Week 10 - Fun in the Sun & lots of Freckles !!!

Hey Family, and Everyone; 

I don't have any funny things to say this week. More about the Brazilian culture. They are very affectionate people, so I am learning to adapt to that. Since there are fences around everything, you can't knock on some ones door, so instead you look to see if there is a doorbell close to the fence, and if not, you clap to get their attention. You can also call their name. I haven't figured out why there are fences, I'm sure there are crimes that happen, but I feel safe and protected. O que mais? (what else/what more?)  They are really crazy about coke here!! But I have chosen to not drink soda while on my mission, but instead drink LOTS of water, I'll drink juice, and sometimes milk. The sun is hot, and I am getting nice and freaky with lots of freckles!! 

This coming Saturday we have a baptism for a little girl, who is 8. Her name is Hagata pronounced Agatha because the h is silent. We don't have dinner with the members here but instead eat lunch- almost daily with them. Its usually always the same, rice, beans, and chicken or beef. Its good and pretty filling. I can't think of anything that is so different. Compared to back at home, a lot of people walk here, which is good for me because I eat a lot of food. But that's it for the week. 

Thank you for the reminder to write in my journal, something I have not been good at. I have not gotten any cards or envelopes yet, maybe this week when we have interviews with our Mission President.

Continue to read the scriptures, and pray daily. These things are essential in maintaining a happy family life.

My challenge for you, and everyone else, look very closely for how God had had His hand in your life, and let me know. 

Hopefully I answered all your questions, please correct my misspelled words :-) 

With love from Brasil, 

Sister Pierce

60 day anniversary, only 487 days to go !!!

Hi Dad,

Feliz Aniversario!! 

I remembered it was your anniversary. Just think how lucky you are to have married such an amazing women. I know you two don't always agree (I am learning that living with roommates) but if you two hadn't gotten married, I probably wouldn't have been born, or born into another family. And possibly that family wouldn't have been members. And if they hadn't been members, I wouldn't have know about the gospel, and so on. But because you two made the decision to be with each other for time and all eternity, you had the opportunity to have children, one of whom is sitting here in Brazil, teaching people how their families can be eternal, just like my family is. I love you so much, and pray for you every single day. I was excited to receive those pictures from your fun anniversary date, I bet that dancing got your heart racing,  lol !!

This past week, I had my first Zone conference. I didn't have a clue what they were saying, but I do know it was awesome!!  We also had an amazing lunch!!! it was just chicken and beans and rice but it was good. They made a really delicious cake with mousse icing, I'm not even sure how to describe it, but wow.... I think the highlight of this zone conference was they told us who the new Mission president  and wife are, that are coming in July. They are Brazilian, but lived in the US for a few years. They have 3 children, I think 2 are married, the youngest is 14. They said they are excited to serve, but also nervous. Either way it will be great. I don't know their names. I can't wait to meet them. Sister Rodriguez sent you pictures of the Baptism of Manuel. Please post them if you can.  

Something neat about here in Brazil, is that everybody loves to fly kites, its crazy. They have REALLY long strings and their kites go really high. Lets just say they know how to fly their kites better than Charlie Brown, lol.

Yesterday as I was sitting in church, I'm still in shock its only two hours long. I was thinking about my life after my mission, and was thinking that maybe when I get home, I want to be a pediatric nurse. who knows? It will probably change, or maybe not. I have a little over 15 months before I have to decide on my career after my mission.

Did you get to read those scriptures I sent last week, the one in Ruth and the other in Ether? What did you think?  A possible mission scripture for my plaque is Exd 4:10-12. I'm still undecided. Please hold off making it until I decide. 

Thank mom and  you for putting money in my account, it should be sufficient for now, because our USA dollars are worth more here, approximately 3:1 

I can't think of anything else except that you looked very handsome and happy in your anniversary pictures.  I Love you soooooo much. Thank you for everything you have done and  continue to do for me, you are the best  dad in the whole wide world. Sorry about my spelling, 

Love your favorite daughter that lives in brazil ;)

Sister Pierce

Bom Dia Mom!!! 

Feliz aniversario!

Its kind of cool, we share the same anniversary lol. I didn't forget about your anniversary. I really wish I could send pictures with this computer. I will keep trying and send photos once I do. 

It sounds like you spent your anniversary well! I loved the pictures dad sent. You looked beautiful in them, and I liked his shirt. voce tambem ( you also) picked a good place to eat. 

That's exciting on your new calling in primary. The children are the future of our church, and it is our responsibility to teach them the ways of truth and righteousness. ( See also the Family, a proclamation to the world.) 

I live in Eldorado, The state is Ribeirao Preto. I live in like a house, with another set of sisters. Sister Santos- Brazilian and Sister Moto-Mexican. Sister Santos is 29 and a psychologist, and Sister Moto is 22 and is a nurse. Sister Rodriguez is 22 and has a degree in advertising. I like to wear my Chaco's a lot (we are allowed to wear sandals. Its awesome! I also wish I packed my other pairs I bought, but gives me something to look forward to when I get home. 

Last Pday I watched a funny movie, Its called suits on the loose. you should look it up this week, Its funny! and the other one, its more of a sad movie its called Charly.  I Love you soooooooooo much, and I do miss you, but just a little bit ;)

Have a great week!!!! 

Keep reading your scriptures and saying your prayers

Com Amor, 

Sister Emma Pierce

1st Baptism -  Mon, Jan 14, 7:18 AM

Hi Dad!

Thank you for answering my questions. I'm glad to hear all is well at home. Thank you for following up on my challenge and attending the Temple. Did you learn something new? 

Thank you for your prayers, I can feel them, and likewise I hope you can also feel them. 

Saturday I had my first baptism. His name is Manuel. He is 59 years old. When we first taught him, he didn't talk much, but it is amazing to see the difference that just 2 weeks has. He seemed more happy, and talkative. It was hard though because I invited LOTS of people and they said they were going to come, but Saturday came, and  I was sad that only 2 people besides us four sister missionaries and bishop came to support him. 

It is our responsibility to share the gospel and provide encouragement to the new members, if we want the Lord's church to grow, we cant just be sitting by the wayside hoping people join. We need to be actively engaged. Pray for missionary opportunities to share the gospel.  Additionally we baked a good carrot cake. Can't wait to make it for you when I get home. 

I love you and pray for you. 

With love from Brasil,

Sister Pierce

From: Emma Pierce <emma.pierce@myldsmail.net>
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2019 7:30:11 AM

Subject: Re: Week 8: Sushi birthday, temple and your first area!

 

Hi Mom!

Thank you so much putting together that poster. I LOVE IT! I showed it to the other missionaries and they also loved it. I am so proud of you for finishing the BOM!! You are awesome, and look beautiful in your pictures. I'm sorry I can't send you any, Unfortunately the computer isn't set up for me to insert my SD card. sounds like your birthday was awesome! And that card is hilarious!! 

I'm not sure how long it takes to get letters since it gets sent to the mission home, and I might get it 3 weeks later. I live about a 2 -1/2 hours by bus away from the mission home. Continue to pray and read the scriptures together. 

LOVE you sooooooooo much! 

Have a great week!!

com amor Sister Pierce

Hi Mom! 

I hope you had an amazing birthday!!

How was Loris baptism??  I am loving my first area, Eldorado and my companion Sister Rodriguez.  Hopefully I can send more pictures next week, but I struggled to figure out how to send this.  Were you able to finish the book of Mormon O livro de Mormon? 

My challenge for you and as a family is to study preach my gospel, and then pray with purpose, not causally, for someone to invite the missionaries to teach. You would be surprised at who is ready to ready to be baptized. 

Cant wait to hear from you next week! 

With love Com amor.

Sister Pierce 

Hi Dad! 

Next time you go in to the gas station, you should give Dana a pass along card. And share with her why I am in Brazil, it could then lead to a conversation about the church. Just pray for missionary opportunities and they will come. And if you think it’s difficult, try doing it in a different language-that is hard. I love you. Thanks again for sending me the music. Hopefully you are having a good week. How was mom’s birthday? Did you take her to dinner? How is your health?  Just pray for strength and the Lord will help :) 

Thanks again for all you do for me. How is the weather? It’s pretty hot here, especially today, probably close to about 85-90 degrees. 

I am loving my first area- Eldorado. We don’t realize how privileged we are in the US until we don’t have certain things. For example- really hot showers. A dryer. A car to quickly get us to places. Clean streets. Not many homeless dogs running around. Being able to throw the paper in the trash. Not having fences all around our houses. These are just a few examples of things I live with on a daily basis. But nevertheless, I told the Lord if he put me in a beautiful area, I wouldn’t complain. The Lord heard my ´prayers, so now it’s time for me to keep up my end of the bargain. I would write more, but I have lots of people to respond to since it’s been like 3 weeks since I’ve gotten to email. 

If you aren’t already, Read and study the Book of Mormon (O Livro de Mormon) 

and Pray. Not casually, but with purpose. And if you are having a hard time, evaluate what is one thing I could be more obedient about- and you will notice a a difference

. 

I Love you Eu Amo Voce,

With love com amor-

Sister Pierce

Hi Dad!

I got the music and was able to print it here at the mission home. Its pretty hot and humid here but oh well!

I hope you are all doing well. I’m super happy I was able to talk to you last week. Oh also-HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Super awesome-so last week on the 26th Wednesdays my last PDAY we went to the Campins Temple. OH. MY. GOSH! It is so beautiful!!!!

I really hope you see it one day. I have some super awesome pictures, but will have to wait until next week to send them. When I was leaving the changing room after our session, guess who I ran into?? MY mission president’s wife!! SUPER AWESOME, gave her a big hug and them she said maybe I would catch Prez before he left to change. So I dashed out ran over to him while a HUGE grin on my face, saying its so awesome to meet you, and he just stood there like uhhhhh who the heck are you??? So i explained, and introduced myself. So since last week, he hasn’t changed. 

Anywho, I will have more time next week to write, but there are only two computers and 13 new missionaries, but my trainer is super sweet. Her name is Sister Rodriguez and she’s some the Dominican Republic. Its kind of hard, I’m the only American that is new. 

It was hard to leave the CTM but I am very excited to be here. I was going to be super overweight in my bags, but thankfully we drove. It took us about 3 1/12 hours. We had an orientation and then went to the Sholtz home for Sloppy Joes, RANCH dressings, and fresh fruit. It was SOOOOOOO good, and want that when I come home. 

Please tell everyone I say hi, and I have gotten some cards. Sorry my writing it bad. I LOVE YOU!!!

With love from Brasil-

Sister Pierce

Subject: Dear Pierce Family

 

Dear Pierce Family,

We are excited to have your daughter, Sister Pierce, in our mission. This will be a great opportunity for continued growth and development as she serves faithfully here in the mission field.  She will meet, teach, convert and touch the lives of many people who are seeking to know, understand and live the truths of the restored gospel. Your daughter will have the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord and better understand how to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Through her continued study and application of gospel principles, we pray her testimony will increase and her love and obedience to Heavenly I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up. Father's revealed truths will forge a pattern for the rest of her life.

Your daughter has already been assigned to her first area. She will be working in Eldorado Ward in the city of São José do Rio Preto, and will be trained by Sister Rodriguez. The area is very blessed, and your daughter’s trainer is a reliable and responsible missionary. Your daughter will certainly have much success and great spiritual experiences.

Along with missionary service come many new and interesting demands and challenges.  Your daughter will continue to learn and adapt to new and interesting customs, cultures and foods, as well as a new language and schedule. As parents, you play a very important role in the well-being of your missionary.  Your continued love and encouragement will give her the support and help she needs. Please write her regularly, sharing your testimony and love of this great gospel plan and help her stay focused on this sacred work. Also, for your information, we have created a Facebook page (Missão Brasil Ribeirão Preto 2016-2019) where we regularly post photos and items of interest for families and returned missionaries.

Trust the Lord’s watchful care as you pray regularly for all the missionaries throughout the world.  Remember the Lord has said, "I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."  (D&C 84:88)

My wife and I are very grateful to have your daughter serving by our sides in this great missionary effort. The lives of many will be influenced and blessed because of your daughter’s great service and dedication. We will do our best to help your daughter succeed in her service to the Lord. Thank you for preparing a daughter, that is willing and ready to be of service in this part of the Lord's vineyard. May the Lord bless you for your sacrifice and help in this important and eternal endeavor.

With love,

Peter S. Scholz

Mission President