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
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
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
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
Thursday, September 16, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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
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
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