Christmas Celebrations

Hey Family!

Today we went to the temple! It was a wonderful, awesome experience. I love that place. So sweet. I really like going there, I just get all pumped inside, and stoked to be alive. And I learned a lot today. Which was cool. You guys should hit that place up. A lot haha I wish I could go more, but that day will come.

I have been extremely tired lately. I have been beat. I may or may not have fallen asleep for a second there in the temple. So when I was in the temple and I was thinking and praying aboput what I could do to make my life better, a little more exciting or something to give me more energy. So the thought came to me that I need to be more grateful, I need to look for the fantastic things in my life more often! I also will try and study about love a bit more so that I can help my love grow for the people around me, and find ways to express my love and gratitude to them. I gotta rep the name! I am excited to see the changes this will make in my life. I was so tired today that I fell asleep on the bus going home (not uncommon by any means) and began to drool. The little old lady next to me I'm sure had a great laugh and was even kind enough to wake me up when my companion got off the bus.

I love old people. Last week I did a batismal interview with a 76 year old lady. Super funny lady. During the interview, we discovered that she had been drinking coffee ever since she was a child, was born and raised on a coffee farm! And she had been drinking ever since. During the interview I helped her to understand that it was a commandment from God (which she hadn't understood before). I challenged her to follow God, and stop. She accepted! Then I informed her that she would have to wait one more week for her baptism. She didn't like that. She told me that she was (in my words) a tough old cookie, and she was not going to let coffee get in the way of her salvation. "If God wants me to stop, Ill stop right now, and Ill nbever drink again!" She was extremly determined in this, and I was impressed with this woman's faith.Was incredible. Just do what the Lord wants, its that simple! She stopped, and was baptized the next day!

This last week has been crazy, I spent the majority of the week in division. Super crazy. And tiring. But It was great, I learn so much from these Elders. Im pretty blessed to get to learn from these guys all the time.

I am extremely excited about the family calendar!The shoes are good, I like em! However, I have already managed to open up the front end so they leak. What a freakin ogre. The 2nd day! I will need another pair, as my first two are completely shot! These new ones are still good, and very classy, and I assume will last me til the end. Buts its always good to have two pairs to give them a day to dry when it rains. Everyday. :) I think eccos might be the champion of shoes. Those things were troopers. And the square toed ones also look beautiful and are comfortable. Just an idea.

Ill get the chirstmas package on christmas eve. We will have some kinda conference on that day. Also we have one more fireside Sunday in Sao Paulo. (we only will do two, the third is em the Baixada an will be other missionaries). Should be a blast. This week we found an amazing family! Giovanni and Priscila. A young couple we are legally married! They went to church with a member and loved it! They will probably be baptized this week. They have so much faith. I love them. Also, Kerson who we baptized a few weeks ago, his mother will be baptized Sunday. She is super excited. Man she was a toughie. She wanted to be baptized but mais para frente, in January or febuary. For some reason wanted to put it off. Then, I did a divison with Elder J.Harris, my beloved ex-companion who is now a district leader in the zone. We told her: "Imagine on my hand is a present that will make you family happier. Do you want it? (yes) When?" She paused for a moment, and then looked at me and said what day can I be baptized?And we marked it for this sunday! She then told us that for some time she felt something really strongly that she needed t be baptized. And that she and been resisting those feelings. And she was finally being honest with herself. Woohoo! What a wonderful miracle. I love Elder J. Harris.Another great chance to learn a leason on simplicity from a great elder.

Phone call. Hmm I just found out I dont have another Pday before christmas. So, Im pretty sure Ill have to call you guys during the week, I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do about this phone call. But I will figure it out and proly send you and email or something.

Three-way tie for third? haha I had a little flash back the other day when we were in this house at lunch and this boy and his lil sister were fighting. The boy was just wailing on her, going to town! My companion hit he when I tried to give the little girl a fork to defend herself. haha you just gotta find a way to learn to enjoy these situations.

I was sad to hear the news about W's tryouts, but its okay. You guys are still my heros.

Hows Dave doing? I like that guy a lot! I told a group of missionaries about him the other day. I love how he goes to church in mocasins. Not gonna lie, pretty jealous of that. The guy knows whats up. I miss him, I hope hes doing well.

Well, guess what, time ran out again, way before I wanted it too. I gotta send some forms to president and havent done it... Man, gotta repent!

Well I love you all! Have great week! Tachau tchau!

Love, Elder Jake

Christmas in Brazil = hot

Dear People,

Its begining to look a lot like ... summer! It is getting hot here. Not too bad as of yet, but the temperture is definitely getting up there. It doesnt really feel like Christmas yet, though I'm trying to get to that point. Its way harder to get into the spirit when its hot, but the hymns and the christmas lights (the few) help out! The Brazilian christmas is pretty much the same as that of the US, just hotter, and way more low key (A Braslian pattern-low key). There are few christmas trees and such, but its all good :)

I am finally starting to get a hang of this area. It was a hard adjustment, espcially because I have spent so much time in divisions and meetings that I havent gotten to work in the area that much. Kinda sad. But I'm getting there! Thanks for the letter from Sister Perez. Really a great Sister person. I look up to that family a lot. How's Sister Lauren?

Cheyenne got baptized! NO WAY! That is incredible! I really like that part. I tried to explain foster care and all to my companion, so that he could understand how pumped I am. Who knows if it worked, but I'm excited! Is her husband going to church? Yea Mom, you're right, prettty much made my week. And thanks for the scripture mom, I know that was a really hard time, specially for you as a mother, but I am really glad the Lord has such great plans.

Sounds like you met with a ton of great people this week Mom!

Sunday night we had the first fireside for the mission, and it was in my last area! There were so many wonderful people there. I loved it, so many good friends. Reminds me of the hymn, each life that touches ours for good, reflects thine our great mercy Lord. Really believe thats true. I ahave been thinking a lot about angels this week. And how the Lord uses angels to bless us. And how angels dont have to be someone from heaven, can be your neighbor, of the kid on your street, or whoever! We just have to feast upon the words of christ, and pray always (2 Nephi 32) and we can be angels to help others, to uplift, to inspire and to bless.

The fireside was great. I really loved being able to sing, and to bear testimony. I had the chance to quote the first vision during "Joseph Smiths first Prayer" It was really cool. I was worried about the actor in me going overboard and trying to milk it too much. I prayed alot that I can instead of show off my manly voice ;) I could bare testimony. And I thin it worked. The Lord is absolutely with us, all of us, to help us in even the smallest things. Was a really wonderful spirit there at the Fireside. The chapel was so full (500 plus people!) that we had to do a second show that same night with another 300ish.It was cool.

While I was there, I was washing my hands in the bathroom and this man next to me asked me how I was doing. I said I'm great and almost walked away when I remembered him! I interviewed him for baptism in Praia Grande in Julyish. He remembered me. And was really grateful for all I did (which I thought was very little). He then he asked if he could introduce me to his fiancee. Super cool. He is going to get married in the temple! This man was a great example to me. When he stopped drinking coffee back in the day, he started taking this coffee-like Barley drink (cevada) to work and everyone there stopped drinking coffee there! So sweet. It was a good experience to see him (expecially so far away from Praia Grande) and to realize that I will never know the effect of my mission until the 2nd coming. I am so glad that I could be an instument in the Lords hands to help this man on some level.

Tell Pres. P hi! I told my comp about him last week. He is one of my heros.

Well, I am gonna try and get some pictures out to ya. [It didn't happen so nothing to post.] I love you all! Have a great week!

Love, Elder Jake

Being grateful can turn . . .

My wonderful family, and other wonderful creatures,

Its been awhile! I had an extremely busy week last P-day, and we didn't have time to go to the internet cafe. The mission is doing a Christmas fireside thing, and I am in change of putting together a quartet for it. So we had to sing on Pday, as we will today in a bit. This is the 4th Pday in a row that I don't have time to do anything! Letters, laundry, cleaning the house, sleep, and all those tings are gonna have to wait til... next transfer? AHHH!!!

Im getting tired, having a hard time waking up on time. 4 weeks without that power nap is a crazy adventure. Taking a break is really important! But yesterday I slept through my alarm. By quite a lot. I'm gonna ask for forgiveness and all, but I'm also gonna count that as a blessing... Now I'm doing great :)

My birthday was rather uninventful. But I liked it! I got up in the morning and opened a letter from Dad, and a letter from Julianne, and my other shoe package. It was a pretty good way to start out the day. Nobody knew about my birthday so nothing to exciting happened during the day, but my old comp Elder Areas gave me a call with a member from my old ward and wished my happy birthday. That was simple but made my day. That and the legos. Such a great gift, haha Thanks! Thanks for the packages and for the letters!

My companion every once in awhile calls me "Uncle Jake" now, haha! Its pretty funny, and it still blows my mind that my bro is a pop. Pretty crazy, and pretty cool. I also chokedon my pen when i saw that Lexie is engaged. Whoa! Another one bites the dust haha What a crazy world. Everybody is growin up! Lexie! Shes 16! At least last time I checked.

I almost forgot about thanksgiving! I also almost forgot about my birthday, but that ones a lil easier to remember. Thanksgiving was spent knocking doors, getting rejected and walking a lot in the rain. But boy am I grateful. I thought a lot about the blessings I had in my life. Being grateful can turn what would be a lame day into a wonderful day. Just gotta decide which one you want!

We had a cool experience the other day. We were passed on the road by a lady muttering some sort of prayer. Kinda scared me to be honest. But we talked to her and asked her if we could help. She was prety distressed, and said her son was missing. My companion looked her in the eye and told her "as a representive of Jesus Christ here on the earth, I promise you if you go home and wait, your son will come home" I liked that. I think I forget of the power we have to promise people things like that in the name of the Savior. We went to her house yesterday and her son had come home soon after her. We taught them and I'm hoping they will go to church this week!

We are teaching a few families that need to be married, but they are progressing! We should have a wedding on the 18th. Should be a blast.

21 seems super super old to me! Way old. My hair will start falling out any day now. Wow. I can buy beer! And a gun! I feel like Im getting old. I made some goals this week to maintain energy and excitement as my time on the mission presses on. I'm gonna try and do a lot more excercises. Something extremely hard to do because of how hard we work slash how much we half to walk. But I'm sure this, along with more reading of the Book, will help me maintian energy, and excitment!

Sounds like everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving weekend! I did too :) I love you all! Have a fantastic week, thanks for everything!

Love Jake

Tio Jake

WhooHoo!

Hey guys, I'm a Tio!

I can't lie, I'm pretty excited about that. I've been telling people about that all week! I also really like the name. Beautiful name, way pumped!

This week we have a nice four day leadership training in Sao Paulo. I'm pretty excited about the training. I am pretty sure I'm a nerd, but I have really loved to learn from the scriptures. These meetings are so great because they are so focused on the scriptures. The spirit is so strong, and I learn, and understand so much during these meetings. I've come to the conclusion that I am leader because the Lord knows how much I need to learn, and that I need these extra meetings.

We have had two days, and they have been great. Even though today I showed up an hour and a half late! Crazy traffic. I for the first time in my life realized how stressful it can be to be stuck in traffic. I also realized that faith and joyfully waiting (D&C123:17) is a lot harder when put into practice. But I was able to repent and relax, and find joy, and got to the chapel with a smile. I was doing my best, and I just relaxed and left it in the Lord's hands. Getting stressed and annoyed with the millions of people around me didn't change anything! I relearned that we can find a reason to be sad, or upset, or annoyed every single day of our lives. But where's the fun in that?! We have to push away the natural man, and find the reasons to be happy, relaxed, and full of the spirit each day.

I dont know why it was so crazy, but there were a lot of people late today, and President even excused us (at least thats what they tell me - I wasn't there . . .) saying that the traffic was horrible. Lil lesson I learned in rush hour traffic today.

A lot of the thought process came from an awesome talk from the stake president in my new area. He talked about joy, and how being happy and joyful is not a sign of immaturity, but a sign of spirituality. Pretty sweet talk.

My area has some GINORMOUS hills, Its pretty crazy. But its also completely diffferent that Santo Andre. It is poorer. The members of the two wards we are working in are great. I am excited to get to know them a lil more. I am zone leader still, and we are taking care of two stakes. Which is crazy. But Its pretty fun as well. My comp is a pretty fun guy. We work well together, and we have fun. He used to be a heavy metal singer, and he had a band. I told him SoP was pretty much the same thing.

This training we are focusing a ton on the Gospel of Christ, and on Love. Showing the love the Savior has for them through our wordsa and actions. I am excited to learn these things, and to realize how much more I have to learn. I am also really grateful to see the leaders in the mission. Man, I am surrounded by great men. These Elders are incredible. I am taking notes, and doing my best to follow their examples.

I have also learned how to let my weakness become strenghts. (Ether 12:27). I used to think that this meant I would lose my weaknesses, that I would be able to overcome them. And while many times thats true, I realized that sometimes the Lord, instead of changing who we are, or removing our weaknesses, he uses our "weaknesses" for our good. For example. I was somehow reminded of Johnny Cash this morning. While he may not be the greatest example of a man of God, the principle is the same. People really liked his music because it was a lil slower and had a different, groovy sound. When asked in an interview, why he decided to play his songs so slow, he responded that he simply couldn't play faster. His weakness became a strength.

Well I am just unloading a lot of thoughts right now. I dont really know our investigators right now, so its hard to tell you about them. We did have a baptism on Saturday however. That was pretty cool. Even though I didn't know the kid. Its always great to watch that ceremony.

Well, I love you! HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Elder Jake

Transferred to Sao Bernardo

Dear My Family and my other people friends, and especially my mother who turns 29 (Again) today!,

Happy Birthday Mom!

Well, one more crazy week! Thanks again for your great letters!

It has become increasingly hot in Brazil, and doesn't show sign of coolin down, but its all right, its all part of the gig.

So I got transfered! I kinda knew it was gonna happen because of interviews with Prez-Man a few weeks ago, but it still was kinda hard. But I feel good about it, I feel like I was needing it a bit. I left Santo André, and I'm heading to São Bernardo. Next door neighboor. Its also the same zone that I started out in. Which is pretty tight. Its been a long time since I've been here. But this zone is HUGE! Its one of the biggest in the mission, 2/3 bigger than santo André.

My new companion is Elder Muniz. He's a pretty cool kid. He's from somewhere in Brasil that I can't remember, and is in the process of "dying." I never really wanted to "kill" a missionary, but Im sure it'll be an adventure, and Ill hopefully get free stuff from him ;)

I'm gonna miss Elder Arêas. He was a lot of fun, showed me how to have more fun with the work, that the lessons don't need to be all serious and all. I feel a lot more like myself now. More sincere. Lil more crazy. We had a blast. But Ill see him next week in our 4-day training(!).

Yesterday, with Elder Arêas, I was knocking doors. It was my turn, and the door opened and I didn't see anybody. Then I looked down. And saw the shortest women I have ever seen. I did my very best, I wanted to teach her so bad! Elder Areas had to walk away, He was trying so hard not to laugh. Said it was one hilarious scene, as she came úp to my mid-thigh. Everyone here things I am ginormous! And next to her, it was too much for Elder Arêas.

I did get the pictures last week, and I liked them a ton! Thanks!

Sorry the letter was so short last week, it was just a crazy day, and we got to the lan house at 5:50! (p-day ends at 6)

Halloween doesnt exist here, just on TV. They all think its super crazy that the kids just knock on the door and you give em candy. And they´re right. But Its also awesome haha.

Alessandras baptism was awesome! Her and her family are so legit. I loved teaching them so uch! I feel so great about what the Lord did with her family.

I have really been focusing on faith and relying on the Lord. I realized how little faith I have, and how I dont rely on Him as I should. I am praying and doing my best to work on that. My interview with Prez-Man, we mainly just talked about that, relying on the Lord. I'm not really sure how to do it yet, but Im prayin I figure it out sooner or later. But I am making progress, and Im sure it'll come sooner or later.

I am glad you got the photos! Did you get any videos? Not sure if it worked to send them. [In the picture cd, Elder Jake sent a dozen random brain scans.] And the Brain Scans I thought would been an excellent birthday gift for W and others, being as it costs a ton to mail things that aren't flat. I looked for to weeks while walking to find a good x-ray to send home to you guys. I was quite pleased to find those.

I decorated my first christmas tree yesterday. It was super small (and fake-as real ones dont exist here haha) but it was fun. I am pretty excited to get to work here. Should be an awesome transfer! Thanks for it all! love you all! Have a super week!

Love, Jake

Short missive

Hey Family!

Sooo I have a massive four minutes to write this week :)

Well, just to let you know, I ain't dead, and I'm having a blast. I've been learning a ton. This week I realized I was trying to do everything alone, I wasn´t relying on the Lord. Sister gave a talk on faith the other day, and I realized how much I need to let him carry some of the Lord. Its amazing how much happier I am realizing that. I am really grateful for the Spirit which has been teaching me so much these past weeks. Its great to be a member of the church, and to have the help of the Lord.

Well, I love you!

Have a fantastic week! Elder Jake

Prepared

Dear Friends and family!

Well, I guess "the news" from D will come in a future letter, which I have not yet received! I'll proly get it tomorrow in interviews. I'm guessing she's engaged.

Two months ago in the temple, I felt the strong impression that I should stop writing D. I wasn't really sure why, but I thought it was because she wasn't the one I was supposed to marry, that I should just let her go and not worry about it. I haven't been able to get a letter out to her yet, but looks like now my letter will be a lil different! If you had told me this would have happened a few months ago, I dont think I would have imagined how excited I am for her right now. I can honestly say I'm happy for her. And what a lucky guy, haha. Hope he's not super lame... ;) And I hope the Mc family doensn't think they got rid of me because of that lil detail. Its not that easy!

It amazing me how massive and amazing the plan of the Lord is. He's good! I am reminded again how important it is to trust in him, even when you don't know why he does things, or tells you things, even when its a hard thing to do, like stop writing one of your best friends.

Well, to answer some questions about my residence. The house is super small. Its really low as well. I hit my head one the door of our room if I'm not careful, and the shower head is super small, hits just above the chin. I thought I already told you this, but I feel like Buddy the Elf in this house! Its pretty far away from everything, but its a cozy lil place. Can't complain, super easy to clean. There isnt hot tap water in any place Ive ever seen in Brasil, but the shower is hot. And we got ourselves a nice washing machine to wash our clothes out front. And our new neighboors love to talk to us, and give us hugs, haha!

Thanks for the message from Sis Perez! And Ally is 18?! Seriously?! Crazy... to me shes still 16...

Halloween isn't celebrated on this date, or really at all.

Alessandra is super strong! We are really excited for her baptism, as is she, and the ward!

The Primary program was great, nothiong out of the ordinary, just a few talks that were insanely good. Ridiculously well written and delivered.

The struggles I feel as a missionary lately come from the fact that the calling is great, and the servant is weak. I feel pretty under qualified, and I am put with companions who are well-qualified, and at times I feel impatient with myself. But I have been praying and working towards humble confidence. I feel like I'm on a teeter-totter, trying to balance myself in the middle. When one sides down, Im egotistical, when the others down, insecure. I've realized this week how similar the two are. The both come from thinking to much about yourself, and not enough about others. I'm going to work beter on that, one of my goals. Finding that balance by looking to others.

This week we did a division with the Assistances. (I can't spell anything anymore.) But it was really fun, and I really enjoyed myself. I was with Elder Poffo, who is brazilian. It was a great experience. I learned the most though from the Spirit. I took a lot of notes on what the Spirit was teaching me. There were so many things which the spirit made so clear to me, which before I never really understood. I dont have time to share them today, but maybve next week!

J! Hang in there, home-schooling is kinda hard at times. But, it'll be worth it. Just keep working hard! How did you like football? Seems like you just started!

A-way to tear up! Keep working hard, and get those grades up! Im proud!

W- way to help out a brother from another mother. Jose. Solid name. I know about 10,778 people with that name. The best way to help any group of people is by pulling up one person at a time. way to be a great friend.

Mom-thanks for the great letter! Thanks for everything, and for the prayers. This week has been much better than the previous weeks, and I know a large part of it is because of the prayers you and Dad have said! Send D a hug, and C, too, haha and the rest of the fam!

Love you all, way overtime :) Have a great week!

love, Elder Jake

Photos

Captions by Elder Jake










View of Sao Paulo on top of a fatty bank.















At the Primary activity

with Joaohinzo

with Elder Harris on front of a massive Catholic church.

Burning a white shirt -- celebrating the one-year mark.

New neighbors, funny people, one year mark

Dear My family and Friends,

Thanks for your great letters! Lets get this party started.

We have new neighbors! The family who lives in the main part of house (we live in the basement) is on a temple mission now, and they rented the house to a Chilean family! They are also members of the church, and don't speak Portuguese! I am having a lot of fun with them, and I'm practicing the Spanish I never learned, haha.

Yesterday we helped them move some furniture. It was pretty crazy. We were trying to get a couch from the second floor to the first. It didnt fit down the staircase. It pretty interesting. The wife came in and saw us and her husband trying to make it work and said more or less "I know a joke. A Braslian, and Chilean, and an American were trying to more a couch..." It pretty much was a joke. We ended up tying a garden hose to the couch and lowering it down from the balconcy. They are a super friendly, and hilarious family. We comunicate with a mixture of spanish, portuguese and english. I'm loving it. Its pretty cool to learn a bit of Spanish as well, its pretty similar, and I'm picking up some phrases pretty quickly.

Alessandra is doing awesome! She will be baptized on the 31st. Her and her husband (who was less-active) are going strong. They stopped drinking coffed, and are just loving the church. They met President Richardson on sunday when he spoke at stake conference. President asked Manoel if he was receiving the lessons. He said, "Yeah, they come by about once a MONTH!" the look on presidents face was pretty funny, and Manoel got a kick out of it. Glad someone did haha

They are the only real investigators we have right now, we dropped the majority of our teaching pool this week. The area looks like its just falling apart! They all stopped progressing, and so we had to move on. So for this, the week was a lil stressful.

I really liked the story dad shared from President Monson. [It was actually Elder Holland.] I felt like my car has kinda broken down. But I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store for us this week!

As Zone leaders the work is pretty much the same. We just have to follow-up at night by phone, and do divisions. I like divisions a lot, I always have. Its pretty fun to mix things up.

I have been thinking a lot about Sister Lauren this week. We met a family (cousins of Alessandra) who remind me a ton of Lauren and her mom. Its weird. But I have been thinking about the superb missionary she is, and some lessons I learned from her in my life. Super good friend. Taught me a lot, especially how to laugh, and have fun.

That Primary activity went to last week was the rehearsal for the program. I'm excited for it, it'll be Sunday.

Well, on my one year mark, I was on a division, and wasn't gonna do anything, cause I was gonna wait for my comp to come back to party, but a member sent me a pizza! Made my day! Then the next day, I celebrated with Elder Areas by buying another pizza, and burning a shirt.

Well, I love you all, I have to go!

Love, Elder Jake

Bringing 11 people to church

Hi Family!

This week was a pretty solid week. We were able to bring 11 people to church sunday! I almost cried with the immense alegria. It was pretty awesome.

First, Alessandra and Manoel, and this couple we found knocking doors. He's a member, she isn't. Anyways, we went to her house Monday night, and we asked her how the reading went. She replied that she was full of questions, and when she opened the Book of Mormon, it answered all of the questions she had at that time. She conitinued to tell us that as she prayed that night, she felt the same peace. She was so happy! I asked her if she believed the Book of Mormon was true, and she said yes! I asked if she believed if the church, and she said she did. The spirit was really strong, I was so happy. I don't know if I have felt the spirit that strong yet on my mission. It was a really cool experience.

It is really hard to focus on this email. Everything is closed today because its a holiday, so we are using the computers in an English school of one of the members. I'm using this little laptop and I'm afraid Im gonna break it. And the member, being really cool, we are all talking a lot, so its difficult. But Ill do my best!

Today was a great p-day! We went to the chapel to open it for the primary because no other priesthood holder could make it. There were a couple brothers there, but they are recent converts. Anyways, we started out by playing some soccer. I really loved that. Its been about 6 months since I played any sports. Then, we went to McDonalds. Then, came back to the church, and played som games with the primary. It was really fun. We played this one came, DO You Love your Neighboor?, which is kinda like musical chairs. Anyways, during one of the parts of the game, I got up to switch chairs and almost destroyed poor Irma Zilma. She went flying! She stepped in my path and lost the battle of physics, and went flying. haha I felt pretty bad, but she thought it was pretty funny and we had a good laugh. I was a lot more careful after that...Haha but it was great to play with some kids again. It reminded me of the family. Was a blast.

Well, you asked what I've learned lately. I think what I've really been learning is to love people that I don't know, and equally important, show my love. I have really been trying to feel the love I should for these people. Something I will continue to develop for the rest of my life I suppose, but I have been trying to make some leaps in this. I don't even know what else I've been learning, Its so hard to describe. I feel like I'm learning everything, and nothing all at once. The more I learn, the more I realize that I have more to learn. I have such a long way to go!

I will hit on year this week. Not sure how I feel about that. I dont feel old, I still feel really new on the mission. I am still learning so much, which I am totally fine with. I hope I can continue to do that.

What parts of the Brazilian Culture have I adopted? Well, Ive always been extremely impressed with the love the Brazilans have. They are such a warm, happy, unconditionally loving, and joking people. This is a trait I really hope to take away from Brazil. I can't really explain it, but it is something I will try to make part of me, and then take it home. I love Brazilians.

In the next few months, what do I want to learn? That list is extremly long. But I'm focusing on my teaching, improving the way I share the gospel. I'm just studying a lot PMG and some other things. Also Portuguese, I wanna improve a lot my speaking ability. As I am starting to forget English, I'm gonna need at least one language when I return...

And also I have a question, why Jacob? Why did you choose this name? Well, my time has run out. This letter was quite uninformative. Sorry! But I'm hungry. And my companion is complaining, as usual ;). He gave an incredibly powerful talk on Sunday. I was taken back. I gotta step up my game! haha Well I love Santo Andre, I love the members, I love the work, and I love you guys as well!

Tchau tchau!
Love, Elder Jake

Conference week!

Hi Guys!

Well this week has been a blast. I am learning a ton, and having a great time. I dont even know where to start.

Conference was really great! I once again started out with a sandwich from the ever expensive Subway, which was incredible. Unfortunately, there was a massive confusion with the conference, whether or not we could listen to it in English as missionaries. I, being the American ZL, had to sort that out. I, the leaders of the stake and mission, and even the President, trying to figure out why everyone was saying we couldn't watch in English. And of course, all the English-speaking members of the stake were coming to me because they wanted to watch it, and for some reason it was up to me to figure out why it wasn't set up! It was crazy, some of the leadership was kinda difficult to work with, and I still dont know why, but we watched most of it in Portuguese. There were some people upset, but what can ya do!

I did my best to put that aside, and enjoy the sessions. It is a lot harder to focus in Portuguese, especially since its not the same voice, and all, but I found it easiest if i didn't look at the screen. I found myself lip reading in English, and hearing Portuguese. So I did some doodling while listening. But I loved it still the same.

Luckily, we were able to watch the preisthood session in english. Elder Uchtdorf's talk was an answer to a lot of prayers. He explained humility in a way that made sense to me, and I was able to make some goals. I really liked what he said about how humilty doesnt come from thinking less of yourself (something I do too often), but it comes from thinking less about yourself (my favorite pasttime ;). I cant remember any other notes at this second, but I know that leaving the sessions, I felt so great. Felt so happy to be a member, and so determined to do what I can to follow the Lord. I'm really excited to read the talks!

I have been learning a ton from my companion. He is a super outgoing guy. He can get anybody to laugh. He is an incredible teacher as well. The first few days I didnt really teach very much, he kinda just did everything. But, I talked to him about sharing the load, and now we are doing really well. I have so much to learn. But I have been doing my best, and I've seen a few of my strengths come out. Thanks for the note about tenacity, Mom. I taught Elder Areas that word this morning. It is my favorite word in the English language.

In seeing that my companion was such a great missionary, I made a ton of goals this week. A ton. A bunch of lil things to step up the work on my side. One thing Ive done is clean. I haved loved cleaning this week. kinda weird, and I know you just fell out of your chair mom, but I have been able to think and receive a lot of help from the Lord as I do these tasks. I have never seen a missionary house so clean! Elder Areas and I have cleaned the whole thing from top to bottom. Today I washed the legs of the table. Which really needed it haha.

One of my other goals has been my thoughts. Something I came up with before conference, been conference definitely helped. Ive been trying really hard to not only always working, but always thinking, and praying, about the work, and how to improve it. (Almost always, you gotta break out and sing some soprano every once in awhile). This has made the week go by really fast, and as I try to improve this skill, I think Ill be able to get alot more done in my life.

My week is completely jumbled inside my mind. What cha gunna do.

Well, I love you people, and my time has run out I have really been thinking a lot about 1 nephi 16:16 i think, that talks about keeping to the "most fertile parts of the wilderness". I really liked this phrase, and how we can do that by following the ball, or the scriptures.

I love you, have a great week! Break a leg, and arm, but don't break anything valuable.

Tchau tchau!

Elde Jake

Same place; new comp

Dear You People,

We had transfers again! My beloved companion, Elder Read, was called to be assistant! He is definitely qualified for the position, on the best missionaries Ive met out here. Im gonna stay in the area. My new companion is Elder Areas. Finally a Brazilian! Elder Read and I pretty much only spoke portuguese, but still, its different with a native speaker. He also speaks english a bit, so I'm excited to help him out with that as well. He is the best missionary I have ever met. He was assistant, when I showed up. Served there for a good ten months. I have always looked up to him and they way he teaches, and works with people. I am pretty excited to learn from him, I know I have got a ton to learn.

Working with such great missionaries is a great privilegdge, and at times, a lil discouraging. I realize how much farther I've got to go. But I remembered yesterday how difficult it was to go against Cole and Seth and some of the other huge guys in football practice. How frustrating it was at times, but how much I learned and grew, and how I found out where my strengths lay/lie (i cant remember how to spell that word...). I am doing this with my companions, and as I take this in with a spoonful of humility, I am really excited to see how much I can learn, and how high I can reach.

Andre's baptism was amazing. There weren't very many people there, but the spirit was really strong. During his confirmation as well. I can tell this man really is a powerful, special man. He has so much potencial to help so many people! And, haha, I finally figured out who he reminds me of on Sunday, its Uncle Ward. They way he treats people, and acts reminds me a ton of uncle ward! Are they still comin in Feb? I hope so! Andre's sister watched the baptism, and the confirmation. She cried during the both of them, she really felt the spirit. We will teach her and her family next week!

Last week we had zone conference. President gave us the challenge to read the BoM in our native language before Christmas eve. While we are doing this we are to highlight the parts about faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end (including keeping the commandments), each with its own color. I also am marking all the questions in the BoM, and Im bolding the names of Christ. He gave us a blank BoM to do this. This reading has been amazing. I usually am really reserved in what I mark in my scriptures, but as this is anothr book, I have been marking like crazy. I have never gotten so much of the BoM! I have been hightlighting the assigned parts, but also noticing so much stuff that I havent noticed before! Man, that book is so good! I have also realized the importance of The Gospel Of Christ. Im realizing more and more how important it is for everyone to follow it, so that we can all reaturn to live with Him. Im pretty excited about this activity.

Hmm, well, I think I gotta go. I gotta do some kinda survey thing.

I love you all, and you are all in my prayers!

Love, Jake

Andre's baptism

Alrighty. Hi Guys!

It sounds like you guys are living the life, busy as ever! I'm glad to hear you guys are having fun. I dont know where to start, so Im just gonna start.

We are really excited about Andre's baptism this week. He is going to be in the Elders Quorum presidency for sure. He is such a natural leader, and is really excited to be baptized. He is hard to track down at times, because he is chasing after a job right now, but he is loving church, and is reading the Book of Mormon and the Bible like no one's business.

Elisa is another baptism we have lined up for the following week. She is 24. She went to church with a friend in another ward, and they passed her address to us. She is extremely intelligent. Sometimes I think she understands what we teach bettter than I do! She also gets along super well with the ward members. All those rms. She stayed after church talking to the girls from the ward. She was one of the last to leave the building. Good sign. We are excited about her, and her family as well which we are hoping to start teaching.

We are also teaching Onato, who will be baptized the following week. He is 28ish. To his luck, he shattered his leg in an ugly motorcycle accident. He has been staying at his cousins house to recouporate. His cousin is a recent convert, and we found him there. We taught him the 2nd lesson first. About the plan of salvation. Man, he ate that up! He couldnt stop smiling. He is super excited. He has been reading everything (has nothin else to do) and praying. Its pretty crazy how this accident has become a miracle for him. He even told the doctors he didn't want to have his appointments on sunday anymore so he can go to church. What a stud!

We are teaching Ivan and Ana as well. They are 17 and 16, and are dating. We always teach them together, but they are going to church every week, and are getting ready for baptism. They are a lil unsure about the law of chastity, but we are trying to help them with that. They are reading the Book of Mormon, and I know thats helpin em out. They dont have a date yet, but I'm hoping conference weekend.

Hmm thats pretty much the update for investigators. Sunday, Elder Puerta from the 70 showed up in our chapel. We talked to him for awhile. He is a great man, and is really excited about missionary work. He loves talking to people about the gospel. He never stops! He got me more excited about it as well!

Then, President Richardson showed up! He was in a meeting with the stake pres and Elder Puerta. ( I think our stake might divide). But he took advantage and he had a quick interview with us about the ward, and how the Vinde A Mim program is going (its not) and helped us with that. Showed us what we could do differently to help it get going. Then he also did a personal interview with me. He is a great man. We talked about the family and all, and he explained to me the processes. That ginormous, manly man started tearing up when he was talking about the beauty of repentance. I really felt that forgiveness is real, that all of us can be forgiven of it all. All the little things, all the big things. All of it is washed away, and the Lord will remember no more. For this, Im extremely grateful. And I am so happy I am growing to understand this better and better. That was an excellent interview.

Jedi Council is every month, and goes from 10 -5ish. There are 10 zones in the mission. 194 missionaries!

Well, My time is out! Tell everyone Hi, and give an extra manly scream for my sibs at the next sports events, as well as theater. I love you all!

Elder Jake

Life is good here in lil ol massive and ginormously populated Santo Andre.

Hey! How are you guys?

Life is good here in lil ol massive and ginormously populated Santo Andre. Today we went to the temple. Man, I love that place. It is so incredibly relaxing, and really made me feel great. I just wish I could go more! But one day. This week I have been really focusing on trying to give it my all. Really let the Lord guide me, and trust in his plan. I am trying. Its hard sometimes. But I'm getting it little by little. I'm not sure why thats been on my mind. I just really want to give more, I feel like I have so much more to give. I just got to find out where its hiding, and how to give more of it.

To the questions. Do I learn anything from the brasilian RMs? Well, most of them just tell us "Just Batptize, Elder". Which, being an extremely great idea, is of lil or no help, haha. But every once in awhile, one of 'em comes up with a good idea and we put it to use, haha. The three-day training really focuses, like I said, on improving teaching, especially in using inspired questions, that get the investigator to say truths for themselves, help them learn for themselves, instead of us just telling them. And to understand better what they need. I think that is really awesome.

Side story. Yesterday, we had a Jedi Council. Jedi Council is where all the zone leaders from the mission get together and talk about the mission and stuff. I was kinda excited, but a bit nervous as well. These guys are all exceptional missionaries, and I'm just the guy who moves all the funiture and boxes around. I prayed for a few days leading up to it that I wouldnt say anything dumb, and that we would be able to talk about the problems of the mission and come up with solutions.

During the council, we were talking about how we can help the other missinaries, who didn't get the training, catch the "vision" of the New Curriculum. A bunch of people gave a lot of stuff. Then I got this idea that seemed so incredibly obvious. I raised whats left of my arm (I'm so thin!) and suggested that we should use these same principles that we use for investigators, with our missionaries. The assistances started laughing, and the Pres had this goofy smile on his face. I was thinking "Oh no, what did I say wrong?" Finally, after I started sweating a bit inside my suit, they told me that's what they had prepared a training on. That was the answer they were looking for. Phew!

And that is why I need to trust the Spirit. Because if it was my idea, it would have been quite the oposite. That's one of the things I'm trying to improve, one of the points of the new curriculum, follow the spirit instead of just talking to talk. Something I really need to improve. But I am super grateful the Lord is teaching me line upon line.

During that Jedi Council, a thought came to my head about my parents. and the times they tried to teach things. And what they did. And then I realized how important it was to learn this stuff, cause I'm gonna have to put it to use in my family! AHH! Thats way more intense than just a lil short mission. I gotta get cracking.

Thank Sister Brown for that nice comment! I would get that tattooed across my back if I wasnt a missionary. [After his last letter, Sis Brown wrote, " “What a tender, precious, strong, awesome, giant, true-hearted man. You've raised a champion.”]

I loved hearing about the kids' sports adventures. Keep being agressive! J, you are a stud! Don't let those kids waste your time, throw em on the ground! I've got some sweet techniques to teach you, but without being there...kinda hard. Just go as hard as you can! That's where I had success. Not extremely good technique, but I had tenacity!

Tenacity:The unquenchable to desire to acomplish. I love that word. I gotta make a t-shirt out of that. With nice flexing biceps. W and A, just keep running hard and don't be scared! W, remember the power of lil people. Destroy! A - use that attitude of yours! Ya got it for a reason!

Well, once again, I'm out of time. Man. I'm lame with a keyboard. Thank the family who are visisting - taking the flight I would if I could! But I got better stuff to do. Sister Richardson told me yesterday when she asked about you guys that I'm throwin down some serious blessings from where I'm at. (Those weren't the exact words.) Glad to help out :) Haha have a great week! You guys feel some amazingly close today, maybe because of the temple trp. Not sure. But Im glad.

Love ya!-Jake

Answering questions; doing great!

Hello Friends!

I have just eaten a monte de feijoada and the sleepyness is hitting hard, but I am excited to have a lil more time to respond to some questions, and tell ya guys some more of whats going on in my lil life. At request of my lovely mother, questions first!

Shoes. I wear a manly 45. I think thats a 12. Not positive. I would like them to be black, and with the more squarish toe. The ecco brand seems pretty tough, brasil just eats shoes fast. Thanks a ton, that would be much appreciated! I currently only have one hole in the shoe. But it is almost big enough to put my hand through, Great for getting that one itch. What else do I need? Nothing. White shirt or two would be nice- they are losing the white part, and mayb a black sweater? Peanut butter. I dunno.

I have the photos on a cd now, just gotta get close to a post office so I can send it. Our area is huge, and lacking of Post offices. I have a few fotos today.

The ward is pretty good here. They dont really help all that much...but they are super friendly and pretty fly. There are also a ton of RMs in the ward, but unfortunately they are all working and studyin and looking for "the one" so they're schedules are pretty tight. The hard parts of this area are that, the lack of member help, and the fact that the church is in a urban area, meaning all the houses are far away from the church. But we are working around that. Or just getting people to buck up and walk a bit ;) We have been trying to find those who want to be baptized. Naturally. But this means we have ended a lot of lessons early, or just not taught a lesson to some people because even though they are willing to listen, they are not willing to change (we do this in accordance with the Spirit). We have taught so many lessons where at the end people say they wont pray cause they already have a church or somethiong. So we try to talk about that at the beggingin, that we will ask them to pray and ask God at the end to know for themselves if our message is true. This has saved time, but means we teach less, and spend more time contacting people.

How are things at home? Updates? You asked me how I am doing. Well, I am doing great. Two weeks ago, however,I had kinda a rough week. I really just wanted to be with my famliy to help out, to make em laugh, or do something. Along with a ton of other feelings. I felt a ton of love for you guys, and I had a hard time not being with you. It was a difficult week.

So how did I make it through?

That Pday I went home from the lan house and got my Book of Mormon. I said a sincere prayer, and then I started reading. Read until I fell asleep, woke up and read some more. I have been reading that book ever since, in all of my down time.First thing I do when I wake up, and last thing I do before I go to bed is read (and pray). It has helped immensely. I have been praying often, many times while I'm walking, or teaching or whenever. I really saw the hand of the Lord in my life. He brought so much comfort to me. I knew he was comforting you guys as well, and that helped me out a ton. I knew that my family was in good hands. The Lord takes great care of us. These days I am doing much better, and am starting to feel like my good ol self!

On Wednesday, Sister Richardson came up to me and asked me how my family was doing. That was a good question. I explained a lil to her, and she helped me a lot. She talked to me about the blessings of the Lord and got me to laugh a bit about life and the way the Lord works. She told me she would pray for the family, cause she has a strong testimony of prayer. I had to keep my arms folded to keep from hugging her.

The three-day training went well. We really focused on following the spirit, and asking"inspired questions" to know how to help, and to get the investigator to think. Really to stop teaching lesssons, and teach people. This has been good. They also focused on love. Really learning to love the people we serve and teach. In the testimony meeting at the end of the training, I related the way I solve problems of my investigaorsto the way my parents solve problems with us. I know that as you guys act, you are doing it with a ton of love. I just gotta follow your example in this and I will have more success as amissionary. Show people the love I have for them. Maybe I should wink more.

Well, this week we were able to do a service project. We fixed the water box on a members house. I still can't do plumbing without thinking about W...haha. [W does an imitation of a plumber, crack and all. Boys!] It was pretty fun. I miss so much that work. But the work I'm doing is pretty great.

Well, I love you all! Time ran out. Im slow today. The feijoada got the best of me. Thanks for your letters! Especially Uncle Aaron. My companion and I enjoyed your letter, I shared with him a few parts! Thanks! Ill try and get more personal stuff in next week!

Love, Jake

Rushed; "The Best Two Years"

Hey!

I have about 13 mins to write today-o joy! These last few days have been great, but a bit crazy too! We are in the midst of this three-day training session as leaders. Its really cool. We are focusing a ton on learning to follow the spirit, teach people, and not lessons, stuff like that. I am learning a ton!
The training is in our chapel, so Elder Read and I are hosting it. We prepare the program every night, conduct, and organize the bunch of divisions that have to happen for the district leaders and trainers whose companions will not be joining us. Not to mention set up and take down, getting there early everyday and leaving last. Its been crazy. But worth it. We are learning a ton with the churches new "Simplified Curriculum". I had the chance to conduct today, and the mission got to see a small glimpse of the way Elder Jake likes to conduct haha! I dont think the Spirit left... ;)

Last night we taught Andre! He is a great man. He dated a member a while back, and thats how he got to know the church. But he has been wanted to turn his life around lately, and decided to go to her church. Got in touch with her family, and asked what to do. He is a stud. He's about 40, but he is really excited abut the gospel. The lesson with him was great, really inspiring. He will be baptized the 12th!

Let's play a lil memory game. I want all of you to think about the movie, The Best Two Years. Think about the investigaor in that movie, the one who doesn't speak Dutch. Can you picture him? Ok. That guy walked into our ward on Sunday.Turns out he doesn't speak Portuguese either! The guy walked into the Sacrament room and sat down and people started tapping me on the shoulder and whispering, "Thats the guy!" Indeed it was. After church I talked to him for a while. He's a pretty funny guy. Reminded me a lil of Peter Boggs. I guess he is here traveling for business. I was able to translate for him to talk to the ward members who wanted to meet him. It was a pretty cool experience. I had a blast. I wanna get better at translating. Might have to talk to Pres-Man about that see if i can get some more experiences.

Sending a pic of us and Scott next week, didnt have time to go home cause Pres had to do some interviews afterwards today.

Well, my time ran out! I love you all! Sorry for the rush, I think next week will be better! I love you all!

Jake

Loving new area

[Jake is zone leader in his new area.]

Hey Guys!

Well, another week has flown by! Lets see what I can do to sum up the week quickly.

Well the area. The area has a load of hills, and my lil toe is officially sticking out of the hole in my shoe! But the area is great! I love it! We live in between two giant ghettos, and next to a huge prison! (I'm sure you are greatful to hear that mom ;). But the area is actually really nice, one of the niciest areas I've lived in. Its ridiculous how many people in the ward speak English. I was shocked. I love English speakers, that really make me want to learn Portuguese better, not sure how that works, but its true. Maybe cause I realize my English is shot and maybe there is a chance I will leave the mish speaking one language correctly!

My companion is super legit. He is one of the most humble guys I've ever met, and has a great love for the work. We are super excited to see what we can do with the zone, we have made a lot of plans, mostly focusing on getiing people pumped! We have a pretty sweet training prepped for tomorrow's district meetings, and ... a fatty breakfast! By far the best part! Should be a blast.

I'm realizing I had lost a bit of the fire of missionary work before, and I am working to get back that excitement. It's starting to work :) I love being out here, I really do.

We had a baptism in the ward on Sunday, a woman I didn't reallly know that well, but I was really happy for her. She seemed so happy. This really is a great blessing to see these lives change.

Well, a lot has happened these weeks for you guys. I have been filled today with an overwhelming love for my family. Everyone! I love my family! It crazy how strong those feelings came to me in reading my letters today. My family rocks. I love my Grandparents, who have have and are setting such great examples of service, and faith in our Savior. I love my parents who have really showed me what is its to put it all in the Lord's hands and keep moving forward, and keep the optimism. I love my siblings, who have taught me so much about being a family, loving one another, and just being so happy with life! I really can express all the love I am feeling today for you all. I pray that you guys can feel it all the way over there is the good ol USA.

I gotta go, time ran out a long time ago. but thanks for everything! Keep smiling :)

Love, Jake

Tranferred to Santo Andre

Hey Guys!

I, like you guys, am super rushed this week! I Will have to be super short!

I got transferred! I am now in Santo Andre, back up in the Sao Paulo area. I'm pretty pumped, the area is def different, and beautiful. Like the trees and stuff. Should be a great transfer.

My companion is Elder Read. He has a year and one month on the mission. He is from the same group as Elder Finlinson and Elder Perry. This guys is a stud. I like him a lot. He is from Layton, Utah. I'm sure I am going to learn a lot with him, and the work here. Im excited, and a lil nervous, but Im sure we will destroy in this area. Should be a blast.

I was sad to leave Praia Grande, but the change, and the new adventure, made up for it a bit. Today, we had a training for leaders in the morning and I was able to see Elder Finlinson, and Elder Guthrie, and Elder Tyree. We had lunch together, and it was probly the funnest time I've had in a long time. I was pretty pumped, and grateful for the great friends I've got here on the mission. This new kids gonna be one of em as well.

Well, I love you all, I am really grateful to be here serving as a missionary. I miss you guys. Voces are the greatest! I will keep praying for ya, and I will be sure to do something dumb this week so you guys can all have a laugh next week :) Like run as fast as I can and do a sweet Superman dive onto the pull up bar. And then, as my body swings through, have the bar break, leaving my flailing body fly across the room, and hit the floor :) The bruises have almost left!

Well, we have to run to Sao Paulo, my comp accidently forgot the planners for the entire zone there, so we will go run there and get em! You people are so lucky to be together, and I am so lucky to have you guys supporting me here in Brasil! I happen to think my family is the coolest ever. I might even love you guys. Maybe. Dont get over excited!]

Love, Jake!

Being Led

My wonderful Familiy and Friends,

I love you all. :)

I really enjoyed the letters this week, I reread parts, and I have lil time left, but I am grateful for all of you.

I continue to share with others my Grandparent Loveland's immense willingness to serve with those around me. I am so proud of my Grandparents! They are super great, fantastic examples!

I have to let you know, the fact that A fasted for family this week was a pretty powerful example of faith, and trust in the Lord. I am extremely impressed with my lil Sister! Thanks A!

Mom, when I hear about all you are doing, I just count my blessings that my moutain of tasks, is only a lil mole hill next to yours. Wow, Keep that up!

This week has been pretty good. We are finally getting some awesome families in the teaching pool! I love these people, and I love working everyday. I'm excited to teach these people!Something that wasn't very strong in the begining. I get strength from these families. Families are the greatest thing God made.

Some funny stories: The first wasn't very funny at the time. I did a division with the members Wednesday night. The two marked apppointments fell through, the 4 back-up plans also fell through! The 6th house we went to, I knocked on the door (actually, I clapped my hands at the gate as is custom) and our investigator came out. She was sooo upset! She was yelling at us for coming at 10:30 at night (reallly, it was 8:20) and was upset because of who knows what else! She gave us a good yelling for a few mins, and then we left. I have never had anyone say that for sure. Most people are completely chill with an 8:30 visit.

And then! The member got mad at me for knocking at her door! He said he didn't want to do anything else, and wanted to go back to the church and wait for the division to end. That hurt, I was trying to be positive through it all, and as we walked home from the chapel it started to rain! Haha So ridiculous.

Then another member called me and said he noticed it was starting to rain and wanted to know where we were so he could give us a ride home. I almost kissed him on the forehead! haha its amazing how much a lil act of service can help out.

There is a crazy drunk guy trying to read this letter right now. Its incedible, all of the drunks here speak english, just basics, but they all know it!

Anyways, I was able to talk to that member on the way home and we had a good laugh about how crazy that day was.

We also taught a lesson with another member earlier that day. He taught everything. EVERYTHING! All five missionary lessons, The Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, all commandments, patriarchal blessings, temples, home teachers, sacrament, temples and the temples again. And yeah. everything. Wow, ahah, I have never cut someone off some many times in my life!

Afterwards, I prayed for help in talked to this member and correcting his teaching a bit. I have had to correct a few other times this week, with missionaries mostly, but it is not my favorite thing to do. I only do it when the Spirit makes me, haha, but its another time when I just rely on the spirit as best I can. I know there are so many things that I need to improve, so I feel like I don't have a lot of room to help others, but the Lord has helped me out and I think I have been able to help these people.

The talk with the member turned out extremely well actually. Not sure how, just followed the Spirit. Complimented him a bunch sincerely, and then told him the problem, and told him it will help him be a greater help yet, and then complimented him again, sincerely. Seems like a good formula I will try to use more. Glad I'm not alone in cases like this.

Next week are transfers. I have never wanted to stay in an area so much, but I think I might leave. This assistances called the ZLs and I guess there is a good chance I might "be needed elsewhere". Whatever that means. I am just getting the hang of the work here! I hope I stay, but we shall see!

Well, I love you all! Have a great week!
Jake

Nerve-wracking but great week!

At Samantha's baptism, complete family.

*************************************************************************************

Hi Guys!
Sounds like the week abroad was extre,mely busy! I loved hearing abouit the adventures in California, and in that good ol small town especially. I love that place. Good times are always in store.

This week too has been crazy, so Ill get to the beef of it!

Friday night, we had a ward party. I loved it! It was a blast! It was kinda like a Caraval tyoe thing with games and lots of food and some dancing presentations. It was so fun, I completely lost track of time, and we left there at 10:25! Whoops. But we did a tug of war, Elder Harris and I vs. four young men from the ward. Totally dominated them!

More nerve racking, Samantha said she wanted to wait for baptism, and her mother agreed. They wanted her dad to baptize her, in a few months when he can. I don't have any idea what we said, but I just followed the Spirit. I have had to do that a lot lately, having no idea what to do, and just putting my faith in the Lord, and hoping it'll work out. In the end, she accepted to be baptized Saturday! I even "baptized" Elder Harris right in the middle of the ward party to get her more comfortable, more excited about the idea. It was pretty funny, and the ward seemed to enjoy it as well. He's a big kid so I was a lil scared!

We also had a ton of members bring friends there, so we will have some more people to teach! Yes! This area has been tough. Real tough.

Saturday night we had the baptism, and it went so well! I loved so much seeing this family together afterwards, they were so happy! Reminded me of how great my job is, even with all the stress and sacrifice, its a pretty nice gig. I love this family!

Sunday, we went and visited a referral we got from the site. It was the nicest house I've seen in brasil i think haha. Anyways, we started talking to this incredible family, and turns out the daughter (20) talked to a missionary on the airplane who was going to the MTC in Brasil. This lead me to ask why she was coming back from the states. Turns out she studies at OSU! She has not only heard of our hometown, but has been there! I almost cried of pure joy! NO ONE in Brasil has heard of Oregon! But also the little town? Whoa! Haha that family was extremely receptive, and seemed to really like the message. We are going to baptize them before the go to Oregon in four weeks so they can hang with you guys a bit :)

Yesterday I had an interesting experience... I was doing an interview for a baptism in another area. The interview was going well, and right around question three, the baby she was holding started to cry. This lady immediately started breast feeding her child. This startled me, haha, as she made no effort to cover herself or anything like that. I just laughed to myself and kept going. This is just another example of how completelty DIFFERENT the culture here is in Brasil. I'm so glad stuff like that doesnt happen very often in the States, hahaha

Well, that one time we almost got robbed . . . We were walking down the street, and a guy ran up to us and started screaming "get on the ground! get on the ground!" I didn't really have a desire to do this, and was not really intimidated by this small man, so kept walking. However, my companion was grabbed by the man and so I came back really fast. We were able to talk the guy into letting us go because we were just missionaries and were poor. He was a lil unbelieving, but with the stare of power and authority of God peering into his eyes, he ran off. Pretty crazy!

Well, like I said, the area hasn't been picking up as much as I would like. We are trying, working really hard, but its taking some time. We did a 48-hour division with the LZs to get some stuff going in our area, and had absolutely zero success. A lil frustrating. I have learned a lot from the song "Where can I turn for peace." I used to associate this song with when people suffer big things, death, big disappointments, sins, tragedies or stuff like that. But this week I realized that the song, or rather Jesus Christ, covers our everyday stresses too. That the peace from daily stresses also comes from faith in the Lord, and knowing that he knows your heart, he knows your desires, and will bless you with the things you need to get through, vencer. I am grateful for the hymns, and for the great blessings I have received already. Well, I love you all! Sorry this letter is lame, but I guess you'll have to deal with it!

Love you all, Elder Jake

Pictures

1) Elder J. Harris and I were rained on and so our investigators gave us dry shirts to wear home. We entered that house Mormon, and left Evangelical. The Evangelical preachers are always walking around in their colored shirts with the bible under the arm. Pretty sweet :)

Praia Grande!
Super sweet restaurant ruins in our area

Wintertime?

Hello my wonderful family,

Sounds like you guys have had a lot of adventures, and have more for this week! That is excellent, keeps life real interesting!

They keep telling me its winter here, but Im not entirely sure. Its not that hot, but its definitely not cold! It rains once or twice a week, but still cold is an unfamiliar feeling here. Its been about 25 pretty much the whole time. Althought the Brazilians walk around in hoodies and beenies and gloooves. Its pretty funny, if ya ask me. The beaches are getting loaded on the weekends though, which means loads of old men walking around in speedos. Not my favorite part of the area, haha, but what can ya do. Being here in the summer would be way worse! With the temperature, and the old men.

Samatha's baptism fell through :( Shes still super strong, and the family is becoming super involved in the ward, starting to look like theyve been there awhile. The only reason she wasn't baptized was because of, as she put it, "problemas das moças". Haha I didnt know how to respond to that one. I think my facial expressions took care of it ahah shell be baptized Saturday.

Anna Maria disappeared! We finally got a hold of someon at her house and they said her aunt died, so she has been traveling. I hope she comes back soon!

We had an interesting week, not having much time in our area at all. My district leader responsibilities have been pulling me away from the area. We spent one day doing baptism interviews, and another day helping the sisters talk to land lords about the housing switch they are about to do, and a third day we had a really long Zone Conference! AHHH. But it was good, I really loved interviews. It is so great to see these awesome people, with testimonies so strong! Helping the sisters was also good, just time consuming.

Zone Conference was intense. They introduced a new Program, "Vinde a Mim" to help the members intereact with the investigators. So the ward chooses 15 names (less-active,part-member families, or non-members), this parts pretty old. then The ward contacts them. One of the leaders will invite them to a family night. The mission provides materials to be used as gifts in this process. Then we teach em! Its a lil more complicated that that, but thats the sum up :)

Also the zone conference, they announced the churchs new "Simplified curriculum" for missionaries. Its a world-wide thing they are doing, but it just chooses 8 points from PMG, and focus on teachin them to missionaries, practicing and such. Its all about improving teaching and stuff. But this new program also changes a lot in the mission. For example, we won't have interviews with Pres every transferr, or zone conference every month. We will have them every three months! And next month, we start having a lot more trainings for leaders. We have a 3day training coming up! Holy! its like the mtc, Im going go nuts sitting down that long!

Well, thats all the exciting stuff I can think of. Pretty simple week. Lots of doors haha lots of new programs, and lots fhe with members! Both to train, and with investigators! This ward is so legit.

Mom-You sure balance a lot! Sounds like a super crazy week! I love you!

W - How was cub scout camp? That seems like it was pretty fun! Sounds like you had a pretty crazy adventure! I really liked how you prayed, and helped Serena to feel good too. You are a great lil bro! Keep smiling! And don't use drugs while driving!

S - I am so sorry about those cub scout songs. That has got to be rough.

J - you are a stud! You are destroying in scouts! You are going to get the eagle real fast. Keep that up! You never told me if youll be playing footall this fall! or maybe I just forgot. Who knows

Well folks, time to go! Love you all! Choose the Right, please dont swerve when there are dogs in the street. haha I got bit again. Crazy muts. but have a great week!

Love, Jake

[For those who may be concerned, the dog bite didn't break the skin, and he reported it to the mission president's wife, as is standard.]

Baptisms and Other Blessings

Hey Guys!

This week has been crazy! Super long, and super fast at the same time, I wish I could explain it. The week seemed like a day, but the days seemed like weeks!

I will start by explaining the three baptisms we have marked for this week, as per request by my mother :) [I asked for more details about the investigators.] Gabriel (12) is a great kid, he was at lunch on wednesday and has been going to church for a few weeks. He never talked to the missionaries, but he was going with his friends. So on Wednesday, we taught him, and invited him to be baptized! The crazy kid accepted ;) haha I was happy.

Anna Maria, 58, stopped us when we were walking by her house one day. Her son is a member (less-active, but not on the list of the bishop because they moved here recentlyish) and was excited when we offered to share a message with them that day. We have gone back a few times and she is ready! She even (conviently kinda) lost her job in which she was working on Sunday! Crazy. She will be baptized the 1st.

Samantha (13). We were knocking a door one day when Samatha and her parents (Sandro and Adriana) walked by and told us no one was home in that house. We talked to them a bit, and found out they too were members, just inactive for a long time. Ten years or so (also not on the records of the bishop). They let us come back to their house and Samatha accepted the invite to be baptized, and the parents to go back to church! They all went and LOVED IT! They also went to the broadcast thing that the MoTab did, and they loved that too! She said, "I could stay here forever". I loved that response, but was very relieved to get up after sitting for another hour and a half!

So those are the baptizms for now. I think its pretty obvious that the Lord answered our prayers. We worked hard, but he put these wonderful people in our paths. I cannot even explain how grateful I was for that week! This week when we passed the numbers, the ZLs were absolutely shocked. The Lord answered our prayers, and then some! I was super amazed at what the Lord did in this area in the past week. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I guess that is what we signed up for, haha

So on Saturday night we ran into a couple that was visiting from another state. They wanted to know where the chapel was for church the next day. Their son is serving in Sao Paulo North, I guess. Great couple. Anyways, they asked us if we could go with them to the fireside broadcast. I told them we couldn't, so the first thing they did was asked Sandro, Adriana and Samatha if they could go with 'em, and they did! We decided to meet them there (now that we had an investigator there). Then this couple, invited us out to lunch on p'day (today)! Holy. This family is awesome! I was super humbled at their love and willingness to serve. They took us out to a really nice restaurant today, paid for it all.

This couple really made me think. It reminded me of a talk Diane gave about angels of the Lord. I have seen a few people pass through my life, just for an instant, here on the mission, and leave a huge impact. These "hit and run" angels who took us out to lunch and all, had such an awesome spirit, so happy, so grateful, and just so awesome. Really great examples of the Savior. Taught me a valuable lesson. I'm gonna write em a letter! Also I think they wrote you guys a letter, I hope! Please thank them a lot!

She shared a storie with us about her conversion. She said she walked into a room and met a man for some business reason, I believe, and when her husband said it was time to leave, she didn't want to. She said she asked the man who he was, because she felt the spirit so strong. He said he was a bishop for the church of Jesus Christ, and at that moment, she decided to get baptized. I dont think she ever saw him again. Pretty sweet story.

But that couple had the same effect on me. Even though he wasn't a bishop, and I was already baptized, I wanted to be a better person.

Thanks Mom for that lil bit about King Solomon. I really liked it! I love hearing about what you learn from the scriptures or life, I find it super interesting. Also really liked the Oceans 11 analogy. Great movie. Its weird how often I apply that movie to my life. All about team work, and how everyone has their role, but the reward is the same for everyone, (unless you're Benedict). I think thats pretty true for us, no matter what are role in life, if we "play it well" we will receive the same great reward! It may even be better than 13.8 million dollars

Thanks for the fotos from the family reunion! People are growing up! Mathias looks especially manly of late. Nice work with the steroids, kid.

Do you think you could send me Dad's talk? Sounds amazing! I think it would be a wonderful talk to have on hand during a mission!

I really liked the story of the blessings for Grandma and Grandpa; I love giving blessings, one the most wonderful things to be able to do. I was able to give a blessing on Sunday, and it made me very happy. I was able to do it with Adamastor, one of the great men I have gotten to know here on the mission. And we gave it to Paulino, who is another great example to me of what I want to be like when I grow up. These two men remind me a ton of the great examples I have at home, and I felt at home with them.

I am in this area almost 4 months now and I am really starting to get to know the people well. I am starting to get to know their stories, their families, and everything. Great people. I love this ward! I don't really have to use a map anymore, I know when and with who to do family nights and which members would get along with which investigators. It is a blessing to serve here for so long. Its gonna be extremely hard to leave this area, that's for sure. I hope I get to stay a few more!

Hmmm, the district. The district is great! President and I talked about that in our interview. Really fantastic missionaries. I love working with 'em. Basically my job is to get the numbers each week, and help make goals and what-not to improve the work in their areas. I also do divisions to train every once and awhile, and I organize and plan the district meetings. Also I do interviews for baptism, which is a great blessing. I love that part, though its hard.

I talked to pres-man about that. I talked about the worry I had, because some people answer all the questions right, but not with conviction. When do i decide they should wait a lil longer? President really helped me with that. He explained the importance of follow-up post baptism. That people can meet the minimum standards, but we have to follow up a lot to strengthen them, even after the baptism. Also gave me some stuff to study and to pray about. And He said A TON more, but thats all you guys get for now :)

The other day we taught a man who honestly believed that He was the cause of the first and second world wars, and that he was worried he would be the cause of the third as well. He let us know as well that he was born in 1953. :)

Well, I tried to be a lil better this week wit the details, but I ran out of time, so I hope it works! No time for personal ads, sorry! I still love yous. I love you people, thanks for your prayers! I pray for you too!

Love, Jake

July 13, 2010 . . . almost what?

Hey People! I love you guys!

Thanks for the letter mom, it was one of my favorites! Reminded me of how great my family is! Not that is really forgot haha, but it sounds like you had a lot of fun at the reunion and everything else! I would have loved to be there, but life here ain't that shabby, so I'll get over it :)

I'll give ya a few updates here. My comp, Elder J. Harris, is from Ogden, Utah. His name is also Jake! We had a nice talk about the power of that name. Such a solid name. Glad I choose it. He has been helping me a ton with the work (obviously) and has been helping me improve with some of my goals. Hes a stud. I like workin with him a ton. He served in Colorado Springs. Pretty interesting to hear the difference between the two missions, I think its a pretty cool oportunity he had.

So with just the ward, we started over from scratch. We have a few investigators, who are more long term because of marriage complications, but really have no one else to teach. So this week was hard. We were chasing after old investigators, references from the site, less actives, everything! Finding hardly anyone! Was statistically the worst week of my mission. perfect for my first week as senior and district leader. Sunday night after passing the numbers, I couldn't really sleep, I just sat on the floor thinking, and praying, and taking notes on ways to improve the area. We decided to just knock a lot of doors, as we had tried everything else, including knocking doors, but I felt we should focus on that. So yesterday, we fasted, and went knocking all day!

We actually left the house at 8:30, because the sisters never passed the numbers, and hadn't been answering their phone. I was kinda worried about them, so we decided to grab a bus to their area and see what was up. Turns out they were just robbed, so that was good. They will get a new phone and all soon. Crazy, it was at the exact same time as our district leader was almost robbed! Luckily he's a huge guy, and the robber ran away!

So yesterday, comin back from the sisters area, we went straight to work. We knocked doors all day, one of the hottest days in a long time. Freaking long day. But, it was really awesome to see the Lord make some magic happen in the area. it turned out to be the most successful day on my mission! We found loads of people to teach! Even marked a baptism! We almost tied all of the numbers from the entire last week in one day! That was a ridiculous day. Long, but sometimes, life is really hard haha but its got blessings. I've never been so thirsty in my life!

Well, the rest of the ife is pretty normal, I'm super tired, and I feel great. I love coming home knowing you worked like a lil slave pig.

Well thats all I got for now, nothing too exciting!

J -You are the man! Nice work helping out at Grandma's and all. You really like helping out, thats freakin great! You have learned well, young Padowan. haha! Please watch Star Wars for me sometime. Hope your summer break is kickin! What you up too?

W-I been thinking about you and your strange ways lately. We are teaching a kid with your name. He;s pretty weird too. Haha You're such a funny kid!

Mom-thanks for the great letter! Hope all goes well with your clients! Tell Lauren Congratulations! Give her a hug and a solid high five. Shes gonna dominate down there! I love you, Mother

Bye bye gente, have a great week! Thanks for being so cool!

Love, Jake

After reading about that the district leader was almost robbed, I quickly emailed back. I wasn't worried, just wanted to hear more to that story. The following was our back and forth email:

Ummm . . . what do you mean that you were almost robbed? You have to tell more to the story!
Love, Mom

Haha, I havent the foggiest idea what you're talking about, Mother!

Do I need to take back that kiss? [I had emailed another short email the day before and included a hug and kiss on the forehead.]

Haha go for it. ;) Ill have to tell ya next week,time ran out! But I love you still, and the Lord does a great job of keeping watch over his children . . . even when they are odd!
Love ya

From July 7, 2010

Hi Mommy! So yesterday was pretty crazy, so I didnt have time to write! President gave us a lil time to email today, but we will be cutting it even shorter i think, we gotta get some stuff done! Sounds like you guys all had a blast at the family reunion and Im sure it was a freaking blast! So a few quick stories. Sunday, I had the "oportunity and blessing" of giving the Elders Quorum (alone, as my comp was in the branch). I planned a training on the message of the restoration, to help the members become more familiar with it for divisions, and for when talking to their friends, I was pretty excited about the idea. kinda. The idea, not the me teaching part haha but what can ya do! So the first thing I noticed in the class was our friend, the Book of Mormon street preacher, was there! And so it began... He tried to "bible bash" every thing I said, it was crazy. The members were super good at teaching and answering questions and stuff, but it was also frustrating for a lot of the men, because he wouldnt listen, and refused to let us move on. Finally, Ricardo, one of the men from the quorum, got up and told him he was being rude and he should wait til after wards to get answers. Stuff we all said before, but Ricardo was very, bold, that is the word I will use haha. SO the guy stood up and said "maybe its better i leave!" Naturally, I ran up to the door, and with a big ol smile, opened it and told him to have a nice day. haha was a crazy experience! So the reason why yesterday was crazy. Sunday night we got tranfer calls! We finally got new missionaries! Elder Perry and I will stay here, in our respective areas. Elder Perry will be working with a short-term missionary, Elder Cano. Its pretty crazy, because Elder Perry has to teach him EVERYTHING! I will, or rather, currently am with Elder J. Harris. He is another tall blond american, and is a super hard worker. Incredible, I am excited to be working with him. He is one transfer younger than I am, but he had some serious visa problems, and so he spent the first few months in Colorado. But he still speaks pretty well, hes confident in his speaking, and he is a great missionary. He also is a great example of always speaking the language. I haven't ever talked to him in English, not even in the house. He is pretty good at that, which is great, I could always use more practice! Also, to my surprise, bundled up in anxiety, I was called to be district leader! So I got a phone call that I had to go all the way into Sao Paulo to get some training (so much for P-day!) on being a DL. Left at 6 30 am, got back at 8:30 pm). The district includes two sisters white-washing an area, Amercan training American. Pretty cool I guess, reminded me a ton of when I came into the field! Man, time flies! But because of this, I had to wait in Sao Paulo til after the meetings to talk to the President about their housing situation, which will proly have to change, and then take them to their house. Them and there 6 ginormous bags! it was quite an adventure with them, their bags, my comps bags, and all through the subway, and the two buses. Pretty crazy day. When we finally got off the bus in their area, we were walking down the street and a man pulled up and said he would take the bags to the house for us. (The bags only since noone else would fit). As we watched his car drive away with all their bags, I looked at the new sister and said " I hope that guys a member". She didn't find that as funny as I did haha, but she forgave me, I hope. So I had my first district meeting today, having exactly zero time to prepare, and being a completely clueless as to what the training was supposed to be on, but I thnk it went okay. I pulled it out of the fire. I should give a training a pulling it out of the fire haha seems to be the story of my life. But I am excited about the district leader calling, as well as a lil overwhelmed. The Sisters are excellent, Elder Perry is as well, and the LZs, natually, are pretty good. They have baptized 18 weeks in a row. What on earth do I have to teach these people?! haha I guess it'll have to be all up the the Lord, cause I dont have anything! I also am opening up my area again, which is gonna be hard, cause we mostly worked in the branch. So its gonna be an adventure. haha love the challenge. I talked to the LZs today a lil about how I was gonna work hard, but I felt a lil underqualified. I expecially feel like I'm not humble enough, and I still have so much to learn before I become I leader. He told me something interesting. He told me the assistants had called another person to be district leader, but the zone leaders called them back, and then called President, and said "it has to be Elder loveland". I guess they talked it over with President for awhile, and they decided it would be me. I was a lil taken back by that, I asked him why. He said it was because they knew I was a worker, a hard worker. And I would be able to motivate the district through my example of hard work. I am not sure about that, but I was really humbled that they did that, that that decision was made. I'm just praying and hoping I can live up to that. Ill do my best, but I feeling like I'm standing at the bottom of K-2 here. But I know that with the lord, i can do what he needs me to do. Well, I got to run, I love you all! Thank you for all you all are teaching me, and for all the support! You guys mean the world to me. Keep on smilin :) Love, Elder Jake

From June 29, 2010

Hi guys!

This week has been super crazy, but they have been that way for a while, so in reality, this week was normal. I have reallly no idea what to write actually.

Well, Thursday we went to Santos, about an hour away, for zone conference. Zone conference, as usual, was way good! We spent a lot of time talking about focusing on men and families. We talked a lot about the role of the father, and a focusing on him, and inviting him to lead the family in prayer and things. Pretty good, learned some good stuff.

Thursday night we had an interesting lesson. It just fell flat. It was with the youth, the guys who come to play soccer. The non-members agreed to hear a lesson before every game. anyway, that lesson, about the Gospel (faith, repentace, baptism, the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end) went horribly! They were not at all interested, and it kinda fell flat. I was pretty discouraged. But we talked with the 2nd couselor in the bishopric, who was in the class, and we made some goals and stuff to improve our teaching. we appproached that class all wrong. They are a super rowdy bunch, and so we were trying to be serious, so that they would calm down, and realize the importance of the message, but in realitity, they just tuned out. So we did some practicing, got some ideas from the couselor on how to be more interactive, more exciting, and harness that energy to somethin productive. we will do our best. I hope we can improve a bit, we need it!

Well Sunday was a really rushed day. We had two baptisms, at two different times! Cluadio was baptized right after church. He is Carlo's lil bro, who was baptized two weeks ago. Their sister was also baptized, the week before we combined areas. Right now, just the mom isnt a member. The dad is super inactive, but he came to the baptism! A lil sign of progress. We are also teaching their cousins, who will proly be baptized in a few weeks. Legitimate family.

When I baptized Caudio (15), the water was quite cold, so I tried to get him in and out a lil quicker than normal. However, when he hit the water, he seemed to climb up my arm and didnt go all the way under, so we got to try again :) His family seems to like to try two or three times, they all were like that haha

But after that baptism, we helped the Branch president with tithing, and member records, then went all he way into Ocian, another area entirely to eat lunch with a family the stake president sent to attend, and help with the branch. After the bbq, we went back for the baptism of Alex, the young man I told you all about last week. He was late, because his mom told ushe had gone back to get Isaias, the 32 yr old guy who lives with him. Lil kids a stud. But they were all there and the baptism went well. He had to be baptized at night so everyone could be there, just like Claudio had to be be in the afternoon so his father could be there. Then we sang and helped out with the choir, preparing for the branch conference in two weeks. Finally, we got to do a lil proseliting, at about 8, to teach Sandro and Dani. It was a crazy day, and I really enjoyed it.

Sandro and Dani still havent done the paperwork, but we are trying to get them to do it, they are just so busy. shes going through finals this week, so hopeful, they can do it soon!
Beuno and Ericka and Bruna are doing good, but still havent accepted a baptismal date, but we will keep doing our best :)

Today, when we were doing some errands, we passed this man on the street walkin the other direction, screaming about the 2nd coming and that we need to be ready! Pretty normal for Sao Paulo, haha, so we didn't do anything. Then, later we passed him again, this time he was on the other side of the street than us, waving a book and screaming about two nations, two testaments. I could have swore that book looked like triple combination. Then, as we were eating lunch, he sat down out side the window where we were eating (i dont think he could see us though). I looked really closely at that book hed been waving around. It WAS the Book of Mormon, D&C and Pearl of Great Price! We quickly finished eating and ran outside to talk to him. He seemed suprised when he found out we were representatives of the church. He told us he didn't believe in the church, just that the BoM was the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that he brought the preisthood back on the earth. However, like I said, he didn;t believe the church was true. Really odd. He said that the the church beleived that the Trinity was three seperate beings, and he knew, that it was one. Really interesting discussion we had with him, but his logic didn't really line up too well, so we ended it and moved on. Kinda strange that someone else is preaching on the street with the book of moron against the church. Haha what a weird guy.

Well, I gotta to go, Im trying to finally get some pictures to ya guys!

Love ya all, Ill have to write more next week!

Love, Elder jake