Elder Benjamin S. Smith

One of the Areas of our mission is called Angra dos Reis and I have always wanted to serve there because it's name sounds like anger of the kings and because it's more out of the city. Kind of like an out cast area with a lot more nature. So, when I got moved to Santa Cruz I ended up in the same zone as Angra dos Reis and this week we got to go on exchanges with them and another area even further out, Parque Mambucaba! The only problem is the distance. To get there, we go from Santa Cruz to Itaguaí (1 hour) then after two more bus rides we get to Angra (3 hours) then you can get on a bus to Parque (2 hours). So on Monday we traveled out to Angra and spent Tuesday with the Elders there. We were looking for a miracle with their friend Hernane - a young man who wants to be baptized but his family has some doubts. His story is a lot similar to my companion's, so we sent my companion out to talk with the family. The Elders in Angra were planning on visiting him at 3:00 but weren...

President decided to split the Santa Cruz ward between two companionships and so he sent Elder Matos and I there with Elders Turner and Boxer. It's been a blast to work together with 3 other Elders and I am loving the new ward. This week we taught Wanderson and his family. Their children wanted to be baptized but were feeling shy and nervous about the baptism. But after they had their baptismal interview they realized how much they know and how ready they are. Their baptism was special and set an example for Ray and his mother who were also feeling nervous.  After the baptism we had a huge barbecue with Bishop. During the barbecue, Ray sent a message to Bishop and said that he decided to be baptized!! So we are more than excited here in Santa Cruz! Also, we had a birthday party 😁