Fort Collins, Colorado

Oi!

 

I'm now in Fort Collins, Colorado!! I've been here for 24 hours and am so excited! I learned that this mission was just created on July 1st. Me and the wave of missionaries that came to Fort Collins yesterday are the first new missionaries in this mission! It was a choppy start trying to organize new missionaries for the first time, but we are now all settled. The mission president is awesome, and the members here are so excited about the changes in the way we do missionary work and growth of the church here.

 

My trainer is awesome! Truly a miracle for me. His name is Elder Maciel and he is a Brazilian!! He is our district leader and is a hard working missionary. He is the nicest guy and is happy to help with my Portuguese. He has taught me so much already and I look forward to working with him.

 

Because yesterday's events took longer than expected, the missionaries here lost time to email and shop for P-Day. So, Elder Maciel and I are getting caught up with that stuff, doing some training, and getting ready to meet with some members. We are also planning to do service work with "Just Serve", which is a new program run by the Church. The missionaries and members here are actively  involved in it which is great for the church in this community. Elder Maciel and I are also preparing for a couple appointments tomorrow, and I will have the opportunity to invite someone to be baptized!!

 

Since arriving here, I've noticed how much missionary work is starting to change. Like emphasized in the World-Wide Broadcast a few weeks ago, the work is strengthened as every member does their part. The members here are incredible and do just that. The people are so enthusiastic and assist in the work through referrals, hosting missionaries (there are only two areas in this mission where missionaries don't live with members), and being active in the community. I am so grateful to be here. I love this work, and nothing could make me happier than helping others come unto Christ.

 

I'm so thankful for all of your support.  God be with you!

 

Elder Alexander James Hamilton