FINAL COUNTDOWN, 8 days

Emily's mother, Cheri wanted me to post the following information. She would love to see everyone join her in celebrating Emily's return.

Thurs., Sept. 22nd, 12:30 Emily arrives home at the Spokane Airport. Lunch for anyone interested at Emily's house at 1:30. (14111 E. 42nd. Ct., Veradale, WA 99037, Call 290-3064 with any questions.)

Friday, Sept 23rd, 6:00-9:30pm - Party/Open house, 14111 E. 42nd Ct., Veradale, WA 99037, Call 290-3064 with any questions. FOOD, FUN, FAMILY & FRIENDS! Everyone is invited!

Sunday, Sept. 25th, 9:00 -10:00am Emily speaks in church and gives her "homecoming" report at the Spokane East Stake Bldg., 13608 E. 40th Ave., Spokane, WA 99214. Call 290-3064 with any questions.

Week full of adventures

It was an interesting week! About 6 PM on Wednesday I got a call from the mission office telling me I´d be renewing my visa the next morning and could we catch a bus to Sao Paulo that night. Surprise! So after FOUR buses and SEVEN subways we got to the Sisters house in Caxingui at 11:30 PM exhausted, got up at 5 to go to the Policia Federal, stayed there all day with the missionaries from the CTM, (that was fun!) I got to visit a few recent converts in my old area in Caxingui, then did the whole trip backwards again only to arrive in Eden at 11:30 again...exhausted. So it was an adventure for sure!

We also have been spending a lot of time with Bruno´s family (whom we love to pieces!) They help us so much and are such a great family with so much potential. Maria went to the luncheon on Saturday and we went back with her to help make 300 coxinhas and 100 kibi (they´re Brazillian snacks). We had an interesting experience at Bruno´s house when his Dad invited his pastor to come speak with Maria since she´s no longer going to his church. Unfortunately he began to say things about our beliefs and our religion that arent true, while we were there listening in the other room! Maria explained to him how she felt that she would no longer be going to his church because she didn't like the way she felt. He invited us to participate in a prayer and as he began to speak, my cute companion couldn´t keep quiet and began to put him in his place by explaining that "we too believe this" and "we need to obey the commandments, etc." hahaha. Then he more or less cast out all the demons in the house (aka: those that were in me and my companion) That will for sure be an unforgettable experience from my mission!

Fortunately Maria didn´t believe any of it, she still loves us and doesnt believe we´re devils and is coming to church next Sunday! Bruno continues to be strong and an incredible example to us despite the confusion and controversy he´s receiving from his family. We´re all trying to be patient in this process and realize that the Lord really knows what he´s doing and has a plan and a purpose in all things.

Hope everyone has a good week!

-Sister Peck

I´m not trunky yet.....okay maybe just a little...

It´s getting sooooooooooooo hot again! Summer is coming and I can´t help but day dream about snow when walking in 100 degree weather. But sacrifice brings blessings right? And it sure has! We received a bunch of really good references from members this week for the first time in a long time and we are very excited to start working with each of them. On top of that....

Bruno´s family came to church on Sunday! What a blessing. (Bruno I know you´re reading this so it´s strange to be writing about my mission news but it really was the highlight of my week! haha.) His mom, Maria and brother, Gabriel both went to church with him and loved it. Unfortunately Marcelo, his dad wasn´t able to go but promised to the next time he is available. I love this wonderful family so much and am so happy to be a part of introducing them to the restored gospel. Relief Society was all about Eternal Families and Maria (his mom) loved it! She even volunteered to bring a pot of rice to our Potluck...Fast? (almoço de jejum?) on Saturday! haha

I´ve already started packing my suitcases. I know I´m trunky, literal. I think its the heat. ugh. And my wonderful companion is helping me leave behind ALL of my nasty old clothes that I almost brought home with me. haha. Funny how attached you get to things.....

This week we were able to go to a leadership training with our new mission president President Martins whom I love to pieces! I could listen to him talk forever!!! He is such an inspired man. We learned so much about so much and it really helped! One of the trainings was given by our very own LZs and it was about correction. I really loved it. It was about how all of us have a need to be corrected by our leaders, be it a bishop, parents, etc. (in our case LD, LZ, mission president). If we are doing something incorrect we have a need to be corrected by our leaders who do so out of love. Correction is essential because without it we wouldn´t have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes and grow, change and be better. That's where repentance comes in. What a blessing it is to repent! To be made clean and have the chance to start over. Instead of getting defensive when someone corrects us, we should look at the situation as an opportunity to become better and be grateful. there were a lot more things that were said but I´m not remembering all of them right now! Ask me in a few weeks and I´ll show my notes to you, haha. But it was really a great discussion. I loved it! I absolutely love how the things that I learn on my mission will always and forever be applicable in my every day life after the mission! The gospel is amazing isn't it??

I love Brasil and my mission...even if it is SUPER HOT! Beijos e abraços

-Sister Pe