Last leg... and changes...

[this is what I sent last week - so for those that didnt get it... thanks!!]


So big news...
I extended!!!
No, Im just kidding, I wouldnt do that.
But, I did get transferred - Im now in Matsuyama. My first time in the island of shikoku. Never thought I was going to make it down here, I really thought that i was going to die in my beloved Yonago. But I guess the Lord had different plans for me. And He always does the best for me, so Im not worried.
But to be honest, I am really sad about leaving the wonderful members, and having to pass the torch to my ex-companion, Elder Muraoka. Not sad for him, but just sad that I couldnt see some of that work til the end. But, with Paul, I planted, others watered, but 'God gave the increase'. And Im not sad because I know this is His work and its His glory and not mine.
However, it already has begun into a growing experience. To be molded to the will of the Lord. And to be able to have another opportunity to grow and become a better missionary. It was weird because I thought I was going to get trunkie and stuff about leaving Yonago and only being here for 1 transfer - but on the contrary: the Lord shaped me and strengthened me enough so that I didnt even think twice - before I realized it, I was already on the go, getting right down to the work, excited about the things we are going to see here, regardless how short a stay I will have - I plan to make the most of it.
Its really wonderful how the Savior has given me this chance to see how much He has helped me grown. One thing I realized recently is how much I need to acknowledge the Atonement of the Savior every day. How much I need to let my heart fill with gratitude for His sacrifice. In turn I can feel more of his love, and gain a greater appreciation and testimony of the Gospel and of the Savior.
He made me into someone who I never knew I could become. I am speechless when I think about how much he has helped me achieve as Ive put my trust in Him, and followed His counsels. My companion told me of a story Elder Holland once told some missionaries in the MTC. Ill try to do the best I can to paraphrase it.
"The Lord sits over at the edge of the cliff and beckons us, 'come to the edge.' However, we are scared, and dont want to get that close, for we will surely fall. Yet, He calls again. And again. Until we summon enough faith and trust in the Lord that He will catch us. Then as we come closer to the cliff He pushes us.
Then we fly."
Thats how the mission has been for me. Filled with scary moments and tough decisions. However the Lord has supported me and strengthened me every time, helping me fly and achieve the impossible. Im so grateful for His atoning sacrifice, which yields the power necessary in order for me to change and do as He has asked, And Im grateful for the opportunity Ive had to be a missionary, and know the Savior and His atonement personally.
Well, here in Matsuyama, were doing good. For the first time in my mission I was paired up with another brazilian, Elder Mauricio (de Souza). Hes from Brasilia, and weve become good friends already. Im kind of training him - seeing as its only his second transfer and the first didnt go so smoothly I think.
We have one baptism set for the 27th of June for our beloved Chinese investigator, Cho. Hes great, loves the gospel, and is really excited about the baptism. Its just hard for him to come to Church because hes on a Agricultural learning program from China that doesnt allow him days off - at all. Well, unless it rains.
The town itself is huge (about the size of Hiroshima), which makes for long commutes on the bike. Its really hot right now, but Im starting to really like it here. Weve got some good investigators (although they are few), and the members are great.
Im not sure what else to write except for now we have better computer access and I can write longer.... but Im not sure what to write...
Well, the apartment is really nice..
...its a lot cleaner than any other apartment Ive been.
Dont know a lot about the town since Ive only been here for 4 days... it's hot and big....
Well, i guess I will see you guys soon. I know how everyone is loving the whole countdown thing, but its not really hitting me. It doesnt feel like Im going home.
....
...I cant really think of any thing else to write, but my testimony of the truthfulness of this wonderful Gospel. I am in tears to think that the Lord has seen in His wisdom to let a wretched man like me participate in this glorious work. He truly is our Savior and Redeemer. Nothing else in this world matters. Not cars, houses, jobs, riches, fame; It is a gospel of who we can become and to realize that potential, God sent His only begotten in the flesh, and watched Him suffer the pains of the rest of His Spirit children so that mercy could overpower justice and give us another chance to come back to His presence. That is how much He loves us.
So no matter how ugly a situation youre facing, no matter how hopeless it looks: just choose the right. Choose to do as the Savior would. Let Him change you, and it will bring more peace and happiness than any other endeavor. Remember that we are taught to Love God, not because He needs our love or attention, but because "what we love, determines who we are and who we will become." And that is our goal in this life. And to teach that to our children. So that they can too know the joy of walking in His ways. For I know how great that joy is. And "I rejoice in it above all the world." In His name, even Jesus Christ, amen.
With all my love,

Elder Mourao