Farewell Aracaju...:(

Almost 6 months here in Aracaju and as much as I hate to say it, I was finally transferred. We got the calls last night and tonight I will leave at 11 pm for Maceio. My new area is a part of Maceio, so I am excited to get to be in the city itself. My new companion arrived with Sister Galdino, so she has 3 months in the mission and is hispanic- from Mexico or Argentina or Chile, forgot exactly where.

I knew I would probably leave this transfer but still am feeling very sad to leave. These people feel like family and I never thought I would come to love them as much as I do. Paolo and Betania, the couple we are visiting, organized a farewell for me tonight at their ice cream shop with members of the ward here. Jivaldo came to church yesterday and told us he felt a different kind of peace, and that he wants to keep coming. I feel like we finally found people that really are needing what we have and feel a little heartbroken that I wont get to stay here and watch them progress more. 6 months ago I arrived here with so much fear, could hardly speak the language, very confused and very overwhelmed. I look at how much I have learned and grown SO much through the experiences I have had here and these people have grown with me and I am so grateful for my time here. Will definetely be coming back, and am so glad we have internet to stay in touch!

Sister Galdino is feeling the same way and we have become such good friends it will be hard not to be together everyday. But even though she doesn't think so, she is so ready to introduce the area to someone new and the people here love her so much. And we both are pretty new in the mission so we will probably see each other again before long!

As far as the rest of the week, it was such a good one. New Years is HUGE here so we didnt sleep at all but it was fun to see the fireworks from our balcony. We spent the day with Taynah, who got back from a mission this year. She took us to all the touristy parts of the city and it was so fun! That night, we went to Vania's house and made cookies and pizza with her 2 twin daughters until we had to be home at 9. January 1, the streets were emptier than I have ever seen them so we visited members and laughed at drunk people walking home from the beach. Good memories.

Although I am very sad and a little nervous, I know I will be just fine because everything always turns out just the way it needs to. I felt so nervous to come, nervous to train, this is nothing new!! Also I am really hoping that my new companion knows how to make tacos because the last time I ate tacos was the day before I left and 7 months is way too long to go without :)

Love you all and am wishing you all the best new year! When I got here, 2019 seemed so far away and it is so weird to think I will be home before the next new year :(((

Love,

Sister Lauren Mather