#14 New Week!

What a week!!! I’m definitely glad I have this day to relax and take a break. We’ve been working like crazy and finding and doing so many great things. Leading the area was a lot on my head but it’s also been a great experience for me!

 Last Monday I received my new companion at 6:00 p.m.!! Her name is Sister Bryner!! She came from the Azores and wow is she amazing!!!! Literally she’s exactly what these people in Olhao need! She’s from St. George Utah and has 2 younger sisters. She’s super cute and works really hard. She has 9 months on the mission and helps me a ton! Before she arrived I hung out with Elder and Sister Crossman. We went and played volleyball on the pier with the Elders and it was so good to touch a ball again! That night we went to McDonald’s (classic haha) because we didn’t have time to cook before we had to work. Also, Elder Rich got a new companion and he also locked the keys in their apartment...we had to help them as well! haha it was a great day! New companion, lost keys, and McDonalds, all in one day!

Tuesday we had our district meeting and half of us got new companions! Elder Brown is our district leader and it just happened to be St. Patrick’s Day! I had no idea...time like doesn’t exist here for me... anyway today we needed to have lessons with a member present and we called so many members and nothing. I was praying so hard for help. We were looking at our planners when I felt this tug on my coat. I turned and the Elder’s recent convert Guida was there! The Lord knew I needed help and sent her to us. We taught a few lessons with her and that night we went to our investigators house. It was amazing!!! His name is Jose Carlos (we have a recent convert jose carlos too) and while we were there we marked his girlfriend to be baptized with him. We also made a calendar for them to follow to stop smoking and everything they needed to do before baptism! We also told him he needed to get married to her and then we planned their engagement for the next day!!! He wants to be baptized so badly!

Wednesday every single one of our appointments feel through till 7:30. It was annoying but we prayed to find someone who would let us teach and the Lord blessed us with Luis! He asked us to stop by...HE ASKED US!!! We didn’t need to ask! It was amazing!! Then right after that we got a call from Jose Carlos that he needed to meet earlier so we ran to the chapel to get the engagement all ready to go for 7:30 instead of 8. He was so nervous, it was so cute!! She was all red in the face. 

Thursday we went to the chapel to teach this guy the piano and teach the Plan of Salvation but he didn’t show up so we taught Guida how to play the piano and while we were doing that our Brazilian friend, Roberto, came! I had totally forgot about him! He was so elect and I couldn’t believe I forgot him. We had a short lesson with him and marked to see him the next day. This day we contacted so many elect people. The members were so willing to help us this day. ~

Friday we found this guy named Paulo. His dad is about ready to die and the missionaries have already taught him. He told us he’s now ready for a change in his life and he wants us to come and teach him. Sadly he lives in the Elder’s area. We just needed to be in the right place and at the right time. We met with Roberto again and it was incredible! We had the Crossman´s with us and I thought for sure he was going to be baptized and tell us when. It was incredible. 

Saturday we taught Roberto again and it was not too great. We had 2 of our recent converts and it didn’t go the right way. We’re working and getting him to warm back up to the church and such. He’ll need some work but we know he’s ready even if he doesn’t yet. He’s been searching for happiness and understanding. He’s so elect.

Sunday we were exhausted! It was a litter strange not having Sister Brundage with me! But Sister Bryner got along with the members so great!! I love her so death!!! There is always something funny that happens everyday! We marked someone for baptism and we are going to see him today! He’s really elect! I’d met him one time before and that lesson he heard was the law of chastity, so I’m really surprised that he wants to know more! Right after him we went to Luis´s house and come to find out they are apart of this huge family of less active members! Familia Gloria is a crazy story. Fatima Glory was a stalwart member of the church and all of her kids are baptized. The spouses and kids are not though. We’re working on them to get baptized and this was my first encounter with Luis and Paula! They are so elect. She is the sweetest lady and just thanked us for being missionaries and leaving our families. I love them so much. 

This work is a work of miracles. I love it. It’s so tiring but I love the people so much. I love my family. Literally I miss you all so much. Today I woke up thinking about all of you and your lives. I wish I could share in your lives everyday. I know you guys are doing great. I see these families here and long for them to feel how I feel about mine for eternity. I miss you guys so much. I love you all with my whole heart. I look back on the years and there are things I wish I would have said or done differently to show how much you all mean to me. I love my Savior with my whole heart. This life is a miracle. He has done so much for us and we will never be able to repay him. I love this work so much!!!! Check out the new video for easter! #BecauseHeLives 

Sister Hillam

#13 WOW

Wow... what a week it has been!!! It's been a week of high high's and low low's for sure! I literally don't know how to describe this week without telling you about all of it!

Monday we went to help the new couple missionaries here in Olhao and oh my goodness I LOVE THEM SO MUCH!!!! They are so great! Elder and Sister Crossman! Our whole district welcomed them to their new home and we talked for a little bit. As we were leaving our apartment later that night we ran into this guy that was originally marked for baptism!!! We lost him because we had his wrong number an then we found him again. We're going to see if we can't teach him more and baptize him this transfer. His name is Nuno Francisco and what a miracle he is!

Tuesday we had district meeting and I had to give a story of inspiration from our week that we had and of course it wasn't the best but I liked speaking. Then we ate brownies and started a mission fast to bless President and Sister Fluckiger in these next couple of transfers because he decides where everyone is going to be serving. I know were I want to serve and go but wherever the Lord puts me, there are people for me to teach. I can't wait to know!!! ALSO, CONGRATS DALLIN!!!! THAT'S SO COOOOOOL!!!! He will do such a great job!!! I was actually thinking about it this week and it'd be so funny if he ended up being my district leader or zone leader! I LOVE PORTUGAL!!!! PORTUGAL PORTUGAL PORTUGAL!!!!! Anyway we started a fast for that. After the meeting, we went to teach A Delia. She was basically teaching us about the Plan of Salvation. She read the pamphlet and the scriptures. She's golden, except for smoking and drinking, and marriage too. All minor details because she knows it true! During the lesson one of our recent converts prayed and he prayed to bless all the obese people in the world... hahaha so funny!!

Wednesday was Elder Rich's birthday and also the meeting with NATO! It was a blast! I have some pretty good quotes from the meeting "I need to make awkward normal." "It's not how you do it, it's the way you do it that matters." "Be the missionary that makes things happen." Such a great last meeting with Sister Brundage. We have so many great meetings with NATO and he's such a spiritual giant. I just love working with him.

Thursday we went to Loule to help the district president with his bees!!! Dad this reminded me so much of you!!! I got to wear a bee suit and everything!!! It was awesome! I got a jar of honey that I want to send home, but I'm not sure if I should... But anyway, we spent more of the morning and afternoon there with a few of the zone missionaries. It was so fun!

Friday was Sister Brundage's last weekly planning. It was bitter sweet. But more on that later, Friday night was amazing!!!! We were walking to a family's house when we stopped this guy named Roberto. He's Brazilian and he was talking about how he doesn't like the Portuguese because they're not partiers and they're not as fun. We've heard this a lot from Brazilians but anyway, we were talking to him when our recent convert Joao showed up! It was literally perfect timing. Joao started to teach about the church and about the Book of Mormon and he's only been exposed to the church for 5 weeks! I had a BoM in my bag so I pulled it out and handed it to Joao. I asked if he wanted to give it to him and he said yes. He wrote this phrase in the book," We always arrive at the site where they wait for us." Roberto read that and looked at Joao and asked how he knew this Poet and how he knew that it was one of his favorite poets. The Lord puts people in our path and that Lord's way it so perfect. That moment was a miracle and I got to see it first hand. What a privilege I have to see this gospel change these people. 

Saturday was a party!! We got to visit with the members and party it up for Sister Brundage's going away. We had so much food and fun!! And then we went to this other family’s house and had dinner again. It was so awesome!!! Also Roberto came to the church along with another one of our investigators Eduardo! IT WAS AMAZING!! I talked with Roberto for probably 20 minutes by myself. I spoke terrible but I still talked to him!!!

Sunday was Sister Brundage's last day. We met with all the members, both at church, and then again at their houses. She made a scrapbook for the Branch here. They loved it.  I cried because I knew how much she loved them and how much they loved her. I was hurting for them and for her. I just love Sister Brundage so much. I can't believe how fast this transfer has been. It seems like yesterday that I was entering the field. Anyway Sunday night we got the call for transfers. I'M STAYING IN OLHAO!!!!!! YAAAAAY!!!!! So Sister Brundage leaves and I'll stay to take over the area. My new companion is Sister Bryner. She's flying from the Azores and then coming to Faro. Her companion on the Azores was actually trained by Sister Brundage. Sister Weaver and Sister Bryner both know Sister Brundage so it's really exciting to know that she's still in Olhao with me. We packed up Sister Brundage and didn't get to bed till 2:45 and then we woke up around 6 to get ready to go. The Crossman's came and picked us up from our apartment and we drove to Faro where she got on a bus with another Sister that's leaving. It was really hard to say goodbye. She's literally changed my life. I can't wait to get my new companion and get to work! This week was really a great week!! I love this work. Language is rough but I love the people so much. These next few weeks will be rough trying to lead the area and also be trained at the same time. I love you all so much, SOOO MUCH!!!

Sister Hillam

#12 First Divisions

WOW!!!! This week has been crazy!! I wish I could tell you all about the miracles that we’ve had this week. Literally every week is full of miracles and people that are so elect!!

Last P-day after I wrote, Sister Ward from the littler town of Rexburg Idaho came to Olhao! It made me soooo happy to see her. I was having a really hard day the day before and the Lord answered my prayers with Sister Ward. I love her so much! I cried so much when I saw her. I love her and you all so much!!

Tuesday we had district meeting and it was so awesome!!! Elder Casey had been dying the milk green for the past 5 weeks for his trainee Elder Rich! Elder Rich believed that the milk here was green!!! HAHA! Sister Brundage and I made a green cake and we broke the news to him that the milk was dyed for the past 5 weeks...SO HILARIOUS!!! It was way hard to keep the joke inside this whole time. We found this gypsy family a week ago and we went to visit them. We weren’t sure if we can teach them but we left a pamphlet with Cremilde (the mother) and testified with her. I can tell you it was the weirdest feeling to be constrained to teach someone. I just wanted to start teaching about the Plan of Salvation but we weren’t sure we we’re allowed to teach gypsies.

Wednesday/Thursday I had my first division with Sister Jumua in Faro!!!! I was so scared but it was so fun!!! I had a blast!! The afternoon I got there we went to eat at this member house to which I ate soup with rabbit foot in it, turkey spine, bolo, and a very nice banana (wade...) haha the ZLs kept telling me that I was eating frog. I was pretty grossed out till they told me it was turkey after the lunch. I was so embarrassed!! The day was like a blur; I was trying to take it all in all day! The next day we had lunch with Sister Ward. Oh my gosh I just love that family so much!!! It was so fun to do divisions! Someday when I can speak Portuguese I will be such a better companion! Then I came back to Olhao and I’m not going to lie, I missed Olhao so much. I love this city!! We got to work and found so many people and had so many miracles. It’s probably because we fasted when I got back. Man, this mission is just full of people ready to be baptized!!!

Friday We went to visit Adelia and we marked her for baptism! She’s been reading the Book of Mormon faithfully and she’s so happy. I knew this gospel would help her. She kept saying how she could apply the stories in the book to her own life, and I just kept thinking, `Yeah, You’re receiving revelation and you don’t even know it...`she´s so elect! That night the district leaders came and interviewed Alexandre for baptism!!! He passed!!!

Saturday was baptism day!!! We had a relief society activity with bags of clothes that we needed to get out of our apartment from past missionaries. It was fun to see all the ladies go through the clothes and pick new stuff. I love these women so much!! Right after that everyone gathered for 3 baptisms in our Branch. 3 baptisms in Olaho this week!!! HOW AWESOME!!! We drove to Faro, had the baptism, and went back to the church. I had my first taste of Baccalhao!!! SO GOOD! The food here is just amazing!! I’m so humbled every time I see someone enter into the gate of baptism. I’m so blessed to have the opportunity to be able to change someone’s life. People sacrifice so much for this gospel.

Sunday was nuts!! We got to church and Guida and Joaquim (newly baptized as of Friday) brought food to celebrate with after church...well the fire alarm went off while it was cooking during sacrament meeting. It was all crazy! So funny though!! They were embarrassed...I felt bad for them but on the bright side, the food was great!! It was all seafood, so what could be better?? We came back to church that night and Ana Alzira, one of our recent converts, was with her friend’s son. She wanted us to teach this guy named Eduardo. Oh my goodness it was the most powerful lesson. Ana testified and then we taught and then we marked him and he said yes and we were all crying and the Spirit was so strong and I was so happy!!! In one sentence, that’s what happened in an hour! And then we have a new investigator that wants to get baptized so badly! His name is José Carlos and he’s one of the people that is willing to do anything to get baptized. We told him straight up that he needed to marry his girlfriend of like 10 years before he gets baptized. He said he would. We already marked him but it might take a little longer than we think but he’s ready!!

I love Portugal. Next week are transfers and Sister Brundage leaves. I’m going to seriously miss her so much. She’s taught me sooo much and it’s hard to imagine Olhao without her here. The work is moving forward so rapidly. The weeks and days are starting to blend together and are going by so fast! I have so much work to do here and in Portugal. I can’t wait to speak better than right now and actually understand the people. I love these people and I don’t know how they got into my heart so fast!!! I love the work, I love the Lord, I love this language (even though I get frustrated), I love the people. I’m working so hard everyday so I can earn my pillow at night.

LOVE YOU ALL SOOO MUCH!!!!

Sister Hillam

#11 Brie Cheese and Pears YUM!!

Oh my goodness, I LOVE CHEESE!!! I thought I loved cheese before the mission but oooohhhh no! It’s been taken to a whole new level!!! The cheese is soooo good!!! Oh and fresh bread everyday...yum!!!!!! I love it so much!!! The only downside is that Olhao smells funny...But the food is so good!! This week I had my first Jeijoada!! SUPER GOOD!!!!! Love Portugal!!!!

So last P-day we went to Tavira to have a district p-day and we went and ate at a Mexican restaurant. That was interesting to be eating in a Mexican restaurant in Portugal...but it was good! That night we had a family night with Nato´s family and Alexandre. Alexandre is José Carlos’s brothers. He fell away there for a while but now he wants to get baptized!!! Such miracles every week!!! 

Tuesday we had our reunion with Nato and I love this quote he said. `Now is not preparation time, it’s about doing. He challenged us to have baptisms every week. Later that day we ran into this Brazilian and he is hilarious!!!!! He’s a Zumba teacher here and he was just so fun to listen to! They talk really slow and I loved it because I could understand! Gosh the Portuguese people speak so fast! It was great to talk to him and leave our card with him. We met with Alexandre again and he wants to get baptized on the 15th. We don’t want him to but that’s when he wants to. I’ve decided that there is so much to do and not enough time to do it in! We have so many people that I want to teach and we need more hours in the day.

Wednesday we had zone meeting! SOO FUN!!! This was Sister Brundage´s last zone meeting and like 7 others and one of the Elder’s made a cake with cross bones on it to represent their deaths. Haha It was pretty funny. That meeting our district sang Israel God is calling and we made a few people cry. We had all the parts, and guess who had to sing soprano...me! I think my voice has gotten higher...yikes! Anyway, We got nutter butters for baptizing and peanuts because we’re nuts! I was pretty proud of our hard work! That meeting was SO fun!! Our District leaders in Tavira got suckers and Elder Bowden said, `Is it because we suck? `Haha the whole room was laughing! They have a rough area. Elder Bowden is the branch president and Elder Boyd is the DL. Rough stuff! They’re awesome though!! Also, Elder Halliman from our zone is from Pocatello and He might stop by the house. I gave him our address and stuff so yeah! He’s a cool guy! Also that day, I met this guy named Phil from Canada. He doesn’t believe in God or anything but just this life. I felt a little bit of the pain that the Savior feels when people reject Him. I felt so hurt that he wouldn’t listen to me. It put things into perspective for me. 

Thursday I had my first feijoada!!! SO GOOD!!! Love it!!! We also met this guy named Abdule that wants to find the true church. All I could think was, `welcome to the >church of Jesus Christ of later day saints, would you like to get baptized?? ` Sadly I think we’ll need permission to teach him so nothing serious happens to him or the church. Also we taught Alexandre again and confirmed the 15th as his baptism date. We still aren’t too happy about it but todo bem. I love this quote that I found which really helped me this day. `This is the time, it is the right place, and I’m the right person.` 

Friday we taught this lady named Adelia and she is so elect!!! She believes everything we tell her. Later that day we went to Familia Santos house and we saw and talked to the mom and then she didn’t answer the door!! It was so rude!!! We made an appointment with her the day before. It was nuts...and then we tried to call this family that we want to baptize and we couldn’t go there becaue they´re in a fight. That was so frustrating!! It made us really sad because we have a calendar of all the lessons we want to teach and we have a day for their baptisms. Helder is a member and Vera isn’t neither are their daughters. We’re working and trying to get them to come to Christ. 

Saturday was full of miracles! We ran into the Sister of Helder who is also a member, and we taught her daughter Mara. She wants to be baptized too! And then we went to visit Adelia´s husband Vitor who basically told us that he wants to change religions but it’s going to be hard to tell his family about it. SUCH A MIRACLE! And then we got a call from José Carlos telling us the Alexandre wants to get baptized this weekend!!!! AWESOME!!!! And then we ran into Adelia who said she’s going to church and she read the Book of Mormon to her family!! Literally this all happened within 30 minutes of each other. I have a testimony of Fasting!! Miracles happen when we fast! 

Sunday we ended the fast and right after we ended, Vera called and said that they are okay and they made up! This whole weekend was full of miracles. Adelia ended up going to church and she had a great experience and José Carlos called and told us that his mom wants to get baptized too!!! The work it moving forward so fast! We love it here and I love the people. So much to do and such little time to do it. I wish I could write all the things I see and do everyday and every week. I wish I could record the things that happen. I love Portugal so much!!! I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this week.

 I love you all so much. Keep being awesome!!! LOVE YOU!! 

Jose Carlos with an Idaho T-Shirt on!!!

We made cookies and she got the spoon

Joao Baptism!

Baptism of Joao!

Tavira

Lavira

Algarve Zone!

Freire Fam!

# 10 Happy 2 Months

I celebrated my 2-month mark this week!!!

So after P-day last week we wanted to see this family that we’ve been trying to see for 2 weeks. Ana and her 2 kids are never there, but this time we caught her right before she went to work! She’s so ready to hear our message, but she is always so busy. But we were able to share a message with her and then right after that I had the hugest impression that the next people that we met we needed to talk to. We walked past this less active family’s house and sure enough they were there!! Answer to our prayers because we needed to see them for the past 2 weeks! Such a miracle and basically every day since then, we’ve been able to see them.

Tuesday was my 2-month mark!!!  Sister B. made me a cake to celebrate! It was super good!! So pretty much our plans for that whole day fell through until English class that we do with members. But one of these people that we contacted on the street earlier that day came! That was great!! We also ran into this other girl named Denisa that we taught the first lesson to a week ago! Ooo and then we went and saw these references from the Elders and oh my goodness they are so elect!!! We only met the husband, Vitor but he is so elect! He’s from Cape Verde, same with Adelia, and they have 2 boys. Literally, I fell in love with them right when we met them.

Wednesday we had district meeting and I had the great opportunity to bear my testimony. The spirit was so strong. I couldn’t say much but I felt it. Later that day we went and saw Adelia and her boys. They will get baptized soon. They’ve been prepared for us and now we just have to do our part. I can’t wait to ask them to be baptized! Later that night we had a family night with a family that we want to baptize so bad!! Helder and Vera with there 2 kids Bia and Lu. He’s a member and all of his siblings are but not the spouses and the kids. We want to baptize everyone in this family but one family at a time. The spirit was strong and they sent us a text later that night and told us after we left they felt peace in their home. SO PREPARED FOR BAPTISM!! We ran all over the place that night, but it was sooo good!!! We celebrated Sister B´s 17th month on the mission today as well!! She’s literally the best. I wish she could train me for the full 2 transfers. When she leaves, I have to take over the area and I so nervous about it. I get a new companion and take the area...It’s scary!!

Thursday we had our meeting with Nato. Such a great guy and such a fun meeting! Lots of good quotes, `the more organized we are, the more growth we will have. ``Don’t worry. JUST do it, and it’ll be JUST fine.` We went home for lunch and one of our recent converts called and told us his brother Alexandre wants to get baptized!! He’s gone to church so much and was ready with a date and he disappeared there for a little bit. But he’s coming back!! We’re going to hopefully baptize him this weekend! Such a miracle!!!! There are miracles every day and we just need to open our eyes and see them. Also, we taught João and he definitely committed to baptism!!! (He’s already baptized but I’ll get to that in a minute) Literally when I say the work is booming, I’m not kidding. We have to many families that are close and we want to baptize.

Friday we had weekly planning and this is when we saw who we wanted to baptize. We are so excited!!! We’ll have 5 weeks in March to set goals and so that means lots of baptisms this month. That night we went out and most of the appointments fell through, but we wanted to see this woman in particular. Her name is Ana Baptista but she wasn’t there. We were walking to another appointment, a little sad because we haven’t seen her in awhile, when from around the corner we ran into Ana!!! We taught her a short message and on our way. She’s digressed a little bit but she’s still really close.

Saturday: JOÃO got baptized!!!!!!!!!! I played the piano...SUPER STRESSFUL and then Sis. B asked me to give a talk too!!! Talk about stressful!!!! But he’s baptized!!!!! It was so great!!! It brought tears to my eyes to be so privileged to find him, play the piano, and talk at his baptism. First baptism in the mission and we found him 2 weeks earlier!!!! Oh my gosh it was such a great day!!! The Members are just amazing and I love them so much!! They’ve welcomed him so awesome!!!

Sunday: João received the Holy Ghost!! The church is so true. It just makes sense. I love this work so much. We have so much work to do and so little time to do it. I want to share this with everyone, if only I knew the language better. We have a busy week in front of us and I can’t wait to get to work. I don’t have much time left and I didn’t get to everything that happened on Sunday or even about João´s baptism but just know that there are miracles everyday. The Lord blesses us more than we can ever imagine. I see that in the lives of these people. I can’t wait to talk like a Portuguese person!!

Love you all!!

Sister Hillam

P.S. CONGRATS JORDAN AND CRYSTAL!!!!! That’s so awesome!!!!! He’s cute!!!!

#9 Think Happy Thoughts and They Will Lift You Into the Air

Dearest Family,

Every week is just full of miracles and people that we meet! Like we met this guy named Januario, who when they first met him, he was so closed to the gospel that he dismissed them. But now he said he would like to know more! It was awesome! That was the Monday night and every since then we’ve had people like that all week!

We had a district meeting Tuesday and I’m the one struggling in the whole zone. Elder Rich who came with me to Portugal spoke French so that was a little upsetting. But the language is coming! I can tell that I’m understanding so much more than before! I get so frustrated still but Sister Brundage is soooo awesome and supports me so much!!! I love her!! There was a specifically hard day and I was thinking about myself and we were walking down the road and I just asked to focus outward on others and we stopped to talk to this man named João. His wife Victoria had passed away and he was so sad, he cried a lot when we were talking. This was exactly what I needed. I testified of the plan of salvation and that he’d see her again. It refocused me on my purpose. Later that night we went to a dinner of the Elder’s investigators! I ATE SQUID AND LAMB!!! It was awesome!!! He was a chef. Then we had to quickly run to an English class that we started and our investigator João came! He’s doing so awesome!!! Also, I seriously pray every zone/district meeting! We had a zone conference call that night, and guess who said the closing prayer...yeah. ME! Every time! My prayers are becoming repetitive because I don’t know very many words. It’s a work in progress!

So we met with Natu and I’m not sure if I’ve told you about him but he’s the ward mission leader, the 2nd counselor in the bishopric and the Stake Young Men’s president! He is AWESOME!! We met with him on Wednesday and he is so inspired. We fasted that day for our goals and baptisms here in Olhao and that in and of itself is a miracle! I’ve been able to fast without headaches!!! João is progressing so well. He is elect and a golden person! That night we were trying hard to get our 20 contacts for the night and we found an investigator that fell off the face of the earth! Ana Baptista! It’s a miracle we found her. Sister Brundage told me this that night about a lesson we taught earlier this week. We were teaching this girl named Vanda. We had contacted her on the street and met her 2 days later. We were teaching the first lesson and Sister Brundage was teaching about prophets and she didn’t get it, so she turned to me and told me to teach her prophets. I basically said this, ``They are people who talk with God, and they teach us. ` Sister Brundage asked what prophets were and she knew! Truly the Spirit is the teacher in lessons.

Another miracle!! We found another one of the investigators that disappeared!! Her name is Carina and we also met her husband. Sadly we went to visit her on her scheduled time and she couldn’t. (P.S. it was carnival here! Not as crazy at Brazil!) But anyway, we found her! Then we were walking and we ran into this English couple that were members! That was cool to talk with them for a little bit. That happens so rarely and we actually ran into another guy that was a member this week too! Awesome! I was also told this week that I looked like an Irish/English woman! It was a great compliment! As we were trying to find this house we got lost and didn’t know where we were really. I said a prayer that we could find this house and 5 minutes later, we found it! They weren’t there but it was such a blessing to find this family. Then we headed back to the chapel and found our the chapel had been broken into! The computer is gone. It was so sad!! The members were so sad and one of our members had tears in his eyes. We continued on through the night and all of our appointments fell through but we went to our alternative plans and I testify that the Lord sees who we put on our schedules because we needed to go see Helder and Vera. They are prepared to hear our message. The Lord prepares those that you write on the planner. I saw this quote and I love it. `Faith in God includes faith in His timing. ` Sometimes I wonder why I’m here but our investigator João needed me. The work is going forward! So many people know about the church.

We went a visited this couple named Maria Clara and Patriacha. It didn’t register in my head that his name means Patriarch! He was a patriarch!! They both knew grandpa!! They lived in Porto and had meetings with him. Grandpa actually set him apart as a Patriarch! There was this one interview that he went to with grandpa and he was wearing rain boots because he had just gotten done working. He walked into the room and grandpa looked at his boots and said, You didn’t have any other shoes? `ha-ha he will never forget that. Also they have a plate that Aunt Linda gave them with cookies on it from her mission! They knew Bonnie and Linda really well! I love finding people that know Grandpa and Grandma. I asked for a blessing on Fridayby Natu. It was beautiful and ever since then I haven’t stressed about the language! Literally the first couple of weeks have been placed on the Lord because He has truly carried me through a lot. I can’t ever repay Him for what He’s done for me. I love Him with my whole heart.

Crazy story!!! Okay on Saturday it’s a miracle we got up because the day before we dropped the phone and every time we do that we have to reset the time. We forgot to so it messed up all of our alarms. We went to bed and at 12:30 in the morning, one of our past investigators called all drunk, we told him not to call back. Well he did at like 1:15. Sister Brundage was so mad. Then our afternoon alarm went off at 2:30. That’s when we got up and set the time right on the phone. It took 3 times before we got the hint that we needed to change the time on the phone! The day was really tiring but we got up on time! That night we taught João the Plan of Salvation. OH MY GOODNESS the spirit was sooo strong!!!! He’s getting baptized this Saturday for sure!!!!!!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!! We were so elated!!!!! Still are!!!!! Then later that night we had a reference from the Elder’s so we went to visit this lady and met the husband instead! They are elect as well. We have lots of people that we need to baptize! It’s so awesome!!! Jose Carlos, a recent convert, called us and told us how he felt about joão. He was saying how special Joao is and how he feels this need to take him under his wing. Jose Carlos needs this because he’s struggled with his personal self worth. João truly is special. Jose wants to be the one to baptize him!

The work is going forward and me with it. I love being a missionary. Wearing Christ’s name everyday is an amazing opportunity. I can’t believe that He’s called me to do His work, there are days that I can’t believe how much He blesses us and trusts us to teach His children. I couldn’t be doing anything better. I love you all so much!!!

Sister Hillam

P.s. some funnies of this week: We have a lady named Leila (Like my goat) and I was telling Paulo Andre (Likes to do splits with us) about my goats and he said, I could sit and watch a goat all day! I just busted up laughing!!

We asked a couple of old men to sing the Portugal Anthem. That was pretty funny! They’d get quiet and then loud ha-ha

#8 The Best 2 Years

I finally made it to Portugal!!!!!!! I LOVE IT HERE!!!!!!!!! 

So flying was good. We would literally get off one flight and walk onto the other one. There was little time to stop, which was exactly how I wanted it. Sadly I didn’t get to eat anything in Holland (Sorry Dad). I got to talk to this lady that was Buddhist and I think she was scared of me because she didn’t want to talk but oh well! She put her headphones in so...but what was awesome was that the long flight to Amsterdam, I got 2 seats next to the window to sleep in!! I slept for a solid 3 maybe 4 hours! It was awesome!! Not much when you’re up for like 30 hours ha-ha and what’s even better was I wasn’t too tired! I transitioned into missionary work really easily! 

We landed in Portugal and the mission president and his wife with all the office Elders met us by the doors. It was all a blur! Literally it was so good to be there that I’m really not sure what happened till I got to the mission office. We met our companions there and my trainer is Sister Brundage!!! SHE´S AMAZING!!!! Literally, I had so many people tell me she is the best trainer. I’m so blessed to have her. We had a really quick meeting with President Fluckiger and the office missionaries. I saw Elder Zwahlen!!!! He’s training Elder Ward from my zone in the MTC! He’ll do such a great job!!! It was good to see someone from home! After that, we were quickly sent to the bus station where we caught a bus to my new area! You’ll never believe where I am... the ALGARVE!!! More specifically in Olhão!!! This place is booming with missionary work!! 

We didn’t actually get to Olhão till the next day because we had Zone conference, which I had no idea what was going on the entire time. I met with President Fluckiger and we talked for like 5 minutes so it wasn’t much, just getting to know me. I talked with Sister Fluckiger for a little bit in a meeting as well. I just love them so much!! They are inspired people. We got to Olhão that night and got right to work. We visited the chapel and taught a recent convert named Ana. I testified to her of the importance of Sunday’s, which is hard here because everyone works on Sunday. She’s been baptized for a week and she got a calling to be the primary president! She’s amazing. The Lord is preparing Portugal. We found a woman named Pité on the street, who is super religious and is just awesome. We want to visit her soon!

1st full day in Olhão on the 7th!! Muito Milagres!!! This is where my mission is like the Best 2 Years!! That day I just couldn’t help but think that this language is not what they taught me in the MTC! I could barely follow any conversation. It was nuts!! So we studied all morning and hit the streets. We ran into a guy that Sister Brundage knew before I came and they’d only talked to him once before. My first time teaching a non-member and it’s in English!!!!! Who would have thought? Ha-ha it was kind of awesome!!! His name is Nuno and he believes everything we taught and right then and there, we invited him to be baptized!! HE SAID YES!!!! HUZZAH!! It was awesome!! We needed to visit this lady named Maria who can’t read very well. She wasn’t there so we prayed and waited for quite awhile. Then I had this feeling that either way we went to get back to our apartment, we would meet someone. We ran into Francisca! She’s kind of been M.I.A there for awhile. No one could find her and we marked to go see her again! Milagre! Later that day, Sister Brundage needed to use the bathroom so we stopped in at the little cafe, and I had the strongest impression to talk to this lady named Jessica. I was so scared but I got up and talked to her in broken Portuguese. I left her with a pass along card and invited her to church!!! It was a really good experience! That night we went and visited Antonia. She has crazy kids that hit her and do not respect her at all. It’s a super sad story. Anyway we went there and her friend was there. We invited them both to church. Marta was her friend and I think she’s really interested in the Gospel because she lost a baby and I know this church can help her. AND THEN! Sister Brundage gave me the opportunity to find the last contact of the night. After she said that literally the road was clear of all people. I just thought, ´´great...last contact and no one...´ I had this super strong feeling that the next person I would see would be the one I needed to talk to. Of course this person couldn’t be walking but rather riding his bike! We stopped him and he is a miracle!!! His name is João and he is elect!!! He’s been searching for the truth and I know he’s been prepared for us to teach him. Oh and He’s getting baptized!! He went to church and after church we asked him to get baptized!!!!!!! HUZZAH!!!

Yesterday at church, I had no idea what was going on. It was really rough because I love church and I could feel the spirit but I didn’t know what was going on. But it’s all good because we have 2 marked for baptism!! We went to visit Maria (who can’t read) and found Sulizita. She is amazing!! She was so close to baptism. 2 of her 3 kids are baptized and her ex husband is as well! She knows songs in the hymnbook too ha-ha! She’ll probably get baptized! 

The work is going so well!! Literally I’m loving this! I can’t speak but it’s so wonderful here! The weather is a little chilly but it’s all good. Sister Brundage has served in Porto and the Madeira!!!! She tells me all about them all the time. She’s the best. I love her so much. She has too much faith in me and is super patient. She leaves after this transfer to go home and I just want to soak in all her knowledge. I love you all so much!! Thanks so much for the prayers and all the love!!

Sister Hillam

P.S. I haven’t eaten anything out of the ordinary but it’s all super good. SUCH GOOD CHEESE!!!!!! 

Leaving the MTC

Long Flight Pictures

Long Flight

I haven't worn these in a while!

Companion Sister BethanyBrundage

First Meal. MD's is really fancy here!

This is the Sunrise every morning here in Olhão

Our Study Area

Pastries!