I studied English for 6 years at FISK Institute (named after Richard Hugh Fisk, from Tunbridge, Vermont, who moved to Brazil in the 50s and created the method).
I was 10 years old when I saw a FISK advertisement on TV and felt I should learn English. I told my mom and she thought I was just curious about it. She told me to call them and ask for more information. I must add that I had always been a VERY shy child. Still today I don’t like calling unknown people or places and asking for information. But I did. I called, got directions and even set up a time and date for taking an evaluation test, the following day at 6pm. My mom was shocked.
I was only able to understood why I felt that urge to study English when I got to be baptized.
In 1995, my father would drive mom to work every weekday around 1pm and they always saw the missionaries walking under the unmerciful Amazon sun as they were teaching in our neighborhood. Mom was late for work most of the time so she’d see them and say “poor boys, let’s give them a ride next time”.
One day mom and dad had an argument and dad left withour her. My father saw the missionaries on the street and gave them a ride (1) because it was too hot and both were American young men, with very white skin, (2) He said to himself “I’m going to give Eunice’s boys a ride” (Eunice is my mom’s name). He thought she’d be happy with him because of that and (3) because they were English native speakers and dad “felt” it would be nice if his daughters had the chance of practicing the language.
He gave them a ride and a business card with our home address on it. They only showed up a month later because Elder Page got sick with caxumba. A month later after their 1st visit, mom, dad and I were baptized. That was in Dec. 23rd, 1995. My younger sister was baptized by my father a week later.
Let me add I was raised in a Brazillian Catholic environment, which means you get baptized when you are a baby, and then your parents might take you to church once or twice a year, for a wedding or Christmas, for example, and that’s all.
When I was 10 years old I started attending the Church on my own. On Saturdays for catechism lessons and on Sunday for Sunday services.
By the time I was almost 12 years old I left the church because:
1. I couldn’t understand how someone could commit sins during the week and that just talking to the priest and repeating a couple of prayers would be enough for anyone to be forgiven;
2. Why did babies have to be baptized and then they’d have to do it all again when they got to be 15 years old? And how come they’d not to go to heaven if they died in their childhood?
3. Who gave the priest the authority to forgive me for my sins??
4. Why did Jesus visit those people and never came to us in America?
I had all these questions in my mind, and I felt horrible for doubting my faith and having those crazy thoughts. So I left and never attended any other church after that. My parents would buy me Bible videos and books, and that’s all. Not much was taught me about Christ but they did taught me Christian Principles.
At the age of 20, when the missionaries came to my parent’s house, I was trying to regain my faith. I’m sure it was divine intervention. When I was 10 years old I would NEVER get a phone and call strangers or a company for NO reason in this world. But I felt I HAD to learn English. It just felt so right. Same feeling when I started taking the missionaries lessons. I didn’t have a vision, I heard no voice, not even a warm feeling in my heart. I just knew that being baptized was the right thing to do. It was logical for me cause they had the answers to my questions.
After being baptized I had the chance to translate for Sister Hinckley (1996), Sister Nelson (1998), Sister Margaret Nadauld (2000) and Sister Carol Thomas (2001) – both from Young Women General Presidency-, and Sister Didier (2001, her husband served in the Seventies). And I also got to meet Pres. Hinckley, Elder Nelson, Elder Perry, Elder Ellis, Sheri Dew and other members of the Seventy and their wives.
I live in a very small State, and we only have a Church District here with 5 branches. My parents and sister have been inactive for more than a decade. An Apostle has never been here and won’t come until we finally become a Stake, so meeting all these people had a great impact in my life. As you can see, because of your language I have been extremely blessed. I don’t know how I managed to keep the language because I don’t have anybody to practice with. Sister Thomas once said to me it was a gift. Well… I can’t cook, sew, paint, draw, sing, write poems, decorate, or do any handmade thing, or write in a creative way. Maybe that was the only gift I’d need here in this earth existence.
Hugs from Brazil.
~ Danielle C. Queiroz de Souza ~
Boa Vista/Roraima – Brazil
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What an amazing story and testimony also Dani…I am so glad that we have become friends, and I enjoyed meeting your family the last time you came to Utah. Prayers that you will have growing branch, and that someday you will have Wards, and Stakes in your area. I agree that your English is good too, and that you do have a gift. Love you Dani, Velma
Loved your story! It’s a wonderful testimony to me of the way the Lord is watching over us. What a blessing that you chose to act on that feeling of HAVING to learn English even though there was no need at the time. Your English is fabulous! You might not be able to do those other things you mentioned but you have a gift for English! I admire anyone who can speak another language – especially since I cannot!
What a neat story! I bet those visiting Church leaders had no idea they would have such a strong influence on you:)
Oh, no, Angela. I’m sure they never realised that. Throughout this almost 18 years as a church member I’ve met incredible people who helped building my testimony. From Church Leaders, missionaries, and church members, I’ve been given the example of how the True Gospel can and WILL bless our lives if we are faithfull. One of my favorites Scripture is Jacob 7:5 : “For I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; Wherefore, I could not be shaken.”
My youngest stepson served a mission to Brazil. Whenever he blesses the food at my table, he prays in Portuguese. I run it through my “French” filter and get about one word in ten. But the Spirit comes through loud and clear. Language is one of the most amazing and delightful gifts we can receive. I’m glad that yours has brought you so much joy.
Another missionary who served here? When and where did he serve? Good to know he can still speak our language!
Hugs to Danielle! You have a beautiful gift and use it well.
Our oldest son served a mission in Brazil–he loved the people there and had amazing, life-changing experiences. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and testimony! Hugs from Connecticut 🙂
Where did he serve?
Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring story. Your English is fabulous too.
Thank you, Laura!
Simply beautiful, Danielle! How amazing to translate for those wonderful sisters and meet so many prominent leaders. All because you felt you needed to learn English at the tender age of 10.
I love hearing stories about how the Spirit guides people toward the gospel. Thanks for sharing your wonderful story!
Wow! I guess that is a lesson to me, you never know why you are sometimes prompted to do something, and look how many years later it took for you to see the true blessings of learning English! Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your testimony.
That’s exactly the point, Shelby. There’s was no need for learning English when I was 10 years old. I just felt I HAD to.
Thank you so much for sharing this!! It really is a beautiful story. Blessings & hugs to you!
Thank you!
Beautiful testimony! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your story.
Thanks for a terrific and inspiring story!
What a wonderful testimony! Heavenly Father truly knows us and loves us. Thank you so much for sharing.
What an amazing story! Isn’t it just so wonderful to see His hand in our lives? Hugs to you Danielle!
Thank you, Melia!
I am so proud to be a friend of someone so special like Danielle. She is strong, wonderful woman and her testimony strengths mine. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Love you, Didi!
Thank you for sharing your story, Danielle. Your English is very good. It is indeed a gift. I hope that the Church will grow fast in your hometown so you can have a stake soon. *Hugs*
Danielle what a beautiful story and testimony- I just wanted to let you know how much you touched my heart today.
Thank you, Audra!