Feliz ano novo!

Christmas was great here! We spent Christmas Eve with our district leaders at a big party in their area--I'm pretty sure Christmas only consists of food here haha. But don't worry, I was keeping the traditions alive with Sister Almeida. She likes Jingle Bells a lot. :) On Friday during lunch a member began telling stories about his mission, and he started showing photo albums. We were, of course, very anxious at this point because they live at one end of the city and we still needed to walk for about an hour to catch the right bus to get to the other side (where we were going to skype). But somehow we managed to leave and get there in time to talk with all of you. :D (I loved that by the way--I couldn't see you all or understand very well what you were saying... but it was great anyway :) ). 

On Saturday we had Samuel's baptism. It was a very tender experience. A recent convert who got baptized two months ago performed the baptism, and he was so excited! However, on Sunday we had a huge let down because he didn't come to church to be confirmed... :( Apparently his mom took him to visit his dad in another part of the city. That kind of ruined my day. However, complaining doesn't help anything. I'm excited to have this week to work, be a little better, and prepare for the new year! 

I have a little invitation for all of you--read Ether 12:27 before you choose your New Year Resolutions. I know that when we come to the Lord, asking, "What do I lack yet?" like a young man once did with our Savior, He will show us our weaknesses so that we can come unto Him. 

Happy New Year!

Sister Dickerson

Feliz Natal!

Can you believe that it's almost Christmas??? Time really flies. 

Let's see where to begin this week.... Domingos was baptized on Saturday! It was an interesting day. In the morning, we went to clean the font, and to my surprise it was full of dirty water from the last baptism... So we had to empty out the font with buckets (to make it move faster). So, soaking wet, and super sore, we finished up and filled the font with fresh water for the baptism. It was quite the experience. Domingos has an interesting story. He and a group of young men started to play soccer at the church three years ago. Gradually, they all started to go to church and seminary, and nearly all of them have chosen to be baptized. I nearly had a heart attack on Sunday because Domingos wasn't there (for his confirmation), and so when we passed by his house we found out he was feeling super sick. However, he made an effort, went, and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Instant prayers of gratitude.)

We are also working with a friend of Domingos, whose name is Marcos, but everyone calls him "Mormon." His family is 99% Catholic (he says that he's the 1% who isn't), and he's been going to church every week for a year now. He also plays soccer at the church almost every day. Wow, you have to meet this kid to know how amazing he is! When we were teaching the Restoration to Domingos, Marcos recited James 1:5, the First Vision, and everything. He does more missionary work here than the members. The only problem is that he's 16 and no one in his family is willing to authorize his baptism. (He carries his baptismal form with him, just waiting for someone to sign it). So, if you could keep him in your prayers, that would be great. He's an amazing person and I realllllllyyyyy want to help him be baptized. :)

Oh and on Thursday we had our Christmas activity with our zone. President and Sister Stasevskas came, and it was a blast!  Every one was playing soccer, football, capture the flag; we ate lots of food, and even watched How to Train Your Dragon 2 (such a good movie).

And on Sunday I had to give a talk... but it was all good. I spoke about the true meaning of Christmas, how Christ was born to save us all, and that He was the best gift ever given. I also invited them to give a gift to our Savior--invite someone to learn more about Him. The worst thing they can say is no. :)

Love you all so much!! Merry Christmas!!!!

Sister Dickerson