The city of Santarém is situated on a plateau, located on the right bank of the Tagus River, 65 km (40 miles) northeast of Lisbon. The economy of the city remains mainly dedicated to the production of agricultural goods.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Gaia 7/24/17

Elder Carvalho, outside the chapel in
Chaves. The sign for the LDS church is
in the window of the bathroom.
Aloha Família!

This week has really been a week of tender mercies.

On Monday, as I walked on to the metro to go back to my area, I walked into Ema and Emerson! The mom and son me and Elder Bortolo found in Coimbra that we blessed and stuff! I was soooo happy! I'm soooo grateful for be able to see and talk to them even if it was for a short time.

We did a division with the elders of Gaia 1B and me and Elder Carvalho went Chaves to do a baptismal interview. Its SOOOO FAR but we got there safe, the woman was interviewed and later baptized so all good. We almost got stranded out there, but we were able to buy tickets back and it all worked out.

My planner!! Irmão Jesus and Elder Kim
On Saturday I lost my planner on the metro....I was devastated, I didn't know how'd I'd get it back... I prayed, sent out a text to all the missionaries in the general vicinity, fasted and worked hard like normal trying to show God my faith. I knew that He'd answer my prayer; I didn't know how, but I knew He would. And He did! During gospel principles class a member whose name is Irmão Jesus walks in and hands it to me! I'm like wat?! I'm soooo grateful for His loving hand in our lives! He is a God of miracles!!!

We took our neighbor to church!!!

We were able to meet our goal and continue to meet the eagle challenges by Presidente. Life is good. Really I'm soooo happy to be a missionary! Life just makes sooo much sense! It really is the awesomest thing in the world to be a tool in God's hands. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have as a missionary to serve His children here in Portugal in order that they might have the blessings.

Love you guys! Have a fun time at the beach!

com amor,
Elder Kim


Elder Kim and a local man who happened to have on a shirt from Hawaii.
Though the man agreed to pose for a picture, he wasn't as enthusiastic to hear a message.
Elder Kim said, "No worries, braddah!! Bumbye!!"

Thursday, July 20, 2017

Gaia 7/17/17

Aloha Família!

We had zone conference, and was really good. We got these coins from Presidente Amorim for doing all the challenges he gave. It felt good to know that I had done my part. I hope I can say the same at the last day.

We did a division with the Elderes from Bragança and it went really well. I went with Elder Oliveira. He's from Lisboa (Lisbon, the capital of Portugal), but his English is like perfect. We had a good division. Was a little complicated though cuz we discovered the chapel had been robbed, and so we had to deal with the police for that....#lifeonamish, haha.

On the way to Chaves
A 200 scravos coin, from Presidente
We went to Chaves this week (about 100 miles away), to do some baptismal interviews for this family they were working with. Chaves is a miracle story! The branch/group was supposed to close but because of the guidance of the Spirit and the work of the missionaries, a family, along with a lot of other people, were found who were interested in the Gospel, and now the branch is booming! Super happy for them! Miracles happen when we magnify our callings! Gotta say though, was super hot out there (38˚C or about 100˚F)! Plus, it took like 3.5 hours to get there. It was all worth it!

38˚ C or 100˚ F. It's Hot!!

Estevão wants to get baptized! He said he'd be baptized on the 2nd of September! It's kinda far away, so we wanna see if we can move it any closer, but we'll see. It'll be hard though with vacations and stuff, but we're working on it. Also, he's got no problems with the 'word of wisdom' which is awesome! He's a stud.

We found and started teaching this Muslim family from Syria! The father's name is Jaber. They speak Arabic, some English, and some Portuguese, so it's interesting. We're taking it slow and stuff cuz they are super Muslim. The dad came to a baptism the ward had yesterday, and he left feeling something "he had never felt before" and said he was gonna pray about it! We're excited for them! They fed us when we passed by their house, so blessings!

Yesterday a member brought this Brazilian family to us at the baptism, and now we're teaching them! Que coisa boa! (What a good thing!)

I know that God lives! I know that we are only tools in His hands, and that really, He is the one making it all happen. I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to wear His name on my chest and to act as His representative for the salvation of His children. It's a lot of work, but it's all worth it. I know He loves us and that as we do our part, He does His. Family, I love you guys!!! Keep up the great work! Have a great trip to Oʻahu, and go swimming for me haha! Tenham uma ótima semana! (Have a great week!)

com amor,

Elder Kim

In celebration of making 18 months, Elder Kim
burned a pair of pants! He apologized to his father
for playing with fire.
Junia, Elder Kim, Elder Karthigeyan, Gisele
David (in front)
David brought Junia and Gisele to a baptism,
and now they are taking the lessons!!

Outside our apartment, the fog rolled in.....

The metro, right outside our apartment.

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Gaia 7/10/17


View from our apartment
* Note: Sorry so late with the post! Kind of crazy week for all!!


Aloha Família!

This week was pretty nuts, it being the first week of transfers, and this week that is coming up promises much of the same!

We’ve had three challenges from our Presidente per week for the last 4 weeks, and me and Elder Karthigeyan were able to do all 12! This week one of the challenges was to find a new investigator every day of the week. Was kinda stressful to try and do that, but really helped us to understand what is possible and what we’re capable of!

Elder Karthigeyan and Elder Kim
We got a new pair of elders in our district, and we cleaned their house before they got there cuz was wrecked! We also found like a tv and wireless routers and stuff and we freaked out cuz u know dat kine not allowed on the mish, but turns out was from a previous owner so all good phew! haha

Happy 4th ofJuly! 

Happy Birthday dad! Thank u for ur great example! Haili, happy early bday!

We taught this Angolan doctor who is here visiting! We were able to give service to this other Angolan doctor family, and we’re hoping to be able to teach them some ! I taught the first, second and third lessons to this guy as we walked to his house, and we marked him to be baptized! We’re looking to help him continue to progress!

Me and Elder Karthigeyan are working hard and loving life! We got zone conference with Presidente tommorow, we’re going to Chaves to do some baptismal interviews, and we got some divisions; so it’s gonna be crazy but being busy is always good!

Family, I love you guys! Thank u guys for all u do! Keep being the great examples that u guys are! I know that as we do our best, and seek to magnify our callings, God will use us as tools in his hands for the salvation of his children! Love yal! Tenham uma boa semana!

Elder Karthigeyan, Nuno, Estevao, Elder Kim
Nuno and Estevao are brothers from
Angola who are taking the lessons.
com amor,

Elder Kim

Élder Kim on his 18mos. anniversary!
6 more months to go.