Last p-day was a BEAUTIFUL day here; the sun was shining with a clear blue sky...amazing. My companion and I decided to take advantage of the first pday of the month and go visit a castle in Palmelo. We took the metro, then a highspeed train through the countryside (it was so nice to see lots of grass and open spaces! Although I like it in Almada, I am not a city person). There is a bus that goes up to the castle, but we didn´t know the schedule, and since it was such a beautiful day we decided to walk to the castle. We didn´t really know the way, but it was at the top of a hill that we could see, so how hard could it be? Well...we ended up taking the scenic route walking there and it took about an hour to arrive! But, it was so nice to walk around and see the area that is was totally worth it and really neat. Portugal is a beautiful country! The castle was really neat as well, but the best part was the view...you could see for a long ways to the ocean on one side, and the cities on the other side. It was really neat to see some of the history of Portugal.

The week since we basically didn´t have any progressing investigators, we did lots of procura! And we found lots of people. We decided that we need to search diligently to find families, becuase families are what will help the ward here the most. And yesterday we found three potential families that I am really excited about! We just need to teach more lessons, find more people, and help them to progress! (just this!) But really, I´m grateful for the opportunity to be here and to be doing this work.

This weekend we had stake conference, and the sunday session was actually a broadcast from Salt Lake just for Spain and Protugal. Margaret Lifferth, a couple from the Seventies, and Elder Russell M. Nelson spoke, and it was really good! It´s amazing that they did a whole broadcast just for the two countries here. Elder Nelson spoke a lot about youth, and how they are the future of the church. He addressed the things that we should be teaching and doing with our children. One thing that he emphasized was Family Home Evening. He said to be consistent, flexible, and involve everyone in the process. I whole-heartedly agree, and I am so thankful for Family Home Evening! I know that our families will be more unified and have more love if we take the time to spend time together, and talk about the things that are of the most importance to us- the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Also in his talk, Elder Nelson referenced 3 Néfi 27:27, where Christ asks what manner of men we ought to be- even as He is. This gospel is not just about learning the teachings of Christ, but applying them in our lives and changing who we are to become more like Him. This is something that sometimes people we teach don´t understand right away- we aren´t here just to teach them about Jesus Christ, but to help them APPLY and live the gospel, becuase it is only when we do this that we change and see the blessings of the gospel in our lives. Faith requires action! And when we act on our faith, we will change, grow, and improve in ways that we didn´t know were possible! I know that the atonement of Christ has the power to change our lives. In Stake Conference this weekend, I saw Nicolau (who was baptized last week), sitting in the chapel with a white shirt and tie, waiting to begin, and I was so happy! The gospel has already changed his life, and it is because he is willing to learn and do...seeing those changes in others, and ourselves is so fulfilling, because this gospel is about change, transformation, and progression.

Anyways, I hope that you all have a great week! Remember that I love you, and have family home evening tonight! I know that whatever your situation may be, if you take the time to study the gospel with those around you, you will be blessed with more love and a stronger testimony of the restored gospel!!! :D