Lot's of people died... moved away... and TONS of people fall away because they got their feelings hurt.

Seriously. A cry out to the world and beyond: if your feelings get hurt at church... whose church is it? That person who hurt your feelings? Or our savior. Because looking at that big ole plack on the church's wall it sure does not say, "The Church of Bishop what'shisbucket of Latter-Day Saints. 

So... I lovingly and sharply beg of you all. Please remember to whom you've made your covenants (covenants... covonents... ?? convênios. ah, much better.)

And a funny one that we had was when a less active we met said he never wants to go back to church because a Sister Missionary told him he can't dance with his wife. It's been 15 years since he went to church.

Be a part of the gift of forgiveness!!! We have been working with a less active, Catarina and her daughter, Gabi for eeeeever now. They haven't been to church in years. We've prayed a lot for them. And we've fasted seperately and WITH them. And for the first time in forever-- they went to church this Sunday!!! Yahoooo!! My heart was imediately filled with such.... flipping JOY when I saw Catarina and Gabi in their cute little dresses 9:00 ready for Relief Society. And Paulo, Catarina's husband, who is the 2nd counselor to the branch president, was suuuuper happy. 

That night we had a very spiritual lesson about forgiveness. And seriously!!! Not only did Catarina confess that she doesn't feel that pang of anger and resentment when she sees that person. AND she told us that she marked to hold a Family Home Evening with that person and his family!! "to make sure that [she's] not holding on to any more grudge."

I can't even express my love and excitement for the progress of this family. She and Paulo have made a goal to serve a couple mission!! woopeee!!!! The temple is now a reasonable goal that they are setting in their sights. #danceparty

....#exceptnotcuzwe'remissionaries

OKAY!!! So... I ran out of time but I love you ALLLL have ÓTIMAS weeks! 

tchau

Sister Hennefer

Soooo... I just wanna eat all the time.

Did I tell you all that Sister Rocha and I are now "white washing" an area?? yeah so.... that's kind of not the funnest thing I've ever done. But at the same it's super incredible!!

Oh, for sure, God gives us our trials and our discomforts so that we can remember Him and ask for His help. Even though I've been here in this Branch for a transfer, I got transferred to the other side of the branch. So I seriously don't know anything and barely anyone.

Sister Rocha is my new companion. She is 19 years old and has four and a half months in the mission feild!! yaahooo!! I won a newbie!! And it is so much fun working with her. She's very inteligent and a hard worker. Our legs are worn out, our feet have blisters, and my head is crammed with names and numbers and streets and houses. --- we're basically having a blast!!!

I'm living with Sisters Tenorio (again!! whooopeee more water fights! done!) and Araújo da Souza.

We four together are a crazy party. And it's so so so incredible to be working together to build up this branch. In the past this branch was a ward. And in São Borja it was a Stake. But now it's a small bunch of branches that make a reasonably sized District.

And this is the time for us to really get to work with the members. We're praying hard, working hard, and laughing hard. so... yeah all is well.

hey, just a happy little reminder: Here you have all started a new week. Make a goal and get back to me about how you, personally, got involved (in some way or another) with missionary work. I'd love to hear your experiences.

looooooove you alllllll to the moon and baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack

love,


Sister Hennefer

This week marks 9 months!!!! D8

WELL!!!

I think it sufficient to say... that if you want to know how my week went... let's start with Tuesday Morning. when the electric box on the top of our light post exploded-- fell to the ground like Lucifer fell from the heavens, and a giant shower of elecricity showered to the earth like all of Lucifer's little followers.

It had rained sooo hard all night long that right at 6:30 and a little it made a huge BANG and crashed to the earth and we lost all energy in our house. (house? ... fourth of a chapel living place?) Hahahaha it was so loud it scared my companion clear to death. She screamed like there was a man with a knife. (it cracked me up because she was still in the middle of her morning prayers. ...yes... she takes forever to pray. hahahaha)

So!! all day Tuesday we didn't have any energy. And the night before I didn't charge the cell phone. ... so about 8:00that night our telephone died... and we didn't have anything to charge it!!

But our branch president came over and did a few things and the community workers came and replaced the box thing and... now we have energy in half of our house. The Kitchen, the two bathrooms, and the hallway. (but the one bathroom's light doesn't work so... it's always dark anyways. But we use the washing machine with that bathroom's energy.) So.... the room where we hang up our laundry, our bedrooms, and our study room have no energy. :( And we all cry great big tears for studying in the dark. hahahaha but all is well. I do believe the branch president with help us out with the other half of our house/dwelling location this coming week.

This week I am determined to work more with the members in the branch!! Because the people that are going through the new experience such as being introduced to the restored church of Jesus Christ --- You know... like learning a new language, ("mormon terms" that everyone uses without thinking) learning a new culture, (we all know that members of the church have a certain culture) wearing different clothes, and learning how to recognize promptings of the spirit, and opening up your heart to a vulnerable state to experience godly sorrow to know true joy of repentance --- is kind of a huge process!!! And these people need to have friends to help them along.

This week on Wednesday I reach my 9 months mark!!! And then on Thursday and Friday we'll be finding out who my next companion will be!!! (Because Sister Costa has already been in São Borja for 6 months... it's time for her to find her dying place in another city of Rio Grande do Sul.)

LOVE YOU ALL I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW FAST TIME FLIES.

love,


Sister Hennefer

So... of course I picked the computer that doesn't have a USB connection thing

woooooowwww..... So I can't send pictures (again) this week. BUT!!! I started doing what I did in the MTC and wrote some things to write to you all!!! Don't wanna forget the awesome things that happen in one week holy moly!!! 

SO! in our District meeting on Tuesday Sister Aparecida Costa (I live with her in the old church and we divide a branch together) shared a spiritual experience. And she told about how she and her sister were the only ones who got baptized in her family. And then it was just her and her sister who served missions. But then she got news that her sister gave up on the mission and came back home because she ... well she got engaged to another Elder.... so yeah she got sent home. 

This was super hard for Sister Aparecida Costa. And then that same week she got an email from her Mom telling her that she's wasting her time. And shouse come back home. 

But the courage and the strength that this young woman has (20 years old) is incredible. And I am inspired by so many similar stories from the brazilian missionaries who seriously have no other resource for comfort (or letters) than the atonement of our savior. And they are actually grateful for these trials... because now they can stand up and say they know their father in heaven. 

I love that... and I hope to know my savior and stay strong like they do. 

Another cool thing about Sister Aparecida Costa!!! Her very first P-Day on the mission she ate lunch with the Sister Missionary who baptized her! (not actually baptized... that would by apostasy) She's FROM Santa Maria!! how AAAAWWWWESOMELY SPECIAL!!!  And the American Sister Missionary who taught Sister Aparecida Costa was her host when she went through the temple for the first time!!! 

gaaahhhhhhhhhh how flipping perfect!!! My heart was filled with so much hope and excitement for the people that we are teaching and helping... that maybe one day they can share with me through a message on facebook or something... that they are taking the steps to make more covanents with the Lord. WOOT.

aaand... everyone should read 3Nephi 28 because it is SUPER COOL!!! 

aaaaand... This sunday was super hard. ...because sometimes you do everything that you can to just GET PEOPLE TO GO TO CHURCH. ...and they don't come. And then Sister Costa and I didn't get to take the sacrament this week... And I will testify to you all... that is seriously makes a diference. Holy cow. And I sit here in this internet house writing to my dear family and friends. 

Please. Please do something this week to help (in a small way) in something for your local missionaires. Be the answer to their prayers. And please please please... just sit next to someone who sits alone at church. And rejoice with us as you recognize just how many blessings will pour as you fulful this small duty. 

I love you all. Have a baita semanaaaaaaaa 

love,

Sister Hennefer

yeeeppp... still in that whole repentance process.

SO!!! It is FINALLY getting chilly here in São Borja! you know.... with 20 degrees celsius. ( i do believe that is around 65 degrees.) 

So I'm just really glad that the hot Brazilian Sun is not battling with my cancer-sensitive skin any longer. :) whooopeeee american missionaries.

Being a foreigner is seriously one of the strangest things. One day my companion and I were walking past a park and I heard a great gasp and a girl cry out, 

"Oh! Uma americana!!"

woooowww... there is seriously no hiding this yellow hair, these blue eyes, and this ever reddening pale skin. hahaha (but it's really not my skin that is super different. Because they have TONS of different colored skin here in brazil. ...just a complete lack of blondes.)

OH! One thing before I forget. What is my parent's new address?? I need to write to my mission president that they moved. O.o I completely forgot until I read it in the Missionary Manual. (aha!! It DOES have a purpose to read 3 pages every single day of our lives! ;D)

So this transfer Sister Costa and I have a goal to develop the Christlike atribute of... HOPE. whoooooot. 

So, of course, to answer our prayers God sent us one of the crappiest weeks I've ever had. But we are determined to make note of the daily miracles!!! 

And that was when Michelli seriously...wow. If anyone needed a testimony to see if really, truly, the atonement of Christ is real and we can truly be clean again--you need to meet Michelli. 

She is 13 years old and had problems smoking, drinking coffee, and hanging out with all kind of bad people. Her Dad recently was baptized but he recently had a fall out and Michelli's condition kind of worsened. 

But then one day we had a Youth Conference and Michelli, in response to our prayers, went!! And LOVED it. And she stayed ALL DAY LONG. She played hard, danced hard, and made a ton of friends. And from that day on she started going to seminary every single day.

She participates AND enjoys mutual. And I can honestly say I witnessed Christ's light enter her soul again. Her eyes literally have a different and better light. She openly is a "church goer" and she has made so many changes in her life for the better. We are stoked for her baptism that will happen either this Saturday.. or Friday the 26th. 

Michelli is going to be a powerful example of the believers. And whenever I am stressed out or feeling like my temptations are too hard to bear--I will remember Michelli's strength. 

Another girl in our branch that I totally admire is Geovana. 

Geovana is 13 years old and is the only active member in her family. alright... that isn't so rare. But when you stop and think about how it is to be at the sensitive age of 13, to be super involved with theater, band, and studies... and then to have to walk 15 to 20 minutes every day (for church and seminary and mutual) without the support of her mom or crazy aunt or Grandma.... 

And to be one of the only people who is a member at her school.... 

yeah Geovana is a winner. 

Everyone needs to look up a ttalk by Elder Holland!!! hahahah unfortunately I do not remember what it's called. But I know it's addressed to a group of mission presidents... and he talks about missionary service. Some of the key phrases you can look up is

"why is this so hard, president?" "Because salvation is not a cheap experience." aaand... yeah we have a recording of this talk on our phone (I do not know why it's in English but it rocks my little socks) and every time I get emotional. And every time I gain the courage and the forces that I need to really accomplish the things that I need to accomplish!!!! It's incredible. And I can sincerly say that I know that my salvador knows me. 

One day we were showing the 20 minute film, The Restoration, to a recent convert. Super simple. I've watched it a million and a half times. ....But I cannot deny that something touched me deep in my heart when I watch that 14 year old boy kneel on the ground and offer up one of the most innocent and sincere prayers. Hot tears strolled down my face this week in gratitude that God gave to me, once again, a strong witness of the truth. that Joseph Smith truly and really was. A living profet of God.

I hope you all have great weeks! And forgive me for the lack of pictures.... I think this computer has a virus. 

LOVE YOU BYE

sister Hennefer

Aaaaaaand SHE'S BACK!!!

Wow... so I made it to 8 months in the mission. I cannot believe that I have less than a year to continue working. That is THE CRAZIEST THING EVER. 

First of all... want to apologize for the brief period in which I ceased to send you all pictures and news. 

I am currently in the repentance process. 

Secondly... I'm totally LOVING São Borja and if any of you are wanting to send me and my fantastic little companion something... well than here you go! (please send SannaLee or I an email to get her address if you'd like to send a package!)

Aaaaand Aunt Julie... I totally loved that white scarf that you gave me in my christmas "package" ... and frankly so did everyone else! hahaha so I made a trade with another Sister and won a super awesome skirt (which has made it's way through 4 sisters. Oh yeah, baby. This skirt has pockets and it matches whatever plain shirt you can think of.) So... there goes my white scarf.

And then the PERFECT awesome plain black scarf that I had fell somewhere on the road and is lost forever. D8 

so yeah if ya'll wanna send me a plain white and a plain black scarf that would make my little heart sing. :)

And now a picture of four Sisters who live in an old church. WOOT!

HAVE GREAT WEEKS!

Sister Hennefer

New companion Sister Costa

Fotos do Tour de Missão

Segue em anexo.

We had a zone conference!! Our mission is so big we have to do two... it just would not work if we gathered everyone in our entire mission every 3 months... uggh. 

It was awesome! And here are some pictures. :)

Well! I recieved some relatively exciting news!!! From Sanna soo.... I didn't get a whole lot of time to load pictures!

-we informed her that Sanna was engaged to be married in August!- 

and now it's a race with the computers!

Super fast: Sister Brito got transferred and is now a Sister Training Leader in Cruz Alta. (That means that all of my companions have turned Sister Training Leader... does that mean I'm a "dificult" companion or super special awesome? hmmmmm....)

And I'm staying here for another 6 weeks! Uruguaiana better watch out! We've got another month and a half to battle! wooo hooo!!! 

Love you all! Thank you for letters, emails, and prayers!! Go ahead and keep sending stuff to this Uruguaianan address. :) 

TCHAU

sISTER HENNEFER

pictures SOOO super fast before the computer kicks me off!

Sister Brito was losing her mind of boredom at the wedding hahaha but look at that!! I'm playing the Ukelele! whaaaaaaaaaat

and the second photo... it was very late and we all wanted to go home. But... we hadn't even cut the cake yet!! gaaahhhh barbaridade ....

aaand us four in our apartment before leaving for conference!

This week was super hot. Everyone said, "oh, wow so much better now, right? A little bit friskier?"

If you mean 90 degrees is less hot than 110 degrees I think you

-the email ended there-

woops!! Darn Portuguese keyboards!!! Anywho...

oh yeah. 90 degrees is less hot than 110 degrees. Technically yeah you're right.... but "frisky"? 

I'm thinking imma just continue sweating lakes while I'm here in Brazil. haahahaha