Elder Payton MacLay: "Caneta azul... azul caneta"

This week was a really really good one!

Joseph and Hyrum's baptisms were amazing! It was really fun yet the spirit was really strong. After we closed the door to the font, Joseph and Hyrum started doing mini bellyflops and splashing around in the font. A small part of me was cringing really hard but the rest of me thought it was hilarious.

A lot of members came to the baptism and bore really powerful testimonies after the service. I ended the service by playing/singing How Great Thou Art in both english and portuguese.

Also, MAJOR SHOUTOUT TO SISTER MACLAY. She finished her mission super strong and got back home this past week. Seeing pictures of her and the fam gave me a good smile.

In other news, the group of Pedregal will be starting this sunday! A group is like a branch but even smaller. The stake president announced it in ward conference, sort of just dropping a bomb on us. Me and my companion are absolutely stoked because the work will blow up so much in our area.

Last Sunday was the birthday of Jane, a recent convert. We had a mini party with their family (Jane, Aline, Eduardo, Diane) monday night. We had some cake and I brought my guitar. I've gotten really close to them the past few months- they were my first lesson I ever taught and my first 3 baptisms. The mini party didn't disappoint.

My wallet fell out of my pocket this week. I had some money, my driver's license, and one of those punch cards where if you buy acai 10 times you get some for free. It was tragic. Some lucky guy is gonna be a couple steps closer to free acai, not to mention licensed to drive in the United States.

We are teaching this really awesome girl named Deberah and her family. During the first lesson, their 3 month old dog came running in the room and hopped on my lap. He slept there the whole lesson. He continued to sleep on me while the fam gave us some food after the lesson.

Then the next visit we had with them he did the exact same thing. I don't know why he loves me so much but me and that dog really vibe.

Before the baptisms, we were talking to Joseph and Hyrum about church history. They know surprisingly a lot considering they are 9 year old boys that just barely started going to church. Their mom (a less active member of the church) teaches them a little bit about how they got their names.

I asked them "What did Joseph Smith do in his life that was so important?"

Joseph replied, "He talked with God."

Little does Joseph know, that's the most perfect and simple answer you can give.

Joseph Smith talked with God and Jesus Christ during the First Vision. And the talking didn't stop after that. Joseph was the prophet of the Restored Gospel and continued to speak and receive revelation from God. The same goes for our Prophet today, President Russell M. Nelson.

I'm am learning how true this is every day! Joseph Smith talked with God.

Have a good week! Be happy!

<3 Elder MacLay

PICS

1. BAPTISM WITH JOSEPH AND HYRUM

2. My favs, Jane and Aline

3. Uma galinha

4. good ol fashion squad pic

5. my DAWG

6. mais um foto do batismo

7. MY BEAUTIFUL FAM WITH MARLI