Total eclipse of the heart

April 14, 2014 I feel like I grew up a little bit this week. I don´t know why, but it´s kind of a weird feeling. I think I´m getting better at this missionary thing, haha. Anyway, we had a zone conference on Tuesday and it was really great. The only downside was that Sister Oliveira and I had to get up at 4 am to catch our bus to another city. That´s the only problem with Poços. It´s the VERY last city in our mission. Other than that, it´s paradise and I love serving here.  The focus of the conference was becoming a better teacher. We practiced a ton by listening, asking questions, and applying scriptures. I really enjoyed it and I saw first hand with our lessons that it helps. Our teaching is becoming pretty fancy:) Also, I got to see Sister N.Lopes (my old comp)! I was so happy to see her and laugh with her again. She just got put in as our new sister trainer leader and I´m super excited about this because sometime in the future we´ll have a split with her:) Yay for friendship!  Another great part of the day was the ride back to poços. Our zone was all together and we were just talking about the fun things of the mission. I don´t know why, but it was kind of a special moment for me, hearing all the stories of the other missionaries. Also, the driver was playing "total eclipse of the heart". That was probably what made it so special, haha. The rest of the week was normal, but we really focused on teaching better. We´ve been teaching this elderly couple for a long time now and they still haven´t come to church. Our last lesson with them, we really focused on their needs and how going to church would help them out. I also was kind of rough with them saying that they always promise to come to church, but never do. I left their house thinking that Sunday wasn´t going to happen for them. But surprise surprise, THEY CAME TO CHURCH!!! I was so happy! And they really enjoyed it. So, we´ll see what happens with them. Kept Janete and José in your prayers:) So that´s about all that´s new with my life. Find, teach, baptize, and somewhere in between, study, eat, and sleep. The life of a missionary is a beautiful, simple thing:) I love you all and I am so happy that you are all doing well. Have a fantastic week and remember that our Savior LIVES and the He loves us! Think about what you can do to repay him this month. Better yet, think of someone that doesn´t know this wonderful, happy truth and invite them to have a chat with you and the missionaries:) The gospel is true and Jesus loves YOU!!!! Love, Sister Whitney                                                              Sister Padilla from the MTC! Sister Lopes and Sister Whitney at a zone conference.