Sunday, March 1, 2009

Binho

I received this email the other day and I can't explain in words all the emotions it produced. It took me back to a hot and sweaty unsuccessful tracting day with Sister Williamson. We stopped in front of the church in frustration and she said, "Why don't we go see if any of those 20 boys playing soccer want a discussion?" She then proceeded to give the best rendition of 1 Nephi 17 I have ever heard and still use to this day. It inspired reactivation, baptism, celestial marriage, missions, and service. It was a reminder of the power of the Book of Mormon, my love of Brasil, and the amazing friends who served in the Sao Paulo Interlagos mission. The email inspired me to plan the trip I have been putting off for 10 years and it looks like Tom and I will try to head to Brasil this summer.






Olá Sister Osguthorpe,


Quero dizer Emily, Sei que é muito difícil escrever para vc e não lembrar de vc como uma representante do Senhor, A Imagem q tenho em minha lembrança é de uma mulher dedicada em servir ao próximo e ao Senhor, e com uma fé enorme, de ser capaz de observar o grande futuro que uma pessoa poderia ter. Sou grato pela sua dedicação, seu empenho, sua fé, sua criatividade.....e.... seu amor em servir.
Hoje sou um Homem!!!, com uma perspectiva de vida melhor, e a cada dia agradeço ao Senhor pela oportunidade de ter conhecido o Evangelho, e por ter conhecido pessoas q me ajudaram a sobrepujar as dificudades,
Acho q vc já sabe, servi uma missão de tempo integral honrosamente, me espelhei em vc para servir com toda dignidade na Missão Brasil Brasilia, me casei com a Juliana (Ala Castro Alves) que tem sido uma mulher celestial a 3 anos, adotamos um rapaz q ficou órfão(sobrinho da jú), Servi o Senhor como Presidente do quorum de Elderes,1º Conselheiro no Bispado, Bispo(10 meses) e Agora tenho mais um desafio para servir como conselheiro do Presidente da Estaca Grajaú, acho q agora vc esta tendo uma idéia de 0,5% do trabalho q vc realizou em sua Missão.

Emily

Muiito Obrigado!!!!

um grande abç a vc e sua família

Rubens de Freitas Alvarenga

Rua Santo Antonio de Ossela 666

Pq Cocaia São Paulo SP 04850160

5933 0247 / 9905 0353




6 comments:

Terra said...

AMAZING! That makes it all worth it, huh. What a beautiful letter to receive. Thanks for sharing it. What great memories we all creatd there. When are you guys going to Brasil? You will LOVE it. Miss you guys!

Alicia said...

Nossa, que saudades! Seriously, talk about amazing memories. I loved seeing the pic of you in your tag...wow, that's where it all began! You really were an incredible missionary...and how amazing that we all were a small part of the Lord's work there. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to see you guys!

Coco said...

that is freaking awesome...what an amazing letter. that picture of you and i in the street? sweet! oh the days--the streets of brasil--i'm excited for you guys to go back. that will be pretty darn cool. miss you!

Monica Rich said...

So, with my Spanish and French, I think I was able to decipher that letter. It's always so wonderful to hear about the progress people make after you leave. One update like that makes the whole mission worth it.

So good to catch up on your sweet family! It seems like ages since I last saw you. I'll be in San Diego in June -- maybe we can meet up?

Heather said...

Hey Em, So good to see pics of your family. I can't read that letter but what amazing people and experiences!! :) So, question, is this iron supplement the one you were telling me that gives you all this energy etc. I want to go get some, just making sure it is the one you were talking about. You look so great and your family is too cute! I am still dying to come out and see you. We might be out there in July, it's a possibility. Very cool on your trip to Brazil, wow, what an adventure.

Valerie said...

Hooray!! So excited you're going back to Brazil!!

PS I love the pic of your family