Thanks for the prayers!

Olá!


Crazy to think that one year ago, this past week, I sent in my mission papers! And now I am here in Brasil with six months of my mission down! Time goes way too fast.


This past week was proof that God hears and answers our prayers! I want to thank you all for all the prayers and well wishes - Stefany was baptized! My companion asked me the night before the baptism if I was happy and I responded, "I will not be happy until she is actually in the water." That pretty much describes my week! One day it was, "I want to be baptized!" The next day it was, "Ehh, my sister said this and this and blah." So much back and forth. I was praying all week that Stefany would have the strength, courage, and faith to continue with her desire to be baptized and my prayers were answered as we arrived at her house Saturday morning and she was there, waiting on us! It truly was a miracle and a huge blessing.


After the baptism, as Stefany was leaving the batismal font, I stood at the door with her towel, waiting to help her. She grabbed me and hugged me then looked me in the eyes and said, "All my sins are there - in the water?!" And I responded, "Yup - you are completely pure." She then shouted, "I am SO HAPPY!" It really was such a special moment that I got to share with her. I got a little glimpse of the sacred importance of baptism and the profound effect it has on people. A week I will never forget. Only after the trials of our faith, come our blessings.


This week was a lot of work with the baptism and I am exhausted! We found out that during the World Cup Brasil games we will have to stay in our house. We cannot leave at all or wear any type of jersey. There are going to be big protests and it will get pretty dangerous so we have to stay inside! I am pretty excited. Days to sleep and relax. Pretty cool to be here during such an exciting time!


Last week I made cookies and my zone LOVED it! I also made cookies for the baptism and now everyone is asking for the recipe. Pretty awesome. :)


I hope you all have a great week and know that God hears and answers our prayers! He loves us. We have to remember that God answers our prayers but we have to do our part first. Only after trials come our faith!


I love you all and pray for you all! Have a great week!


Com amor,
Sister Serre


The baptism! And my zone with cookies!