May 14, 2013

So I am still in Chicago. And I will be. I don't know how long it will take for my visa to come in, but I suppose my work here is not done. So that is okay. Anyway, I love it here. So I'm not complaining. Two Elders that are also going to Recife haven't gotten their visas either, but the two who are going to Menaus got theirs. I guess it depends on where you are going. BUT I am pretty sure we are getting our visas sometime VERY soon, our thing on our missionary websites changed from "Illinois Chicago Mission" to "Brazil Recife Mission" and all of us were put into trios because we could literally leave at any moment...so now I am anxious to know when I will take off and finally head down to Brasil! (The Recife transfers take place at a different time than ours do here in Chicago.)

And Mother's Day when I Skyped and said I was going to a Sox game in June...it's actually a CUBS game bahaha aren't you proud of my sportical knowledge? Yes, so am I. I really am a huge smartie XD

IT's pretty great out here. I just love being a missionary. I think it really hit me the other day. I finally felt like,"this is your life now." and it was easier for me to focus and think about the work. I see why we can't talk to our family and friends every day. We would never get any work done. But I am so thankful for all of you and the love and support you show me. I really believe I can be a great missionary! You guys are all awesome and don't forget it!

We are still teaching Sambala and holy cow do I love her and her family! Her daughter came to church with her and we planned on teaching Sambala about Joseph Smith and the Restoration, and her daughter stayed with us for the lesson as well. It was awesome because at first she seemed not too interested, but after we started teaching, you could see that she felt the Spirit and she wanted to learn more. It was an awesome experience, for all of us!

The Hermana's moved out :( They are sorely missed! Also, transfers happened, so we have some new people in our district. they are awesome, though and we get to meet them tomorrow in our District Meeting yay! Our new companion is named Sister Kershaw and she is cool. She is very nice so I am glad. We haven't gotten her bed yet, so I am giving her my bed to sleep on until it comes, I will sleep on the couch. I might set it on fire, though, because my body heats up to about 400 degrees when I sleep, I always need the window open so I don't die of heat stroke in my sleep!

We actually got a referral last week, her name is Mariah and she is ready to meet and ready to learn! It is kinda poopy because usually our referrals are jokes played on people or they don't really want to learn..but, all is well! We are still planting seeds and their hearts are being prepared. We just need to have faith that we will find those who are ready to learn and ready to be taught.

I am happy here and I am so glad I chose to serve a mission. I don't think I've ever laughed so much in my entire life!

You guys are all great and I miss you. Please remember everyone is a child of God and He loves them all! Even those meanies. Remember to have love for everyone, even though it is hard. I know it will bless you in your life! Thank you so much for all the emails and letters I am sent. I am so blessed to have all of you in my life. THE CHURCH IS TRUE! Which means the Book of Mormon is, also.

Love,

Sister Clarke