Elder Merrill's Mission: The last week. Eita. Já?

Family-

This week was pretty sweet. We had the oportunity on Wednesday to go to the Campinas temple for the last time. What a blessing that we have 2 temples so close to our mission! But we had to leave our house before 6am and got home about 8pm, but it was worth the trip.

On Friday we had Zone Conference in Taubaté, and had to leave the house about 6:40 am to get there on time... we got home at about 8:30 at night. But it was wonderful to recieve training from Presidente and Sister Silcox about the importance and power of the Book of Mormon. President Monson's invitation to all of us to read the Book of Mormon every day comes directly from God. I know from personal experience that it is true, and that it brings us closer to God, and that it can really answer our deepest questions of the soul. We all need to feel the power that comes from that sacred book. And we all can know with certainty that it is true.

Walace, a member of our ward, has a friend who loves to speak english and lived for a short while in the US, and asked if he'd be down to talk with Elder Foniciello and me in english. He said sure, so we all went out to eat açaí and just talked in english with him so he could practice. The conversation turned to the Book of Mormon and soon enough we started teaching him about the restoration.... in english. Wow, it was rough. Walace was laughing at us teaching because every once in a while a portuguese word would slip in and we would contort our faces trying to find the words in english. Basically I was just translating my portuguese thoughts into english. But after about 2 minutes I was a lil more warmed up. It was special for me to have the oportunity to testify as a representative of Jesus Christ in my native tounge, however shaky it was. I felt the Spirit as we shared the special message we have to share with the whole world, to every nation, toungue, and people, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is restored.

I would like to thank you all for the love, support, and prayers that you've offered over this time I've been serving the Lord. How I love the Lord for the wonderful opportunity he's given me to be one of His representatives, despite my weakness and incapabilities. I know that He lives, and that He loves every single one of us. I know that his restored gospel truly blesses lives. I know that He is our Savior. If any of you desire answers to your questions, more peace and more profound happiness, I invite you to study the Book of Mormon and ask God if it is true. He will tell you that it is and you will receive more blessings than you've ever thought. I love the Lord, and I love you all!

Elder Merrill