Week Nine: Como Uma Criança

My fine feathered friends,

This week was a return to normal, no zone conferences or divisions, just plain and simple work. The turnover rate is pretty high right now. That is to say, we do a lot of first lessons, learning the person isn't interested/not keeping commitments then, rise and repeat.

The week took a little turn though on Friday night when we were in our last lesson for the night and I started feeling a little feverish. It was a "pretty light and come-then-gone" sickness that lasted just the weekend, but Saturday night was probably the worst of it, which is when we had a member meal.

Elder Batista had helped explain that I was a little under the weather and I tried to play it off as best I could, but the gig was up once they noticed that I was eating my pizza out of respect and very… carefully. I was totally embarrassed but they had nothing but compassion for me.

My contribution to our spiritual thought that night was words from Elder Brown's Oct. 2025 Conference address about testimonies as well as my own testimony. Testimonies are both very personal and powerful, and I love Elder Brown's insight that they are eternal as well. 

I have had the mindset thus far, that I almost have two separate testimonies, one in English and one in Portuguese. In English, I have taught Sunday Schools, served in the House of the Lord, and studied scripture at the collegiate level. And in Portuguese, I am once again, like a little child, with a parent testimony supporting that which is still growing. Professing the simple truths in simple words. And like a little child, sometimes I’m understood, sometimes not, but I hope the people know that I'm happy.

Bye!

Elder Pinkney