Hello World,

This week went by incredible fast. We are at the half way point in the transfer and things are rocking out.

This past week, we had zone conference. We had a lot of really great training from the zone leaders, assistants, and President. President share a lot of really inspiring but one thing that stood out the most to me was a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt:

"Great Minds Discuss Ideas; Average Minds Discuss Events; Small Minds Discuss People"

President made the comparison of the different types of minds and what missionaries normally talked about. He made a little bit of a burn to all the Elders who maybe could be marked as small minded. It made me thing about the things I say. It was good to really reflect on the way we use words and the power they have. We need to be careful about the things we say and about who or what we say. The Savior taught us to love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength and they love our neighbor. Our words are a way that we can build others up and really show love.

On Friday, I had to travel to São Marcos to do a baptism interview. What we did not remember was that September 7 (which was Friday) is the day of Brazil´s Independence. It was a holiday that everyone got off and the bus schedule was not running on the normal schedule. yikes... it ended up taking us a really really lone time to get the bus and make it in time for the interview. All in all, we should up super late, but the lady was super kind and waited for us. She passed the interview and was baptized on Saturday. It was super happy and made the super long bus ride worth it.

On Saturday, we had the baptism of Amanda and Luciani. It was a combined Stake Baptism and it went super well. There was a good amount of members there (a good amount of support). I really felt the Spirit there and touched by the faith of these two amazing ladies.

A little shout out to the Sisters (who were teaching Luciani). They bought a cake and made cookies that was super sweet.

On Sunday, we had fast and testimony meeting. There were so many who bore testimony. The was coolest of all is that one of the ladies we are teaching got up and bore her testimony. She shared about the huge difference the Elders and the gospel is having in her life how her family is more together, they get along more, and she is happier in life. I was super touch and couldn't´t stop the tears swell up in my eyes. It was an amazing experience.

Felt like I got smack but the Spirit so many times this week. I am so grateful to be a missionary. There is nothing that I want right now rather than to preach the gospel. It is incredible to see the hand of the Lord in the lives of so many people.

Happy Birthday also to my amazing Mom and two of my amazing brothers. Next year we will really have to celebrate.

Love and miss you all lots.

Elder Pinkney