June 3, 2013 Missão Juiz de Fora

On June 7,2013, we received an e-mail letter from President Lima telling us that Mary Ann will be serving in the new mission of Juiz de Fora. They are forming a new mission because of the increase in missionaries. The new mission will be formed from part of the Rio de Janeiro mission and another Brazil mission. How wonderful to see the growth of the church and the great enthusiasm the young people have in going on missions!

June 3, 2013

So... Things are going well.  Tonight we´ll be traveling back to Rio for the mission counsel tomorrow and then back again to our area. whoop!  But this week has been good.  We´ve been praying to find families to teach and the Lord has been answering our prayers.  It has been wonderful.  

Everyday I learn a little bit more about the gospel of Jesus Christ and His atonement.  I´ve learned that we can never be too low that He can´t lift us back up.  I´ve learned that His gospel is for everyone - literally - it doesn´t matter who we are or where we´ve been, what mistakes we´ve made, we are all children of God and He wants us ALL back in His presence.  I´ve learned that it is our responsibility and privilege to make this known unto others.  I´ve learned that true happiness comes as we live the Gospel, having and exercising faith in Christ, repenting, keeping and renewing the covenants we´ve made with Him, following the Spirit, and never giving up, but keeping His commandments and enduring to the end.  I know that God loves us.  I know that Christ lives.  I know that this is His gospel which will lead us back into His presence.  I know that families can be together through His plan for us.

oh yeah. And below should be attached a picture of  A and G  She´s been super active, and he´s the miracle I talked about whenever He came back to church.  

Pineapple/Mint Juice
2 thick slices fresh pineapple, peeled and cored, in 1 inch chunks
1 tall glass fresh cold water
handful of mint leaves
3/4 ice cubes
sugar to taste (I don't use any, but some might prefer a sweeter drink. Brazilians definitely do!)
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Put everything except sugar into blender. Blend until thoroughly amalgamated. Check sweetness, add sugar if desired, and blend again to dissolve sugar. Serve immedia