6 Months!

 Hey y'all! 

This week was pretty good all around. A few of the families we are teaching have started to really progress, and we've been able to meet lots of new people who are interested in learning more. To be honest this week got to the point where we almost have too many people to teach and contact that we are working really hard to make sure people don't fall through the cracks. But this is the best part of being a missionary! Getting to work with people and see them progress. I'll admit, there are times when it's hard to be patient and let people progress at their own pace, but it's because I want so desperately that they can have the chance to see the blessings of the gospel in their lives.

Now, as all of you have probably guessed by the title of this email, this week I hit 6 months of being a missionary. I wanted to give a quick summary of how I feel like I've progressed in the last 6 months:

First off, Portuguese. Definitely the biggest adjustment, but I am feeling super great about my Portuguese right now. Sure I still have lots of things to learn, and my vocabulary is still relatively limited, but I can comfortably communicate with people. I understand a majority of what people say, and especially when it comes to teaching the gospel, I feel good about my ability to speak. I'm excited to continue to learn, but I'm very happy with where I'm at now.

In terms of missionary work itself, I have learned so much too. But the more I've learned, the more I recognize how much I am still lacking. I feel pretty good about my ability to teach and invite the people we're teaching, but I still have a lot to learn in terms of adapting my teaching to the specific needs and interests of people. 

My testimony has also been strengthened so much. Every opportunity that I have to bear simple testimony, to share the things most important to me, I am able to feel the Spirit testifying to me and reminding me of all of the wonderful blessings that I have because of this wonderful gospel! I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that it is a testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the gift of the Holy Ghost that we receive after we are baptised is one of the most important things we can receive in this life. I know that the Holy Ghost can be our constant companion to comfort, teach, guide, and testify of the truth. I know that through the power and authority that we find in sacred temples, families can be sealed for eternity. And I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the key to happiness in this life and the life to come. 

I am so grateful to be a missionary and to have this opportunity to dedicate so completely my life to bringing others to the gospel. But I also want all of you to remember the opportunities that you have to do the exact same work. Every member of the church has made a promise at baptism to take upon them the name of Christ. And what a better way to do that than to share the gospel with others. And remember that sharing the gospel is simple. Bear simple testimony (you don't have to say I would like to bear my testimony to bear your testimony), and don't be afraid to introduce your families and friends to the missionaries. All of you can be the miracle that changes the life of another child of God! 

In other news about this week, I had an exchange with Elder Gonzalez who just showed up this transfer. It was really fun to get to know him and to think about the good old days when surviving another week was such a big accomplishment. 

And this coming week I'm super excited for some more opportunities to do some fun service projects with some of the people who we are teaching here. 

But that's about it for this week! I hope you all are having a great week, and remember to go out there and share the light of Christ with others. 

Elder Hill