Just smile and nod...

 

...Unless someone's grandma is telling you about her first night with her husband. I don't know what I was supposed to do then. 

Comp: Sister Harris 
Area: Oeiras 


I made it to Portugal! When the plane announced that they were going to try and cross the ocean without a part in the engine, I was a little concerned but don't worry, they fixed it and I am here. 

Normally missionaries get to Portugal on Wednesday, catch up on sleep for that afternoon, have a chill dinner, meet there trainers and then go to bed. With Elder Soares coming on Wednesday, the whole schedule got messed up. We got there Tuesday morning, had a lunch, met our trainers and then went to work in our areas. I taught a lesson and had a member meal that first night. I was completely out of it. There is a picture on my google photos that is supposed to be a cute "oh my gosh Im in Portugal and I am so excited to serve in this beautiful country" photo. Its not that. I look dead.  

Ontop of that, we had to wake up an hour early to see Elder Soares. Sorry...we GOT TO wake up early and SEE ELDER SOARES. So cool. He talked a lot about finding joy in the work! I think. Unfortunately I was so jet lagged that I was falling asleep the entire time. My notes are hilarious because you can totally tell when I started drifting off. Don't worry, I'll add a flick. Even though I was really tired and had a hard time paying attention, I felt the Spirit so strong. When we were singing the closing song, Quero Andar Com Cristo(I Will Walk With Jesus) I had a whole river of tears coming down my face. I know that Christ understands us perfectly. He is walking with us, praying for us, and carrying us when needed. We can find joy in this life even though we are surrounded by storms. 

During this week, I came to the realization that my faith isnt as strong as I thought. I know that there is a God, and I know that He sent His son, Jesus Christ to atone for us. I know the Book of Mormon is true and was written for this time. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's restored church on earth. I have a strong testimony of all these things but when it comes to the action, I am seriosuly lacking. When we are talking to people on the street, teaching lessons or calling references I don't believe that anything will come of it. I doubt God's ability to change hearts and perform miracles. I doubt that my efforts will amount to anything.

So I had a small breakdown about that in front of Sis Harris(Sister Call, don't you just miss my random exitensial crises???) We talked about it together and felt a lot better. I am still learning that God isnt expecting perfect people, He is just asking that we give our best. Its enough for Him that I want to believe, that I want stronger faith. After that talk, we decided to start recording miracles. The moment we made that decision, liTerAlLy the moment, the miracles started pouring down. I can't even explain how amazing it is. From being exactly on time to a bus we thought we missed, to accidentally traveling 30 minutes to the area of a less interested friend, God has been part of everything we do. 
Also, Sis H showed me the song "Oh Come All Ye Unfaithul" and oh my goodness the lyrics are so perfect. I'll add the lyrics at the end, but I highly recommend everyone go listen to it. Agora. 


A few small things:) 
-i don't understand any Portuguese. Someone literally asked me "de onde voce e" and I just stared at her confused until my comp repeated it. BUT i have already seen so much improvement. Mostly I just lack the confidence, so yep working on that 
-Speaking of my comp, God has literally blessed me with an angel. Sis Harris is so sweet, dedicated and fUlL of fAitH. She is only in her 3rd transfer so we lowkey struggle with the language together sometimes. But oh my days she has the most beautiful voice and after a long day she will sing for me and life is good again. 
- We are teaching a super precious family. My first lesson with them, they all came to the table with their BOM out in front of them. We are hoping they can make it to church this week! 
- My area borders the ocean so we drive by it a lot! So beautiful. Portugal in general is just beautful. The weather the first week was absolutely frigid but it has warmed up and tbe days are perfect. 
- The members in our ward are incredible. They feed us everyday and are so eager to learn and to help. I feel super blessed in this ward! 
- our water turned yellow...but the wife of the mission president said its safe! 


If you have any questions about Portugal or Jesus or anything, send them and I will try and answer them!! I love you all <3

Sis Greer 



" ○ come, all you unfaithful
Come, weak and unstable 
Come, know you are not alone 
○ come barren and waiting ones 
Weary of praying., come
 See what your God has done

Christ is born, Christ is born Christ is born for you
 
○ come, bitter and broken 
Come with fears unspoken 
Come, taste of His perfect love 
○ come, guilty and hiding ones 
There is no need to run 
See what your God has done
 
Christ is born, Christ is born Christ is born for you

 He's the Lamb who was given
Slain for our pardon 
His promise is peace 
For those who believe 
He's the Lamb who was given 
Slain for our pardon 
His promise is peace 
For those who believe

So come, though you have nothing 
Come, He is the offering 
Come, see what your God has done
 
Christ is born, Christ is born Christ is born for you Christ is born, Christ is born Christ is born for you" 
























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