The last two weeks have been an interesting combination of highs and lows - but all missions have those, don't they? The lows that some potential changes in how mental health treatment is handled in Brazil may mean some changes in my responsibilities. It is hard to handle change sometimes, but I am doing my best to exercise faith and wait for good things to come.
On the positive side, I have had two really nice things happen during the past week. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Elder William Jackson of the Seventy visited São Paulo. He had a devotional with the missionaries of the São Paulo West Mission, which I was able to attend. And because he is over Missionary Medical and I am part of the medical team here, I was able to go to dinner with the team and Elder/Sister Jackson. That was nice. We also went to the MTC here (Called the CTM in Portuguese, Centro de Treinamento Missionário) the next day for lunch and another devotional. It was wonderful and spiritually uplifting.
But the nicest thing for me was that the Jacksons used to be in the 18th Ward, which was my ward when I lived in downtown Salt Lake City - and Sister Jackson looked at me and said, "I know you." I was so surprised that she remembered me when we had only met once, years ago. I had helped her with her computer when she was going to give a Relief Society lesson. She was so kind and warm and, while the physicians were talking with each other, we talked and walked some and just had a nice visit with each other. I enjoyed it so much, visiting with someone from my old ward. I think she did too, as they had moved out of the ward shortly after I did.
Another nice thing that happened is that for two days, I was able to go to Campos do Jordão, which is an incredibly beautiful place in the mountains, about a 3-hour drive from São Paulo. It is the highest point in Brazil, about 5500 feet above sea level. We left heat and humidity in São Paulo to find beautiful green forests with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Heaven!
We toured beautiful gardens, ate wonderful food and slept in quiet places far from the sounds of traffic.
We also saw wildlife that was new to us and ate lots of chocolate.
We stayed at a bed and breakfast and our hostess was wonderful. It was so relaxing at the end of the day to sit around the fire and just talk. She spoke a little English and we all spoke varying levels of Portuguese (some fluently, some partially, some very little), but it was just fun. Now, I am back and São Paulo again, feeling more rested and ready for the new week.
A few extra photos:
Comments9
Mountain trip
I have to admit a little heat and humidity right now would be nice. We’ve been on quarantine for 2 weeks so those mountains look especially inviting. Hang in there, you are doing pioneering work that will bless generations of future missionaries. There are bound to be a lot of adjustments as you go.
Sounds like a great time
Sounds like a great time
Post of 12 February 2023
Perhaps in a future post we'll learn more details about the "potential changes in how mental health treatment is handled in Brazil". Intriguing! Thanks for the latest update.
Mission
What a privilege it is to see so many beautiful places! So glad you are having this opportunity! These are treasures you will have for a lifetime! I know you are also blessing the lives of many while serving in Brazil!
It’s interesting to hear how you are dealing with heat and humidity. Here in Utah we are dealing with the cold and the inversion
Love hearing about your missionary experiences and seeing a glimpse of the beauties in Brazil.
Karma Riggs
Highs and lows
What a tender mercy to have the Jackson’s come visit in the midst of some challenges with change.
How wonderful to get away to enjoy the cooler temps and slower pace. Sounds like just what you needed
Mixed blessings
Hi Sister Cheek, your summary of events is a tale of two emotional journeys. I agree with you that change can be a little hard to deal with. Fortunately, today's stress does not always have to stay as stressful tomorrow as it is today! Hopefully you will be able to make the new things work well for you--eventually.
It was really good to hear about your time in the cooler and less congested areas of Brazil. The scenery looks lovely. And I'm glad you have been able to get some time to share experiences from the 18th ward with Sister Jackson as well as just being able to share in the spirit of the Jacksons' visit to Brazil.
I hope you have a great week.
Loved your smiling face and…
Loved your smiling face and the pictures.
Climbing the mountain
I was reading Come, Follow Me this week, and I was pondering about your trip to the mountains.
Jesus climbed the mountain, and just His disciples followed Him.
Mental health requires us to climb the mountain to meet Him.
Thanks so much for being a blessing to the missionaries
Love you!
Such wonderful adventures!
Cheryl,
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures! I love reading about all that you are experiencing and seeing the gorgeous photos! You are such a blessing to many. I pray your health continues to be good and you continue to grow in your service to the Lord's missionaries in your area.
Love you!
Barb