A Brand New Car!

Hello!

 

Another great week flew by. Again. We had so many appointments this week, and it's been hard keeping up with it all by foot... (my bike has been in the shop.) Luckily, we have a car now!! It's a red Toyota Corolla, and it smells nice. I never thought I'd be so happy driving a grandma car. It's been a miracle for me and Elder Maciel. We are picking up 5+ new investigators this week, so we will really make the most of this car. We have a busy week ahead of us and I am so excited to meet new people and work hard!

This ward has provided a surprising number of Brazilian experiences. I've met a few members who served in Brazil, and it's been fun practicing Portuguese with them & Elder Maciel. There are also two young men in this ward who have been called to Brazil (I've been quite the horror story for Bryce and Ben's mothers). One of them, Bryce Richardson, gave his farewell yesterday. It made me think about my farewell and how exciting of a day that was for me. It's been fun getting to know the young men in this ward preparing for and leaving on missions.

 

We had a great lesson with Laura this week. We teach her at the Simpson's home (member family in our ward),they really help make the lessons powerful. She is a former Jehovah's Witness, and we have been working with her for awhile now. We had an awesome lesson on Alma 32 about how to develop faith. She knows so much and so easily recognizes the influence of the Holy Ghost, but she has a hard time committing to the Gospel. Brother Simpson did a great job at helping her realize how powerful her testimony truly is and how much Heavenly Father loves her. The spirit was so strong in the Simpson's home. She also accepted our invitation to baptism!! She will be baptized on August 17!

 

Sounds like there have been a lot of great missionary farewells in the last few weeks. I am so excited for all my friends who are serving right now and will be serving soon. When times get hard, it has been comforting and encouraging to know that I have so many friends along my side in this work of changing lives. I know that when I come out the other end two years from now, I will realize not only the great things I was able to do, but the great change the world has experienced from the valiant missionaries of our time!

  

Elder Alexander James Hamilton

 

                                                                             Picture #1 - Stuck at train stop for nearly 15 minutes!

                                                                             Picture #2 - Einstein