A selfie for mom!

A selfie for mom!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

This is it: the last week for me to work as a full-time missionary.

This is it: the last week for me to work as a full time missionary. We have three baptisms for Sunday. Lucas (20), Julio (16), and Isaque (14) are excited to be baptized and they love the church. This week, I´m going to do everything I can to help them be ready. Also this week, I´ll be visiting everybody I can, exhorting them to endure to the end. I want to leave a legacy (as we learned in our meeting with the stake president yesterday) so that when the members think of me, they think of dedication to the kingdom of God. I want to dedicate my whole life to the edifying of the kingdom of God on the Earth. I know that this is the work of salvation, and that Christ is at it´s head, leading the way. I know that He lives and that He loves each and every one of us. I look forward to seeing all of you in days to come, but for now, I leave my testimony of these things in the name of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, amen. -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Jardim Mirna Estaca Grajaú Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos

Monday, October 5, 2015

What does the Lord need me to do after the mission?

So, this week has been super busy. But I´m feeling great! I have three of my best friends (Elders N Castro, Ward, and Sharp) by my side! I got to watch general conference! And I am super pumped to baptize before I go! This conference, I heard two things that I was wanting to hear: 1) what does the Lord need me to do after the mission (and how to do it), and 2) how to better fulfill the promises in my patriarchal blessing. I´m making a lot of goals for how to finish my mission strong and how to keep improving after I get home. Sorry I don´t have much to say... It must have to do with the end coming so soon. But I love you all so much! I´m so happy to see all the blessings that come to my family while I have been out here. That is the number one thing that has helped me keep going. You guys are my motivation to keep pushing my handcart despite the figuratively freezing conditions. And on this journey, I have truly met my Heavenly Father and my Savior through my afflictions. I am eternally grateful for my mission, and for my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Love, Elder Richins -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Jardim Mirna Estaca Grajaú Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos