Update

Shortly after arriving in Jacksonville, Sister Nunes encountered some medical issues that could not  be treated in the Mission field. She returned home to address those issues in preparation to return. The time frame of this is unknown but her intent is to return in six to twelve months as medical clearance allows. She is determined to resolve her health in order to reach her full potential as a servant of the Lord. She is steadfast in doing whatever necessary to fulfill her call as a full time missionary.

We did not have time to receive many letters or photos. As she settles, she will post her experiences both in the MTC and the mission field. Also, she will continue to post about her journey to return to serve, including her growth in the Gospel and educating others about the illness that delayed her work in the building of God's Kingdom. 

She is strong, faithful, obedient and determined with an eye single to God. Please continue your support and prayers on her behalf. 

Arrived

Dear family of Sister Nunes,
We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely to the Florida Jacksonville Mission. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come off the plane in Jacksonville. The smiles on their faces showed their excitement and readiness to be here.

Your daughter arrived with 24 other missionaries and they have enjoyed a dinner together at the mission home, have been interviewed by President Barry and were trained by the assistants. We have taken pictures and I have attached a picture of her with President Barry and I. As you can see she is well and happy although a little tired. We also took a group picture which you can view later this week on our blog at:
www.floridajacksonvillemissionnews.blogspot.com

You are welcome to check this blog often to catch a glimpse of your missionary and find out what is going on in this mission.

Sister Nunes will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day which is each Monday. She will let you know where she has been assigned to serve. Just a reminder ... when Monday happens to fall on a national holiday, those who use the public libraries will not have access to a computer, therefore, they usually email on Tuesday instead. Also Preparation Day moves to Tuesday during transfer week which is every 6 weeks.
We promise to take good care of your daughter. Her physical, emotional and spiritual welfare is our first concern.

Your missionary is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for all you have done to prepare Sister Nunes to faithfully serve a mission. We look forward to getting to know her as we serve our Heavenly Father here in the Florida Jacksonville Mission.

Please accept our love and gratitude for trusting her to us and more importantly to the Lord.

May God Bless You,

President James W. Barry and Sister Marilyn T. Barry

--Sister Nunes was assigned to the  Macclenny Florida  in the Lake City Zone

The Drop Off April 17, 2013

Provo Temple

One last picture and then she was off 

For all anxious mothers and missionaries, the drop off is a happy experience. The sight of so many valiant and willing youth, inspiring. The pure joy on their faces, infectious. The positive energy and excitement for the Gospel and eagerness to share it, contagious. You can't help but smile rather than cry for the full 5 minutes-yes 5 minutes, it takes to deliver your missionary. On the day Sister Nunes reported, history was being made. More Sisters than Elders reported for the first time ever. Our youth are amazing and our young women have risen above and beyond to answer the call to serve. I'm so grateful to witness and be a part of it. 

 This is our amateur videographer. Try not to get dizzy. 

Outside the wall of Provo Temple

Provo Temple

Setting Apart

Sister Nunes was set apart by our recently called Stake President. Our good Bishop attended. Sister Nunes was promised great blessings and strengths specific to her. The Priesthood is amazing!

Officially "Sister Nunes" with Bishop 

The Farewell

My Bestie from Fovever

My Favorite Bishop EVER!

My BFF Ry

Sister Nunes gave an excellent talk about the principles of repentance. Grandparents made a long trip to share this day and support her, along with friends and Ward members who helped so much with food and chairs!! Thanks everyone. It was awesome! 

Grandparents, Mom, Sister 

Grandma & Papa. Thanks for your support!

The Three Best Friends that Anyone Could  Have

My supportive girls

Two of my most favorite people ever!!

A Message on the Chalkboard Door

Temple Trips

March 9, 2013

Endowment day at the Salt Lake Temple. So grateful for those who attended with us. We love you! Before reporting to the MTC we were able to return to Salt Lake Temple a couple times and also attend Jordan River and Oquirrh Mountain Temples. 

April 5, 2013

The Call

January 31,  2013.  It has arrived.

The reading of the call.

Welcome to Sister Nunes's Blog

Because we want to share this experience from beginning to end, we are backtracking to the vey beginning. For those of you who shared these experiences in person and for those who are sharing them now through technology, thank you for your prayers, service, love and  support. We couldn't have gotten here without you! We'll try to keep this as up to date as possible with addresses for mailing those much anticipated letters and share pictures and writings of triumphs, successes, and fun and positive experiences. Enjoy this journey with us.