As my dear sister Lisa likes to say, "OH MY HECKFORD!!!" I did not
see the prophet's announcement coming! Boys can now serve at 18 and
girls at 19! That announcement would have been really convenient 3 years
ago!!! Haha but I know that the Lord's timing is everything, and I am
supposed to be serving right now. I am serving in a country where boys
were authorized to serve missions at age 18 because of military
requirements and such, so I have seen how the 18 year old missionaries
serve. I feel like they are just as capable as any 19 year old
missionary. I was shocked when President Monson announced that 18 year
old boys from every country would be able to serve. My head was still
reeling when he announced that girls can serve at freakin 19 YEARS
OLD!!!! My hands literally flew to my mouth to keep me from letting out a
huge gasp. My first thought was my little sister who would make an
awesome missionary, but didn't know if a mission would fit into her
plans if she had to wait two years. My second thought was actually a
confirmation that we are truly living in the last days. The Lord is
building up his missionary army. The gospel is going to go much farther
than it has ever gone before. We will be receiving reinforcements of
willing and prepared 18 year old boys and 19 year old girls here in our
missions. I am sure that this announcement was an answer to many
prayers.....prayers of youth wondering if they should serve a mission
and the prayers of the people that will be found, taught, and baptized
by these younger missionaries. I still can't believe it. I am proud to
say that I was serving a mission when this monumental announcement was
made.
As for other news, yes I was transferred. I am now
in the area Fernandes which is a neighborhood in Canoas. I already
served in downtown Canoas, so I returned to the city. My companion is
Sister Matiaco, the first American companion I have had since I was made
Senior. This is her 3rd transfer, so she is still pretty fresh from the
MTC. Her Portuguese is really good already. To tell you the truth, I
was really nervous to have an American companion. I feel even more
pressure to speak Portuguese better now. I don't have a Brazilian
companion to lean on if I need help. Things are going ok. I am learning
about patience and charity and reliance on the lord right now.....but
that is what a mission is all about. There are always things to learn
from each companion we have. Sister Matiaco is very in tune with the
spirit and very obedient.
Conference was awesome. I loved it. It talked so
much about being disciples of Christ. We all need to be better disciples
of Jesus Christ. We had an investigator there at conference that said a
worry and pain that she has had since she was much younger was lifted
off of her shoulders. I know that the prophet and his apostles are
called of God and are very inspired!
I don't have much time, but as always, will write more next week! I love you all!
Sister Autumn Barnes
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