Climbing The Wall

Once upon a time on the American Continent (about 6 BC), there was a man named Samuel.  He was a good man who had faith in God, and therefore, was commanded to go forth and preach to the Nephites that in 5 years, the Savior of the world would be born, to save us from our sins.  So he went into the city and began to teach the people.  The people had hardened their hearts and cast him out.  He walked away, defeated, ready to go back to his home.  But the Lord commanded him once again to go back and preach to the people.  So he was obedient and returned.  This time, the Nephites did not even let him  into the city.  So what did he do?  He climbed the wall.  And from the top of the wall of the city he preached and prophesied all that God put into his heart.  (Helaman 13)

"If you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always gotten." (source forgotten by Sister Burch)

Samuel knew what he needed to do.  But he was left without much help or instruction.  His first two attempts were utter failures, so instead of giving up or trying to keep entering the city the same way, he changed his tactic.  He had to make a change to see a difference.  So he was proactive and used his creativity to think of a solution.  He climbed the wall.

If we want different results, we have to be different and try different things.  So I am using all the creativity I can muster here in Campo Limpo.  Sister Barboza and I are adjusting our focus.  We are climbing the wall.  And we are seeing changes.

Our focus is on FAMILIES.  And we are teaching a family that is so spectacular.  When I met them, they were familiar to me.  I felt so strongly that it was not the first time I was talking to them.  I felt instant love for each one of them.  For Caroline, for Michael, for Rafael, who happens to be seven feet tall and has dreads down to his waist.  Yup.  I was meant to meet them.  This family has been jumping from religion to religion their entire lives and has never found the answers they've been searching for, until one day God crossed our paths.    

I am so so so feliz.  And I love you all so so so much.

beijooooos

Sister Burch

(photos: a tea party, and the Brazilian pit bull named Billy-Burch)