Hey People!
I hope you guys finally got last weeks letter, I sent it for the ninth time today haha. But This week was a good one. I think. I cant really remember it...Let me go through it in my brain real quick.
Last week was actually a rather calm week. We only did one division, pretty rare haha. we had stake conference, so that was pretty inspiring, and also means we only had 2 hours of church on sunday instead of 10 straight hours in the same chapel. Not even sure if I told you guys that, but because we are taking care of two wards here, that are at different times, usually the whole Sunday is spent in meetings and church, with a quick lunch thrown down in the kitchen in the breif interval (often times eating rice and beans and spagetti with our hands as there was no silverwear, until we hid some).
So this Sunday was gonna be pretty normal. However, President and Sister came up to us after stake conference, where they spoke and destroyed, and said they would love to do a surprise inspection of our house... Luckily, our house was clean. phew. But it was great to have a few more moments with those great people.
In stake conference, the Stake president said good-bye to them cause they wont be coming back to that stake conference anymore. That made me think about how sad thats gonna be we they go home. Love those guys.
Hmmm We are really trying to use the Book Of Mormon more. A lot more. And its doing miracles. We are reading it more, and we are teaching it WAY more, andusing it to teach a lot more. I am loving it. Brings such a strong spirit o the work. to life.
Last night, we went to a families house where we had a FHE marked. They had invited some friends to hear aboput the gospel. When we got there however, the husband told us that his wifes brother had passed away, and decided not to invite the families over. They allowed us to do a family night with them. My companion lead out in a great lesson, sharing a personal story of the death of his grandfather and other things that happend to him in the first few weeks on the mission. And then we read 1 Nephi 11:17. I heard it in a John Bytheway talk once. Super great scripture. We were able to talk about how God loves us, and that we just have to trust him. Let him do His job, and itll all work out as we do our best.
One of my favorite stories lately is of Peter walking on the water. I like it best told in Mathew. The other day, we were teaching Giãn. He really wants to be baptized, but his mom wont let him, despite all we try. However. We were speaking with him the other day and felt the need to share with him that story. An interesting part of that story is how it starts. The Lord tells the apostles to cross the sea, but they are making it, despite their efforts, the "wind was against them". We then read that at that point they saw Jesus walking on the water. Sometimes we have trials, and arent able to do waht we want to do-even something nessisary like baptism- when we want to. But because we are made to wait, we get to see a greater miracle. As long as we dont give up, we will be exactly where the Lord wants us to be and he will come "walking over the water". Interesting lesson I learned this week on patience.
Please have Ward email me! I can totally respond, just need to know asap to see if Pres-Man will let us do somethin.
I love running. I miss it a ton. We go running every week to walmart, and its awesome. I gotta find some way to get more active. Jump rope aint cutting in any more. Physical activity is a huge stress killer, and maybe thats why Im so stressed. Was something I was thinking about last night. Gotta do somethin different! gotta find someway to relax a lot more... Read the talk by Joe B Worthlin from the oct. 2008 conf. this morning. That was a great talk. Helped a bit :) ANy ideas?
Hmmm i cant think of anything else. and my bed is calling my name! I Love yous, have a great week!
Oh, got the calender! Thanks! I loved it! Its already up on the wall!
Love elder jake
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Trying to follow the Spirit
[Elder Jake had trouble emailing this on Jan.25, so we didn't receive it until Feb. 1.]
Hey Folks!
Brasil is just as hot as ever! Actually its getting way hotter here. Its really heatin up. We are about in the middle of summer though, so itll proly cool down. But It just POURS rain every afternoon. Like buckets. It always seems like the end of the world. But it goes away and gets all nice again. Faz Parte.
Its been an incredible week for the zone. President gave the mission a promise/challenge that every dupla could baptize 2 people per month. And we have been working hard for that. This week, the baptismal goal for the zone (the number of people who were scheduled to be baptized this week) was 6/2. 6 people, with 2 being men. We prayed and fasted and were following up really well with the missionaries, and it was a great, driven week. 3 of the these fell, werent able to be baptized. However, 3 more fell from heaven! At the last minute the Lord blessed us with those baptisms. 3 duplas who didnt even have a person with date found people to baptize. even 1 man! Aleluia! It was a good testimony to me that the Lord blesses us, but many times, its at the last minute.
Pres. R talked about that a bit in his email to the mission today, how the Lord didnt save abraham from sacrificing his son until the last minute, and Nephi getting the plates, and a bunch of other exaples. Its true. He pushes us to the last thread, til we´re hanging with one finger and He saves us. Dont ever give up, don't ever surrender!
Fransico! First off, he finished the Book of Mormon. Before his baptism as planned. What a stud. And now, hes reading it again! Hes in 2 Nephi! Hes baptism was really simple. There was us, the four missionaries for the chapel, the Bishop (the MAN) and Fransico. SÓ. But it was a great little meeting still. He bore such a pure testimony, and said how greatful he was for the gospel. Made my day. Then the Bishop gave the welcoming to the ward! After he had welcomed him, he made a request. That he wouldnt miss one sunday. And that he would have contact with the scriptures daily. if all members of the church did that! There would be such a stronger spirit with us all, and we would be able to help so many people! I made those two things a goal. I guess it was a goal I always had. (even those i did miss church once on my mission ...was on an "Errand" for the zone) But I defintely reaffirmed and officialized the goal. Nunca Falte! I know that will make a tremendous diffence in my life!
Oh yeah! Transfers. We both be staying. First time on my mission that I am with a comp for two transfers! (Elder Rocha was for one and a half). Luckily my comp is chill. we have some good times. We had to chill it down a bit though, we were joking around WAY too much in the lessons and there wasnt that strong of a spirit there. Balance. Balance.
My shoes died. Destroyed! Not sure what I did too them, but they are unusable now haha. They are in pieces. I had to resort to the good ol trustys which have holes big enough to put my hand through. They are in way better condition. But I like them. Been with me though everything. I got some replacements for church though, a bit small and awkward a bit for walking, but i think theyll be great. I could use those eccos, did you get those out? you guys are the best!
So this week, we were teaching this wonderful young mother the message of the restaration.I had just finished reciting Josephs first vision, usually the most spiritual moment in the lesson, and out of nowhere, my companion clapped his hands and shouted FETCH! There was this nice awkward silence and we all looked at him. I thought he had snapped, gone insane. He just said, sorry, its was a misquito. haha what a spaz. Its always a good day with him. So funny.
I have been really trying to figure out how to recognize, and follow the spirit more. Its been buggin me. I gotta relax and just trust in Him! Thats a really solid and high goal of mine. To figure out how to use the best tool Ive got. Im sure itll work out. Any advice?
Ive been tearin up the General Conference Addresses. They are so good. Written for me, at least half of em, specifically for me. Im making progress. He has blessed me to know what to say in my talk last week, and it was a spiritually uplifting talk, at least for me. I'm getting there!
We are working with this wonderful less-active family. We showed up there last week and talked about the triangle of God-Husband-Wife. I think Mom taught me this. Dont remember. anyways we just felt like we should talk about that, and them being a strong, united couple is what there daughter needs more than anything in the world. On they way home, the husband said it was interesting that we stopped by, an what we said. He said they were planning on getting a divorce two days later. They had it set up I think. I was so grateful at that moment to be able to be an instrument in the Lords hands. They decided to stay together, and are doing much better right now. Such a great blessing it is to be able to be a tool for the Lord. He has so much work to do, we gotta get to it!
I hope you guys have a great day! The Lord is blessing me so much, and I know he is blessing you guys as well! Thanks for your wonderful ewxamples, and your prayers. I know that the Lord hears them, as he does with all prayers. You people please have a tremdous week, and keep smiling!
Love Jake
Hey Folks!
Brasil is just as hot as ever! Actually its getting way hotter here. Its really heatin up. We are about in the middle of summer though, so itll proly cool down. But It just POURS rain every afternoon. Like buckets. It always seems like the end of the world. But it goes away and gets all nice again. Faz Parte.
Its been an incredible week for the zone. President gave the mission a promise/challenge that every dupla could baptize 2 people per month. And we have been working hard for that. This week, the baptismal goal for the zone (the number of people who were scheduled to be baptized this week) was 6/2. 6 people, with 2 being men. We prayed and fasted and were following up really well with the missionaries, and it was a great, driven week. 3 of the these fell, werent able to be baptized. However, 3 more fell from heaven! At the last minute the Lord blessed us with those baptisms. 3 duplas who didnt even have a person with date found people to baptize. even 1 man! Aleluia! It was a good testimony to me that the Lord blesses us, but many times, its at the last minute.
Pres. R talked about that a bit in his email to the mission today, how the Lord didnt save abraham from sacrificing his son until the last minute, and Nephi getting the plates, and a bunch of other exaples. Its true. He pushes us to the last thread, til we´re hanging with one finger and He saves us. Dont ever give up, don't ever surrender!
Fransico! First off, he finished the Book of Mormon. Before his baptism as planned. What a stud. And now, hes reading it again! Hes in 2 Nephi! Hes baptism was really simple. There was us, the four missionaries for the chapel, the Bishop (the MAN) and Fransico. SÓ. But it was a great little meeting still. He bore such a pure testimony, and said how greatful he was for the gospel. Made my day. Then the Bishop gave the welcoming to the ward! After he had welcomed him, he made a request. That he wouldnt miss one sunday. And that he would have contact with the scriptures daily. if all members of the church did that! There would be such a stronger spirit with us all, and we would be able to help so many people! I made those two things a goal. I guess it was a goal I always had. (even those i did miss church once on my mission ...was on an "Errand" for the zone) But I defintely reaffirmed and officialized the goal. Nunca Falte! I know that will make a tremendous diffence in my life!
Oh yeah! Transfers. We both be staying. First time on my mission that I am with a comp for two transfers! (Elder Rocha was for one and a half). Luckily my comp is chill. we have some good times. We had to chill it down a bit though, we were joking around WAY too much in the lessons and there wasnt that strong of a spirit there. Balance. Balance.
My shoes died. Destroyed! Not sure what I did too them, but they are unusable now haha. They are in pieces. I had to resort to the good ol trustys which have holes big enough to put my hand through. They are in way better condition. But I like them. Been with me though everything. I got some replacements for church though, a bit small and awkward a bit for walking, but i think theyll be great. I could use those eccos, did you get those out? you guys are the best!
So this week, we were teaching this wonderful young mother the message of the restaration.I had just finished reciting Josephs first vision, usually the most spiritual moment in the lesson, and out of nowhere, my companion clapped his hands and shouted FETCH! There was this nice awkward silence and we all looked at him. I thought he had snapped, gone insane. He just said, sorry, its was a misquito. haha what a spaz. Its always a good day with him. So funny.
I have been really trying to figure out how to recognize, and follow the spirit more. Its been buggin me. I gotta relax and just trust in Him! Thats a really solid and high goal of mine. To figure out how to use the best tool Ive got. Im sure itll work out. Any advice?
Ive been tearin up the General Conference Addresses. They are so good. Written for me, at least half of em, specifically for me. Im making progress. He has blessed me to know what to say in my talk last week, and it was a spiritually uplifting talk, at least for me. I'm getting there!
We are working with this wonderful less-active family. We showed up there last week and talked about the triangle of God-Husband-Wife. I think Mom taught me this. Dont remember. anyways we just felt like we should talk about that, and them being a strong, united couple is what there daughter needs more than anything in the world. On they way home, the husband said it was interesting that we stopped by, an what we said. He said they were planning on getting a divorce two days later. They had it set up I think. I was so grateful at that moment to be able to be an instrument in the Lords hands. They decided to stay together, and are doing much better right now. Such a great blessing it is to be able to be a tool for the Lord. He has so much work to do, we gotta get to it!
I hope you guys have a great day! The Lord is blessing me so much, and I know he is blessing you guys as well! Thanks for your wonderful ewxamples, and your prayers. I know that the Lord hears them, as he does with all prayers. You people please have a tremdous week, and keep smiling!
Love Jake
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Listening to Prompts
Dear Yous,
What an inspiring letter. I was touched by the thought of the Spirit teaching my mother, and then my two parents sharing these spiritual experiences together. Really how this whole thing is supposed to work, right?
I'm impressed lately about how one of the simplest things, like attending Sacrament can have such a big impact on us weekly. At times, especially as a missionary, I think that receiving revelation at church, is something that is for new members or investigators. Sometimes I even forget that its possible to receive revelation at church, I think we just go there because its a commandment. Oh how foolish I am. I don't think we really recognize how good we feel after each meeting, and how, if we let it, every meeting can be a spiritual experience.
But today, I wanna talk a little bit about prayer. (I kinda feel like I'm writting a talk, but whatcha gonna do, haha.) This incredible thing has been happening on my mission. This transfer has been tough, with a lot of challenges, with missionaries and with investigators. Things I never really thought I would confront on my mission, as well as the normal day-to-day confusion and list of tasks to do. In the midst of this storm, I have learned how to receive help from someone else.
My whole life I have been praying for help, but lately something changed in me. I'm positive I don't think I know what it is. But I am suddenly able to hear, understand, and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And that has changed my testimony a lot. We aren't alone! We just have to keep working and asking, and most importantly, listening. Usually, as I go to bed, I say a prayer, ask for help, and pass out. Lately, I've been staying up just a bit longer and the Lord has been filling my mind with ideas. As I sit there with a pen and a small notepad, the Lord has been blessing me with so much wonderful knowlegde and help on what the problems really are, and how to fix them! Or what to say, what to teach. I am so grateful for this cause I know that I'm alone, and if I do His will, it will all be alright. "And every lil thing, is gonna be al-ri-ight!"
On Sunday, I was speaking to this couple in the ward about we are taking care of two wards. I explained the shortage of missionaries. and they were asking me about Senor Couple Missionaries. I told her about my wonderful Grandparents, and about my experiences as a missionary. As I was talking about my mission I was just so grateful that Im here and Im so glad I have so much time left. I am not sure why the Lord has blessed me with this great love for the work, but I pray that it continues! I love being out here. Its super hard. I have to go do some stuff right now that I dont really want to. But it is so incredible to be involved in this work. The lord is just pouring blessings like crazy. You people should definitely try and leave with the missionaries sometime. It is so awesome to be here, and to spread the Good news.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love Elder Jake
Remember to spay and neuter your pets!
What an inspiring letter. I was touched by the thought of the Spirit teaching my mother, and then my two parents sharing these spiritual experiences together. Really how this whole thing is supposed to work, right?
I'm impressed lately about how one of the simplest things, like attending Sacrament can have such a big impact on us weekly. At times, especially as a missionary, I think that receiving revelation at church, is something that is for new members or investigators. Sometimes I even forget that its possible to receive revelation at church, I think we just go there because its a commandment. Oh how foolish I am. I don't think we really recognize how good we feel after each meeting, and how, if we let it, every meeting can be a spiritual experience.
But today, I wanna talk a little bit about prayer. (I kinda feel like I'm writting a talk, but whatcha gonna do, haha.) This incredible thing has been happening on my mission. This transfer has been tough, with a lot of challenges, with missionaries and with investigators. Things I never really thought I would confront on my mission, as well as the normal day-to-day confusion and list of tasks to do. In the midst of this storm, I have learned how to receive help from someone else.
My whole life I have been praying for help, but lately something changed in me. I'm positive I don't think I know what it is. But I am suddenly able to hear, understand, and act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. And that has changed my testimony a lot. We aren't alone! We just have to keep working and asking, and most importantly, listening. Usually, as I go to bed, I say a prayer, ask for help, and pass out. Lately, I've been staying up just a bit longer and the Lord has been filling my mind with ideas. As I sit there with a pen and a small notepad, the Lord has been blessing me with so much wonderful knowlegde and help on what the problems really are, and how to fix them! Or what to say, what to teach. I am so grateful for this cause I know that I'm alone, and if I do His will, it will all be alright. "And every lil thing, is gonna be al-ri-ight!"
On Sunday, I was speaking to this couple in the ward about we are taking care of two wards. I explained the shortage of missionaries. and they were asking me about Senor Couple Missionaries. I told her about my wonderful Grandparents, and about my experiences as a missionary. As I was talking about my mission I was just so grateful that Im here and Im so glad I have so much time left. I am not sure why the Lord has blessed me with this great love for the work, but I pray that it continues! I love being out here. Its super hard. I have to go do some stuff right now that I dont really want to. But it is so incredible to be involved in this work. The lord is just pouring blessings like crazy. You people should definitely try and leave with the missionaries sometime. It is so awesome to be here, and to spread the Good news.
I love you all! Have a great week!
Love Elder Jake
Remember to spay and neuter your pets!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Lions and fireworks
Hey Hey hey!
Today I am completely wet. We went to the zoo! It was pretty fun. I love the zoo! Feel closer to my family :) We decided the other day that we dont use our P-days like we should, that we needed to get out and do stuff, for our own sake. So we are gonna have to do some other fun stuff comin up. But the zoo was a blast. Just as we left the lions cage (the last animal to see), it started pouring hard. We got destroyed. Im still dripping and it was a few hours ago. But it was worth it. Reminded me of good ol' Oregon, except people were running for cover instead of just taking the rain like a man.
New Years eve. I was super tired! SO, as always, went to bed at 10:30 and was able to sleep. As I mentioned before, there is a full-on firework show that they light off above our house - SUPER close to our house. But, with my incredible skills, I slept through it all! I only woke up at 12:00 because my comp woke me up and I muttered out "Feliz Ano Novo," and was back asleep, I think before I finished the phrase.
I read in Matthew today that Im not the only one with selective narcalepsy (?). Jesus Christ sleep on the boat during the storm! That made my day.
Well we are working like lil slave pigs here. I'm pretty much always tired now. Its crazy. But its worth it. Last night, we had an incredible lesson. We had a Family home Evening marked with one active family, and one family who is coming back to church. When we were trying to plan the lesson, we found this dvd in the house we had never seen or heard of called "Our Heavenly Father's Plan." My comp said he really wanted to watch it, but I wasnt so sure because the TV didn't have sound there and we had had a game planned for after the message about the Restoration of the Church. But he thought it would be good. We got everything set up, and went to get the family and they bailed!
So we decided to try and get everyone else we could to go, even contacts on the street. We finally got Regis, recently reactivated member, Evanildes a recent convert, and Paula, who's 18. She has always been around when we taught but never really paid much attention and always, ALWAYS said she would go to church but never did.
Anyways, we were able to rig two TVs together to get sound and image, and started the movie. Super good movie. Cheesy, but good. The spirit was strong. After the movie, we went around talking about what we felt, and learned.
We decided to come back to Paula a second time and she opened up. She said she had been praying to know what her purpose was in life. And that was her answer. And in seeing all those happy families, she realized what she wanted in her current family, and her future. Her family is messed up. have some real struggles that I couldn't even imagine. Anyways, she really felt the Spirit. That movie was made for her! She accepted a baptismal date. One of the best lessons, where the Spirit was so strong, she couldn't say no. Really made my day; Helped me one more time to realize that we are merely instuments in the Lords hands, and he does it all!
Well, as is custom, I am out of time! I love you all!
Elder Jake
Today I am completely wet. We went to the zoo! It was pretty fun. I love the zoo! Feel closer to my family :) We decided the other day that we dont use our P-days like we should, that we needed to get out and do stuff, for our own sake. So we are gonna have to do some other fun stuff comin up. But the zoo was a blast. Just as we left the lions cage (the last animal to see), it started pouring hard. We got destroyed. Im still dripping and it was a few hours ago. But it was worth it. Reminded me of good ol' Oregon, except people were running for cover instead of just taking the rain like a man.
New Years eve. I was super tired! SO, as always, went to bed at 10:30 and was able to sleep. As I mentioned before, there is a full-on firework show that they light off above our house - SUPER close to our house. But, with my incredible skills, I slept through it all! I only woke up at 12:00 because my comp woke me up and I muttered out "Feliz Ano Novo," and was back asleep, I think before I finished the phrase.
I read in Matthew today that Im not the only one with selective narcalepsy (?). Jesus Christ sleep on the boat during the storm! That made my day.
Well we are working like lil slave pigs here. I'm pretty much always tired now. Its crazy. But its worth it. Last night, we had an incredible lesson. We had a Family home Evening marked with one active family, and one family who is coming back to church. When we were trying to plan the lesson, we found this dvd in the house we had never seen or heard of called "Our Heavenly Father's Plan." My comp said he really wanted to watch it, but I wasnt so sure because the TV didn't have sound there and we had had a game planned for after the message about the Restoration of the Church. But he thought it would be good. We got everything set up, and went to get the family and they bailed!
So we decided to try and get everyone else we could to go, even contacts on the street. We finally got Regis, recently reactivated member, Evanildes a recent convert, and Paula, who's 18. She has always been around when we taught but never really paid much attention and always, ALWAYS said she would go to church but never did.
Anyways, we were able to rig two TVs together to get sound and image, and started the movie. Super good movie. Cheesy, but good. The spirit was strong. After the movie, we went around talking about what we felt, and learned.
We decided to come back to Paula a second time and she opened up. She said she had been praying to know what her purpose was in life. And that was her answer. And in seeing all those happy families, she realized what she wanted in her current family, and her future. Her family is messed up. have some real struggles that I couldn't even imagine. Anyways, she really felt the Spirit. That movie was made for her! She accepted a baptismal date. One of the best lessons, where the Spirit was so strong, she couldn't say no. Really made my day; Helped me one more time to realize that we are merely instuments in the Lords hands, and he does it all!
Well, as is custom, I am out of time! I love you all!
Elder Jake
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Typing skills decrease.
Hey Family and Frndnis!
This computer is dislexic. Kinda annoying, its slow, o sit randomin aevels out or scrambles words. For example. But its okay! Youll have to use a lot of faith to read. I oo try to fix it when I see it.
Be happy, it happens!
Well it was eremtxly extremely great to talk to you guys on christmas! I loved I got really excited and motivated to do work. Which is good caues i am incredibly tired. Incredibly. I got up this morning and looked at my comp and said something to the effect of "I have no idea how Im not dead right now". Nor did I know how I was going to get trough the day, but Im ggettin there, just oen step at a time and we get there!
This morning we dd ia serviec project and painted the wall of a school yard. It was pretty fun, proba ylbthe third service project of my mission! But as a result, it was proly the 6th time Ie been out in the sun in shorts for an exended period of time, and therefore, I am roasted. Bt uit jkhfagsjçoajfjgiaoisasoigfasgjlaçkfsjglkasçjtgir but it was very fun. I miss good ol slave labor.
WOW. Took 15 mins to get to this point. Ths icomputer is incredible. But ii guess its better than a letter or a telegraph :) Gonna be a short one today ladies and gentlemen!
Yesterday we got to do a interview with Verônica, who will be baptized! Her and her fiance are some of the coolest recent converts I know. He is greek-american, and she is, obviously, brasilian. They met in the states, but cause some crazy old black dude named fred told them they should date. So she returned to brasil, and he fould the church and got baptized. And he introduced her. When i taught her in a division 6 weesk ago, she didnt have a testimony of Joseph Smith. ANd now, as i interviewed her, I saw one of the strongest testimonies in her. She has grown a lot. its aamzing how the gospel can make such a great change in us! If we let it. And eyht were just so excited about the chrcuh (he came down to visit her) and made me want to be a better person. They were just so happy!
well, I have got to go, and get to worK! I hope you all have a great wee! 2k!" I love you all!
with loe,v elefeii jake
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas Celebrations
Hey Family!
Today we went to the temple! It was a wonderful, awesome experience. I love that place. So sweet. I really like going there, I just get all pumped inside, and stoked to be alive. And I learned a lot today. Which was cool. You guys should hit that place up. A lot haha I wish I could go more, but that day will come.
I have been extremely tired lately. I have been beat. I may or may not have fallen asleep for a second there in the temple. So when I was in the temple and I was thinking and praying aboput what I could do to make my life better, a little more exciting or something to give me more energy. So the thought came to me that I need to be more grateful, I need to look for the fantastic things in my life more often! I also will try and study about love a bit more so that I can help my love grow for the people around me, and find ways to express my love and gratitude to them. I gotta rep the name! I am excited to see the changes this will make in my life. I was so tired today that I fell asleep on the bus going home (not uncommon by any means) and began to drool. The little old lady next to me I'm sure had a great laugh and was even kind enough to wake me up when my companion got off the bus.
I love old people. Last week I did a batismal interview with a 76 year old lady. Super funny lady. During the interview, we discovered that she had been drinking coffee ever since she was a child, was born and raised on a coffee farm! And she had been drinking ever since. During the interview I helped her to understand that it was a commandment from God (which she hadn't understood before). I challenged her to follow God, and stop. She accepted! Then I informed her that she would have to wait one more week for her baptism. She didn't like that. She told me that she was (in my words) a tough old cookie, and she was not going to let coffee get in the way of her salvation. "If God wants me to stop, Ill stop right now, and Ill nbever drink again!" She was extremly determined in this, and I was impressed with this woman's faith.Was incredible. Just do what the Lord wants, its that simple! She stopped, and was baptized the next day!
This last week has been crazy, I spent the majority of the week in division. Super crazy. And tiring. But It was great, I learn so much from these Elders. Im pretty blessed to get to learn from these guys all the time.
I am extremely excited about the family calendar!The shoes are good, I like em! However, I have already managed to open up the front end so they leak. What a freakin ogre. The 2nd day! I will need another pair, as my first two are completely shot! These new ones are still good, and very classy, and I assume will last me til the end. Buts its always good to have two pairs to give them a day to dry when it rains. Everyday. :) I think eccos might be the champion of shoes. Those things were troopers. And the square toed ones also look beautiful and are comfortable. Just an idea.
Ill get the chirstmas package on christmas eve. We will have some kinda conference on that day. Also we have one more fireside Sunday in Sao Paulo. (we only will do two, the third is em the Baixada an will be other missionaries). Should be a blast. This week we found an amazing family! Giovanni and Priscila. A young couple we are legally married! They went to church with a member and loved it! They will probably be baptized this week. They have so much faith. I love them. Also, Kerson who we baptized a few weeks ago, his mother will be baptized Sunday. She is super excited. Man she was a toughie. She wanted to be baptized but mais para frente, in January or febuary. For some reason wanted to put it off. Then, I did a divison with Elder J.Harris, my beloved ex-companion who is now a district leader in the zone. We told her: "Imagine on my hand is a present that will make you family happier. Do you want it? (yes) When?" She paused for a moment, and then looked at me and said what day can I be baptized?And we marked it for this sunday! She then told us that for some time she felt something really strongly that she needed t be baptized. And that she and been resisting those feelings. And she was finally being honest with herself. Woohoo! What a wonderful miracle. I love Elder J. Harris.Another great chance to learn a leason on simplicity from a great elder.
Phone call. Hmm I just found out I dont have another Pday before christmas. So, Im pretty sure Ill have to call you guys during the week, I have NO IDEA what I'm going to do about this phone call. But I will figure it out and proly send you and email or something.
Three-way tie for third? haha I had a little flash back the other day when we were in this house at lunch and this boy and his lil sister were fighting. The boy was just wailing on her, going to town! My companion hit he when I tried to give the little girl a fork to defend herself. haha you just gotta find a way to learn to enjoy these situations.
I was sad to hear the news about W's tryouts, but its okay. You guys are still my heros.
Hows Dave doing? I like that guy a lot! I told a group of missionaries about him the other day. I love how he goes to church in mocasins. Not gonna lie, pretty jealous of that. The guy knows whats up. I miss him, I hope hes doing well.
Well, guess what, time ran out again, way before I wanted it too. I gotta send some forms to president and havent done it... Man, gotta repent!
Well I love you all! Have great week! Tachau tchau!
Love, Elder Jake
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Christmas in Brazil = hot
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
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 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
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