[Jake is zone leader in his new area.]
Hey Guys!
Well, another week has flown by! Lets see what I can do to sum up the week quickly.
Well the area. The area has a load of hills, and my lil toe is officially sticking out of the hole in my shoe! But the area is great! I love it! We live in between two giant ghettos, and next to a huge prison! (I'm sure you are greatful to hear that mom ;). But the area is actually really nice, one of the niciest areas I've lived in. Its ridiculous how many people in the ward speak English. I was shocked. I love English speakers, that really make me want to learn Portuguese better, not sure how that works, but its true. Maybe cause I realize my English is shot and maybe there is a chance I will leave the mish speaking one language correctly!
My companion is super legit. He is one of the most humble guys I've ever met, and has a great love for the work. We are super excited to see what we can do with the zone, we have made a lot of plans, mostly focusing on getiing people pumped! We have a pretty sweet training prepped for tomorrow's district meetings, and ... a fatty breakfast! By far the best part! Should be a blast.
I'm realizing I had lost a bit of the fire of missionary work before, and I am working to get back that excitement. It's starting to work :) I love being out here, I really do.
We had a baptism in the ward on Sunday, a woman I didn't reallly know that well, but I was really happy for her. She seemed so happy. This really is a great blessing to see these lives change.
Well, a lot has happened these weeks for you guys. I have been filled today with an overwhelming love for my family. Everyone! I love my family! It crazy how strong those feelings came to me in reading my letters today. My family rocks. I love my Grandparents, who have have and are setting such great examples of service, and faith in our Savior. I love my parents who have really showed me what is its to put it all in the Lord's hands and keep moving forward, and keep the optimism. I love my siblings, who have taught me so much about being a family, loving one another, and just being so happy with life! I really can express all the love I am feeling today for you all. I pray that you guys can feel it all the way over there is the good ol USA.
I gotta go, time ran out a long time ago. but thanks for everything! Keep smiling :)
Love, Jake
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tranferred to Santo Andre
Hey Guys!
I, like you guys, am super rushed this week! I Will have to be super short!
I got transferred! I am now in Santo Andre, back up in the Sao Paulo area. I'm pretty pumped, the area is def different, and beautiful. Like the trees and stuff. Should be a great transfer.
My companion is Elder Read. He has a year and one month on the mission. He is from the same group as Elder Finlinson and Elder Perry. This guys is a stud. I like him a lot. He is from Layton, Utah. I'm sure I am going to learn a lot with him, and the work here. Im excited, and a lil nervous, but Im sure we will destroy in this area. Should be a blast.
I was sad to leave Praia Grande, but the change, and the new adventure, made up for it a bit. Today, we had a training for leaders in the morning and I was able to see Elder Finlinson, and Elder Guthrie, and Elder Tyree. We had lunch together, and it was probly the funnest time I've had in a long time. I was pretty pumped, and grateful for the great friends I've got here on the mission. This new kids gonna be one of em as well.
Well, I love you all, I am really grateful to be here serving as a missionary. I miss you guys. Voces are the greatest! I will keep praying for ya, and I will be sure to do something dumb this week so you guys can all have a laugh next week :) Like run as fast as I can and do a sweet Superman dive onto the pull up bar. And then, as my body swings through, have the bar break, leaving my flailing body fly across the room, and hit the floor :) The bruises have almost left!
Well, we have to run to Sao Paulo, my comp accidently forgot the planners for the entire zone there, so we will go run there and get em! You people are so lucky to be together, and I am so lucky to have you guys supporting me here in Brasil! I happen to think my family is the coolest ever. I might even love you guys. Maybe. Dont get over excited!]
Love, Jake!
I, like you guys, am super rushed this week! I Will have to be super short!
I got transferred! I am now in Santo Andre, back up in the Sao Paulo area. I'm pretty pumped, the area is def different, and beautiful. Like the trees and stuff. Should be a great transfer.
My companion is Elder Read. He has a year and one month on the mission. He is from the same group as Elder Finlinson and Elder Perry. This guys is a stud. I like him a lot. He is from Layton, Utah. I'm sure I am going to learn a lot with him, and the work here. Im excited, and a lil nervous, but Im sure we will destroy in this area. Should be a blast.
I was sad to leave Praia Grande, but the change, and the new adventure, made up for it a bit. Today, we had a training for leaders in the morning and I was able to see Elder Finlinson, and Elder Guthrie, and Elder Tyree. We had lunch together, and it was probly the funnest time I've had in a long time. I was pretty pumped, and grateful for the great friends I've got here on the mission. This new kids gonna be one of em as well.
Well, I love you all, I am really grateful to be here serving as a missionary. I miss you guys. Voces are the greatest! I will keep praying for ya, and I will be sure to do something dumb this week so you guys can all have a laugh next week :) Like run as fast as I can and do a sweet Superman dive onto the pull up bar. And then, as my body swings through, have the bar break, leaving my flailing body fly across the room, and hit the floor :) The bruises have almost left!
Well, we have to run to Sao Paulo, my comp accidently forgot the planners for the entire zone there, so we will go run there and get em! You people are so lucky to be together, and I am so lucky to have you guys supporting me here in Brasil! I happen to think my family is the coolest ever. I might even love you guys. Maybe. Dont get over excited!]
Love, Jake!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Being Led
My wonderful Familiy and Friends,
I love you all. :)
I really enjoyed the letters this week, I reread parts, and I have lil time left, but I am grateful for all of you.
I continue to share with others my Grandparent Loveland's immense willingness to serve with those around me. I am so proud of my Grandparents! They are super great, fantastic examples!
I have to let you know, the fact that A fasted for family this week was a pretty powerful example of faith, and trust in the Lord. I am extremely impressed with my lil Sister! Thanks A!
Mom, when I hear about all you are doing, I just count my blessings that my moutain of tasks, is only a lil mole hill next to yours. Wow, Keep that up!
This week has been pretty good. We are finally getting some awesome families in the teaching pool! I love these people, and I love working everyday. I'm excited to teach these people!Something that wasn't very strong in the begining. I get strength from these families. Families are the greatest thing God made.
Some funny stories: The first wasn't very funny at the time. I did a division with the members Wednesday night. The two marked apppointments fell through, the 4 back-up plans also fell through! The 6th house we went to, I knocked on the door (actually, I clapped my hands at the gate as is custom) and our investigator came out. She was sooo upset! She was yelling at us for coming at 10:30 at night (reallly, it was 8:20) and was upset because of who knows what else! She gave us a good yelling for a few mins, and then we left. I have never had anyone say that for sure. Most people are completely chill with an 8:30 visit.
And then! The member got mad at me for knocking at her door! He said he didn't want to do anything else, and wanted to go back to the church and wait for the division to end. That hurt, I was trying to be positive through it all, and as we walked home from the chapel it started to rain! Haha So ridiculous.
Then another member called me and said he noticed it was starting to rain and wanted to know where we were so he could give us a ride home. I almost kissed him on the forehead! haha its amazing how much a lil act of service can help out.
There is a crazy drunk guy trying to read this letter right now. Its incedible, all of the drunks here speak english, just basics, but they all know it!
Anyways, I was able to talk to that member on the way home and we had a good laugh about how crazy that day was.
We also taught a lesson with another member earlier that day. He taught everything. EVERYTHING! All five missionary lessons, The Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, all commandments, patriarchal blessings, temples, home teachers, sacrament, temples and the temples again. And yeah. everything. Wow, ahah, I have never cut someone off some many times in my life!
Afterwards, I prayed for help in talked to this member and correcting his teaching a bit. I have had to correct a few other times this week, with missionaries mostly, but it is not my favorite thing to do. I only do it when the Spirit makes me, haha, but its another time when I just rely on the spirit as best I can. I know there are so many things that I need to improve, so I feel like I don't have a lot of room to help others, but the Lord has helped me out and I think I have been able to help these people.
The talk with the member turned out extremely well actually. Not sure how, just followed the Spirit. Complimented him a bunch sincerely, and then told him the problem, and told him it will help him be a greater help yet, and then complimented him again, sincerely. Seems like a good formula I will try to use more. Glad I'm not alone in cases like this.
Next week are transfers. I have never wanted to stay in an area so much, but I think I might leave. This assistances called the ZLs and I guess there is a good chance I might "be needed elsewhere". Whatever that means. I am just getting the hang of the work here! I hope I stay, but we shall see!
Well, I love you all! Have a great week!
Jake
I love you all. :)
I really enjoyed the letters this week, I reread parts, and I have lil time left, but I am grateful for all of you.
I continue to share with others my Grandparent Loveland's immense willingness to serve with those around me. I am so proud of my Grandparents! They are super great, fantastic examples!
I have to let you know, the fact that A fasted for family this week was a pretty powerful example of faith, and trust in the Lord. I am extremely impressed with my lil Sister! Thanks A!
Mom, when I hear about all you are doing, I just count my blessings that my moutain of tasks, is only a lil mole hill next to yours. Wow, Keep that up!
This week has been pretty good. We are finally getting some awesome families in the teaching pool! I love these people, and I love working everyday. I'm excited to teach these people!Something that wasn't very strong in the begining. I get strength from these families. Families are the greatest thing God made.
Some funny stories: The first wasn't very funny at the time. I did a division with the members Wednesday night. The two marked apppointments fell through, the 4 back-up plans also fell through! The 6th house we went to, I knocked on the door (actually, I clapped my hands at the gate as is custom) and our investigator came out. She was sooo upset! She was yelling at us for coming at 10:30 at night (reallly, it was 8:20) and was upset because of who knows what else! She gave us a good yelling for a few mins, and then we left. I have never had anyone say that for sure. Most people are completely chill with an 8:30 visit.
And then! The member got mad at me for knocking at her door! He said he didn't want to do anything else, and wanted to go back to the church and wait for the division to end. That hurt, I was trying to be positive through it all, and as we walked home from the chapel it started to rain! Haha So ridiculous.
Then another member called me and said he noticed it was starting to rain and wanted to know where we were so he could give us a ride home. I almost kissed him on the forehead! haha its amazing how much a lil act of service can help out.
There is a crazy drunk guy trying to read this letter right now. Its incedible, all of the drunks here speak english, just basics, but they all know it!
Anyways, I was able to talk to that member on the way home and we had a good laugh about how crazy that day was.
We also taught a lesson with another member earlier that day. He taught everything. EVERYTHING! All five missionary lessons, The Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, the gospel of Jesus Christ, all commandments, patriarchal blessings, temples, home teachers, sacrament, temples and the temples again. And yeah. everything. Wow, ahah, I have never cut someone off some many times in my life!
Afterwards, I prayed for help in talked to this member and correcting his teaching a bit. I have had to correct a few other times this week, with missionaries mostly, but it is not my favorite thing to do. I only do it when the Spirit makes me, haha, but its another time when I just rely on the spirit as best I can. I know there are so many things that I need to improve, so I feel like I don't have a lot of room to help others, but the Lord has helped me out and I think I have been able to help these people.
The talk with the member turned out extremely well actually. Not sure how, just followed the Spirit. Complimented him a bunch sincerely, and then told him the problem, and told him it will help him be a greater help yet, and then complimented him again, sincerely. Seems like a good formula I will try to use more. Glad I'm not alone in cases like this.
Next week are transfers. I have never wanted to stay in an area so much, but I think I might leave. This assistances called the ZLs and I guess there is a good chance I might "be needed elsewhere". Whatever that means. I am just getting the hang of the work here! I hope I stay, but we shall see!
Well, I love you all! Have a great week!
Jake
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Nerve-wracking but great week!
At Samantha's baptism, complete family.
Hi Guys!
Sounds like the week abroad was extre,mely busy! I loved hearing abouit the adventures in California, and in that good ol small town especially. I love that place. Good times are always in store.
Sounds like the week abroad was extre,mely busy! I loved hearing abouit the adventures in California, and in that good ol small town especially. I love that place. Good times are always in store.
This week too has been crazy, so Ill get to the beef of it!
Friday night, we had a ward party. I loved it! It was a blast! It was kinda like a Caraval tyoe thing with games and lots of food and some dancing presentations. It was so fun, I completely lost track of time, and we left there at 10:25! Whoops. But we did a tug of war, Elder Harris and I vs. four young men from the ward. Totally dominated them!
More nerve racking, Samantha said she wanted to wait for baptism, and her mother agreed. They wanted her dad to baptize her, in a few months when he can. I don't have any idea what we said, but I just followed the Spirit. I have had to do that a lot lately, having no idea what to do, and just putting my faith in the Lord, and hoping it'll work out. In the end, she accepted to be baptized Saturday! I even "baptized" Elder Harris right in the middle of the ward party to get her more comfortable, more excited about the idea. It was pretty funny, and the ward seemed to enjoy it as well. He's a big kid so I was a lil scared!
We also had a ton of members bring friends there, so we will have some more people to teach! Yes! This area has been tough. Real tough.
Saturday night we had the baptism, and it went so well! I loved so much seeing this family together afterwards, they were so happy! Reminded me of how great my job is, even with all the stress and sacrifice, its a pretty nice gig. I love this family!
Sunday, we went and visited a referral we got from the site. It was the nicest house I've seen in brasil i think haha. Anyways, we started talking to this incredible family, and turns out the daughter (20) talked to a missionary on the airplane who was going to the MTC in Brasil. This lead me to ask why she was coming back from the states. Turns out she studies at OSU! She has not only heard of our hometown, but has been there! I almost cried of pure joy! NO ONE in Brasil has heard of Oregon! But also the little town? Whoa! Haha that family was extremely receptive, and seemed to really like the message. We are going to baptize them before the go to Oregon in four weeks so they can hang with you guys a bit :)
Yesterday I had an interesting experience... I was doing an interview for a baptism in another area. The interview was going well, and right around question three, the baby she was holding started to cry. This lady immediately started breast feeding her child. This startled me, haha, as she made no effort to cover herself or anything like that. I just laughed to myself and kept going. This is just another example of how completelty DIFFERENT the culture here is in Brasil. I'm so glad stuff like that doesnt happen very often in the States, hahaha
Well, that one time we almost got robbed . . . We were walking down the street, and a guy ran up to us and started screaming "get on the ground! get on the ground!" I didn't really have a desire to do this, and was not really intimidated by this small man, so kept walking. However, my companion was grabbed by the man and so I came back really fast. We were able to talk the guy into letting us go because we were just missionaries and were poor. He was a lil unbelieving, but with the stare of power and authority of God peering into his eyes, he ran off. Pretty crazy!
Well, like I said, the area hasn't been picking up as much as I would like. We are trying, working really hard, but its taking some time. We did a 48-hour division with the LZs to get some stuff going in our area, and had absolutely zero success. A lil frustrating. I have learned a lot from the song "Where can I turn for peace." I used to associate this song with when people suffer big things, death, big disappointments, sins, tragedies or stuff like that. But this week I realized that the song, or rather Jesus Christ, covers our everyday stresses too. That the peace from daily stresses also comes from faith in the Lord, and knowing that he knows your heart, he knows your desires, and will bless you with the things you need to get through, vencer. I am grateful for the hymns, and for the great blessings I have received already. Well, I love you all! Sorry this letter is lame, but I guess you'll have to deal with it!
Love you all, Elder Jake
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Pictures
1) Elder J. Harris and I were rained on and so our investigators gave us dry shirts to wear home. We entered that house Mormon, and left Evangelical. The Evangelical preachers are always walking around in their colored shirts with the bible under the arm
. Pretty sweet :)
. Pretty sweet :)
Praia Grande!
Super sweet restaurant ruins in our area
Super sweet restaurant ruins in our area
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wintertime?
Hello my wonderful family,
Sounds like you guys have had a lot of adventures, and have more for this week! That is excellent, keeps life real interesting!
They keep telling me its winter here, but Im not entirely sure. Its not that hot, but its definitely not cold! It rains once or twice a week, but still cold is an unfamiliar feeling here. Its been about 25 pretty much the whole time. Althought the Brazilians walk around in hoodies and beenies and gloooves. Its pretty funny, if ya ask me. The beaches are getting loaded on the weekends though, which means loads of old men walking around in speedos. Not my favorite part of the area, haha, but what can ya do. Being here in the summer would be way worse! With the temperature, and the old men.
Samatha's baptism fell through :( Shes still super strong, and the family is becoming super involved in the ward, starting to look like theyve been there awhile. The only reason she wasn't baptized was because of, as she put it, "problemas das moças". Haha I didnt know how to respond to that one. I think my facial expressions took care of it ahah shell be baptized Saturday.
Anna Maria disappeared! We finally got a hold of someon at her house and they said her aunt died, so she has been traveling. I hope she comes back soon!
We had an interesting week, not having much time in our area at all. My district leader responsibilities have been pulling me away from the area. We spent one day doing baptism interviews, and another day helping the sisters talk to land lords about the housing switch they are about to do, and a third day we had a really long Zone Conference! AHHH. But it was good, I really loved interviews. It is so great to see these awesome people, with testimonies so strong! Helping the sisters was also good, just time consuming.
Zone Conference was intense. They introduced a new Program, "Vinde a Mim" to help the members intereact with the investigators. So the ward chooses 15 names (less-active,part-member families, or non-members), this parts pretty old. then The ward contacts them. One of the leaders will invite them to a family night. The mission provides materials to be used as gifts in this process. Then we teach em! Its a lil more complicated that that, but thats the sum up :)
Also the zone conference, they announced the churchs new "Simplified curriculum" for missionaries. Its a world-wide thing they are doing, but it just chooses 8 points from PMG, and focus on teachin them to missionaries, practicing and such. Its all about improving teaching and stuff. But this new program also changes a lot in the mission. For example, we won't have interviews with Pres every transferr, or zone conference every month. We will have them every three months! And next month, we start having a lot more trainings for leaders. We have a 3day training coming up! Holy! its like the mtc, Im going go nuts sitting down that long!
Well, thats all the exciting stuff I can think of. Pretty simple week. Lots of doors haha lots of new programs, and lots fhe with members! Both to train, and with investigators! This ward is so legit.
Mom-You sure balance a lot! Sounds like a super crazy week! I love you!
W - How was cub scout camp? That seems like it was pretty fun! Sounds like you had a pretty crazy adventure! I really liked how you prayed, and helped Serena to feel good too. You are a great lil bro! Keep smiling! And don't use drugs while driving!
S - I am so sorry about those cub scout songs. That has got to be rough.
J - you are a stud! You are destroying in scouts! You are going to get the eagle real fast. Keep that up! You never told me if youll be playing footall this fall! or maybe I just forgot. Who knows
Well folks, time to go! Love you all! Choose the Right, please dont swerve when there are dogs in the street. haha I got bit again. Crazy muts. but have a great week!
Love, Jake
[For those who may be concerned, the dog bite didn't break the skin, and he reported it to the mission president's wife, as is standard.]
Sounds like you guys have had a lot of adventures, and have more for this week! That is excellent, keeps life real interesting!
They keep telling me its winter here, but Im not entirely sure. Its not that hot, but its definitely not cold! It rains once or twice a week, but still cold is an unfamiliar feeling here. Its been about 25 pretty much the whole time. Althought the Brazilians walk around in hoodies and beenies and gloooves. Its pretty funny, if ya ask me. The beaches are getting loaded on the weekends though, which means loads of old men walking around in speedos. Not my favorite part of the area, haha, but what can ya do. Being here in the summer would be way worse! With the temperature, and the old men.
Samatha's baptism fell through :( Shes still super strong, and the family is becoming super involved in the ward, starting to look like theyve been there awhile. The only reason she wasn't baptized was because of, as she put it, "problemas das moças". Haha I didnt know how to respond to that one. I think my facial expressions took care of it ahah shell be baptized Saturday.
Anna Maria disappeared! We finally got a hold of someon at her house and they said her aunt died, so she has been traveling. I hope she comes back soon!
We had an interesting week, not having much time in our area at all. My district leader responsibilities have been pulling me away from the area. We spent one day doing baptism interviews, and another day helping the sisters talk to land lords about the housing switch they are about to do, and a third day we had a really long Zone Conference! AHHH. But it was good, I really loved interviews. It is so great to see these awesome people, with testimonies so strong! Helping the sisters was also good, just time consuming.
Zone Conference was intense. They introduced a new Program, "Vinde a Mim" to help the members intereact with the investigators. So the ward chooses 15 names (less-active,part-member families, or non-members), this parts pretty old. then The ward contacts them. One of the leaders will invite them to a family night. The mission provides materials to be used as gifts in this process. Then we teach em! Its a lil more complicated that that, but thats the sum up :)
Also the zone conference, they announced the churchs new "Simplified curriculum" for missionaries. Its a world-wide thing they are doing, but it just chooses 8 points from PMG, and focus on teachin them to missionaries, practicing and such. Its all about improving teaching and stuff. But this new program also changes a lot in the mission. For example, we won't have interviews with Pres every transferr, or zone conference every month. We will have them every three months! And next month, we start having a lot more trainings for leaders. We have a 3day training coming up! Holy! its like the mtc, Im going go nuts sitting down that long!
Well, thats all the exciting stuff I can think of. Pretty simple week. Lots of doors haha lots of new programs, and lots fhe with members! Both to train, and with investigators! This ward is so legit.
Mom-You sure balance a lot! Sounds like a super crazy week! I love you!
W - How was cub scout camp? That seems like it was pretty fun! Sounds like you had a pretty crazy adventure! I really liked how you prayed, and helped Serena to feel good too. You are a great lil bro! Keep smiling! And don't use drugs while driving!
S - I am so sorry about those cub scout songs. That has got to be rough.
J - you are a stud! You are destroying in scouts! You are going to get the eagle real fast. Keep that up! You never told me if youll be playing footall this fall! or maybe I just forgot. Who knows
Well folks, time to go! Love you all! Choose the Right, please dont swerve when there are dogs in the street. haha I got bit again. Crazy muts. but have a great week!
Love, Jake
[For those who may be concerned, the dog bite didn't break the skin, and he reported it to the mission president's wife, as is standard.]
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Baptisms and Other Blessings
Hey Guys!
This week has been crazy! Super long, and super fast at the same time, I wish I could explain it. The week seemed like a day, but the days seemed like weeks!
I will start by explaining the three baptisms we have marked for this week, as per request by my mother :) [I asked for more details about the investigators.] Gabriel (12) is a great kid, he was at lunch on wednesday and has been going to church for a few weeks. He never talked to the missionaries, but he was going with his friends. So on Wednesday, we taught him, and invited him to be baptized! The crazy kid accepted ;) haha I was happy.
Anna Maria, 58, stopped us when we were walking by her house one day. Her son is a member (less-active, but not on the list of the bishop because they moved here recentlyish) and was excited when we offered to share a message with them that day. We have gone back a few times and she is ready! She even (conviently kinda) lost her job in which she was working on Sunday! Crazy. She will be baptized the 1st.
Samantha (13). We were knocking a door one day when Samatha and her parents (Sandro and Adriana) walked by and told us no one was home in that house. We talked to them a bit, and found out they too were members, just inactive for a long time. Ten years or so (also not on the records of the bishop). They let us come back to their house and Samatha accepted the invite to be baptized, and the parents to go back to church! They all went and LOVED IT! They also went to the broadcast thing that the MoTab did, and they loved that too! She said, "I could stay here forever". I loved that response, but was very relieved to get up after sitting for another hour and a half!
So those are the baptizms for now. I think its pretty obvious that the Lord answered our prayers. We worked hard, but he put these wonderful people in our paths. I cannot even explain how grateful I was for that week! This week when we passed the numbers, the ZLs were absolutely shocked. The Lord answered our prayers, and then some! I was super amazed at what the Lord did in this area in the past week. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I guess that is what we signed up for, haha
So on Saturday night we ran into a couple that was visiting from another state. They wanted to know where the chapel was for church the next day. Their son is serving in Sao Paulo North, I guess. Great couple. Anyways, they asked us if we could go with them to the fireside broadcast. I told them we couldn't, so the first thing they did was asked Sandro, Adriana and Samatha if they could go with 'em, and they did! We decided to meet them there (now that we had an investigator there). Then this couple, invited us out to lunch on p'day (today)! Holy. This family is awesome! I was super humbled at their love and willingness to serve. They took us out to a really nice restaurant today, paid for it all.
This couple really made me think. It reminded me of a talk Diane gave about angels of the Lord. I have seen a few people pass through my life, just for an instant, here on the mission, and leave a huge impact. These "hit and run" angels who took us out to lunch and all, had such an awesome spirit, so happy, so grateful, and just so awesome. Really great examples of the Savior. Taught me a valuable lesson. I'm gonna write em a letter! Also I think they wrote you guys a letter, I hope! Please thank them a lot!
She shared a storie with us about her conversion. She said she walked into a room and met a man for some business reason, I believe, and when her husband said it was time to leave, she didn't want to. She said she asked the man who he was, because she felt the spirit so strong. He said he was a bishop for the church of Jesus Christ, and at that moment, she decided to get baptized. I dont think she ever saw him again. Pretty sweet story.
But that couple had the same effect on me. Even though he wasn't a bishop, and I was already baptized, I wanted to be a better person.
Thanks Mom for that lil bit about King Solomon. I really liked it! I love hearing about what you learn from the scriptures or life, I find it super interesting. Also really liked the Oceans 11 analogy. Great movie. Its weird how often I apply that movie to my life. All about team work, and how everyone has their role, but the reward is the same for everyone, (unless you're Benedict). I think thats pretty true for us, no matter what are role in life, if we "play it well" we will receive the same great reward! It may even be better than 13.8 million dollars
Thanks for the fotos from the family reunion! People are growing up! Mathias looks especially manly of late. Nice work with the steroids, kid.
Do you think you could send me Dad's talk? Sounds amazing! I think it would be a wonderful talk to have on hand during a mission!
I really liked the story of the blessings for Grandma and Grandpa; I love giving blessings, one the most wonderful things to be able to do. I was able to give a blessing on Sunday, and it made me very happy. I was able to do it with Adamastor, one of the great men I have gotten to know here on the mission. And we gave it to Paulino, who is another great example to me of what I want to be like when I grow up. These two men remind me a ton of the great examples I have at home, and I felt at home with them.
I am in this area almost 4 months now and I am really starting to get to know the people well. I am starting to get to know their stories, their families, and everything. Great people. I love this ward! I don't really have to use a map anymore, I know when and with who to do family nights and which members would get along with which investigators. It is a blessing to serve here for so long. Its gonna be extremely hard to leave this area, that's for sure. I hope I get to stay a few more!
Hmmm, the district. The district is great! President and I talked about that in our interview. Really fantastic missionaries. I love working with 'em. Basically my job is to get the numbers each week, and help make goals and what-not to improve the work in their areas. I also do divisions to train every once and awhile, and I organize and plan the district meetings. Also I do interviews for baptism, which is a great blessing. I love that part, though its hard.
I talked to pres-man about that. I talked about the worry I had, because some people answer all the questions right, but not with conviction. When do i decide they should wait a lil longer? President really helped me with that. He explained the importance of follow-up post baptism. That people can meet the minimum standards, but we have to follow up a lot to strengthen them, even after the baptism. Also gave me some stuff to study and to pray about. And He said A TON more, but thats all you guys get for now :)
The other day we taught a man who honestly believed that He was the cause of the first and second world wars, and that he was worried he would be the cause of the third as well. He let us know as well that he was born in 1953. :)
Well, I tried to be a lil better this week wit the details, but I ran out of time, so I hope it works! No time for personal ads, sorry! I still love yous. I love you people, thanks for your prayers! I pray for you too!
Love, Jake
This week has been crazy! Super long, and super fast at the same time, I wish I could explain it. The week seemed like a day, but the days seemed like weeks!
I will start by explaining the three baptisms we have marked for this week, as per request by my mother :) [I asked for more details about the investigators.] Gabriel (12) is a great kid, he was at lunch on wednesday and has been going to church for a few weeks. He never talked to the missionaries, but he was going with his friends. So on Wednesday, we taught him, and invited him to be baptized! The crazy kid accepted ;) haha I was happy.
Anna Maria, 58, stopped us when we were walking by her house one day. Her son is a member (less-active, but not on the list of the bishop because they moved here recentlyish) and was excited when we offered to share a message with them that day. We have gone back a few times and she is ready! She even (conviently kinda) lost her job in which she was working on Sunday! Crazy. She will be baptized the 1st.
Samantha (13). We were knocking a door one day when Samatha and her parents (Sandro and Adriana) walked by and told us no one was home in that house. We talked to them a bit, and found out they too were members, just inactive for a long time. Ten years or so (also not on the records of the bishop). They let us come back to their house and Samatha accepted the invite to be baptized, and the parents to go back to church! They all went and LOVED IT! They also went to the broadcast thing that the MoTab did, and they loved that too! She said, "I could stay here forever". I loved that response, but was very relieved to get up after sitting for another hour and a half!
So those are the baptizms for now. I think its pretty obvious that the Lord answered our prayers. We worked hard, but he put these wonderful people in our paths. I cannot even explain how grateful I was for that week! This week when we passed the numbers, the ZLs were absolutely shocked. The Lord answered our prayers, and then some! I was super amazed at what the Lord did in this area in the past week. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I guess that is what we signed up for, haha
So on Saturday night we ran into a couple that was visiting from another state. They wanted to know where the chapel was for church the next day. Their son is serving in Sao Paulo North, I guess. Great couple. Anyways, they asked us if we could go with them to the fireside broadcast. I told them we couldn't, so the first thing they did was asked Sandro, Adriana and Samatha if they could go with 'em, and they did! We decided to meet them there (now that we had an investigator there). Then this couple, invited us out to lunch on p'day (today)! Holy. This family is awesome! I was super humbled at their love and willingness to serve. They took us out to a really nice restaurant today, paid for it all.
This couple really made me think. It reminded me of a talk Diane gave about angels of the Lord. I have seen a few people pass through my life, just for an instant, here on the mission, and leave a huge impact. These "hit and run" angels who took us out to lunch and all, had such an awesome spirit, so happy, so grateful, and just so awesome. Really great examples of the Savior. Taught me a valuable lesson. I'm gonna write em a letter! Also I think they wrote you guys a letter, I hope! Please thank them a lot!
She shared a storie with us about her conversion. She said she walked into a room and met a man for some business reason, I believe, and when her husband said it was time to leave, she didn't want to. She said she asked the man who he was, because she felt the spirit so strong. He said he was a bishop for the church of Jesus Christ, and at that moment, she decided to get baptized. I dont think she ever saw him again. Pretty sweet story.
But that couple had the same effect on me. Even though he wasn't a bishop, and I was already baptized, I wanted to be a better person.
Thanks Mom for that lil bit about King Solomon. I really liked it! I love hearing about what you learn from the scriptures or life, I find it super interesting. Also really liked the Oceans 11 analogy. Great movie. Its weird how often I apply that movie to my life. All about team work, and how everyone has their role, but the reward is the same for everyone, (unless you're Benedict). I think thats pretty true for us, no matter what are role in life, if we "play it well" we will receive the same great reward! It may even be better than 13.8 million dollars
Thanks for the fotos from the family reunion! People are growing up! Mathias looks especially manly of late. Nice work with the steroids, kid.
Do you think you could send me Dad's talk? Sounds amazing! I think it would be a wonderful talk to have on hand during a mission!
I really liked the story of the blessings for Grandma and Grandpa; I love giving blessings, one the most wonderful things to be able to do. I was able to give a blessing on Sunday, and it made me very happy. I was able to do it with Adamastor, one of the great men I have gotten to know here on the mission. And we gave it to Paulino, who is another great example to me of what I want to be like when I grow up. These two men remind me a ton of the great examples I have at home, and I felt at home with them.
I am in this area almost 4 months now and I am really starting to get to know the people well. I am starting to get to know their stories, their families, and everything. Great people. I love this ward! I don't really have to use a map anymore, I know when and with who to do family nights and which members would get along with which investigators. It is a blessing to serve here for so long. Its gonna be extremely hard to leave this area, that's for sure. I hope I get to stay a few more!
Hmmm, the district. The district is great! President and I talked about that in our interview. Really fantastic missionaries. I love working with 'em. Basically my job is to get the numbers each week, and help make goals and what-not to improve the work in their areas. I also do divisions to train every once and awhile, and I organize and plan the district meetings. Also I do interviews for baptism, which is a great blessing. I love that part, though its hard.
I talked to pres-man about that. I talked about the worry I had, because some people answer all the questions right, but not with conviction. When do i decide they should wait a lil longer? President really helped me with that. He explained the importance of follow-up post baptism. That people can meet the minimum standards, but we have to follow up a lot to strengthen them, even after the baptism. Also gave me some stuff to study and to pray about. And He said A TON more, but thats all you guys get for now :)
The other day we taught a man who honestly believed that He was the cause of the first and second world wars, and that he was worried he would be the cause of the third as well. He let us know as well that he was born in 1953. :)
Well, I tried to be a lil better this week wit the details, but I ran out of time, so I hope it works! No time for personal ads, sorry! I still love yous. I love you people, thanks for your prayers! I pray for you too!
Love, Jake
Friday, July 16, 2010
July 13, 2010 . . . almost what?
Hey People! I love you guys!
Thanks for the letter mom, it was one of my favorites! Reminded me of how great my family is! Not that is really forgot haha, but it sounds like you had a lot of fun at the reunion and everything else! I would have loved to be there, but life here ain't that shabby, so I'll get over it :)
I'll give ya a few updates here. My comp, Elder J. Harris, is from Ogden, Utah. His name is also Jake! We had a nice talk about the power of that name. Such a solid name. Glad I choose it. He has been helping me a ton with the work (obviously) and has been helping me improve with some of my goals. Hes a stud. I like workin with him a ton. He served in Colorado Springs. Pretty interesting to hear the difference between the two missions, I think its a pretty cool oportunity he had.
So with just the ward, we started over from scratch. We have a few investigators, who are more long term because of marriage complications, but really have no one else to teach. So this week was hard. We were chasing after old investigators, references from the site, less actives, everything! Finding hardly anyone! Was statistically the worst week of my mission. perfect for my first week as senior and district leader. Sunday night after passing the numbers, I couldn't really sleep, I just sat on the floor thinking, and praying, and taking notes on ways to improve the area. We decided to just knock a lot of doors, as we had tried everything else, including knocking doors, but I felt we should focus on that. So yesterday, we fasted, and went knocking all day!
We actually left the house at 8:30, because the sisters never passed the numbers, and hadn't been answering their phone. I was kinda worried about them, so we decided to grab a bus to their area and see what was up. Turns out they were just robbed, so that was good. They will get a new phone and all soon. Crazy, it was at the exact same time as our district leader was almost robbed! Luckily he's a huge guy, and the robber ran away!
So yesterday, comin back from the sisters area, we went straight to work. We knocked doors all day, one of the hottest days in a long time. Freaking long day. But, it was really awesome to see the Lord make some magic happen in the area. it turned out to be the most successful day on my mission! We found loads of people to teach! Even marked a baptism! We almost tied all of the numbers from the entire last week in one day! That was a ridiculous day. Long, but sometimes, life is really hard haha but its got blessings. I've never been so thirsty in my life!
Well, the rest of the ife is pretty normal, I'm super tired, and I feel great. I love coming home knowing you worked like a lil slave pig.
Well thats all I got for now, nothing too exciting!
J -You are the man! Nice work helping out at Grandma's and all. You really like helping out, thats freakin great! You have learned well, young Padowan. haha! Please watch Star Wars for me sometime. Hope your summer break is kickin! What you up too?
W-I been thinking about you and your strange ways lately. We are teaching a kid with your name. He;s pretty weird too. Haha You're such a funny kid!
Mom-thanks for the great letter! Hope all goes well with your clients! Tell Lauren Congratulations! Give her a hug and a solid high five. Shes gonna dominate down there! I love you, Mother
Bye bye gente, have a great week! Thanks for being so cool!
Love, Jake
After reading about that the district leader was almost robbed, I quickly emailed back. I wasn't worried, just wanted to hear more to that story. The following was our back and forth email:
Ummm . . . what do you mean that you were almost robbed? You have to tell more to the story!
Love, Mom
Haha, I havent the foggiest idea what you're talking about, Mother!
Do I need to take back that kiss? [I had emailed another short email the day before and included a hug and kiss on the forehead.]
Haha go for it. ;) Ill have to tell ya next week,time ran out! But I love you still, and the Lord does a great job of keeping watch over his children . . . even when they are odd!
Love ya
Thanks for the letter mom, it was one of my favorites! Reminded me of how great my family is! Not that is really forgot haha, but it sounds like you had a lot of fun at the reunion and everything else! I would have loved to be there, but life here ain't that shabby, so I'll get over it :)
I'll give ya a few updates here. My comp, Elder J. Harris, is from Ogden, Utah. His name is also Jake! We had a nice talk about the power of that name. Such a solid name. Glad I choose it. He has been helping me a ton with the work (obviously) and has been helping me improve with some of my goals. Hes a stud. I like workin with him a ton. He served in Colorado Springs. Pretty interesting to hear the difference between the two missions, I think its a pretty cool oportunity he had.
So with just the ward, we started over from scratch. We have a few investigators, who are more long term because of marriage complications, but really have no one else to teach. So this week was hard. We were chasing after old investigators, references from the site, less actives, everything! Finding hardly anyone! Was statistically the worst week of my mission. perfect for my first week as senior and district leader. Sunday night after passing the numbers, I couldn't really sleep, I just sat on the floor thinking, and praying, and taking notes on ways to improve the area. We decided to just knock a lot of doors, as we had tried everything else, including knocking doors, but I felt we should focus on that. So yesterday, we fasted, and went knocking all day!
We actually left the house at 8:30, because the sisters never passed the numbers, and hadn't been answering their phone. I was kinda worried about them, so we decided to grab a bus to their area and see what was up. Turns out they were just robbed, so that was good. They will get a new phone and all soon. Crazy, it was at the exact same time as our district leader was almost robbed! Luckily he's a huge guy, and the robber ran away!
So yesterday, comin back from the sisters area, we went straight to work. We knocked doors all day, one of the hottest days in a long time. Freaking long day. But, it was really awesome to see the Lord make some magic happen in the area. it turned out to be the most successful day on my mission! We found loads of people to teach! Even marked a baptism! We almost tied all of the numbers from the entire last week in one day! That was a ridiculous day. Long, but sometimes, life is really hard haha but its got blessings. I've never been so thirsty in my life!
Well, the rest of the ife is pretty normal, I'm super tired, and I feel great. I love coming home knowing you worked like a lil slave pig.
Well thats all I got for now, nothing too exciting!
J -You are the man! Nice work helping out at Grandma's and all. You really like helping out, thats freakin great! You have learned well, young Padowan. haha! Please watch Star Wars for me sometime. Hope your summer break is kickin! What you up too?
W-I been thinking about you and your strange ways lately. We are teaching a kid with your name. He;s pretty weird too. Haha You're such a funny kid!
Mom-thanks for the great letter! Hope all goes well with your clients! Tell Lauren Congratulations! Give her a hug and a solid high five. Shes gonna dominate down there! I love you, Mother
Bye bye gente, have a great week! Thanks for being so cool!
Love, Jake
After reading about that the district leader was almost robbed, I quickly emailed back. I wasn't worried, just wanted to hear more to that story. The following was our back and forth email:
Ummm . . . what do you mean that you were almost robbed? You have to tell more to the story!
Love, Mom
Haha, I havent the foggiest idea what you're talking about, Mother!
Do I need to take back that kiss? [I had emailed another short email the day before and included a hug and kiss on the forehead.]
Haha go for it. ;) Ill have to tell ya next week,time ran out! But I love you still, and the Lord does a great job of keeping watch over his children . . . even when they are odd!
Love ya
Sunday, July 11, 2010
From July 7, 2010
Hi Mommy! So yesterday was pretty crazy, so I didnt have time to write! President gave us a lil time to email today, but we will be cutting it even shorter i think, we gotta get some stuff done! Sounds like you guys all had a blast at the family reunion and Im sure it was a freaking blast! So a few quick stories. Sunday, I had the "oportunity and blessing" of giving the Elders Quorum (alone, as my comp was in the branch). I planned a training on the message of the restoration, to help the members become more familiar with it for divisions, and for when talking to their friends, I was pretty excited about the idea. kinda. The idea, not the me teaching part haha but what can ya do! So the first thing I noticed in the class was our friend, the Book of Mormon street preacher, was there! And so it began... He tried to "bible bash" every thing I said, it was crazy. The members were super good at teaching and answering questions and stuff, but it was also frustrating for a lot of the men, because he wouldnt listen, and refused to let us move on. Finally, Ricardo, one of the men from the quorum, got up and told him he was being rude and he should wait til after wards to get answers. Stuff we all said before, but Ricardo was very, bold, that is the word I will use haha. SO the guy stood up and said "maybe its better i leave!" Naturally, I ran up to the door, and with a big ol smile, opened it and told him to have a nice day. haha was a crazy experience! So the reason why yesterday was crazy. Sunday night we got tranfer calls! We finally got new missionaries! Elder Perry and I will stay here, in our respective areas. Elder Perry will be working with a short-term missionary, Elder Cano. Its pretty crazy, because Elder Perry has to teach him EVERYTHING! I will, or rather, currently am with Elder J. Harris. He is another tall blond american, and is a super hard worker. Incredible, I am excited to be working with him. He is one transfer younger than I am, but he had some serious visa problems, and so he spent the first few months in Colorado. But he still speaks pretty well, hes confident in his speaking, and he is a great missionary. He also is a great example of always speaking the language. I haven't ever talked to him in English, not even in the house. He is pretty good at that, which is great, I could always use more practice! Also, to my surprise, bundled up in anxiety, I was called to be district leader! So I got a phone call that I had to go all the way into Sao Paulo to get some training (so much for P-day!) on being a DL. Left at 6 30 am, got back at 8:30 pm). The district includes two sisters white-washing an area, Amercan training American. Pretty cool I guess, reminded me a ton of when I came into the field! Man, time flies! But because of this, I had to wait in Sao Paulo til after the meetings to talk to the President about their housing situation, which will proly have to change, and then take them to their house. Them and there 6 ginormous bags! it was quite an adventure with them, their bags, my comps bags, and all through the subway, and the two buses. Pretty crazy day. When we finally got off the bus in their area, we were walking down the street and a man pulled up and said he would take the bags to the house for us. (The bags only since noone else would fit). As we watched his car drive away with all their bags, I looked at the new sister and said " I hope that guys a member". She didn't find that as funny as I did haha, but she forgave me, I hope. So I had my first district meeting today, having exactly zero time to prepare, and being a completely clueless as to what the training was supposed to be on, but I thnk it went okay. I pulled it out of the fire. I should give a training a pulling it out of the fire haha seems to be the story of my life. But I am excited about the district leader calling, as well as a lil overwhelmed. The Sisters are excellent, Elder Perry is as well, and the LZs, natually, are pretty good. They have baptized 18 weeks in a row. What on earth do I have to teach these people?! haha I guess it'll have to be all up the the Lord, cause I dont have anything! I also am opening up my area again, which is gonna be hard, cause we mostly worked in the branch. So its gonna be an adventure. haha love the challenge. I talked to the LZs today a lil about how I was gonna work hard, but I felt a lil underqualified. I expecially feel like I'm not humble enough, and I still have so much to learn before I become I leader. He told me something interesting. He told me the assistants had called another person to be district leader, but the zone leaders called them back, and then called President, and said "it has to be Elder loveland". I guess they talked it over with President for awhile, and they decided it would be me. I was a lil taken back by that, I asked him why. He said it was because they knew I was a worker, a hard worker. And I would be able to motivate the district through my example of hard work. I am not sure about that, but I was really humbled that they did that, that that decision was made. I'm just praying and hoping I can live up to that. Ill do my best, but I feeling like I'm standing at the bottom of K-2 here. But I know that with the lord, i can do what he needs me to do. Well, I got to run, I love you all! Thank you for all you all are teaching me, and for all the support! You guys mean the world to me. Keep on smilin :) Love, Elder Jake
From June 29, 2010
Hi guys!
This week has been super crazy, but they have been that way for a while, so in reality, this week was normal. I have reallly no idea what to write actually.
Well, Thursday we went to Santos, about an hour away, for zone conference. Zone conference, as usual, was way good! We spent a lot of time talking about focusing on men and families. We talked a lot about the role of the father, and a focusing on him, and inviting him to lead the family in prayer and things. Pretty good, learned some good stuff.
Thursday night we had an interesting lesson. It just fell flat. It was with the youth, the guys who come to play soccer. The non-members agreed to hear a lesson before every game. anyway, that lesson, about the Gospel (faith, repentace, baptism, the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end) went horribly! They were not at all interested, and it kinda fell flat. I was pretty discouraged. But we talked with the 2nd couselor in the bishopric, who was in the class, and we made some goals and stuff to improve our teaching. we appproached that class all wrong. They are a super rowdy bunch, and so we were trying to be serious, so that they would calm down, and realize the importance of the message, but in realitity, they just tuned out. So we did some practicing, got some ideas from the couselor on how to be more interactive, more exciting, and harness that energy to somethin productive. we will do our best. I hope we can improve a bit, we need it!
Well Sunday was a really rushed day. We had two baptisms, at two different times! Cluadio was baptized right after church. He is Carlo's lil bro, who was baptized two weeks ago. Their sister was also baptized, the week before we combined areas. Right now, just the mom isnt a member. The dad is super inactive, but he came to the baptism! A lil sign of progress. We are also teaching their cousins, who will proly be baptized in a few weeks. Legitimate family.
When I baptized Caudio (15), the water was quite cold, so I tried to get him in and out a lil quicker than normal. However, when he hit the water, he seemed to climb up my arm and didnt go all the way under, so we got to try again :) His family seems to like to try two or three times, they all were like that haha
But after that baptism, we helped the Branch president with tithing, and member records, then went all he way into Ocian, another area entirely to eat lunch with a family the stake president sent to attend, and help with the branch. After the bbq, we went back for the baptism of Alex, the young man I told you all about last week. He was late, because his mom told ushe had gone back to get Isaias, the 32 yr old guy who lives with him. Lil kids a stud. But they were all there and the baptism went well. He had to be baptized at night so everyone could be there, just like Claudio had to be be in the afternoon so his father could be there. Then we sang and helped out with the choir, preparing for the branch conference in two weeks. Finally, we got to do a lil proseliting, at about 8, to teach Sandro and Dani. It was a crazy day, and I really enjoyed it.
Sandro and Dani still havent done the paperwork, but we are trying to get them to do it, they are just so busy. shes going through finals this week, so hopeful, they can do it soon!
Beuno and Ericka and Bruna are doing good, but still havent accepted a baptismal date, but we will keep doing our best :)
Today, when we were doing some errands, we passed this man on the street walkin the other direction, screaming about the 2nd coming and that we need to be ready! Pretty normal for Sao Paulo, haha, so we didn't do anything. Then, later we passed him again, this time he was on the other side of the street than us, waving a book and screaming about two nations, two testaments. I could have swore that book looked like triple combination. Then, as we were eating lunch, he sat down out side the window where we were eating (i dont think he could see us though). I looked really closely at that book hed been waving around. It WAS the Book of Mormon, D&C and Pearl of Great Price! We quickly finished eating and ran outside to talk to him. He seemed suprised when he found out we were representatives of the church. He told us he didn't believe in the church, just that the BoM was the word of God, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that he brought the preisthood back on the earth. However, like I said, he didn;t believe the church was true. Really odd. He said that the the church beleived that the Trinity was three seperate beings, and he knew, that it was one. Really interesting discussion we had with him, but his logic didn't really line up too well, so we ended it and moved on. Kinda strange that someone else is preaching on the street with the book of moron against the church. Haha what a weird guy.
Well, I gotta to go, Im trying to finally get some pictures to ya guys!
Love ya all, Ill have to write more next week!
Love, Elder jake
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