[The spelling is becoming more and more creative!]

Hey family and friends!

I love you people!

I have had a weird week, but it has been good! With the two areas together, we walk a ton! Its also been kinda hard for me, cause my heart is more in the ward, and I only get to work there half the time now! I never thought that would be an issue haha but I am learning to love the branch a lot too!

The Branch has its own list of problems. Its about 80 people, and about ..2, yeah, 2, men. There are a few others that come and go, but arent active, or worthy to hold callings (because of smokinga dn things like that). Also, the Elder who was here before me, was known to baptize lil girls. Which isnt bad, but the branch definitely needs men! So we are working on that, making some changes and trying to activate the Elders Quarum President is on top of the list. It is hard though, to focus on men, when the young women here are exceptional missionaries! The YW organization gave us 30+ referals Sunday! So we are sorting through thoughs [:-)] starting with the men on the lists. The branch could use priesthood of any age! But these girls are really excited to share the gospel, which is really dang cool.

Well, with the two units, the ward and branch, meeting at the same time on Sunday, we do divisions with the ward members. I went with Adamastor, one of the coolest guys ever, and Elder Perry went with the Branch President. It was super, super weird to be "alone" at church. Adamastor was doing his own thing, running around as the YM Pres, and so I was just with the Preisthood who happened to be in the same room as I. I still felt so weird! haha It was an interesting experience, and will continue to be so for the next while. Next week, we will switch.

So for now, Elder Perry and I will continue to work together, until further notice. But President is still looking for the pre-greenies for us. I guess its kinda hard to find someone during the world cup! But he is still looking, and seemed pretty confident he was gonna be able to do it.

Brasilians freaking LOVE this soccer thing. The streets are getting painted green and yellow, and there are banners going up. Its pretty cool, not gonna lie.

Elder Perry is a cool guy. I know it wasnt the Presidents intention for us to work together, but I am starting to see that it was the Lords. He is a great guy, a lil weird, but Im learning to love him. He has a lot of lil quirks, and sometimes it just leaves me speachless, or laughing, but I am really grateful to be working with him for sure! It is pretty good times.

Saturday night, the branch had a talent show! I was happy to sing "nearer My God to thee", and I was totatlly satisfied with my contribution. But the branch wasnt. I was asked to MC as it was starting! So I did my best. I had a lot of fun with it, but it was hard. My time filling skills are severely limited in Protuguese! As we got to the last act, I was extremely pleased to find out the one of the participants went home to grab something. So I had to stall. I startd thinking. I had an endless amount of jokes that I didnt have the vocabulary to tell. Haha. So the Primary Pres got up and lead the audience in some silly lil primary songs, and then turned the time back over to me. I got up there, and thinking as fast as I could, I decided to sing a Sons of Promise song. I sang "Love Potion", in as many parts as I could manage. Hahaha it was ridiculous, and musically horrible, but they loved it, even though they didnt understand anything, At least I think they loved it, they pretended to if not haha. It was fun, and brought back many great memories. I even had taken off my tie previously ( to give to a kid for the Primary modeling show thing) so it was just like old times. Haha I cant beleive I actually did that.

Did you guys know how legitimate the Book of Mormon is? Man, I can not get enough of that book haha, the stories are so good! I am learning so much from the stories, and I am very frustrated with myself for not being a faster reader. Its good though. You guys should check it out. It has so much power, and I can really see how it was written for our days. I really love the empasis that Alma puts on mothers, in regards to the sons of Helaman (I think it was Alma who worte that, I dont remember). The family is super important, and I can see that Satan is really trying so hard to take down the family, and "make a mockery of the law of chastity". And the Book of Mormon talks about all of it! Man I wish I understood more about that book! But I know that its true, and with a lil self-patience, that is enough for me.

Yesterday was the first day I finally felt like I had my energy back. Much apreciated! I am tired of falling asleep in lessons! haha The good rest is starting to pay off. And yes Mother, lots of liquids too! Sounds like youguys are staying really busy! And nice work Mom and Dad balancing it all! also, 5 Guys Burgers and Fries, is amazing. I love that place haha

Mom- Good luck with your Indianna Jones leap from the lions mouth! I'm sure you will do great, and I was thinking the same thing about the responsibilities about to hit me in the face.

S-check your mail

J! I havent heard from you in FOREVER. How is the diacon life? Are you loving it? Be proud of your freckles. I think they must be a true sign of power. you excited for home-schooling?

A- Write me you silly lil girl!

W-Thats rough about the hot dogs and the soda haha

No more time! Hope you al have a great week! Thatll be fun is Kari makes it to finals, give her congradulations if she does! If not, give her some consoling words that I would give. . . With a straight face.

I love you all, tchau tchau!

Elder Jake