Seven

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

You guys, God is good.

So Santarém is definitely not like any other place I've served. The work is very different and a lot more difficult. They cal this zone the Refiner's Fire of the Portugal mission because you basically have to suck it up and develop every Christ-like attribute and know Preach My Gospel like the back of your hand to be able to have any success here. We have definitely felt that. I came from the most successful zone in the mission to one of the least. And it has definitely been a rough adjustment.

But God is good. Two weeks ago we worked so hard and only found one new investigator all week, while the mission standard is ten. This past week we studied harder, prayed harder, worked harder, fasted more,and humbled ourselves to ask for help from all our leaders, and we were blessed to find six new investigators. We're still not there yet, but it was a big leap that's for sure.

Also, our investigator Paula said that she has finally been able t go more than a week without smoking and doesn't feel the withdrawals so badly anymore that now she feels like she can mark a baptismal date for herself and her daughter!

Today while we were getting groceries, Elser and Sister Rose, the senior couple in our Branch, called and asked if we wanted to spend some time with them and go see a nearby castle today. After five p-days in the house it was a huge tender mercy! We had a ton of fun and went to a place called Óbidos. I'll try and include pictures. So the Lord looks out for us and knows when we need a little reminder that He's there and that He loves us and that things can still be fun even when things are getting hard again.

I love you all so much and the next time I write you I will officially be in my last transfer on the mission. Pray for me please ha ha
Have a wonderful week!!!


love
Irmã Dean