Dear Everybody,

 

This week we had some highs and lows. Stella, Leandro and Cristiana were baptized this weekend! Oh my goodness I think they are our strongest yet. Their whole family showed up to the baptism to support! What really threw me through a loop was that right after the baptism, Cristiana found a tithing slip and envelope and paid a full tithe while her hair was still wet. I am so excited to teach them the rest of the lessons after baptism (about the temple, missionary work, and the priesthood). 

 

On the other side of the spectrum we caught Júlio (recent convert Sílvia´s husband) drunk this week so we´ve had to postpone the baptism another week, which was frustrating for him. The District leader and his companion came with us in the lesson as a protection because the last time we remarked him he threw a tantrum... But it all worked out. I really hope that he´s going to make it!

 

This upcoming week we are focusing on Ana Maria, who is marked for baptism this Saturday. Basically she rocks! After we marked her for baptism (a week and a half ago) she prayed to have a supportive friend in the Church to help her out. Last weekend we called up Paula Marques, a recent convert, to help us with a lesson with Ana Maria. Honestly we just asked her because she was available at the same time as our appointment. When Ana Maria opened the door she was shocked to see that her good friend from years past was at her doorstep! She didn´t explain about her prayer until this week. It was truly a tender mercy of the Lord. She came to Church yesterday with Paula and really enjoyed it. What is funny about Ana Maria is that she is even shorter than I am... Truly great things come in small packages!

 

This week was rainy, so both Sister Giberson and I are sick again, but we are pushing through. We can´t afford to let these precious souls slip through the cracks! 

 

I love you all and I am so grateful for your loving prayers.

 

Sister Derrick

 

P.S. This next Monday is transfers, and there is no way that Sister Giberson and I are staying together. Please don´t send any mail to my Setúbal address this week because I am not sure if I will be staying in this area.