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
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
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
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
Saturday, November 20, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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
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
Saturday, October 23, 2010
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
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
Sunday, October 17, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
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
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
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