Me teaching in the river.
Me, Elder Alves and the coolest family ever. He baptized the nonmember ones last Sunday!
Elder Rocha - big ol' teddy bear!
Elder dos reis, Fransico, Helena, and MeSunday, February 28, 2010
Filling in the Gaps
Hey Family!
Thanks for the letters, as usuall, they were a huge boost! It has been a hard work [week], but the Lord is really changing me through my trials, which are smaller than they seem sometimes. haha but first I wil answer some questions quickly.
Medical, about halfway through the first transfer my sternum was giving a lot of trouble. Was hurting at nights, and especialy when I sneezed (Happens a lot when you are always staring into the blaring Brazilian sun ;) ). So I talked to the mission president's wife (as much as I didn't want to). She told me that she would talk to the head doctor guy over Brazil, and then call me back. But he called me that night, and gave me some medication to take. But its all good now, no worries! And the dog, I don't think had rabies, but who knows! haha Im fine. I dont need to get shots or anything. This time ;)
Haha I was absolutley kidding about finishing that sandwich. I'm not that sick. yet. But you do really learn to look past things like ants crawling through your cookies. It's really not that important, especially when you are hungry.
But in regard to the past week, it has been a hard one. I have been trying to change a few things, follow some rules in our companionship, and our apartment. It hasn't been easy. Especially when you are young, and they are all real old on the mish. But I have been praying a lot, and the Lord has shown me ways to say things, and ways to improve.
The first things I was always doing was fixing things. Just saying, "Hey, this isnt right. We need to follow this rule the President set for us." This made my companion pretty upset. (I've discovered he has a touch of a temper, haha).
But I took two or three days where I just swallowed my pride and only said positive things. Only talked about how well we were doing, he was teaching, and stuff like that. That seemed to make a difference. He hasn't accepted any of my ideas to my face, but slowly, I can see him doing lil, tiny things I suggested. Ways I thought we could work more efeciently and such.
I am still overwelmed at what Im not doing, and what we need to improve, but focusing on his strengths amd what he is doing well has really helped us both. He really teaches really well, and has a good heart. Its been tough to communicate withhim though. He has an odd accent, and mumbles. And doesn't like to repeat himself, or really talk that much at all haha. I'm learning a good deal of humility and patience. But I'm startin to get him to open up a bit, which is awesome, even if I have no clue what he is saying!
One Saturday I woke up and was wondering if I was supposed to teach the advanced English class again. (It is taught in all english, and is a load of fun). Last week I was just subbing. But I woke up the American zl. (English has to be taught by Americans. They get mad if its Brazilians, even if they speak well). Zl said that he wasn't going to teach. So I grabbed his phone (as he went back to sleep) and called every American in the zone. No one wanted to teach, everyone had excuses! So I went from maybe teaching advanced, to having to teach both classes by myself! (Thats like 30 people!). I finally called Elder Mourtsen who is new, like two weeks. And he taught advanced, and I taught basic. Without any help, or a lesson plan! My companion doesn't speak any english, and refuses to learn. He sat outside the class while I taught. That really bugged me at first, but I got over it. The class went really well though, the Lord answered my prayers. The people were all really patient, and taught me a bit of Portuguese while I was teaching them English!
I have been getting myself up :) Haha very proud of this. It is really good! No one else gets up at 6:30, so its really quite, and I have had a TON of time to read the Book of mormon. A ton. Sometimes 4 hours a day.
It is amazing. I have received so much strength from that book. I know that it is true, and i know it has a lot of power! I wanted to get up earlier so that I could work out and also have more time to read the Book of Mormon, so I started getting up at six. Then, the other night, I talked to my comp about gettin up at 6 30. He said he would, if I didn't set my alarm for 6:00. So I said deal. But this crazy thing has happened, Ive been getting up at six with out my alarm! It is a great blessing to read before I work out, and then after again! And Ive been making some really great food. Unfortunately, my comp still sleeps in, despite my blasting of music, and such. But I am tryin to help, and trying to do my part, like President asked.
We whitewashed the area. Well, we split the area the ZLs had, they had been working with two wards.
The only thing I need is a workout plan. A pull up bar, and maybe P90X. Ask Ross about that. If I could get that, that would change my mission :) Surely I would baptized over 100 that next transfer.
I am super excited about our neighbors! I have been thinking about them a lot lately. They are going to be such wonderful members, and will really be blessed because of this, and will be able to bless many other people
Mom, that is sweet about the client in Cali. Sounds like you are really doing well with that! W, I am so proud. Keep reading those books! [Books on electricity] Keep that up. You will build great things. We will build something really great when I get back! Whoa J! $140 on cans?! For what ! That is awesome!
Well, Im gonna go, but the work is moving along here! We have a few people marked for baptism. One asked us on the street to teach her and her family. Her family are all members, but super inactive. But they are great people. And she really wants to be baptized, a lot.The only guy is a guy named Edezio. I invited him to be baptized on the first street contact, and he accepted! Brazil is nuts! I love it! I am really learning a lot, and really being pushed here by the Lord. This is good :) I am so happy to be here, and to be able to represent the Lord.
Well, love you all!
Bye !Elder L!
Thanks for the letters, as usuall, they were a huge boost! It has been a hard work [week], but the Lord is really changing me through my trials, which are smaller than they seem sometimes. haha but first I wil answer some questions quickly.
Medical, about halfway through the first transfer my sternum was giving a lot of trouble. Was hurting at nights, and especialy when I sneezed (Happens a lot when you are always staring into the blaring Brazilian sun ;) ). So I talked to the mission president's wife (as much as I didn't want to). She told me that she would talk to the head doctor guy over Brazil, and then call me back. But he called me that night, and gave me some medication to take. But its all good now, no worries! And the dog, I don't think had rabies, but who knows! haha Im fine. I dont need to get shots or anything. This time ;)
Haha I was absolutley kidding about finishing that sandwich. I'm not that sick. yet. But you do really learn to look past things like ants crawling through your cookies. It's really not that important, especially when you are hungry.
But in regard to the past week, it has been a hard one. I have been trying to change a few things, follow some rules in our companionship, and our apartment. It hasn't been easy. Especially when you are young, and they are all real old on the mish. But I have been praying a lot, and the Lord has shown me ways to say things, and ways to improve.
The first things I was always doing was fixing things. Just saying, "Hey, this isnt right. We need to follow this rule the President set for us." This made my companion pretty upset. (I've discovered he has a touch of a temper, haha).
But I took two or three days where I just swallowed my pride and only said positive things. Only talked about how well we were doing, he was teaching, and stuff like that. That seemed to make a difference. He hasn't accepted any of my ideas to my face, but slowly, I can see him doing lil, tiny things I suggested. Ways I thought we could work more efeciently and such.
I am still overwelmed at what Im not doing, and what we need to improve, but focusing on his strengths amd what he is doing well has really helped us both. He really teaches really well, and has a good heart. Its been tough to communicate withhim though. He has an odd accent, and mumbles. And doesn't like to repeat himself, or really talk that much at all haha. I'm learning a good deal of humility and patience. But I'm startin to get him to open up a bit, which is awesome, even if I have no clue what he is saying!
One Saturday I woke up and was wondering if I was supposed to teach the advanced English class again. (It is taught in all english, and is a load of fun). Last week I was just subbing. But I woke up the American zl. (English has to be taught by Americans. They get mad if its Brazilians, even if they speak well). Zl said that he wasn't going to teach. So I grabbed his phone (as he went back to sleep) and called every American in the zone. No one wanted to teach, everyone had excuses! So I went from maybe teaching advanced, to having to teach both classes by myself! (Thats like 30 people!). I finally called Elder Mourtsen who is new, like two weeks. And he taught advanced, and I taught basic. Without any help, or a lesson plan! My companion doesn't speak any english, and refuses to learn. He sat outside the class while I taught. That really bugged me at first, but I got over it. The class went really well though, the Lord answered my prayers. The people were all really patient, and taught me a bit of Portuguese while I was teaching them English!
I have been getting myself up :) Haha very proud of this. It is really good! No one else gets up at 6:30, so its really quite, and I have had a TON of time to read the Book of mormon. A ton. Sometimes 4 hours a day.
It is amazing. I have received so much strength from that book. I know that it is true, and i know it has a lot of power! I wanted to get up earlier so that I could work out and also have more time to read the Book of Mormon, so I started getting up at six. Then, the other night, I talked to my comp about gettin up at 6 30. He said he would, if I didn't set my alarm for 6:00. So I said deal. But this crazy thing has happened, Ive been getting up at six with out my alarm! It is a great blessing to read before I work out, and then after again! And Ive been making some really great food. Unfortunately, my comp still sleeps in, despite my blasting of music, and such. But I am tryin to help, and trying to do my part, like President asked.
We whitewashed the area. Well, we split the area the ZLs had, they had been working with two wards.
The only thing I need is a workout plan. A pull up bar, and maybe P90X. Ask Ross about that. If I could get that, that would change my mission :) Surely I would baptized over 100 that next transfer.
I am super excited about our neighbors! I have been thinking about them a lot lately. They are going to be such wonderful members, and will really be blessed because of this, and will be able to bless many other people
Mom, that is sweet about the client in Cali. Sounds like you are really doing well with that! W, I am so proud. Keep reading those books! [Books on electricity] Keep that up. You will build great things. We will build something really great when I get back! Whoa J! $140 on cans?! For what ! That is awesome!
Well, Im gonna go, but the work is moving along here! We have a few people marked for baptism. One asked us on the street to teach her and her family. Her family are all members, but super inactive. But they are great people. And she really wants to be baptized, a lot.The only guy is a guy named Edezio. I invited him to be baptized on the first street contact, and he accepted! Brazil is nuts! I love it! I am really learning a lot, and really being pushed here by the Lord. This is good :) I am so happy to be here, and to be able to represent the Lord.
Well, love you all!
Bye !Elder L!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Caution: Don't read while eating?
[This email leaves a few questions a mom wants to follow-up on -- such as what medication are you finishing up on? Shelly - I think you will really laugh at this letter!]
Hey English speaking people!
It has been a good week here in this new area, and with the new comp and the ZLs living with us, it has been a solid week. Ill give you a few highlights before answering some questions.
Investagators. I'd love to tell you about them all, but there are two many, and I don't know any of them yet. (Well, enough to talk about em). But one is this cool guy named Alex. He´s 20, and has a scholarship to play ball at Mississippi, I think . . . one of the states over there. He's way good at basketball. And huge. We asked him how he was doing with the law of chastity, and he just looked at us. And with the funny grin he's got, he said, "Thats pretty hard, but I'm keeping it." Hes a funny guy, and has a super strong testimony already.
Health update. I finally got off the medication. That is good, mostly because its super spendy! But the head doctor for missionaries in Brazil is super cool, and really helpful. He is also from Oregon. Most missionaries never talk to him, but I got to in my first transfer! Alwaya knew I was special :) But I am doing great now, and I'm workin out again.
I also got bit by a dog last week! That was cool, hurt like crazy too. About took my hand off!
Oh. Yeah. I came home on wednesday, super hungry. So we stopped at the corner store up the street. (This house has no food. We only eat once a day! I'm losing a ton here. But hopefully, finally my comp will allow us to go buy something today) Anyways, I bought two rolls with ham and cheese. About halfway through the 2ND, I looked at my roll, and it was SWIMMING with worms. Turns out that cheesey filling wasn't cheese. So I finished it. And got some more medication . . . for the worms this time. That was fun. That's how I celebrated your bithday Diane :)
A lot of people in this area call me Elder Johnson, who was the last American in this area. We look a lot a like (I guess) So I'm gettin used to that name. In my last area, everybody called me Elder Grandão, which means huge. I don't feel huge any more, that's for sure! I'm about to drop under 100 kilos.
I got your package! Right before interviews with president! Perfect timing, because I was wearing my no-show socks, and that package had some others to put on right before I went in! The package was super great, thanks a ton! Peanut butter is amazing! Always send that, haha, I love it! Also the family calender was perfect! Nice picture, S! I used that lil' Plan of Salvation puzzle to teach the other day. It was cool. Thanks a ton!
I also got a package from Diane, thank you! Italy looks a lot like Brazil, except with more color. Its odd. I also got a really nice christmas card, haha. And that letter from Katy J . . . whatever her new name is. That was pretty much perfect timing, it talked about companionships. Thanks for that!
My interview went well, but I got roasted a bit. He really wanted me to help my companions follow the rules more. I need to help them fix their problems. I'm a pretty chill guy when it comes to other people. As long as I'm keeping my part, I'm happy. But I learned that thought process doesn't work here. I need to be helping others follow the rules, too.
He also asked about my companion. He said it in a really strange way though. Like he was expecting it to be bad. Then ZLs told me that I've been put with this guy to help him out, and then told me good luck. I'm a bit scared about that, and what president said. But for the most part, things have been chill. I am gonna have to carry a lot more weight them I'm used to. I think I need to help my apartment get up on time. They all woke up about 10 today. Not really my strong point there, but President told me pretty straight up I need to help them out. I always banked on my comps getting up on time! Guess its about time I learned it ;)
Thanks for the letter! Valentine's Day here is sometime in March or something, maybe June, I dont remember.
My area here is good. Real good. The members are amazing! The stake pesident challenged all the men, and some women too, I think, in the stake to have ten hours of missionary work each month! So we always have divisions and FHEs and stuff. It is amazing.
Its amazing how much the members make a huge difference! I was thinking about my membership in the church, and the member I'll be when I go home. This really is a training for life. I will be a much better home teacher, that is for sure, haha, and other stuff too. The roles each member has, play huge roles in the ward, and in the lives of people.
I got a jump rope today, but I can't use it, cause we live on the top floor and the people who live below us get upset. But Ive almost talked one of the Elders into running with me. He said he would Wednesday (We have conference tomorrrow and gotta leave early.)
Well, I'm loving it here in Brazil, living with 6 (4 Eders, 2 ginormous cockroaches). The work is going good. Its hard to get going opening an area, but I am really grateful to be here!
Sounds like the family is doing great! And keep my updated on the V family! Thanks a ton, love you all!
Elder Jake
Hey English speaking people!
It has been a good week here in this new area, and with the new comp and the ZLs living with us, it has been a solid week. Ill give you a few highlights before answering some questions.
Investagators. I'd love to tell you about them all, but there are two many, and I don't know any of them yet. (Well, enough to talk about em). But one is this cool guy named Alex. He´s 20, and has a scholarship to play ball at Mississippi, I think . . . one of the states over there. He's way good at basketball. And huge. We asked him how he was doing with the law of chastity, and he just looked at us. And with the funny grin he's got, he said, "Thats pretty hard, but I'm keeping it." Hes a funny guy, and has a super strong testimony already.
Health update. I finally got off the medication. That is good, mostly because its super spendy! But the head doctor for missionaries in Brazil is super cool, and really helpful. He is also from Oregon. Most missionaries never talk to him, but I got to in my first transfer! Alwaya knew I was special :) But I am doing great now, and I'm workin out again.
I also got bit by a dog last week! That was cool, hurt like crazy too. About took my hand off!
Oh. Yeah. I came home on wednesday, super hungry. So we stopped at the corner store up the street. (This house has no food. We only eat once a day! I'm losing a ton here. But hopefully, finally my comp will allow us to go buy something today) Anyways, I bought two rolls with ham and cheese. About halfway through the 2ND, I looked at my roll, and it was SWIMMING with worms. Turns out that cheesey filling wasn't cheese. So I finished it. And got some more medication . . . for the worms this time. That was fun. That's how I celebrated your bithday Diane :)
A lot of people in this area call me Elder Johnson, who was the last American in this area. We look a lot a like (I guess) So I'm gettin used to that name. In my last area, everybody called me Elder Grandão, which means huge. I don't feel huge any more, that's for sure! I'm about to drop under 100 kilos.
I got your package! Right before interviews with president! Perfect timing, because I was wearing my no-show socks, and that package had some others to put on right before I went in! The package was super great, thanks a ton! Peanut butter is amazing! Always send that, haha, I love it! Also the family calender was perfect! Nice picture, S! I used that lil' Plan of Salvation puzzle to teach the other day. It was cool. Thanks a ton!
I also got a package from Diane, thank you! Italy looks a lot like Brazil, except with more color. Its odd. I also got a really nice christmas card, haha. And that letter from Katy J . . . whatever her new name is. That was pretty much perfect timing, it talked about companionships. Thanks for that!
My interview went well, but I got roasted a bit. He really wanted me to help my companions follow the rules more. I need to help them fix their problems. I'm a pretty chill guy when it comes to other people. As long as I'm keeping my part, I'm happy. But I learned that thought process doesn't work here. I need to be helping others follow the rules, too.
He also asked about my companion. He said it in a really strange way though. Like he was expecting it to be bad. Then ZLs told me that I've been put with this guy to help him out, and then told me good luck. I'm a bit scared about that, and what president said. But for the most part, things have been chill. I am gonna have to carry a lot more weight them I'm used to. I think I need to help my apartment get up on time. They all woke up about 10 today. Not really my strong point there, but President told me pretty straight up I need to help them out. I always banked on my comps getting up on time! Guess its about time I learned it ;)
Thanks for the letter! Valentine's Day here is sometime in March or something, maybe June, I dont remember.
My area here is good. Real good. The members are amazing! The stake pesident challenged all the men, and some women too, I think, in the stake to have ten hours of missionary work each month! So we always have divisions and FHEs and stuff. It is amazing.
Its amazing how much the members make a huge difference! I was thinking about my membership in the church, and the member I'll be when I go home. This really is a training for life. I will be a much better home teacher, that is for sure, haha, and other stuff too. The roles each member has, play huge roles in the ward, and in the lives of people.
I got a jump rope today, but I can't use it, cause we live on the top floor and the people who live below us get upset. But Ive almost talked one of the Elders into running with me. He said he would Wednesday (We have conference tomorrrow and gotta leave early.)
Well, I'm loving it here in Brazil, living with 6 (4 Eders, 2 ginormous cockroaches). The work is going good. Its hard to get going opening an area, but I am really grateful to be here!
Sounds like the family is doing great! And keep my updated on the V family! Thanks a ton, love you all!
Elder Jake
Friday, February 12, 2010
Emergency Tranfers
Feb. 9, 2010
Hey!
Well, it has been a busy week! First off, big stuff. I got transferred today! It was an emergency transfer because of the 17 americans who showed up today. Elder Alves will train one of them. So I got moved to Diadema, not that far off, a good 30-40 min. on the bus. Its in a differnet section of the mission (there are three). This one is Sao Paulo.
I'm was pretty sad about that. I loved that last area. I really loved the people there, and we were really starting to move things there! We just set up a sweet system for divisions with the ward members, and we were workin with Construction. And our investigators were finally clicking. And I loved Elder Alves. (And yes, yoda heads do come from that area.) We worked super well together, and really had a blast with the work! It was really hard to leave that place. I'm thinking about having Dad call Messias, the construction guy/ best ward mission leader ever. He is super cool. A great example to me!
My new comp is Elder Rouza. He is definitely a ton different than Elder Alves. I don't know anything about him, but it should be good. We are living with the ZLs, one American, and one Brazilian. Should be fun, never lived with four in all my vast experience on the mission.
Will hopefully get someone to run with! However, Elder Alves and I solved this problem. We decided to run to appointments to make more. IT was AMAZING. He thought it was hilarious because I was always so happy after. Its a super good workout to run in a church clothes, especially the shoes, in 90+ Brazilian, when youre fasting.
Reguarding water, we all have water bottles with filters. Super nice. We can drink anywhere. All the missionaries get them they show up. Its just hard, and also weird o use them during meals. They find it a little rude, I think. But thank you! You can send me peanut butter instead ;)
Thats sweet about Dad and Jeremy going to attend General Priesthood session in Utah. All the people here are all super amazed when you tell them you've seen the prophet, heard his voice, shook his hand. That really is a blessing.
Thats sad about that truck! [It leaks water into the cab making it a bit swampy.] Fix it! I was just telling my friends about that truck the other day.
We have zone conference next Tuesday. P'day will be on monday! Ill see if I got any packages then. Thanks for sending them! Also, I got the letters from the kids and Dad yesterday, was really good to read them, thank you!
I learned quite a bit of good construction vocab, and even burned my hand moving cutting a nice bit of steal. I love construction ;) [While Elder Jake loves construction, he tends to be a bit accident-prone. Getting some type of injury is not unusual.]
Davi and his mother came to church on Sunday! We showed up to get them as usual, and they were all ready and dressed. Lookin snazzy. I almost cried. I was so happy! I poured so much into those two, it was wonderful to see them improving. What made the difference was that we told them we could get a ride for them when Davi had his physical therapy this week. Its amazing how much a little service will do.And they both loved church! LOVED it. They were raving about it. And Davi even participated in Sunday School, Which was combined with every one over 12! There were a ton of people, but he was comfortable putting in his two cents. Such a good day.
Today, I went to say good bye. And I invited him to be baptized sunday. He will. I am super excited for him. He really wants to be a missionary.
Sounds like the family is doing great! Thank you for everything and for filling me in on your lives! I'm in a hurry, I still got my stack of bags here. Going to the apartment now.
Love ya! BYE!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Language Boost
[I apologize for not posting this last week.]
Hello Family and friends!
This week has been really freakin good. Because of the fact that Elder Alves doesnt know anybody, I have had to talk, a lot, and lead discussions. It has been amazing for my Portuguese. It has takin off. I am tryin really hard to teach Elder Alves english, but Im a lil ashamed, and kinda proud that it has been hard for me to speak only English with him in the apartment, as we agreed. I am so greatful for this trial, of having to speak a lot. Though it has been really hard, and I've said a ton of prayers, it has really pushed me, and I am really happy and grateful for that.
I'll answer a few questions.I haven't gotten the package yet, but I did get some letters. Not sure from who yet, my LZ told me he'd give em to me some time this week. Whoever you are, thank you! I don't think they forward packages until zone conference, but I dont really know!
My new companion is great. I get along with him really well, and we work well together. HE is a really happy guy, and just enjoys the work. He is from, brace yourself for some horrile spelling, Forteleca. Everyone knows that, before he says anything, because of his yoda head. We make a good team. Its really great to be part of a team, unstead of just followng around someone and always having no dea whats going on.
Portuguese is really helpful when working with Brazilians. I have been makin more contacts,and we have been teaching a couple of guys on a construction crew. Its just like summer. Just a bunch of youth 16-19 workin for a ward member. We have one of them scheduled for baptism, and the others arent far behind. We are going to work with them tomorrow, I am excited to do some construction. I miss it so much.I also have had the strongest desire to fly the past 5 weeks or so. Not to fly home or anything haha but just to fly. I really need to get my pilots license. Which hopefully doesnt include a spelling test. But we arent authorized to fly on the mission. . . yet.
We have had a ton of flooding this week, we went to contact some families on Thursday and found urselves walking in water up to my waist. The whole bairro was like that! and in the favella, a few houses washed away. It is crazy. Really hard to visit people. We will walk in the water in most neiborhoods, but not in the favella. Is super dirty and has lots of rats.
Thanks for the forwarded from the Burnettes. I will contact Pres today I think, Ill ceck with zls first.Ward leaders are kinda non existant. I have no idea who they are. I have met a few, and they ask a lot of us, but we are really tryin to et them to work with us. And it is startin to work a bit. Pretty pumped.
Davi is bein difficult. Really its his grandma, who he lives with. She always has an excuse why she cant go to church, and wont let him go with out her. Really frusrtrating for us, and for Davi as well. We are prayin and hopin to do somethin tomorrow. We have a good lesson planned up, and with the lords hel, maybe itll work!
Ill translate that letter and try to get an interview this week. Once I find out who the RC pres is.
Food. Rice and beans. Everyday. Thats it! Its pretty good. HAvent eaten anything else weird or anything. Every once in awhile we have spagetti. Or stronganoff. I love that!We get fed really well, too well. The sisters here will not take no for an answer. Its kinda annoying at times. Ruin a perfectly great meal because i ate five plates and she was upset I didnt eat six. My companion is about 130 lbs. He is suffrin wih this haha
photos. Ill send some next week in the email. ill try and send some on cd or dvd. Does dvd work? i can fit way more there.
Im in a different area today, playin some soccer. This is the first time ive worn a t shirt in brasil. I cant get my companions to run with me. But their reaasons are good, they cant afford shoes. That made me feel like I was a bit spoiled.
I am really excited about the house [we are doing some home improvements], and a lil bit upset Im not there to be there!
CHoa!
[Elder Jake posted an email to his dad explaing the abrupt ending to this letter.]
Hey Dad! Sorry I cut off the family letter so fast, my comps email just shut down and he lost his whole email. I was able to send mine as soon as I saw that and mine shut down about 3 seconds later!
Hello Family and friends!
This week has been really freakin good. Because of the fact that Elder Alves doesnt know anybody, I have had to talk, a lot, and lead discussions. It has been amazing for my Portuguese. It has takin off. I am tryin really hard to teach Elder Alves english, but Im a lil ashamed, and kinda proud that it has been hard for me to speak only English with him in the apartment, as we agreed. I am so greatful for this trial, of having to speak a lot. Though it has been really hard, and I've said a ton of prayers, it has really pushed me, and I am really happy and grateful for that.
I'll answer a few questions.I haven't gotten the package yet, but I did get some letters. Not sure from who yet, my LZ told me he'd give em to me some time this week. Whoever you are, thank you! I don't think they forward packages until zone conference, but I dont really know!
My new companion is great. I get along with him really well, and we work well together. HE is a really happy guy, and just enjoys the work. He is from, brace yourself for some horrile spelling, Forteleca. Everyone knows that, before he says anything, because of his yoda head. We make a good team. Its really great to be part of a team, unstead of just followng around someone and always having no dea whats going on.
Portuguese is really helpful when working with Brazilians. I have been makin more contacts,and we have been teaching a couple of guys on a construction crew. Its just like summer. Just a bunch of youth 16-19 workin for a ward member. We have one of them scheduled for baptism, and the others arent far behind. We are going to work with them tomorrow, I am excited to do some construction. I miss it so much.I also have had the strongest desire to fly the past 5 weeks or so. Not to fly home or anything haha but just to fly. I really need to get my pilots license. Which hopefully doesnt include a spelling test. But we arent authorized to fly on the mission. . . yet.
We have had a ton of flooding this week, we went to contact some families on Thursday and found urselves walking in water up to my waist. The whole bairro was like that! and in the favella, a few houses washed away. It is crazy. Really hard to visit people. We will walk in the water in most neiborhoods, but not in the favella. Is super dirty and has lots of rats.
Thanks for the forwarded from the Burnettes. I will contact Pres today I think, Ill ceck with zls first.Ward leaders are kinda non existant. I have no idea who they are. I have met a few, and they ask a lot of us, but we are really tryin to et them to work with us. And it is startin to work a bit. Pretty pumped.
Davi is bein difficult. Really its his grandma, who he lives with. She always has an excuse why she cant go to church, and wont let him go with out her. Really frusrtrating for us, and for Davi as well. We are prayin and hopin to do somethin tomorrow. We have a good lesson planned up, and with the lords hel, maybe itll work!
Ill translate that letter and try to get an interview this week. Once I find out who the RC pres is.
Food. Rice and beans. Everyday. Thats it! Its pretty good. HAvent eaten anything else weird or anything. Every once in awhile we have spagetti. Or stronganoff. I love that!We get fed really well, too well. The sisters here will not take no for an answer. Its kinda annoying at times. Ruin a perfectly great meal because i ate five plates and she was upset I didnt eat six. My companion is about 130 lbs. He is suffrin wih this haha
photos. Ill send some next week in the email. ill try and send some on cd or dvd. Does dvd work? i can fit way more there.
Im in a different area today, playin some soccer. This is the first time ive worn a t shirt in brasil. I cant get my companions to run with me. But their reaasons are good, they cant afford shoes. That made me feel like I was a bit spoiled.
I am really excited about the house [we are doing some home improvements], and a lil bit upset Im not there to be there!
CHoa!
[Elder Jake posted an email to his dad explaing the abrupt ending to this letter.]
Hey Dad! Sorry I cut off the family letter so fast, my comps email just shut down and he lost his whole email. I was able to send mine as soon as I saw that and mine shut down about 3 seconds later!
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