Changes. :)

Olá minha querida família e amigos,

Hello!!! How are you guys? One more week has passed. Wow. Today is the coldest day we've had this whole year. A cold front arrived yesterday, and it has dropped to like 70 degrees... I think. So cold. I slept so good last night! It is pretty hard to sleep well in the heat. Wow, each and every week that passes, I feel that time is speeding up... and I can honestly tell you guys that I am not wanting that to happen. I have come to the point that I love everything about my mission. I love Brasil, the people, the work, the culture, the food, the traditions, the language... EVERYTHING! I love the members who live here. Some of the strongest members that I have met in my life live here, particularly here in Meier. I have never felt so good as I have here in this ward. I hope that my time is prolonged in this area and this ward. The members love the missionaries, and the missionaries love the members. There are so many strong members that help in the work. I thank my Heavenly Father for the opportunity to be here in this ward, and to get to know these members with such faith and love for our Savior Jesus Christ. 

So, as you all know, last week was a transfer, and I received word that I would continue here in Meier, Zone Andaraí. I was so happy for this. My new companion is from São Paulo. His name is Elder Medeiros. Everyone was so surprised to hear that he only has 9 months on the mission. Meier is a ward known for the amount of missionaries that end their mission here. He is the youngest missionary that has arrived in this area for quite some time. He is a great companion and we get along really great. He likes music, and has played piano as long as I have. We like many of the same things, and it is really easy to work and stay excited with him around. We are doing great, and I have some good feelings about this transfer. I hope that I can stay at least until June with him. He came from one of the most distant places in our mission, even to the point that he was closer to São Paulo than Rio de Janeiro. The trip was long and tiring, and as he arrived here, we were given a great task from the Area Seventy. All of the wards were given a list of twenty addresses of members that are less-active or that disappeared off the map in the last ten or fifteen years. The Area Seventy wanted this list contacted by Saturday, but our Bishop, being extremely efficient, wanted us to contact everyone by Wednesday. Receiving the list on Tuesday, we set out to visit everyone. We began to notice that many of the addresses were up in the favelas and communities.... very very high up. As we tried to reach some of the addresses, I began to wonder how the missionaries ever were able to baptize someone so high up on the mountain and so far away from the church. We were very, very far from the church. We were able to see all of Rio de Janeiro, for we were truly at the peak of the mountains (almost). Everything turned out well and we were able to contact everyone. Many of these people had no interest to return to church, but we were able to find some others that were humbled and ready to hear our message a second time. 

Lately, we have been teaching a man named Alex. He is 34 years old and came to church to get to see what it was like. He has been prepared to receive the Gospel as well. Immediately, he was hugged by the members and made many good friends. He expressed to us how it was so great to have such an environment to learn and live the gospel. He accepted our messages, and we began visiting him and his father. This last Wednesday, he accepted a baptismal date for this coming Saturday, and since then, we have been bringing him to lots of Family Nights, and bringing members to his home to teach with us. It was been amazing. Alex came to church yesterday and a member took him by the arm, inviting everyone to his baptism this Saturday. It will be around 11:00 our time. Pray that everything goes well! 

Because of the time, I must end. I love my mission. I wouldn't trade this knowledge and these blessings for anything. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I have no doubt about this. I know that the Book of Mormon helps us draw closer to Heavenly Father, and through prayer, we can know of his truthfulness. I know that prayer is communication with our Heavenly Father. I hope that you all know these things with certainty in your hearts. If you don't, do what is necessary to receive this testimony. I love you all and miss you tons. Have a wonderful vacation, and send me photos of everything!

Sincerely, 

Elder Steven Bennett

Felicidade :)

My wonderful Family and friends,

 

How wonderful it is to be here on the mission, and not only to be on the mission, but to be here in Rio de Janeiro. I know that each and every missionary has a specific place where they need to be. Each and every missionary was preordained to go to this place, at a certain moment in time, to help certain people in the moment that they are needing help. This isn't just some fancy story or fable that someone made up. It is the plan of our Heavenly Father-- a complete and perfect plan. I have no doubt in my mind of the infinite power that our Heavenly Father has and He truly does use this power "to bring about immortality and eternal life to man". He uses His sons and daughters here on Earth to do His work, and I am so grateful for the chance to be one of His servants twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. There is nothing that would bring such happiness to me at this point in my life than this.

 

What a week I have had. Never have I had so many things to do or to think about at one time! As I have been telling you guys for the past forever, Reinaldo and Aline finally arrived at the week of their wedding and baptismal service. We passed by each day, visiting them, and making sure that all was well and that nothing would happen to interfere with the 15th of March. Each day, we did a Family night, or brought members with us to get to know the Family and strengthen them through their testimonies. We even brought President Lima with us last Wednesday. It was quite a funny experience. We hadn't set a certain time to arrive, and when we arrived with President, Reinaldo was sleeping. His mother, who lives close, entered and woke him up. When he came out to say hi, he grabbed a massive paintball gun that was left on the sofa. He was messing around, telling us that he would shoot us, and President walked in. Until this point, he hadn't seen or heard President Lima with us, so when he walked in, you can imagine the shock and embarassment. It was hilarious! He hid the gun and sat down all nice and good-mannered. :) After our visit with President, Reinaldo asked us if we would be bringing over an Apostle or President Monson in the next visit. Reinaldo really likes President! On Friday, we headed over there with our District Leader and they were interviewed. They passed, and all was ready to go for the wedding and baptismal service. Friday night, a member wanted to take us out to a BBQ because my companion is ending his mission soon. With my luck, I caught some kind of stomach bug and you can imagine how the rest of the night went. As Saturday arrived, we were up and running to get everything ready for the wedding... calling everyone, confirming the food, cake, decorations, cleaning and organizing the chapel, cleaning and filling the baptismal font, etc. The whole day, my stomach was killing, even to the point that I couldn't walk normal. It was hard, but during lunch, a member gave me some medicine, which helped a little. As 5 PM got closer, I got more and more anxious, still feeling very sick. Luckily, the members were helping us out a ton, and this took some of the weight off my shoulders. When 5 PM arrived, the planned hour of the wedding, nobody had arrived! The first visitors arrived around 5:15 PM (Mom probably loves this part), and even at 6 PM, we were waiting for many of the visitors and Reinaldo and Aline. However, many people were arriving... many more than we expected. We had around 20-25 members present, and 75-80 visitors! I couldn't believe my eyes. It was so packed! We finally started the wedding around 7 PM. We had invited President and Sister Lima as well, and they were present to watch the wedding. It was great, and everything worked out very well. It was a very special night. :) After the ceremony, I was running around serving drinks and snacks to everyone. In the midst of all this, my stomach had stopped hurting, but a big headache had started. Elder Freitas, my old companion who helped teach Reinaldo and Aline was also present. I was very happy to see him. He was probably my favorite companion up until now. After many photos and food, we brought everyone to the chapel to start the baptismal service. President Lima left some words for the couple, as well as the people visiting. A children's choir sang "I like to look for rainbows", which brought tears to everyone's eyes. Then, Reinaldo and Aline were baptized. :) The moment that I was dreaming of since the first day we met them. I nearly started crying. My companion baptized Aline, and Elder Freitas baptized Reinaldo. It was decided like that because my companion is leaving for Argentina tomorrow, Elder Freitas isn't serving here anymore, and I will be here to continue the work with them. :) For this, I was calm and happy with everything. All of the activities ended around 9 PM, the visitors left, members helped us clean up, and by 9:45 PM, we were at home, ready to hit the hay.

 

The Lord hasn't stopped in doing miracles here on Earth. I am a special witness that these miracles have existed since the beginning of time, exist today, and will Always exist until the end of time. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this great work of salvation to all of the Lord's children. The time has arrived to start the work with other families, and we are already in the process of starting the process of marrying one more Family. They are a bit more reluctant, but with time, they will come to know that it is the Lord's will. Their names are Franco and Eva. :) Also, this transfer has come to an end. My companion is already packed and ready to go back to Argentina. I am glad that he was able to experience such a wonderful wedding and baptism in the last days of his mission. I am receiving another companion tomorrow. His name is Elder Merdeiro, from São Paulo. Let the work continue here in the Zone Andaraí. My zone has also become the largest zone in the mission, and also having the most Sisters (eight). Here in a little, there will only be Sisters in Rio! hahah. :)

 

I love you all so much. I hope that this week goes well, and that everyone is safe and healthy. I am still waiting for an email or letter from Lorks... Tell her to write me! hahah. :) Have a wonderful week! 

 

Sinceramente,

Elder Steven Bennett

:)

Why hello there!

Once more, I bid all a wonderful good morning, or how I am accustomed... Bom Dia! I am happy to announce that everything is FANTASTIC here in Méier, even to the weather! As you guys begin to warm up, I am finally cooling down here in the Cidade Maravilhosa. It is still hot, but the worst has definitely passed, and we are beginning to have rain more often. This usually would be a good thing, but lately, when it rains, IT POURS. I will be showing you guys many videos after the mission. :) After the rain falls, it gets really really humid, and many times you don't know if you're wet because of the rain, or your sweat. But, all is well and I am happier than ever. I have seen the Lord work miracles in the lives of so many people, and not just investigators, but the whole ward here in Meier. How I am so greatful to be here. My former companion, Elder Frietas, called me this week and told me how he was missing Meier. The ward here is strong, and the leadership and membros help in the missionary work. This is wonderful, for many wards aren't like that. However, the Lord has blessed me with more than a year in the Stake Andaraí. First, seven months in the Andaraí ward, and about 4 months here in Meier. I have gotten to know almost the entire stake. :) I pray that the Lord keeps me here until the end of my mission. 

Well, things are beginning to speed up as we get closer to the big day of marriage and baptism for Reinaldo and Aline. This week, we got rid of their coffee and gave them "Cevada", which is translated "Barly." I'm not sure what kind of drink this is in the USA, but it is almost coffee, but different. It is kind of like that one drink Mom likes to make in the winter (Mom's drink is better. Don't tell anyone.). We had a family night with them, as well as another family that lives on the very same street. It is so very important that the new investigators get to know the members. As President Hinckley taught us some time ago, all recent converts need FRIENDS in the church, for they will help in the hard and difficult moments. They need a RESPONSIBILITY... something that helps them feel included and special. Lastly, they need to be NURTURED BY THE GOOD WORD (as it is translated from Portuguese). They need to have that continued spirit that they felt during the visits from the missionaries. This is done by continued visits from the missionaries, but more importantly, by the members and their family home teachers and visiting teachers. These three topics are essential in strengthening less actives as well. Saturday, we visited Reinaldo and Aline with the Bishop, and he explained how the process would be with the marriage and baptism. They are stronger than ever in this decision. Their marriage was announced in Sacrament Meeting yesterday... and they messed up, calling him Paulo, not Reinaldo (I thought about how Mom would react in the situation). But they corrected it. The expected turn-out is 70 people, including many non-members, and our Mission President with his family. We are so excited. :) Now, we are running in all directions making sure that everything is ready before Saturday!

This was a great week, and passed really fast. However, there are always a few moments that show you that Heavenly Father truly loves you, and that the Atonment of His Son is real. Me and my companion had a special experience in this aspect. As I have already told you guys, my companion is from Argentina. He is super cool, but we are also very, very different with different opinions. A certain night this last week, we had a difference in opinions that wasn't being resolved. This brought about many words and feelings that didn't have to happen, and us two being very arrogant people... you can imagine the situation. I pondered profundly the things that happened and were said, in repentance, and decided that to have a change in our companionship, I have to start with myself. The next day, my personal study was centered in the dangers of Arrogance and the blessings of Humility. What a marvelous hour of studying! The Spirit touched me so strong on my weaknesses, and what I am needing to change. In our Companionship Study, as a custom, we share the things that we learned. I explained my part and ended in asking forgiveness, and sharing goals that I have to change, hoping that it would touch his heart to change as well. The Spirit was with us strong... and it worked. :) In that moment, I understood and felt the process of true repentance. We cannot just leave our sins in the past and "forget!". We can't just change without confessing either. Heavenly Father established the pattern of repentance, and this process involves humility. You need to RECOGNIZE your error. You STOP and CONFESS this error to Heavenly Father, and promise to change. You make RESTITUTION for your error, including asking forgiveness. As you do these things sincerely, you will feel the Lord working in your life, and that He truly forgave you of your sin. This is the process, and there is only one process to be forgiven. All of us must take advantage of this amazing blessing in our lives in preparation for the eternities. 

I love you all so so much. I miss you all as well. I hope all is going great. Lauralee needs to write me an email and tell me about Prom. She is BEAUTIFUL! She has been changing so much lately. I didn't even realize that she will turn 18 here in a little. How life passes. Please keep praying that everything goes well with Reinaldo and Aline, and you guys will receive lots of photos of them here this next week. :) Never in my life have I felt a love for someone, beyond my family, as much as I feel for this family. I am willing to do anything to help this family be married, baptized, and stay strong in the church. This relationship will not end when I return home, but for all my life. Not only this family, but for all the people I have been blessed in helping unite with the Church of our Savior Jesus Christ. I have a strong testimony of this church. If your testimony is weak, fall on your knees, repent of your sins, and ask our Heavenly Father if these things are true. Find answers to your problems. When you receive counsels from our Heavenly Father, act on these things. As you put your faith in action, you will feel the truthfulness of this Gospel. Have a wonderful week, and know that I am safe, working hard, and very very HAPPY. :)

 

Sincerely,

Elder Steven Bennett

PS. This is the last week of the mission for my companion. He is so homesick. I promise that that won't happen with me. :) Let's see what happens!

D&C 112:10‏

Hello Hello!

As you can see, I am sending an email much later than usual. If you guys didn't know, this is the week of Carnival. Carnival is usually four or five days of straight holidays! It could be compared to Christmas Day... five times in a row. :) This holiday closes down Rio de Janeiro. Really, the whole city shuts down! For this, we were having troubles finding an internet cafe that was open... and we never found one. I am in the home of a member here in Meier and she offered her laptop. For this, my time is short, and we have about 10 minutes until we have to start working. This has been a wild week, trying to work and stay far from the huge parties going on. The sisters in our zone have to be home before 6 PM every night until Wednesday. The work has been hit with much opposition, but it is okay... we already know which side will win this battle. :)

I will have to be very brief with my words, but this was a great week. Truly the Lord has been blessing us, even when we aren't worthy of such blessings. Our amazing family, Reinaldo and Aline, are stronger than ever! We marked a family home evening with them this last week, and they brought a couple to get to know the church. It is amazing that they have felt such a difference from the Gospel that they are wanting to share it with everyone they know! Never in my mission have I seen or heard of a family gain a testimony as fast and strong as they have. Just getting to know this wonderful family, my mission has been worth it. :) They were with us at church yesterday, and they are finally getting to know all the members. They are already telling everyone that they are almost members of the church! The happiness and love that I have for this family is great. Their wedding is still strong for the 15th of March, and the ward is already planning everything for us! Lets keep praying that the wedding documents will be ready on the 10th!

We are truly seeing a difference in our ward here in Meier. The ward is really getting excited to help in the work. We had the opportunity to bring some members with us to get to know our investigators, and they were so touched by the experience that they bore their testimonies of the visits. My companion got up to bear his last testimony of  the mission and I felt a desire to get up just to thank all the members for all they are doing for our investigators, meals, and help from the leadership. The ward is stronger than ever! We are finally connecting the ward with the missionary work. This next Saturday, we have a cute little girl who will be baptized, and the next week, Reinaldo and Aline!

If you noticed, I cited a scripture that helped me through some experiences this week. I have truly learned to be more humble and trust in the Lord. Because of the time, I will just say that many times, the Lord gives us experiences, good and bad, to learn where we are weak, and what we need to improve. 

Well, I must be going. I am sorry for the length of the email, but it is time to work. Today I watch the movie "Charly". If you haven't seen it,watch it! I cried like a baby. My testimony is stronger than ever, and it is strengthening everyday of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How I am so grateful for this knowledge in my life. I am so very blessed for the life that I have. I hope all is well at home. Stay strong and firm, and never give in to opposition! The Lord is on our side. We will win this battle! I love you all so much. Have a wonderful week. :)

 

Com MUITO amor,

Elder Steven Bennett

2 Nephi 32:5‏

Ola tudo bem!

Oh my wonderful friends and family at home. Boy, I love you guys. I say this every week, and I will probably continue saying this until the end of my mission. If there is one thing that you learn above the other things... it is love... Amor! Love for our Heavenly Father, and for everyone around us. For, isn't that the greatest commandment? I hope this week was a good week for you all. It is strange to think about you guys having a nice, slow, and normal week, while I am here and the days pass like hours! Really, this week passed as if there were only two or three days. I remember Monday... Thursday... and Sunday! Everything in-between just kind of disappeared. :) However, I was able to learn lots from this week in many aspects, and strengthen my testimony even more.

First off, I would like to give you guys the updates on Reinaldo and Aline. They are doing wonderful! Earlier, we had been a bit nervous about Aline, because she wasn't progressing like Reinaldo. She didn't always participate in our messages, and she never liked to read or say prayers. This week, we found out that they are both reading the Book of Mormon (she is reading more than him!), and they say a family prayer at the end of each day. Monday night, they found the movie "Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration" on YouTube, and they watched it together at like 2AM. As we visited them last Saturday, we taught them how to have a Family Night, and they are already inviting other friends to participate! They told us that they are already converted to the Gospel, even to the point that they want to share it with all their friends and family. :) What greater miracle exists on all the face of the earth? I began thinking back to the first time we knocked on their door and saw them, and now to what has happened. Miracles from our Heavenly Father exist. Sadly, they couldn't be at church yesterday, for Reinaldo was taking a shower, and a certain bug crawled out of the drain and bit his leg... he got sick. But he is good, and already is getting better. Here on out, I am keeping an eye on the drain as I take a shower. Anyway, they are still strong for March 15, and please pray that all works out! They are wanting to bring some of the family that lives a bit far, and they are not sure if these family members will be able to make it on this date. I believe that this is the only aspect that could move the date of their wedding/baptism... however, let's pray that all works out! 

This week, I have learned a lot about the Holy Ghost and his role in our work and in our lives. On Thursday, we had a Zone Conference, and in preparation for the Conference, I studied up on Revelation, and Reverence. As I studied, I came to know much more about how we can receive personal revelation in our lives. There is a requirement to receive this revelation... We must be living the teachings of our Savior Jesus Christ. When we are doing these things, the Spirit will touch us and guide us in all things. Before the Conference, I had written down four questions that I wanted answered during the Conference. Through the words that were spoken, and personal revelation, all four of these questions were ansewered. My testimony grew so much on the Holy Ghost! I believe that I am finally understanding how to recognize Him in my life and how He personally guides me. My companion and I had an experience this week that helped us to recognize the Spirit in our work. Yesterday night, we had finished an appointment, and we had some down time before our next appointment. We remembered a family that we had planned to visit the other day, but hadn't worked out, so we decided to go there and see if they were at home. The sun had already gone down, and there wasn't a single cloud in the sky. This family lived in a favela, and the area was supposed to be rather safe. However, as we arrived closer to the favela, I began to hear some guys talking. Immediately, I had realized that there were some "secret tradings" going on, if you know what I mean. I began to feel a bit weird, so I asked my companion how he felt about still visiting this family. He, not feeling anything, said that it was fine to enter. So we began to enter. At that moment, a lady who was sitting in front of the entrance stopped us and began asking about the church. We had the chance to teach her a little bit about the Restoration there at the entrance. We left her with a prayer, and I said the prayer. As we finished, my companion said that he was finally feeling that we should leave. I quickly agreed with him and we left that area. As we left, he told me that during the prayer, he had felt that we should leave. Looking back on the experience, I could see that the Spirit had touched me, telling me that we should not enter. I had recognized the warning, but not followed completely. For this, the Lord prepared a special person to be in our path to stop us from entering, and with this, warned my companion that we should not enter. The second time, we followed and we left. 

I am grateful for the guidance that our Heavenly Father gives us in this work. He is above all, and He loves us so much. He wants us to be safe and protected. I strengthen my testimony in the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. I know that as we listen to the Spirit, we will be guided in all things. We will be living our lives in the way our Heavenly Father wants. I hope you all have a wonderful week, and that the snow starts to melt finally. :) Stay safe and happy! Always do what is right. I love you all SO MUCH!!

 

Sincerely,

Elder Steven Bennett

Só milagres!

Minha querida família,

Oí, tudo bem? Que saudades e amor tenho para vocês! Wow, I cannot imagine the day that I return to the USA and speak English again. It has come to be easier to write and think in Portuguese than English. Would you ever believe that? How is everyone doing?! Boy, what a week it was. It passed by very quickly. After a very hot week, we were blessed with a rain storm yesterday. It was the first time that it has rained in more than a month! You can imagine what kind of downpour it made after not raining for so long. Luckily, I had my umbrella. We left a family home evening around 8:45 PM, and got home at 9:30 PM. The rain sounded like a train passing over our heads, and we walked in RIVERS, flooding the streets up to our shins. But, now it is much cooler and comfortable. :) 

This was quite a week. I learned quite a bit through some spiritual and difficult experiences. As my companion and I get used to being together, we have had some difficulties in the differences in our cultures, customs, and words. This is one of the many blessings of a mission. Missionaries return home professional in adapting to almost anyone. In what other moment of your life would you be living with Brazilians, Argentines, or Paraguans?! A mission is a once in a lifetime opportunity. :) Really, it is awesome having this opportunity, but it doesn't mean that each and every moment is a walk in the park. This week, I learned a valuable lesson that I will carry with me for my entire life. As companions, we have to work together in unison, teaching in "one voice". It is in this manner that the Spirit testifies of our words. If we are having problems, the Spirit doesn't work with us, and we are only two young men in white shirts and ties walking and sweating on the street. As this transfer began, my companion and I began working, and as all missionaries, you get used to the different styles and ways that others work. However, between us, we weren't talking openly in how we could improve and work more in unison. We stuck to our own ways, and we were not willing to adapt to our companionship. This created some problems between us. I am grateful to our Heavenly Father that He works in such a perfect way that everything fits perfect in His plan. Last Friday in particular, we began working and these small problems between us were not solved. This entire day we did not have the Spirit with us, and every appointment we had fell through. It was at the end of the day that we realized something was wrong. We were both a bit stressed because of the day we had, and we began to resolve the problems between us. He spoke his part, and I spoke my part, and after half an hour, we were able to resolve all the problems between us. At the end, we hugged, and as real as a breeze through your hair, the Spirit descended upon us once again. It wasn't until that moment that I realized the Spirit truly wasn't with us that whole day. The difference from that moment until now has been miraculous. 

Now is the time to give the updates on Reinaldo and Aline. They are doing wonderful! Monday, everything was worked out, and the marriage documents are in the process. Now, we are in the countdown of 30 days until they are able to get married. Saturday, we visited them and left them a very special message on Eternal Families, and the importance of the things they are doing.  We watched a video with them of Jeffery R. Holland, and his testimony of the Book of Mormon. I have it on my USB, but for some reason, the USB wasn't working. We went to YouTube, and watched the video. When it ended, another video automatically started, that talked about a bishop, and how he gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon, and what is the Book of Mormon. What an amazing and unplanned video! The Spirit touched strong and I knew that it was for this very reason that my USB didn't work... they needed to watch this video. Afterwards, both of them said that they truly feel that the Book of Mormon is true, and that their lives are moving in the way the Lord wants. We invited them to be married and baptized on the same night, March 15, 2014, and they accepted. :) What a special family they are. Never in my life have I felt a happiness like what I feel here on my mission, helping families just like Reinaldo and Aline come together and build an eternal family. Truly, the Lord put us in front of their home, for they were prepared to receive the gospel... all of this because of a wrong address given to us by someone on the street. 

Saturday night, we were off to Andaraí (my beloved 2nd area!) to watch a session of Stake Conference. This session is a bit different-- it is interactive, not just listening to speakers. As we were there, the time arrived for Sister Lima (wife of Presidente Lima) to speak. In her talk, she called me and my companion to the front. Instantly, my heart began beating super fast! As I went to the front, there were some people in the congregation that had mixed expressions. Many didn't know that I had returned to the Stake, and since I served in that very chapel for seven months, many recognized me. Sister Lima asked us to talk about a special family that we have that will go to the general session of Stake Conference. In that moment, every member present in the session got to know Reinaldo and Aline. The whole stake repeated the names of this family and we said a prayer for them. Sister Lima then called our Ward Mission Leader to the front and he had to account for this family as well! It was an interesting experience. That night, everyone was passing me and saying "Hi!" and "Welcome back!" I felt at home. :) Boy, I love this stake. 

Sunday morning, we arrived at the Conference and Reinaldo and Aline had a space reserved on the front row right in the center. It was as if they were famous! When they arrived, everyone began complimenting them and Reinaldo and Aline couldn't hold back the smiles on their faces. They LOVED the Conference. The Spirit was so strong. They left stronger than ever in their promise to the Lord to be married and baptized on March 15. 

My mission is something I will never forget. I love each and every moment and experience. Yes, there are many more hardships than happiness, but the happiness makes everything worth it. My testimony is strong, and each day I become more and more converted to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love and miss you all immensely, but know that there is still much work to do until my time is finished. Keep strong, stay happy, and do what is right, and you have the blessing of the Lord on your side. Have an amazing week!!! 

Sincerely,

Elder Steven Bennett

Ether 12:27‏

My family and friends,

Hello hello! One more week in the lovely Rio de Janeiro has passed, and boy was it a wild week. It was a week to learn quite a bit, as well as a bit stressful. It has also been around three or four weeks that it hasn't rained, so we are still up on top of our house sleeping with the twinkling stars above our heads. I don't know if I have ever told you guys this, but lately, the sky, moon, and stars have been really fascinating to me. I am thinking about returning home and doing some kind of major with that kind of stuff. But until I have to think about that stuff, I will leave it to the future and focus on the mission. But I really do like sleeping up there and falling asleep thinking. It is amazing to think about the amazing miracles that our Heavenly Father performs. Just looking to the stars in the heavens is a plain fact that nothing was created out of luck or by some great explosion. I have no doubt that all was made for the happiness of man by a loving Heavenly Father. 

Anyhow, this week was quite the week. As I told you guys last week, we had a transfer and I am still here in Meier. I am hoping that I will stay here until the end of my mission. I don't know if it is likely, but it is possible! So my buddy Elder Freitas left me, and I am here with Elder D. Ferreyra. He is a great missionary! He is from Argentina and has a sweet accent. He looks American, so everyone thinks we are two "gringos" walking down the street. He only has about five more weeks in his mission... so this means I will "kill" him (I am his last companion before returning home). This area, Meier, is famous for "killing" missionaries. Elder Freitas stayed here 7 months and served with three missionaries who ended their mission here. Now, he has left and I am here. I am starting to end out these missionaries! It sure is an interesting situation to live with a missionary who is ending pretty soon. They are whether really trunky, or they are really excited to work until they drop. Luckily, my companion wants to work until he drops. We will definitely have success here. :) So Tuesday, it was off to the Rodoviaria to grab the new companion and leave my old companion. There were tons of missionaries there, including each of the missionaries that arrived in Rio with me. We took another photo, for Sister Harrison will be going home this next transfer. I cannot believe that that time has already arrived. As I grabbed Elder Ferreyra, it was back to our area to get off to work! It always is a little weird getting used to someone you don't know... especially someone who is from a different country than you, but I think I have gotten used to it. We got off to work and at first it was a little rough getting used to the new style of things. Being the leader in the area, I have to remember all the streets, where to go, what we'll do, etc. These last fews days were pretty stressful with all of this in mind. The Assistants are always calling and checking up on the news in the zone, what is happening, etc. It is just the first week, so I know it is a bit rough-- it'll improve with time. We also have responsibilities to perform interviews for the people being baptized, visit our missionaries in the District Meetings, etc., so we were always running around Rio to help our missionaries. This cuts our time to work in our own area, but you are still expected to be an example of results in your zone!

In almost every letter, I have been updating you guys about a wonderful family we are teaching, Renaldo and Aline. They are such an amazing family! It was such a miracle in finding them, and since that day, they have been progressing really fast. We have been visiting them since the beginning of the last transfer, so about two months. We finally were able to start the process of marriage with them, in preparation for their baptism and goal to go to the temple and seal their family for time and all eternity. :) Thursday, we were off to Tijuca with the family to start the paperwork. We found a method of marriage that cuts all the taxes, and it is faster than all the other methods... 30 days. Because of time constraints, we didn't have time to take the documents to the marriage registry. This morning, after many obstacles, we were able to arrive there at the registry, with our testimonies. It was hard marking a day with everyone, and getting everything planned, but we finally succeeded in going there this morning. When we arrived, the workers told us that the power was out! REALLY! Satan really is working to stop this family from getting married! However, the power company arrived and we waited and the power returned. As our turn arrived, we were told that because of his address,  we had to go to another registry that is a bit far from here. We were with a Sister in our ward, Val, and she is very in to missionary work. We took the family to this other registry to get everything worked out! She rocks! She was even passing out pass-along cards to everyone telling them to get married and visit the church... ;) So, it looks like all is well for now, and in 30 days, we will perform the marriage and baptism in the chapel.

I am loving my mission and all the experiences I am passing. This week was stressful, and in the midst of all this, I was pretty sick. I won't get into details, but I am sure I have a virus. But all is well, my spirit is high and happy, and I am doing just fine. Miracles are happening all around us, and I am very happy to be a part of this work. Stay strong, stay happy, and have a wonderful week! I love and miss you all. :)

Sincerely,

Elder Steven Bennett