Phone Call Home: Monday, December 13, 2021
Sister Garcia survived the weird week that included her being in a trio for a small period of time. She said it was so HARD. Sister Da Silva had a horrible attitude and it made for a bad night. (she only stayed one night and then went off to her new companion) The Sisters that were in the trio with Sister Garcia didn't speak much of the language and so it was a lot of 'what is this word?' that Sister Garcia had to process through. She said her brain literally hurt from having both English and Portuguese being spoken around her and trying to process what was what.
Sister Garcia talked a lot about her previous transfers and just how tricky they all are. You get to know a person in the 6 weeks (sometimes longer depending on how long you stay with them) and even though some are hard, you still feel a pull at your heart. You have to start fresh, you have to learn someone new, and you have to do all of this while continuing to serve the Lord with a grateful heart. Sister Garcia had a prompting throughout the week pretty heavily that she needed to get a pillow for her new companion. She said she couldn't figure out why but she went ahead and picked it up and when Sister Bradbeer (the new daughter) arrived she was without a pillow so Sister Garcia was grateful she followed that strange prompting. :)
Sister Bradbeer is from Idaho and straight out the home CTM. She doesn't speak much of the language at all and Sister Garcia is really struggling with that. Her brain has been full Portuguese for so long and now to have to start with an American who isn't really versed in the language has already been so hard. And it is just 3 days in.
Sister Garcia had to speak in church on Sunday. This time she was made aware beforehand so she was prepared and ready. She did say that she usually always has a talk on her phone just in case they ask her last minute. She said that her ward members have been so comforting in this transition and have offered her help in any way that she might see she needs. She was worried they loved Sister Da Mata more and was nervous to see how they would be with her. Especially now with 2 American Sisters on top of it all. Thankfully her nerves were calmed and she was embraced with love and open arms. She is so grateful for their love and support.
Irmao Eric is creating some heavy for Sister Garcia right now. He has asked her to teach an English class beginning in the New Year two times a week for an hour. He is creating activities to try to activate members and non-members that will require time from the missionaries as well. For example, this week they will be meeting in the area of the town square to try and gather people around to hear about the 'greatest gift' and tie in Christmas and the Gospel to get more interest in those around. He would also really like the Sisters to start having family night two times a week instead of just once. He is pushing for them to 'work harder' to get baptisms and to do more. That really hurt Sister Garcia because she is feverishly trying her hardest to do just that! She tried to explain to Iramo Eric about Mayara and how she was supposed to get baptized on Sunday but that she just doesn't feel 100% ready anymore. She tried to show him that they have 25 friends that they are working with and more importantly that their area in Carpina is HUGE. This is when the tears really started to fall. Sister Garcia is worried about trying to do all of what Irmao Eric wants, try to keep up with their current 25 friends plus the 7-8 referrals they receive on a daily basis, and also try to train a new missionary who arrived with very little language skills. Sister Garcia is carrying a lot right now and she simply does not want to let anyone down or feel like she is failing either. Thankfully she will have an opportunity to have an interview with President Nordfelt tomorrow (14th) and she will be able to express her concerns to him and see if he can give her some sound advice and direction in which to go. I am hopeful that he will be open and mindful of the struggle she is having right now and will be able to console her and her heart.
Sister Garcia is looking forward to this next week as she has Zone Conference on the 21st (she has NO idea that there is a package from home for her for Christmas and I hope that brightens her spirits some), she gets to go to the temple and do an Endowment Session on the 22nd (that will be her p-day next week), and then it will be Christmas Day so she will get to call home again, and then the holiday season is over and the New Year will be upon us all. If we can get through this week I really truly believe that as she enters the temple next Wednesday her heart will be filled with peace and I know that the Lord will embrace her even more strongly than He does each day to ensure that she knows just how much He loves her and just how proud He is of her and her daily efforts she gives.
My prayers are extra full this week for Sister Garcia and my heart aches with heavy that I am not there with her right now. I pray that she feels of my love and that my prayers and thoughts will help carry her through. I pray she will be able to see that she is more than capable to handle and accomplish all that is being asked of her. The Lord knows it, her Mission President knows it, those in her ward know it, and I know it. Keep pushing forward and know that you are never alone.
I love you for forever,
Mom
