One Year

Bom dia!


One year ago yesterday, I was sitting in a hotel room in Paris trying to get decent wifi. My heart had been pounding for about two days knowing that a big, white envelope was sitting at my house with some pretty important news and adressed to "Sister Cassandra Serre".


The night before, I read over all the names of missions throughout the world. Ranging from The United States to Hong Kong, I read them all and still had no idea. I was certain that I was headed to Argentina or California, Spanish speaking.


When people would ask me where I wanted to serve my mission, I would always say, "Anyhwere but the Philipinnes or Brasil." I wanted to go foreign but at the same time wanted to have the title "Sister" because Sister Serre just sounds so good. The "S" alliteration can't be beat.


As soon as I got wifi and was able to skype, I asked my dad if the envelope was heavy - when he said yes, I thought I was going to die! He started to open the envelope and held the paper up the screen. All I saw was "zil Piracicaba" and started to scream, "MOVE IT OVER! MOVE IT OVER!" I didn't even read the first part, just the mission name. Haha. "BRAZIL PIRACICABA! I AM GOING TO BRAZIL!"



Luckily, my uncle Sam, who had served his mission here in Brasil, knew how to pronounce my mission name and helped me out. I never expected Brasil but was SO excited! I remember just feeling immense love for the people of Piracicaba and excitement to share the happiest message in the world. I had no idea what adventures layed in wait for me here in Brasil, but here I am - one year later and seven months in - sitting in Brasil! Never in a million years could I have imagined the things I get to do every day. It is such a blessing being here as a servant of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.


Crazy to think that was a year ago! How lucky I am to be here, in a foreign country, as Sister Serre! It was cool because my mission is new so it wasn't even listed on the site that I read the night before! The Lord truly knows the best for us - he knew my desires even when I didn't! I feel so blessed to be here serving a mission. I love this work and know that it is the work of salvation.


"...and if you DESIRE, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation." Doctrine and Covenants 6:8


Something exciting that happened this past week - I tried to teach a lesson in English and couldn't do it! It was so weird! Everytime I tried to say "he" I said "ele." It was so different not being able to speak my own language! I really will have to relearn to speak English before I come home. :)


Other than that, it was just another busy week of working! Today, Brasil has a game so we will stay inside! Last week we took funny pictures of us with our Brasil gear - they make me laugh. Please do not take these pictures seriously! :) It was a joke that we get all dolled up for the games then have to stay inside sleeping....


My mission presidente published an article this week for Church news - it's pretty cool! It's written in Portuguese but if you want to check it out - it is chique de mais! Here is the link: http://lds.org.br/os-membros-sao-a-chave


I hope you all have a great week! Read your scriptures, say your prayers! The little things make a BIG difference!


Muito amor!
Sister Serre