I just can't even tell you how amazing it was to watch
General Conference this weekend and I'm sure you all felt how strong the spirit
was. There is just nothing that I am more sure of than the fact that these men
really are ordained of God and that He really has a plan for every single one
of us. I thought it was interesting that almost every talk was about really
taking the name of Christ upon us, but I was especially struck by the talk that
talked about how Heavenly Father hasn't been preparing us to just be obedient
dogs that will fetch his slippers but children that will grow to help run the
family business. That the commandments, every new change, everything has really
been to help us become more independent in our desire to learn - that He has
been guiding us to develop these heavenly divine character traits that will
really help Him know He can trust us no matter what. I really can't describe
the conviction and just plain knowing in my heart that we are living in the
last days and that every moment is really so important. That we are doing
everything we can to help bring those around us to Christ and that we are
really there with Him ourselves. It was just the coolest thing.
My birthday was really so amazing - no one can believe that
I turned 20 (I think they all were thinking MAYBE 18 - curse these young
Staheli genes). But it was great I woke up and Silva my companion had put
probably about 100 little colorful sticky notes everywhere and balloons and
they sang to me after I got out of the bathroom. Then in between sessions they surprised me
with this TABLE FULL OF FRUIT. Oh my gosh it made my heart so happy you don't
even know it was HILARIOUS, because they know I really don't like bolo. They had set out a huge watermelon, apples, guavas,
papaya, pineapple, tangerines, and a crazy beautiful assortment of fruits. OH - and I wanted to make
crepes and cinnamon syrup for my companions of the house and so completely
improvised and it totally was fine!
But THEN TRANSFERS HAPPENED. And of course after all this,
Presidente and the Lord have decided that I am needed in another place - so I
have been moved to the area Natal, Natal. It’s just a little sad because it’s
like you've run the race, see the end and then have to go back and start again.
So I won't see the baptism of Marlene or Heluiza but I know that the Lord would
only direct me to where I am most needed. So off I go, I know that He really
knows best.
Muito amor!!
Sister Staheli
