Elder Helvey: Beiro Rio Week 6

Hello everyone! How was Fourth of July? We had a little celebration in our apartment but it sure wasn´t the same as being there in the States.

But we had a great week! We taught many lessons and a few of the people we are teaching are really progressing well which makes me so happy. We had a Family Home Evening night with one of the families we are teaching at a member´s home. It was awesome!

Also this week we had Mission Conference with our new Mission President and his wife, President and Sister Bonini. They are AWESOME!! It was such a great morning as they talked to us and introduced themselves. They shared their conversion story with us and how they got to know the church. They were baptized when they already had 4 out of their 5 kids. It was an awesome experience to hear them share of how and why they joined the church. President Bonini spoke to us for awhile and he said so many awesome things. He told us to always start with the end in mind when we start teaching people. He stressed that the end isn´t baptism, it´s the temple. He talked a lot about teaching people more about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ can change and bless their lives. He talked about how we need to always do our work "in the manner of the Lord" and follow his example in all things. It was great! After lunch we had Mission Leadership Council which was awesome! We received training about how to help the people we are teaching accept and keep their commitments. It was such an awesome day and I am so excited to continue to work with and learn from President and Sister Bonini. Of course, I miss President and Sister Souza but I am so happy and feel so blessed that we have President and Sister Bonini.

This week, of course, the World Cup continued with a Brazil victory here in Fortaleza. Brazil will play Germany tomorrow (my mission country vs. my Dad´s mission country!). It has been fun to be a part of all the fun, even if we haven´t been watching the cup, but I will be honest, I will be glad once it´s done and we get back in our normal routine. But until then, GO BRAZIL!

Anyway, it was a great week! One year ago today I was set apart as a missionary. Dang, where did the time go? Can´t believe it´s already been a year! Have a great week everyone!

Love,

Elder Helvey