A Bunch of Firsts

 Hey all!


This week was a bunch of new things for me. I don't have tons of time to write this email so hopefully there aren't too many mistakes haha. I hope you all are doing well!

First off, we had zone conference this week! It was amazing and really helped to motivate me to work hard so that I can learn to be a better missionary. Some key takeaways that I loved were the importance of teaching with the spirit and the importance of keeping our vision wide. Missionaries don't teach people. They help people to feel the Spirit so that the Spirit can teach people. I love this principle and thinking of missionary work this way helps us to focus on the individual and their needs as they seek to feel and learn from the Spirit. Similarly, because it is the Spirit, He does the teaching, it isn't our job to pick who should be taught. It is our job to share with everyone! And with that, we should expect miracles like baptizing nations so that we never exclude anyone.

This week I went on two exchanges with other missionaries. I got to work with Elder Nonato and Elder Nascimento two different days. It was really great to spend time with other missionaries, learn from them and get the feel for some other areas in my mission. I had some great times and learned a ton! I mostly just did a bunch of teaching during those times, but I had some fun experiences like eating the biggest burger ever (see story below).

And general conference! Wow, general conference was amazing! I loved it so much and was able to watch most of it in English. I hope you all had the chance to watch and I encourage all of you to make time in the coming months to learn the words of our prophet and apostles and other leaders by studying the conference talks. 

This week Elder Souza and I had a baptism! A girl who was taught by the Sisters who used to be in this area was baptized on Tuesday! It was incredible to see the light of Christ in her as she chose to follow our Savior's example by being baptized.

Now for the hamburger story. While I was with Elder Nascimento we decided to split this family-size burger for dinner. I forget to get pictures from Elder Nascimento but if I remember I'll send them next week. But this burger was huuuge! It had sliced hotdogs, chicken, roast beef and so much more on it. We barely each finished our halves but it was so good.

Sorry that this email was a bit rushed, but I hope you all are doing well! Know that I read your responses even if I don't have time to respond. I'm loving my time here in Brazil even though it is definitely still an adjustment. Thank you all for everything!

With love,
Elder Hill

And just so you all know, you can direct questions about sending packages to my mom :)

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