Warming up... ka na?

Hello everyone!!!

Man, Im so blessed to havesuch a wonderful family.... I really love each and everyone of you so much! Thank you for everything you do!
We had a great week last week - numbers are still not what we hoped but were wroking super hard and thats whats important. We can still improve on a lot of things, but in the end, its the Lord and His timing for things.
I did an exchange with the Tottori Elders last week. Because of train delays and such, we spent about 8 or so extra hours riding. It was awful! haha but just one of those things that I will end up missing, right?
I had a super hard day last week. I woke up early, and I was feeling reeeeaaaaally tired. (Not gonna lie, Im gonna crash on the couch when I get home, and barely make it to Church two days later). We had to plan some stuff so we couldnt leave the apartment right away, then when we finally left, it started to rain. Im kind of used to it by now, so even though it was super cold (and actually it was like half-snow) I was still ok. But then I went to ride my bike and,.... I had a flat tire. So I spent a good time taking it out, trying to find a problem that wasnt there, then 2 hours later after fixing the bike, we left.
It was all ok except that before going to a members house for dinner, I came down with a migrane. And we had to ride 45 minutes out to their house thats in the mountains - in the snow.
I honestly didnt know if I was going to make it through the end of the day. When it came down to it, I had a choice to keep suffering, or seek the Lords help in prayer. I cant begin to describe how sweet and beautiful that moment with the Lord was. He really healed my heart. He healed my headache. And He gave me strength and peace to work the rest of the day. My heart was enveloped by His love and He stilled my fears, and anxieties. I felt His pure love in such a special way that it is difficult to describe it words. If I hadnt had such a rough day, I would have never had such an experience. Im so grateful for my trials, and especially the Lord and His atonement, who prepared the way to take our load off our shoulders, and give us strength to bear "with patience our afflictions."
That night we had an opportunity to teach a part-member family and help the dad come closer to hearing the lessons. It was a great blessing.
I also learned this week the importance of trusting in the Lord. We are not expected to solve everything by ourselves. The Lord also doesnt expect us to perform miracles - thats His business. I was really frustrated and sad lately with the lack of progress the area had seen, and not being able to see baptisms yet, But as I read the scriptures, and later talked with my companion, it is not only unfair to think that because of me (or us) were not seeing miracles: it is also prideful. Of course, we are expected to be obedient and work hard, following Preach My Gospel and the counsel of our leaders, but in the end, Heavenly Father will work things out in His timing. A successful missionary is one who works hard everyday, and tries to improve in every aspect - but hes not the one whos performing the miracles. That is not our load.
So sometimes we can be frustrated when things dont work out the way we want them to, but the Lord is moving His work in unseen ways. If we know we are doing all we can, there is no need to worry, or need for anxiety.
As I learned and pondered this principle I comitted to humble myself and leave it to the Lord, His will, and His wisdom. As I did so, the heaviness of my heart went away, and all of a sudden the work became much more fun again. I could see more of the joys that I couldnt see beyond my own pride, thinking that I had to do everything myself. It became a great learning experience.
I know that this is His work. He guides it. He loves each one of His children and He has prepared a way for their Salvation. Jesus is the Christ and our Redeemer. Our Mediator with the Father. He comforts us, He heals us, and He will make us perfect as we dilligently follow Him. And I testify of this in His name, Jesus Christ, amen.
Thanks for all that you guys are doing. I appreciate your encouragement, testimony and help. Im excited to see you when I get back, but until then, I plan on continuing to work hard here. I love this place!
With all my love,

Elder Mourao