I am still here in Freguesia do Ó with Elder Henrique! It was a little bit of a surprise, and I had said many goodbyes already, but it was nice to say hello again. I remember when I found out I was going to stay in Salto de Pirapora a 4th transfer, it took me a while to be okay with the idea because I was anxious to get to know other areas. But I adjusted very fast to the idea, and the work here is going on so well. It was as if the Lord gave to us more power in our teaching, for all of our lessons on Tuesday seemed to be much more important. It was the same principles as always, but it meant more to me. I am so grateful for the wonderful opportunity to serve a mission. It is the most personal, molding experience that I know. It is very difficult. I thought about 1 year ago, getting on a plane and flying to another country, not knowing the language, and knowing I would stay there for 2 years. I don't know how I had the courage to do it, but I am loving my experience here.
I was so excited to talk to Eduardo this last week, because I had told him that I would probably be leaving, and given him a big hug. We exchanged compliments, and I said bye to a friend I had made. I feel love for him in my heart. He sent a text message that said, "Elder Calvert!! You will stay in Freguesia do Ó?" He wasn't able to return to São Paulo this weekend because of work but he will be baptized this next Saturday. We had a family night on Tuesday with this wonderful family, Presidente José and Irmã Sarah. I already mentioned them in several emails but I absolutely love them. They invited two families over for a family night, and we had a great time learning about eternal families and creating friendships.
This last week I was pondering a lot about the things we do in our life. How much time and stress do we spend on things that are of no real worth? I was pondering about my love for fitness and health. Sometimes, I feel very sad that I can't do all of the weightlifting I would like to do. I think of how much I could bench, the triathalons I have done, and the physical state I had achieved before my mission. I look at myself in the mirror now and it's different. It's easy to judge oneself on a reflection. I was feeling a little sad, but I thought about the experiences and knowledge I am gaining. For every pound of muscle I have lost, I know I have gained pearls of great worth. Pearls that are of greater worth then any amount of time spent on a hobby. I am far from where I one day will be, but I am content with where I am. I am achieving many of my dreams. I am feeling fulfillment. How much time do we stress about things of little importance, and set aside those things which matter most?
Yesterday at church, there was a man walking with his daughter in the church in normal winter clothes. (it's really cold here, it's been great) I began talking to Jorran (Johann) and his daughter Rafael. He and his wife are medical doctors, and they met eachother in Bolivia. Their daughters name is Rafaela. They are going to move into the area. Just speaking with him and feeling of their goodness makes my heart swell. Their little daughter was showing me her scarf and asking questions and I showed her pictures of my wonderful family and she asked about my neices and nephews. She is 8 years old and was wearing a cute little colorful beenie, a blue scarf and and jacket shoes socks and shoes of all different colors. She has green eyes and cute little freckles on her nose. Talking to her and seeing her lean against her dad was my favorite moment of the week.
Last night, we were at Erick's house, who will leave on his mission this Thursday, and he was talking to his dad. He baptized his mom 3 weeks ago and asked his dad to be baptized Wednesday. He laughed and said I don't know. Erick asked me to give him a blessing and then we went home. He called us really late last night and said his dad is going to be baptized on Wednesday! It was awesome!!
So many miracles are happening. I really feel so much love in my heart for the people in this area. Presidente José continues to be an incredible example to me. He greets everyone with a high five and a fist pound, and then him and I always give eachother huge hugs and feel eachothers arms and talk about weight lifting. He is a great man.
Caitlin looked so beautiful. I can't wait to meet her husband, he looks like a great man. I want to see pictures of Natasha's wedding aswell. I still haven't gotten the package but I will get it Thursday. We have a training and I'll pick it up!
I love you all.
Love,
Elder Calvert
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