August 11, 2014

Sometimes I just stop and think, Wow. I'm on a mission!!! :) It is really just the greatest thing in the world. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else, doing anything else. This week my dearest companion Sister Kuster and I had a really special experience. We had a multi-zone conference with President Dalton (the BEST mission president in the world) and there, we had an amazing training on becoming and being THE missionary, not just A missionary. At the end, the elders asked us to write down 5 things we learned and apply them that same day. Well, one of mine was to teach someone the message of the restoration on our trip back to our area. Well there we were waiting for our train to terminal Grajau, one of the biggest terminals.. the chances of finding someone who lives in our area is SUPER slim. Well, there we were sitting talking about the meeting, and the though came into my head (in other words, the Spirit told me)- Remember your goal to teach someone here! So I looked to my left, then to my right and saw a lady sitting, waiting for her train. I told Sister Kuster, lets go teach her. Long story short, we did! Her name is Leticia, and she was SO prepared. She had been looking for truth. She told us, I have felt that all the churches I have been to are missing something, so she just doesnt go to any anymore. She accepted the invitation to be baptized and we are teaching her family- her, "husband" (they have to get married first unfortunately, welcome to Brazil!), and her two teenage daughters. It was such a special experience. Oh, and she lives a few roads away from our house, in our area. MIRACLES. The whole thing was a miracles. I learned from this that the Lord will GREATLY bless as we keep our word, and put into action our faith. I have been learning so much about prayer, faith, following spiritual impressions and miracles lately. That's how the Lord works! Ether chapter 12 is one of my very favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon. I challenge you all to read it this week as a family! I will read it too.

Another piece of news- President has asked Sister Kuster and I to split up to help a few struggling sisters these next 3 weeks. I will be serving in the area of Embu-Guaçu with.. Sister L. Silva! haha again. Its going to be great.

I love you!

Love,

Sister Katie Thornhill

Another Picture! August 4, 2014

PICTURES! :) August 4, 2014

August 4th, 2014

"The Lord has placed currents of divince influence in your life  that will lead you along the individual plan He would have you fulfill here on earth. Seek through the Spirit to identify it and carefully follow that direction that the Lord has put in your life. ALIGN YOURSELF WITH IT. CHOOSE, WILLINGLY, to exercise your agency to FOLLOW IT." (Elder Richard G. Scott) I just love this quote I read recently. Elder Scott is one of my favorites.

I've had many experiences on my mission when I have truly felt LED by the Spirit (as Nephi when the Lord used Him to do a great work- "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." 1 Nephi 4:6) It is just the best feeling in the world! I had an experience recenly in particular that I would like to share-- My companion and I were contacting people on a long uphill road- we were in need of finding new people to teach. We only had a half hour to do so, so I prayed in my heart to find one elect. I asked Heavenly Father to put this person in our path, and I comitted to Him that I would follow the Spirit. Well almost a half hour had passed and we neared the top of the long road, and not much luck, and it was time to go back. My first thought that came into my mind, feeling a bit discouraged, was- I can't believe it. With that, we literally did turn back, and as soon as we did so, my second thought- No, I know the Lord has prepared someone. We have to keep going a little farther! We did so, making it to the very top of the long road. Still no one! Now I was really determined. I thought, I KNOW there is someone the Lord has prepared. In that moment I prayed that He would show me the way. There were 2 directions we could go (a fork in the road). I literally stopped in the middle of the road, looked in both directions, praying. Then I saw her in the distance, a young girl working on something on the side of the street. Her back was turned to us, but I felt the strongest impression, almost a voice, that told me- That's her. Without hesitating, I told my companion the same thing, "That's her!" and we made our way over to her. In short, we taught her the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, with power and authority, and the Spirit did the rest. She accepted the baptismal invite and in the middle of it all she said to us, "I just feel so happy and I don't know why.. Can I give you a hug?" :) Well, words can't describe the sweet spirit that was there. I testify that there truly is no greater feeling than to follow through with a spiritual prompting, and to see the fruits of that. The gift of the holy ghost is really a GIFT!

Sister Kuster and I are working hard and I know the Lord has put us here to find those elect. They are there- And its up to us to ask in faith to find, and to follow those special promptings.

This is the best work in the world!!! Love you all!

Sister Thornhill