I'm Here!

Well, I arrived here in Cape Verde and I love it already!  The plane ride was not bad. I traveled with 7 elders and 2 sisters, all headed to my mission. Bless their hearts…they all took a few extra things in their own carryon luggage for me…extra medical supplies and such.  I got everything over here that I wanted to! We flew to Boston; then 6 hours later headed straight to Cape Verde.  I slept most of the way here which was nice. (The time difference is 5 hours ahead of SLC) The gentleman sitting next to me on the plane to Boston works for Adobe and has offered to help with the great needs of these people….medical supplies, hygiene kits, primary materials, nursery toys, etc.  Truly, “God is in the details of our lives!”

Did I say already that I LOVE my mission?   President and his wife, Sister Oliveira, are so kind! Sister Oliveira was in tears when she saw all the supplies that I brought with me. The mission home is about a 15 minute taxi ride from my “deluxe” apartment. Really…I was expecting something much more…well…dirt floors…or something.  My roommate, Sister McKnight, is great!

I am so excited for the people of Cape Verde. The people are lovely and there are a lot of needs.  It’s a lot like the Azore Islands just north of here, where I used to live…hot and humid and great! I have already met some Cape Verdians and they are sooooo sweet, happy and kind.  Also, they are very affectionate towards one another. The water is beautiful and I am walking distance to the shore.  Did I say I LOVE IT HERE!?!?!

I will be flying to all 8 of the islands that we have missionaries on within the next 30 days to build a rapport with the doctors and nurses.  The Missionaries are great. There is such a great spirit here among them!  Tomorrow I’m headed to the other side of this island to see my first sick missionary.  Let the work begin!

I am so happy to be here!  So much to learn!  I can do hard things, but this feels easy at the moment.

I need to get good at speaking Portuguese quickly.  I think I’ll find me a private tutor in the ward.      

Thank you again, to everyone who has had a part in my being here. Words cannot express how grateful I am to you for your love and support.  I am so honored to be a servant of the Lord in this part of His vineyard.  God bless you all in your efforts in your part of His world as well.

This is the address for a letter or a package.  (Packages take about a month, but seem to get here safely.)

Sister Cassita

missao Cabo Verde Praia

C.P. 420

Praia, LLHA De Santiago

CAPE VERDE

Oh, What a Day Will Bring!

...Laughing
        .... crying,
                  ....smiling.

Today was my last day of classes with our district.
I learned so much.
We closed our day with the sharing of our testimonies.
The spirit was so strong.
My life is forever changed for the better.
I am grateful for the staff, volunteers and President and Sister Stock at the MTC.
If you ever want to know what it feels like to be in a cocoon -  come to the MTC,
It is Heaven on Earth.
AH, P-Day Saturday!!!

Oh, What a Day Will Bring!

MTC Family

This is my District Family -  

Elder and Sister McClure, 

Sister Sanner, 

Sister Bangerter, 

Me, 

Elder and Sister Manning. 

We have become a close knit family. 

I love the MTC. 

This is truly Holy Ground.

p.s.
I bore my testimony in Portuguese tonight!  Seriously!!!

MTC Day 2

Oh what a day will bring...

Today I walked up and shook the hand of an apostle of the Lord - David A. Bednar.

Elder and Sister Bednar spoke at our devotional tonight. It was truly a spiritual feast. My thoughts, based on what I heard him say... Be prepared to hasten God's work here upon this earth. I love my Savior so much. I know He lives. I know that He needs a lot more from all of us. We have had time to prepare, the time has come to act.

May the Lord Bless and Keep you.

Love,
Sister Cassita

MTC Day One!

Well, Well, Well,

I have officially left the things of the world behind and now find myself standing on Holy Ground! Everywhere I walk and look; everything I listen to, smell, or see brings tears to my eyes...I stand on Holy Ground.

I will be forever in the debt of my best friend Marci Nilsson for helping me to prepare for my mission. I would not be here if it weren't for her unconditional love, patience and long suffering. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

I am also humbled by the staff and Missionaries that have served me this day. I feel like I am in a cocoon. It will be difficult to leave this place, so I will cherish every moment I have here. I have received much instruction today that has been a little over-whelming; but the best thing ever in the "Lord's University", is that I can't fail. Just the fact that I am here today...I get an "A". So I say to all missionaries that may feel like you didn't complete a mission. Just stop that negative thinking right now! Just the fact that you were willing to go and started the process... you have shown the Lord that you are a part of His Army and I am honored to serve with you.

May God Bless and keep you safe.
Love, Sister Cassita

NEW ASSIGNMENT!!!

CAPE VERDE PRAIA MISSION!!!!!

I enter the MTC MONDAY OCTOBER 8th!!!!

Then I am home on the 18th for four days to finish last minute preparations;  farewell party on the 20th; talk in church on the 21st; and fly out on the 23rd!!! WOW!!! This will be FAST!

Here's a video of where I am going..."Land of Light"

My spirit was always singing "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord", but my heart longed to go to Africa. When I submitted my mission papers I was told that they were absolutely not sending single sister missionaries to Africa....well....except...THIS ONE!!!!!!  Truly God is a God of miracles!  

The next miracle will be the way in which He provides for me to be there financially. I answered His call for me to go on this mission in faith that He would provide, since I knew He was asking me to go...NOW, and I didn't have the resources.  Now, I'm going four months earlier than anticipated and my earning potential has been cut off. I know He will take care of me and I go forward in perfect faith. If you have a desire to help support me, even a little, you can consider one of the following three options:

1. Online donations at www.youcaring.com
2. Deposit to Chase Bank (email me for account information)
3. Mail donation to:
                  Bishop Michael T. Baum
                  Ashley Park Ward 
                  10045 S Ridgegate Cir
                   Sandy, Ut 84092
       (On tithing slip in "other" box - Ward Missionary Fund - Liz Cassita)

Thank you so very much to all those who have already asked how they could help!  Please know how very very grateful and humble I feel to be embarking on this sacred journey. I will carry your love to the people in Cape Verde!