First, we had a leadership training in Salvador the past few days again. I didnt know about it till i got a phone call friday! so that is why i havent responded. (We didn't hear from Kevin until Thursday....instead of his normal P-Day on Weds) im in the office right now using the internet to send emails. The internet has been out most of the day, for some reason. The training was really good. Still the same as last time but everytime u learn something new. We were practicing on trying to let the spirit guide us with asking inspired questions to solve problems. I dont think i really ever did that before, so it was really hard just tying to follow the spirit, but i really felt it so strongly when i tried. I wish i had ``learned`` about this a long time ago. Maybe i would of been more successfull in the past. So ill try to put it into practice!!
Mom, did we do the paper work to have my spot saved for BYU. Elder Morris had to do his application for BYU and he was having PResident do the ecclesiastical (sp?) endorsment, and i went to see if president could do mine and my info didnt show up. whats going on? am i still in the BYU system? could you check for me please and let me know. maybe send president vecchi an email to figure out whats going on.
(Coincidentally - I was on the computer the same time this email came in.....so....I was able to give Kevin the information he needed to talk with his Mission President before he left to return to Itapatinga!! Wow! This would qualify as one of life's little miracles!)
Have you received any of the packages yet? Just wonderingŠŠ. It is the
topic of discussion on the email boards!
No, i havent received any packages. i did receive a letter that dad sent. Thank you Dad!!
How¹s the contacting going this week? Any new prospects?
So far nothing with contacts, all of the people we find end up not being home or what not. its quite frustrating!
Don¹t forget to send a postcard of this area. What is different about this
area than Vitoria Conquista?
i found some, but wasnt able to buy them at the moment, but i will send one here in the next week. Its a city, much smaller. Its alot hotter, since its sits lower then Conquista, and its the capital of farming. so lots of farm lands around the city.
I will not be adding any extra funds to your account until later in the
monthŠ..so be wise. Are your needs being met with the mission funds? I have
been trying to keep your account around $70 to $100Š.but that has been a
little difficult to do. So keep us posted on your needs.
im doing fine with mission money so far. im trying to not use my home money for things that arent neccisary.
I remember you asking about the black spots on your clothes. Did you get
that resolved? The problem is most likely with your washing machine....This is a typical problem for high humidity areas.
i havent had time to scrub them. i was planning on doing it yesterday, but since im here in Salvador, its not possible. haha next week. unless im transfered. i wont know till monday.
Are you going to be transferred before ChristmasŠ.or will we have our
Christmas phone call from Itapetinga? You probably don¹t know that info
right nowŠ..
i dont know yet. haha
How is your Book of Mormon reading going? Reading it in 30 days is quite a
tall order!!
i was doing well till sunday. i havent been able to read since then so....im not sure how its gonna go now. im really far behind. ill try my best.
Are the people getting ready for Christmas yet? Do they decorate? Have
Christmas trees and cookies?
Yes, they are getting decorated, haha. sometimes people have a few lines of lights and a fake christmas tree. nothing like at home. Could you take pictures of all the decorations and the Tree when u guys do it. it would be cool to show to people when im teaching and such. an i dea. i havent put up my decortations yet, since ive been in salvador this week.
Well, i love you all. Last week i didnt get to write what i was greatful for, and i want you all to know.....IM GREATFULL FOR U ALL!!!! i love you all and i wouldnt be who i am today if it werent for you all. Im also greatful for the atonement of Christ. Without it i would never be able to be cleansed of my sins to become a better person. i would never be able to progress and i wouldnt be happy. im greatful for this church, for the Book of Mormon and the Bible. they are guides in our lives to return to our heavenly father. im greatful for all the blessings i have received. I am truely a blessed son of God. I have an Awesome family, the priesthood in my life, and i have these two years to make miracles happen in others lives. Nothing is better then a mission at this point of my life.
Well, i love you all and i got to go!!!
Elder Allen
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Nov 24, 2010
MAn, im missing the BYU snow now after hearing about this Blizzard buisness. haha oh well, atlest i wont die from the black ice. ill just sweat my socks off here, since its getting hotter. haha
So how are you?
Im doing good. A little tired, but thats normal.
Tell me a story or two about the people you are serving? Investigators?
Members?
Well, the people here are really lame, sometimes, the people here dont like setting appointments. they dont let us in their houses and they arent at home when we set an appointment. kind of annoying. The members are decent. They really help the members. we havent had a lunch fall yet. so thats good. and all of our new investigators come because of members. so its not too bad here.
Are sunday meetings just like our meetings? Sacrament? Does your ward have
a Ward Mission LeaderŠ.and do you have those meetings every Sunday?
Sundays are normal. They had meetings with the ward missionaries, but all of them are young women, who dont like to help. Our WML helps us alot though. He is really cool. he is 25 and single. so we are trying to contact some single women to baptise for him. haha jk.
Any new foods or cooking experiences? Member meals?
not really yet, just the normal rice beans and occasional changes. Elder Salla likes making hot dogs. So we buy lots, boil them, and eat them on bread loafs ( the kinda like in the story of Christ feeding the 5,000) its good.
I put another $50 in your account. Use it wisely. You said you go to
Conquista every week. Why?
Every friday is district meeting, and district meeting is there in Conquista. So we have to go there every week. so thats why.
Well, we baptised again last sat. We baptised a lady called Celma, she is 38 and the mother of the 18 yr old we baptised the first week i was here.
President Vecchi Challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in 30 days starting tommorow. So ill try to do it, not sure if i will in english or portugues though, ill try port this time.
Well, not much else is going on. i miss you guys. Enjoy your thanksgiving. Next year, ill be eating that pumpkin pies with you guys. haha gtg Love ya
So how are you?
Im doing good. A little tired, but thats normal.
Tell me a story or two about the people you are serving? Investigators?
Members?
Well, the people here are really lame, sometimes, the people here dont like setting appointments. they dont let us in their houses and they arent at home when we set an appointment. kind of annoying. The members are decent. They really help the members. we havent had a lunch fall yet. so thats good. and all of our new investigators come because of members. so its not too bad here.
Are sunday meetings just like our meetings? Sacrament? Does your ward have
a Ward Mission LeaderŠ.and do you have those meetings every Sunday?
Sundays are normal. They had meetings with the ward missionaries, but all of them are young women, who dont like to help. Our WML helps us alot though. He is really cool. he is 25 and single. so we are trying to contact some single women to baptise for him. haha jk.
Any new foods or cooking experiences? Member meals?
not really yet, just the normal rice beans and occasional changes. Elder Salla likes making hot dogs. So we buy lots, boil them, and eat them on bread loafs ( the kinda like in the story of Christ feeding the 5,000) its good.
I put another $50 in your account. Use it wisely. You said you go to
Conquista every week. Why?
Every friday is district meeting, and district meeting is there in Conquista. So we have to go there every week. so thats why.
Well, we baptised again last sat. We baptised a lady called Celma, she is 38 and the mother of the 18 yr old we baptised the first week i was here.
President Vecchi Challenged us to read the Book of Mormon in 30 days starting tommorow. So ill try to do it, not sure if i will in english or portugues though, ill try port this time.
Well, not much else is going on. i miss you guys. Enjoy your thanksgiving. Next year, ill be eating that pumpkin pies with you guys. haha gtg Love ya
Nov 17, 2010
I dont have very many tracting stories, because we havent really had time to do much contacts on the street. Im trying to plan in more time, since our minimum is 70 contacts and we are averaging half that so far. So i got to fix that some how. it doesnt help that our appointments are a bit far away from each other and we are working on working through the members so far. We got a reference from our last baptism, the brother of our bishop, to teach his son, and he is really excited. He just has to be legally married though before he can be baptised. Its not hard to do, just get the papers, hold a little ceremony, then baptise afterwards. so we will see how long that takes.
Itapetinga is the farm capital of Bahia, i believe. they have lots of cow farms (should bring some memories back for dad). its a real city though, not like where dads from though (Malad, Idaho). Also, money seems not to really last here, so this will be interesting with your guys´ short budget. i dont plan on buying anything any time soon, unless its food if our money runs out. We got to Conquista everyweek and that eats up R$ 40 everyweek. we get reembursed for it, but still, the money seems to dissappear because of something. it will be interesting though, but ill survive. We get fed lunch everyday, so we just will eat alot at lunch if we dont have something to eat at home. no worries though, i want to loose that little bit of fat on my stomach so i can start doing toneing excersise and have real abs. hahaha
Yay!! 4 packages. yay!! hey, my cotton shirts have black dots starting to grow around the collars and areas that rub against me the most, i think it may be like mold or something. i dont know how to get ride of it. they dont go away in the washer. im gonna try to do a good old fashion brasillian cleaning (scrubbing them) next pday and see if that helps. Any other ideas?
I have had alot of dreams lately of me being home, coming home, or some wierd twist of me being home yet still a missionary. its really annoying me and making me trunky. Im trying to not think about that stuff, but my subconcious likes to think about it. Its nothing like at the beggining of my mission. Salla and i talk alot, but it still seems to pop into my subconsious.
Haha, (Dad) what are the odds, you being called the Gospel Doctrine Teacher. haha I guess you didnt have to go too long without teaching time. I guess thats what u get for showing off your Doctrinal knowlege to your new ward. haha im positive you will enjoy it. so im not worried.
man, a new office in the new auditorium (BYU- Idaho). haha thats pretty cool. Is this job kind of like your old job at VT (Virginia Tech) or Gary´s job at BYU, or is this different? Send pictures of your work and such!!!
Itapetinga is the farm capital of Bahia, i believe. they have lots of cow farms (should bring some memories back for dad). its a real city though, not like where dads from though (Malad, Idaho). Also, money seems not to really last here, so this will be interesting with your guys´ short budget. i dont plan on buying anything any time soon, unless its food if our money runs out. We got to Conquista everyweek and that eats up R$ 40 everyweek. we get reembursed for it, but still, the money seems to dissappear because of something. it will be interesting though, but ill survive. We get fed lunch everyday, so we just will eat alot at lunch if we dont have something to eat at home. no worries though, i want to loose that little bit of fat on my stomach so i can start doing toneing excersise and have real abs. hahaha
Yay!! 4 packages. yay!! hey, my cotton shirts have black dots starting to grow around the collars and areas that rub against me the most, i think it may be like mold or something. i dont know how to get ride of it. they dont go away in the washer. im gonna try to do a good old fashion brasillian cleaning (scrubbing them) next pday and see if that helps. Any other ideas?
I have had alot of dreams lately of me being home, coming home, or some wierd twist of me being home yet still a missionary. its really annoying me and making me trunky. Im trying to not think about that stuff, but my subconcious likes to think about it. Its nothing like at the beggining of my mission. Salla and i talk alot, but it still seems to pop into my subconsious.
Haha, (Dad) what are the odds, you being called the Gospel Doctrine Teacher. haha I guess you didnt have to go too long without teaching time. I guess thats what u get for showing off your Doctrinal knowlege to your new ward. haha im positive you will enjoy it. so im not worried.
man, a new office in the new auditorium (BYU- Idaho). haha thats pretty cool. Is this job kind of like your old job at VT (Virginia Tech) or Gary´s job at BYU, or is this different? Send pictures of your work and such!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Nov 11, 2010
Last saturday, we had another baptism. It was the brother in law of our bishop, or something like that. It was really awesome. I felt the spirit so strongly when he was baptised. We accidently overfilled the font, so in the afternoon we had to clear all the water out of the room. haha then when he was baptised alot of water came out of the font and splashed people. it was really funny, but a really enjoyable meeting. He is like 60ish years old and his wife has been wanting him to be baptised for so long, and i was here when he decided to be baptised. Really awesome!!
We have two more people ready to be baptised but all of the leaders are going to be out of town saturday, so we have to wait till next saturday to baptise them. Our goal of baptisms for the month of november is 4. We had one last week, will have these next two, and will find atleast one more before the end of the month. So i think we will meet our goal. Will be the first time on my mission baptising as many people as my goal is. So I´ll be really happy.
The ward is good, they arent super helpful, but atleast we can have lessons with members pretty easily. We havent gotten alot of references, but im working on getting more. So for now its a bit more tracking. We have appointments jsut about all through out the city, so we walk alot. Im working on focusing more in fewer areas.
The other day we were at a recent converts house, waiting to teach his mom, sister and friend, and Elder Salla and Neia (our recent convert) got into a little water fight. Then she challenged him to eating a pepper, and who ever ate it faster got a bucket of water splashed on them. -this day was really really hot- Elder Salla ended up winning and dumped the water on Neia. We did the lesson, then afterwards, Salla told me that he swallowed the pepper whole and faked chewing it. haha Neia ate it entirely and was crying too. haha Elder Salla is a trickster.
Well, tommorow we have Zone Conference, so soon we will be going to conquista. I´ll be sleeping in the same house as Elder Morris (from my group). He is working in another satelite city of Conquista. It will be the second time in 9 monthish, being in a meeting with him. So it will be tight catching up.
Ill try to send a post card this next week.
Tell shelly im sorry that they didnt beat Green Valley, but good luck with soccer. she better make varsity!!!! haha
I miss thanksgiving. send me a pumpkin pie and some of your rolls, okay? Its not celebrated here in Brasil, unfortunately. :[
We have two more people ready to be baptised but all of the leaders are going to be out of town saturday, so we have to wait till next saturday to baptise them. Our goal of baptisms for the month of november is 4. We had one last week, will have these next two, and will find atleast one more before the end of the month. So i think we will meet our goal. Will be the first time on my mission baptising as many people as my goal is. So I´ll be really happy.
The ward is good, they arent super helpful, but atleast we can have lessons with members pretty easily. We havent gotten alot of references, but im working on getting more. So for now its a bit more tracking. We have appointments jsut about all through out the city, so we walk alot. Im working on focusing more in fewer areas.
The other day we were at a recent converts house, waiting to teach his mom, sister and friend, and Elder Salla and Neia (our recent convert) got into a little water fight. Then she challenged him to eating a pepper, and who ever ate it faster got a bucket of water splashed on them. -this day was really really hot- Elder Salla ended up winning and dumped the water on Neia. We did the lesson, then afterwards, Salla told me that he swallowed the pepper whole and faked chewing it. haha Neia ate it entirely and was crying too. haha Elder Salla is a trickster.
Well, tommorow we have Zone Conference, so soon we will be going to conquista. I´ll be sleeping in the same house as Elder Morris (from my group). He is working in another satelite city of Conquista. It will be the second time in 9 monthish, being in a meeting with him. So it will be tight catching up.
Ill try to send a post card this next week.
Tell shelly im sorry that they didnt beat Green Valley, but good luck with soccer. she better make varsity!!!! haha
I miss thanksgiving. send me a pumpkin pie and some of your rolls, okay? Its not celebrated here in Brasil, unfortunately. :[
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Nov 3, 2010
So how's the new area? What's it like to be back where it all began?.....and
with a command of the language?
The new area is great so far. The members are pretty cool, the work is rolling, we even have baptisms lined up. Its a city 2 hours from conquista and its decently sized, we are the only missionaries in this city. right now most of our appointments are far away from eachother so i got to start focusing our work in one area before being able to work really hard so thats my main goal here.
Have you been able to meet up with "old" friends and ward members?
yea, i did a division with the elders in Ala Brasil and was able to visit a few members there. it was really cool being able to talk to them and them conversing with me with not much problem. haha it was so tight!
I am still unclear what you mean when you say that (as District Leader)
you are still over the Zone Leaders in your area? I thought the Zone
Leaders were over everyone?
In this Zone there are two Districts, my district (with the ZLs and another pair) and another district (with 3 pairs). i get the numbers from the ZLs and the other pair then pass the numbers of our district to the ZLs. i also do the interviews for them when needed. Understand better?
Is the weather getting to you yet?..or have you gotten used to the heat and
humidity? Do you miss the ocean?
The heat is more of a Dry heat, which i prefer. its still kinda hot but not too bad. I dont miss the beach too much, since i couldnt ever really go to the beach it didnt really matter. i do miss seeing it though. haha
This was a short written email. Kevin basically just answered my questions! In his recording, Kevin interviewed his current companion and it was thrilling to hear him converse in fluent portuguese! I would have loved to have been a bug on the wall when Kevin met up with some of the members who knew him before he was able to speak the language. What a blessing for both Kevin and the members to really see- first-hand -the fruits of the Spirit! Kevin also mentioned that he would love to receive some candy in his holiday packages! In case any of you are interested - Christmas packages should be sent out before Thanksgiving with the hopes of him receiving them before Christmas. Send them to the Mission Home. They may sit there for a little while - until a District or Zone meeting - but he will eventually receive them.
with a command of the language?
The new area is great so far. The members are pretty cool, the work is rolling, we even have baptisms lined up. Its a city 2 hours from conquista and its decently sized, we are the only missionaries in this city. right now most of our appointments are far away from eachother so i got to start focusing our work in one area before being able to work really hard so thats my main goal here.
Have you been able to meet up with "old" friends and ward members?
yea, i did a division with the elders in Ala Brasil and was able to visit a few members there. it was really cool being able to talk to them and them conversing with me with not much problem. haha it was so tight!
I am still unclear what you mean when you say that (as District Leader)
you are still over the Zone Leaders in your area? I thought the Zone
Leaders were over everyone?
In this Zone there are two Districts, my district (with the ZLs and another pair) and another district (with 3 pairs). i get the numbers from the ZLs and the other pair then pass the numbers of our district to the ZLs. i also do the interviews for them when needed. Understand better?
Is the weather getting to you yet?..or have you gotten used to the heat and
humidity? Do you miss the ocean?
The heat is more of a Dry heat, which i prefer. its still kinda hot but not too bad. I dont miss the beach too much, since i couldnt ever really go to the beach it didnt really matter. i do miss seeing it though. haha
This was a short written email. Kevin basically just answered my questions! In his recording, Kevin interviewed his current companion and it was thrilling to hear him converse in fluent portuguese! I would have loved to have been a bug on the wall when Kevin met up with some of the members who knew him before he was able to speak the language. What a blessing for both Kevin and the members to really see- first-hand -the fruits of the Spirit! Kevin also mentioned that he would love to receive some candy in his holiday packages! In case any of you are interested - Christmas packages should be sent out before Thanksgiving with the hopes of him receiving them before Christmas. Send them to the Mission Home. They may sit there for a little while - until a District or Zone meeting - but he will eventually receive them.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
October 30, 2010
So what¹s the news on the transfer? Area? Companion? Responsibilities?
DifferencesŠ..similiaritiesŠ.?
I got transfered to a small city called Itapatinga. its part of the Victoria da Conquista zone, its my 3rd area in this zone, Bairro Brasil and Marada Real being the first two. So im really glad to be back in this awesome zone. My companion is Elder Salla, he is from Sao Paulo and has 3-4 ish months in the mission. Hes new, but really awesome. Im still DL. Im am over the ZLs and Marada Real. Tommorow im doing a split with the DL from Barrio Brasil since he will do a baptismal interview that we are having this week. Yay, baptisms without doig anything for it, haha yay. And it will be cool seeing my old area again.
If you are able to do an audio recordingŠ.now or in the futureŠ.I still
would like to hear you speak some conversational Portuguese. Interview your
companion and translate your conversation.
i mad one with my last companion, next week i will make one with my new companion.
Yea, so i have been transfered as you can tell now. Yesterday, we had a huge transfer meeting with the salvador mission, because Elder Oaks was coming to do a mission tour in Bahia. It was such a powerful meeting. I learned so much, and i really could feel his spirit. He truely is a special witness of the Lord. I will try to look at my notes and add some things i learned in next weeks email, okay? haha
well, not much else is new, since the transferes and such. but next week will have new experiances. work on that family, maybe your ment to be their guide to the truth. send the missionaries over there!!!
DifferencesŠ..similiaritiesŠ.?
I got transfered to a small city called Itapatinga. its part of the Victoria da Conquista zone, its my 3rd area in this zone, Bairro Brasil and Marada Real being the first two. So im really glad to be back in this awesome zone. My companion is Elder Salla, he is from Sao Paulo and has 3-4 ish months in the mission. Hes new, but really awesome. Im still DL. Im am over the ZLs and Marada Real. Tommorow im doing a split with the DL from Barrio Brasil since he will do a baptismal interview that we are having this week. Yay, baptisms without doig anything for it, haha yay. And it will be cool seeing my old area again.
If you are able to do an audio recordingŠ.now or in the futureŠ.I still
would like to hear you speak some conversational Portuguese. Interview your
companion and translate your conversation.
i mad one with my last companion, next week i will make one with my new companion.
Yea, so i have been transfered as you can tell now. Yesterday, we had a huge transfer meeting with the salvador mission, because Elder Oaks was coming to do a mission tour in Bahia. It was such a powerful meeting. I learned so much, and i really could feel his spirit. He truely is a special witness of the Lord. I will try to look at my notes and add some things i learned in next weeks email, okay? haha
well, not much else is new, since the transferes and such. but next week will have new experiances. work on that family, maybe your ment to be their guide to the truth. send the missionaries over there!!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
My apologies for not keeping Kevin's Blog up-to-date! We have been "blessed" with many life-changing events in our family since July!! Kevin's sister Kim was married and his dad was offered a new job at BYU-I a. We had to pack up him up and he had to leave the same day school started for me in Vegas (I am a teacher.). Kevin's younger sister Shelly is a senior in HS and she made the Varsity Volleyball team...and recently Honor Choir. We decided to let Shelly finish her senior year in Vegas. Then there is the matter of selling the house and a business....and I even missed writing Kevin one week! Kevin has also been sending us recordings - which I will attempt to include portions of them in future blog entries! All in all - life is good - and we appreciate your prayers and support as Kevin fulfills his mission for the Lord at this time in his life. Things have begun to settle down and I hope to be able to update this blog on a weekly basis! So here is the most recent letter from Elder Allen. Following this entry are the missing weeks....if you are interested in taking the time to read them...... :o) Enjoy! Denise - Kevin's Mom
Oct 13, 2010
1 -Tell me about your companion.
Elder Nascimento is from Fortaleza. He has almost 6 months on the field. He is a musician and can play just about anything. He has a bro that went on a misison and his whole family are converts. hes a tight dude. haha
2 - It sounds like you are going to leave this area next transfer. What are you
going to rememberŠ.or take with you from this area? Who has touched you and
helped you to be a better missionaryŠ..a better person?
Im going to take Alot!! i turned senior and then LD here, so i have alot of experiance to take with me. I´ll take alot of memories and have friends here i will never forget, like Caló, Emerson, Pelegrini, and many more.
3 - Are you training someone to take your place as District Leader when you
leave? Or is that not how it works?
no, who ever takes my place just becomes LD
4 - I was reading in one of the Missionary Blogs I follow that Elder Jones is in
your area? I know he helped you through some tough times. Have you gotten
to see or work with him again?
Elder Jones is really tight. He and Elder Purcell (my LZs) are pushing me to do better then how i am doing. Sometimes it annoys me but im trying to be humble and take their help. Which im doing. I havent gotten to do a real division with Jones yet, but im sure i will soon. I will miss Purcell when he goes home in two weeks.
So not much else is new just working with Nascimento these last two weeks of the transfere. He is doing super good and we are really enjoying ourselves.
i added another recording. remember if u want me to say anything in portugues or what not. do tell me!!!
Well, im gonna work my butt of these next two weeks and try to leave the next person lots of people to work with, since we wont be able to have more baptisms. But its gonna be good. whens my next package?!?! haha love ya
until next week!!
Kevin sent one additional email:
oh also Sydni is demanding blog updates. haha so your gonna have to catch up or something so people dont start complaining. :D love ya
**** Thank you - Sydni - for the extra little “push” to update Kevin’s Blog!!! Sometimes I wonder if anyone really reads it! Good to know you do!!! ;D ****
Oct 13, 2010
1 -Tell me about your companion.
Elder Nascimento is from Fortaleza. He has almost 6 months on the field. He is a musician and can play just about anything. He has a bro that went on a misison and his whole family are converts. hes a tight dude. haha
2 - It sounds like you are going to leave this area next transfer. What are you
going to rememberŠ.or take with you from this area? Who has touched you and
helped you to be a better missionaryŠ..a better person?
Im going to take Alot!! i turned senior and then LD here, so i have alot of experiance to take with me. I´ll take alot of memories and have friends here i will never forget, like Caló, Emerson, Pelegrini, and many more.
3 - Are you training someone to take your place as District Leader when you
leave? Or is that not how it works?
no, who ever takes my place just becomes LD
4 - I was reading in one of the Missionary Blogs I follow that Elder Jones is in
your area? I know he helped you through some tough times. Have you gotten
to see or work with him again?
Elder Jones is really tight. He and Elder Purcell (my LZs) are pushing me to do better then how i am doing. Sometimes it annoys me but im trying to be humble and take their help. Which im doing. I havent gotten to do a real division with Jones yet, but im sure i will soon. I will miss Purcell when he goes home in two weeks.
So not much else is new just working with Nascimento these last two weeks of the transfere. He is doing super good and we are really enjoying ourselves.
i added another recording. remember if u want me to say anything in portugues or what not. do tell me!!!
Well, im gonna work my butt of these next two weeks and try to leave the next person lots of people to work with, since we wont be able to have more baptisms. But its gonna be good. whens my next package?!?! haha love ya
until next week!!
Kevin sent one additional email:
oh also Sydni is demanding blog updates. haha so your gonna have to catch up or something so people dont start complaining. :D love ya
**** Thank you - Sydni - for the extra little “push” to update Kevin’s Blog!!! Sometimes I wonder if anyone really reads it! Good to know you do!!! ;D ****
Oct 6, 2010
Questions:
1 - Are you able to get protein besides beans in your diet? i.e. beef,
cheese
Yes, people make meat, and sometimes i buy cheese. ive been having ramen alot lately as a night snack. haha
2 ¬ The email group I follow has been discussing the water situation in some
of the Brazil missions. Do you drink filtered water? I have noticed in some
of your pictures that you have a big jug of water. Are you drinking that
while tracting, too? You are avoiding the parasites issues ¬ aren’t you?
Thinking about that gives me the willies!!
Yes, i use the filtered water in a water bottle and crarry it arround. im looking for a really good water bottle to buy though, im bored of just buying plastic ones every few weeks. haha but no parasites so far!!!
3 ¬ You mentioned that you were almost transferred to the LZ’s area. Why?
I thought transfers just happened a couple weeks ago?
Because a short time missionary sister was set to come last week, and president wanted to put the sisters in our area and move us to help the LZs in their huge area. But the part time sister couldnt come so im still in centro.
4 Did you receive the Mission Ties letter/s I sent a couple weeks ago?
yep i got it. thank you!!!
5 - Have you written to Sister Lovely yet? You mentioned that you were
going to write her a thank you note for the packages and money collected
from the ward. Just wondering.
yep sent her a letter, should arrive in a bit.
I hope your trip with dad was good. haha i laughed when i heard about his freezer selection. (The freezer was filled with Marie Callanders frozen dinners!!) something dad would do. Tell him to take pictures of the apartment and work and put it on dropshots.
Well, i cant think of anything else at the moment, ill finish my other emails and if i remember anything else ill add more. haha sorry
Questions:
1 - Are you able to get protein besides beans in your diet? i.e. beef,
cheese
Yes, people make meat, and sometimes i buy cheese. ive been having ramen alot lately as a night snack. haha
2 ¬ The email group I follow has been discussing the water situation in some
of the Brazil missions. Do you drink filtered water? I have noticed in some
of your pictures that you have a big jug of water. Are you drinking that
while tracting, too? You are avoiding the parasites issues ¬ aren’t you?
Thinking about that gives me the willies!!
Yes, i use the filtered water in a water bottle and crarry it arround. im looking for a really good water bottle to buy though, im bored of just buying plastic ones every few weeks. haha but no parasites so far!!!
3 ¬ You mentioned that you were almost transferred to the LZ’s area. Why?
I thought transfers just happened a couple weeks ago?
Because a short time missionary sister was set to come last week, and president wanted to put the sisters in our area and move us to help the LZs in their huge area. But the part time sister couldnt come so im still in centro.
4 Did you receive the Mission Ties letter/s I sent a couple weeks ago?
yep i got it. thank you!!!
5 - Have you written to Sister Lovely yet? You mentioned that you were
going to write her a thank you note for the packages and money collected
from the ward. Just wondering.
yep sent her a letter, should arrive in a bit.
I hope your trip with dad was good. haha i laughed when i heard about his freezer selection. (The freezer was filled with Marie Callanders frozen dinners!!) something dad would do. Tell him to take pictures of the apartment and work and put it on dropshots.
Well, i cant think of anything else at the moment, ill finish my other emails and if i remember anything else ill add more. haha sorry
Sept 27, 2010
What was the funniest thing that happened to you this past week?
yesterday, we were chillin in one of the malls in salvador, elder kinney was needing a new suit, and we wanted to go check out the bookstore. so we go up to the main floor of it and find out they are holding a fashion show...in the bookstore....i was like what the heck. Elder Sloan accidently ran into one of the models, Kinney saw some stuff he didnt want to see, and i got yelled at by an old large lady since my laugage bag was in her way. haha i would get left with the lame experiance. haha jk, we then left the bookstore since there were too many super models there and we couldnt look at the books. thinking back on what happened, i never thought i would leave a bookstore angry because there were too many supermodels there. so that was the highlight of the week.
Most spiritual?
the most spiritual part of the week, was when president was concluding the training and he bared his testimony about the work and how he wouldnt trade any of us for anyone else, then he cried a little. it was a powerful testimony.
What did you learn this week?
learned a bit more how to be a better missionary at the leadership.
i didnt get a chance to do a recording, sorry, i was in salvador till this morning and i took a nap cause i have a cold and im dead tired.
we just had a Leadership training in Salvador. i was supposed to be transfered to the ZL area here in ilheus and sisters be put into my old area, but the part time sister didnt come. so im stuck in my area after getting all ready to transfer. stinks but not much i can do about it. the only change is that im getting a new companion, Elder do Nasimento. so that will be a change up a bit. other then that, everythings the same.
What was the funniest thing that happened to you this past week?
yesterday, we were chillin in one of the malls in salvador, elder kinney was needing a new suit, and we wanted to go check out the bookstore. so we go up to the main floor of it and find out they are holding a fashion show...in the bookstore....i was like what the heck. Elder Sloan accidently ran into one of the models, Kinney saw some stuff he didnt want to see, and i got yelled at by an old large lady since my laugage bag was in her way. haha i would get left with the lame experiance. haha jk, we then left the bookstore since there were too many super models there and we couldnt look at the books. thinking back on what happened, i never thought i would leave a bookstore angry because there were too many supermodels there. so that was the highlight of the week.
Most spiritual?
the most spiritual part of the week, was when president was concluding the training and he bared his testimony about the work and how he wouldnt trade any of us for anyone else, then he cried a little. it was a powerful testimony.
What did you learn this week?
learned a bit more how to be a better missionary at the leadership.
i didnt get a chance to do a recording, sorry, i was in salvador till this morning and i took a nap cause i have a cold and im dead tired.
we just had a Leadership training in Salvador. i was supposed to be transfered to the ZL area here in ilheus and sisters be put into my old area, but the part time sister didnt come. so im stuck in my area after getting all ready to transfer. stinks but not much i can do about it. the only change is that im getting a new companion, Elder do Nasimento. so that will be a change up a bit. other then that, everythings the same.
Sept 15, 2010
I am still in Ilheus centro. my last transfer here since usually people dont stay in an area for more then 6 months. So my main focus is to leave this area better then it was before i came in. So im gonna work at getting a good system in with working with the members and help this ward grow, since we cant really baptise thru people we find. all the people i have baptised here have been through the members. so thats my main goal. get this ward more excited and animated for missionary work. it will be interesting, but fun. i want to try to help plan some ward activities too, talent showww!!! it will be fun.
Sounds like home is suppperr busy. who all got baptised? i want to know? anyone else that i may know of? how is JR and Jacob? let them know i miss them. I cant beleive how much its changing back at home, but not like i can do much about it haha. so im not too worried about it. did you tell scott to email me? if not, do it!! haha im not gonna by the game WAR since im still in ilheus and sloan (another american here) didnt get transfered and he has it. so no worries there.
I sent a picture of a bug i found that looks like a leaf. i saw it and couldnt believe it wasnt a leaf, so i took a picture of it haha.
so not much else is new. just another transfer in ilheus center. haha and workin hard. i didnt have time to send a recording since my ZLs companion finished his mission and he stayed with us yesterday and last night. we totally cleared out our other really messy room that had a bazillion mattresses haha its was crazy.
I am still in Ilheus centro. my last transfer here since usually people dont stay in an area for more then 6 months. So my main focus is to leave this area better then it was before i came in. So im gonna work at getting a good system in with working with the members and help this ward grow, since we cant really baptise thru people we find. all the people i have baptised here have been through the members. so thats my main goal. get this ward more excited and animated for missionary work. it will be interesting, but fun. i want to try to help plan some ward activities too, talent showww!!! it will be fun.
Sounds like home is suppperr busy. who all got baptised? i want to know? anyone else that i may know of? how is JR and Jacob? let them know i miss them. I cant beleive how much its changing back at home, but not like i can do much about it haha. so im not too worried about it. did you tell scott to email me? if not, do it!! haha im not gonna by the game WAR since im still in ilheus and sloan (another american here) didnt get transfered and he has it. so no worries there.
I sent a picture of a bug i found that looks like a leaf. i saw it and couldnt believe it wasnt a leaf, so i took a picture of it haha.
so not much else is new. just another transfer in ilheus center. haha and workin hard. i didnt have time to send a recording since my ZLs companion finished his mission and he stayed with us yesterday and last night. we totally cleared out our other really messy room that had a bazillion mattresses haha its was crazy.
Sept 7, 2010
first off, im sorry but i didnt get a chance to do a recording, sorryyy!!!!
Second, well, we had a baptism sat, which pretty much everything that day went wrong. haha it was a rediculous day. i went to clean and fill the fount in the morning. i broke the key opening the door. so we had to wait till after lunch to open the door. then after lunch took an hour and 5 people to finally get the door open. we cleaned and filled the font in about 2.5 hours. so we missed the first half of our appointments and the rest of them fell. so we just did a bunch of contacts, that got us no news, till the baptism. we had to wait till like an hour after the schedualed time, since none of the presidency of the branch showed up and the relief society got stuck waiting for a bus. so we did it with jsut the 2nd counsiler in the relief society. we got her baptised though, so thats all that counts. man, it was such a long day. (yes, this is what i sent you dad, but i didnt feel like retyping it all over again)
Also, yesterday was interviews with president. went well, even though we didnt end up being able to work much that day, since he said he would be in town 2 or 3 ish, but didnt get there till like 5 and we were the last pair interviewed. it was good though, still dont know if i will be transfered or not, so next pday u guys will find out.
(I asked him how much was the board game.) Its Risk, and its like 60 dollars here , kinda expensive, but if i need to ill wait. its just an idea, and its a fun game. im not rushing or freaking out to buy, just a cool idea to play with elders when we have time.
so not much else is new though. sounds like you all are doing well. ill have to write a thank you letter to the ward for the package and a letter back to president davie since i got it last week too. so i got to remember to do that. should i send the letter to sister lovely or what? her address is on the package so thats probably what i will do.
first off, im sorry but i didnt get a chance to do a recording, sorryyy!!!!
Second, well, we had a baptism sat, which pretty much everything that day went wrong. haha it was a rediculous day. i went to clean and fill the fount in the morning. i broke the key opening the door. so we had to wait till after lunch to open the door. then after lunch took an hour and 5 people to finally get the door open. we cleaned and filled the font in about 2.5 hours. so we missed the first half of our appointments and the rest of them fell. so we just did a bunch of contacts, that got us no news, till the baptism. we had to wait till like an hour after the schedualed time, since none of the presidency of the branch showed up and the relief society got stuck waiting for a bus. so we did it with jsut the 2nd counsiler in the relief society. we got her baptised though, so thats all that counts. man, it was such a long day. (yes, this is what i sent you dad, but i didnt feel like retyping it all over again)
Also, yesterday was interviews with president. went well, even though we didnt end up being able to work much that day, since he said he would be in town 2 or 3 ish, but didnt get there till like 5 and we were the last pair interviewed. it was good though, still dont know if i will be transfered or not, so next pday u guys will find out.
(I asked him how much was the board game.) Its Risk, and its like 60 dollars here , kinda expensive, but if i need to ill wait. its just an idea, and its a fun game. im not rushing or freaking out to buy, just a cool idea to play with elders when we have time.
so not much else is new though. sounds like you all are doing well. ill have to write a thank you letter to the ward for the package and a letter back to president davie since i got it last week too. so i got to remember to do that. should i send the letter to sister lovely or what? her address is on the package so thats probably what i will do.
Sept 1, 2010
Not alot of success, but we have at least a baptism lined up for sat, so we will see if its in the bag tommorow after the interview, pray that it does for me. Members are tiny bit getting better, this baptism is a reference, but only one person is giving us references, so the branch has a long way to go. we still dont have a mission leader.
Well, sounds like its getting busy at home. hope your all having fun here. not too much is new here, just working and such. ill include my recording. nothing special, but its something. haha
ill work on letting the money last. i was thinking about buying a Risk board game. but if i shouldnt them i wont since u mentioned i should make the money last.
well, cant think of anything else to add, but i will add more if i think of anything.
Not alot of success, but we have at least a baptism lined up for sat, so we will see if its in the bag tommorow after the interview, pray that it does for me. Members are tiny bit getting better, this baptism is a reference, but only one person is giving us references, so the branch has a long way to go. we still dont have a mission leader.
Well, sounds like its getting busy at home. hope your all having fun here. not too much is new here, just working and such. ill include my recording. nothing special, but its something. haha
ill work on letting the money last. i was thinking about buying a Risk board game. but if i shouldnt them i wont since u mentioned i should make the money last.
well, cant think of anything else to add, but i will add more if i think of anything.
August 22, 2010
when i opened up your email (Spencer announced his job move to Idaho as a “transfer”) i thought it was something i wrote. haha pretty funny how u made it seem like a missionary email. i forgive you though, since u are getting transfered. where are u gonna live though? how is that working? not much is going on here. we did a clean up of the house including washing walls. haha it feels good to have the house that much cleaner. i think u are rubbing off on me a bit, cause i was always making sure ferreira was cleaning right and some times i just redid his work. haha
well, im doing well. just working but not getting much success. yesterday i did 25 contacts and got one new out of it. so its been hard lately. we arent getting much help from the members either. so im trying to figure it out.
Im doing good, just a bit tired from cleaning today, i have some of it in the audio file.
our neighbors are cool. there are 5 houses next to us. one under us, the family is really cool, two to the front of us, they are some of the owners and family of the family under us, and the land lady behind us.
it is hard to believe i am over a year out now. that this time last year i was in the CTM. i havent really thought about that since last week though, haha we beenworking. Its crazy too that dad has a new job out of las vegas. in idaho of all places. man, i dont want to leave vegas yet, haha. well atleast kim is still there and ill have a room to stay in when i go visit vegas. well its a good needed change though. so im not too worried or bumbed.
well, not much is going on here, just working like usually, haha i made a nother recording, so i hope u like it. Haha
when i opened up your email (Spencer announced his job move to Idaho as a “transfer”) i thought it was something i wrote. haha pretty funny how u made it seem like a missionary email. i forgive you though, since u are getting transfered. where are u gonna live though? how is that working? not much is going on here. we did a clean up of the house including washing walls. haha it feels good to have the house that much cleaner. i think u are rubbing off on me a bit, cause i was always making sure ferreira was cleaning right and some times i just redid his work. haha
well, im doing well. just working but not getting much success. yesterday i did 25 contacts and got one new out of it. so its been hard lately. we arent getting much help from the members either. so im trying to figure it out.
Im doing good, just a bit tired from cleaning today, i have some of it in the audio file.
our neighbors are cool. there are 5 houses next to us. one under us, the family is really cool, two to the front of us, they are some of the owners and family of the family under us, and the land lady behind us.
it is hard to believe i am over a year out now. that this time last year i was in the CTM. i havent really thought about that since last week though, haha we beenworking. Its crazy too that dad has a new job out of las vegas. in idaho of all places. man, i dont want to leave vegas yet, haha. well atleast kim is still there and ill have a room to stay in when i go visit vegas. well its a good needed change though. so im not too worried or bumbed.
well, not much is going on here, just working like usually, haha i made a nother recording, so i hope u like it. Haha
August 18, 2010
I didnt really think you (Dad) would get the offer so quickly. im not upset or anything, because i knew this day would come, but its kinda wierd to think that i dont know exactly where home really will be haha. its good that you got this job. yes, it may be a pay cut and such, but we know u like the college atmosphere more (VT). it may not be a university as cool as VT or BYU, but BYUI is still good, haha. jk. well, i am glad that u got this job. how long are u staying up there for? how is that working for the next year? just curious.
well, not much is new here. I did 110 contacts last week. The minimum is 70 a week. so im slightly tired, but i know now that i can do more, and i will. other then that, we are just working and doing our best.
We did a crazy amount of contacts loast week and have a handfull of people with dates, but we will see how they progress, we have a few that a super close to being baptized, but stuff is happeneing and they are either dissappearing or something happens. its quite frustrating.
I have to admit i love my cardboard cut out. (We had a life-size figure of Kevin at Kim’s wedding. “He” is in all the pictures and stood in his a “special” spot during the reception!) haha its awesome!! haha i literally laughed out loud looking at it. haha i wish i was there, but not much i can do about it now. oh well. hope it went well. u should tell me some of the comments about my recording. haha
Its hard to believe that dad got the job at BYU I (Brigham Young University – Idaho). its good though cause he needs some stable work. ill be sad that home wont be vegas. but kim, in her email last week, said i can stay at there house while im at byu and i got to vegas for the weekend. so ill probably take her up on that to visit friends. we will see. So tell me more about how thats working out, the moving and such.
I didnt do a recording this week since u didnt make a request last week, that i remember of. so...yea...haha
Well, gotta run. love ya and talk to ya next week.
I didnt really think you (Dad) would get the offer so quickly. im not upset or anything, because i knew this day would come, but its kinda wierd to think that i dont know exactly where home really will be haha. its good that you got this job. yes, it may be a pay cut and such, but we know u like the college atmosphere more (VT). it may not be a university as cool as VT or BYU, but BYUI is still good, haha. jk. well, i am glad that u got this job. how long are u staying up there for? how is that working for the next year? just curious.
well, not much is new here. I did 110 contacts last week. The minimum is 70 a week. so im slightly tired, but i know now that i can do more, and i will. other then that, we are just working and doing our best.
We did a crazy amount of contacts loast week and have a handfull of people with dates, but we will see how they progress, we have a few that a super close to being baptized, but stuff is happeneing and they are either dissappearing or something happens. its quite frustrating.
I have to admit i love my cardboard cut out. (We had a life-size figure of Kevin at Kim’s wedding. “He” is in all the pictures and stood in his a “special” spot during the reception!) haha its awesome!! haha i literally laughed out loud looking at it. haha i wish i was there, but not much i can do about it now. oh well. hope it went well. u should tell me some of the comments about my recording. haha
Its hard to believe that dad got the job at BYU I (Brigham Young University – Idaho). its good though cause he needs some stable work. ill be sad that home wont be vegas. but kim, in her email last week, said i can stay at there house while im at byu and i got to vegas for the weekend. so ill probably take her up on that to visit friends. we will see. So tell me more about how thats working out, the moving and such.
I didnt do a recording this week since u didnt make a request last week, that i remember of. so...yea...haha
Well, gotta run. love ya and talk to ya next week.
August 10, 2010
it is hard to believe that hump day (the half way point of his mission) is litterally next week, gotta pick out which white shirt i will burn, haha. I have noticed how much i have changed in the past year and how much more i still have to do. haha i think the first year is the learning part and then the second year is your time to shine. atleast for us normal missionaries that arent ready on the first step, or us foreigners. Every week i am learning more and more about missionary work. i think it will be impossible for me to come to a point where i can be better, (duh) haha but in the missionary field sense. Even though missionary work is not easy, it is the best decision that a person can make in their lives. its the best way to become converted. it is my Alma the younger version of conversion.
I hope all is well at home. how is the job interview coming? anything new? well all is well here, just working and sweating a bit since its heated up a little bit. winter here is not the same as home. Haha
we helped one of the other pairs of missionaries move out of their house and into their new slick ocean view house. i am jealous, but it went well and they are pretty much moved.
last week had a conference in Itabuna with a Seventy, Elder ......i forgot his name, i wrote it in my notebook but forgot to write it in my planner. it was a good conference. then the week before, i gave a really short lesson on part of the Salvador training we got. the part was about the Doctrine of Christ (aka principles of the gospel) . Fé, Arrependimento, Batismo, Dom do Espirito Santo, e Persever até o fim. Try to figure that one out!!! haha it was good.
So, i didnt have time to make a recording for you kim. im sorry, but its been a super busy week. i want to still try to make one so ill try to before tomorrow. we will see. (Kevin did make and send a recording. We played during Kim’s wedding reception. We had a life-size cardboard figure created of
I got your last two packages mom, the ones u sent when u were in Utah. i already ate all the twizzlers. haha i missed them. i am reading the two books you sent too. they are very interseting.
So not much else is new just working alot and such, dont have any schedualed for sure baptisms yet, but people with date. but we are doing contacts like crazy. so we should have more soon.
it is hard to believe that hump day (the half way point of his mission) is litterally next week, gotta pick out which white shirt i will burn, haha. I have noticed how much i have changed in the past year and how much more i still have to do. haha i think the first year is the learning part and then the second year is your time to shine. atleast for us normal missionaries that arent ready on the first step, or us foreigners. Every week i am learning more and more about missionary work. i think it will be impossible for me to come to a point where i can be better, (duh) haha but in the missionary field sense. Even though missionary work is not easy, it is the best decision that a person can make in their lives. its the best way to become converted. it is my Alma the younger version of conversion.
I hope all is well at home. how is the job interview coming? anything new? well all is well here, just working and sweating a bit since its heated up a little bit. winter here is not the same as home. Haha
we helped one of the other pairs of missionaries move out of their house and into their new slick ocean view house. i am jealous, but it went well and they are pretty much moved.
last week had a conference in Itabuna with a Seventy, Elder ......i forgot his name, i wrote it in my notebook but forgot to write it in my planner. it was a good conference. then the week before, i gave a really short lesson on part of the Salvador training we got. the part was about the Doctrine of Christ (aka principles of the gospel) . Fé, Arrependimento, Batismo, Dom do Espirito Santo, e Persever até o fim. Try to figure that one out!!! haha it was good.
So, i didnt have time to make a recording for you kim. im sorry, but its been a super busy week. i want to still try to make one so ill try to before tomorrow. we will see. (Kevin did make and send a recording. We played during Kim’s wedding reception. We had a life-size cardboard figure created of
I got your last two packages mom, the ones u sent when u were in Utah. i already ate all the twizzlers. haha i missed them. i am reading the two books you sent too. they are very interseting.
So not much else is new just working alot and such, dont have any schedualed for sure baptisms yet, but people with date. but we are doing contacts like crazy. so we should have more soon.
August 3, 2010
Another transfer and a new companion. his name is Elder C. Ferreira. he his from Sao Paulo. he actually isnt here yet haha he doest get here for another hourish. i was at another duplos house helping them paint there house so im covered in dried paint and sweat. haha so it was fun. im really tired though.
Unfortunately our Zone was the lowest baptising zone by alot. we had 3 for four pairs and other zones had about 20 for more then four. so we got alot of work to do. we got a few people with date though, so we will for sure batize. im excited, just cant afford to start to doubt at all. im working hard though. im exc ited for this new change. will help alot.
Its hard being DL. since i still am learing how to really be a senior. haha but i have already seen a big difference in my teaching and self confidence, and i need to grow more to be better.
(Where is your favorite place to go in Illheus? What did/do you do there?) I like to go to the house of one of our members, its on a hill over looking the bay/ocean and it always has a really nice breeze. its my fav. spot to go to.
We found a hand ful of new investigators that are golden right now. so im super excited to teach them and baptize them. our zone is needing baptizms. Sunday i fasted for success and i think we are getting some now. i am getting alot better at my contacts too. so the work is just getting more natural. exciting, i know. haha
umm...lets see what else. hows dads interviewing coming along? good i hope, i wouldnt mind him having a new change up of things, even if it would mean moving. i dont want to really leave vegas, but since im in brazil for another year, i dont have much say. but i have been hoping he gets a good more solid job and i know he likes the university setting. so we will see what happens.
Another transfer and a new companion. his name is Elder C. Ferreira. he his from Sao Paulo. he actually isnt here yet haha he doest get here for another hourish. i was at another duplos house helping them paint there house so im covered in dried paint and sweat. haha so it was fun. im really tired though.
Unfortunately our Zone was the lowest baptising zone by alot. we had 3 for four pairs and other zones had about 20 for more then four. so we got alot of work to do. we got a few people with date though, so we will for sure batize. im excited, just cant afford to start to doubt at all. im working hard though. im exc ited for this new change. will help alot.
Its hard being DL. since i still am learing how to really be a senior. haha but i have already seen a big difference in my teaching and self confidence, and i need to grow more to be better.
(Where is your favorite place to go in Illheus? What did/do you do there?) I like to go to the house of one of our members, its on a hill over looking the bay/ocean and it always has a really nice breeze. its my fav. spot to go to.
We found a hand ful of new investigators that are golden right now. so im super excited to teach them and baptize them. our zone is needing baptizms. Sunday i fasted for success and i think we are getting some now. i am getting alot better at my contacts too. so the work is just getting more natural. exciting, i know. haha
umm...lets see what else. hows dads interviewing coming along? good i hope, i wouldnt mind him having a new change up of things, even if it would mean moving. i dont want to really leave vegas, but since im in brazil for another year, i dont have much say. but i have been hoping he gets a good more solid job and i know he likes the university setting. so we will see what happens.
July 27, 2010
Today, i am really tired cause this week we had a three day training conference in salvador and its like impossible to sleep well on the bus. They play movies though on the bus (we are allowed to watch them) they played Fireproof, which i highly recommend, and....you wouldnt believe it..... Twilight. Yes, they played Twilight. haha i was like, ah crap, im gonna have to watch this again. haha it reminded me of you guys haha. so i was slightly trunky after wards and it wants me to watch the second movie now. we will see what happens.
I was in Salvador for a 3 day leadership training, and boy are things changing for the mission. The missionary department has came out with new training material that they are going to imply in the MTCs next year and all the missions are getting them now to integrate it into our work. Its more focused on teaching with the spirit then just knowing the lessons and teaching lessons. They are working on having us learn to teach people. thats how it should be anyways, but its gonna be a change, esp since to be honest, i dont know how to really work with the spirit. Im glad i was made DL this transfere to go to this meeting, its gonna change me alot. it will be hard though since im not very great with change, but this is the oportunity i have been looking for, so ill do my best.
Today, i am really tired cause this week we had a three day training conference in salvador and its like impossible to sleep well on the bus. They play movies though on the bus (we are allowed to watch them) they played Fireproof, which i highly recommend, and....you wouldnt believe it..... Twilight. Yes, they played Twilight. haha i was like, ah crap, im gonna have to watch this again. haha it reminded me of you guys haha. so i was slightly trunky after wards and it wants me to watch the second movie now. we will see what happens.
I was in Salvador for a 3 day leadership training, and boy are things changing for the mission. The missionary department has came out with new training material that they are going to imply in the MTCs next year and all the missions are getting them now to integrate it into our work. Its more focused on teaching with the spirit then just knowing the lessons and teaching lessons. They are working on having us learn to teach people. thats how it should be anyways, but its gonna be a change, esp since to be honest, i dont know how to really work with the spirit. Im glad i was made DL this transfere to go to this meeting, its gonna change me alot. it will be hard though since im not very great with change, but this is the oportunity i have been looking for, so ill do my best.
July 19, 2010
Sounds like you are having fun having the house to yourself. (The rest of us were in Utah.) And sorry, you will have to wait another year for me to be able to help you with the lawn and the trash. haha i do at times miss that lawn mower. Just us tackling the grass and giving me time to think and ponder. but one more year. haha
I did know that Aaron was Moses´s brother (not to pop your bubble) since im studying the Bible. I just started Jonas yesterday. Im reading the institute manual while im reading the bible to help me understand what is going on and such. ITs been a really interesting read the past few weeks. Just seeing the rises and falls in the Jewish history, All the things the great leaders accomplish, only to make one mistake and loose it all. Its helped me analyze my life and notice where i need to be better.
Well, sounds like all is well with you dad. im doing well, last night we had a district sleep over. haha it was fun. Elder Sloan and i talked alot about random stuff. Its nice to have an american to talk with once in awhile. I love my brazillian companions, but its just much more natural and such talking with the americans. but its good though. Haha
we have three families currently that we are teaching, but the only problem is no one is going to church, so its kind of hard to have baptisms when no one goes to church. so thats our main obsticale right now.
My favorite brazillian food is....not sure, i like it in general. Some types of beans and rice they make that i really like. They also make Lassangias (forgot how to spell it) which is their version of caserols. haha but they are really good.
What are the Top 5 things you like about Brazil?
* these arent in any perticular order
1. Soccer!!!
2. the culture is so friendly and open
3. Everyone here believes in God and its allowed to be talked about anywhere, unlike in the states, so its nice to be able to talk about God any where and everywhere.
4. Food!!
5. uhh.....Not sure what else. just like it in general. haha
(Kevin’s cousin left for his mission.)
I didnt know there was an MTC in Peru. Tell andrew to look out for an Elder James Moor. i cant remember which mission he is in but i know he is in Peru. Hes my good friend from BYU. ITs crazy that he is finally in the field. Hopefully he can email, cause i would like to be able to talk directly with him, and help him during these next difficult months of the mission. i know he can do it, but ive already gotten thru it and i would like to hear about his experiances too.
Well, i gotta run we have lunch with a member that lives in New York and her family lives here. so she knows english and her daughters and son do too. its crazy haha.
Sounds like you are having fun having the house to yourself. (The rest of us were in Utah.) And sorry, you will have to wait another year for me to be able to help you with the lawn and the trash. haha i do at times miss that lawn mower. Just us tackling the grass and giving me time to think and ponder. but one more year. haha
I did know that Aaron was Moses´s brother (not to pop your bubble) since im studying the Bible. I just started Jonas yesterday. Im reading the institute manual while im reading the bible to help me understand what is going on and such. ITs been a really interesting read the past few weeks. Just seeing the rises and falls in the Jewish history, All the things the great leaders accomplish, only to make one mistake and loose it all. Its helped me analyze my life and notice where i need to be better.
Well, sounds like all is well with you dad. im doing well, last night we had a district sleep over. haha it was fun. Elder Sloan and i talked alot about random stuff. Its nice to have an american to talk with once in awhile. I love my brazillian companions, but its just much more natural and such talking with the americans. but its good though. Haha
we have three families currently that we are teaching, but the only problem is no one is going to church, so its kind of hard to have baptisms when no one goes to church. so thats our main obsticale right now.
My favorite brazillian food is....not sure, i like it in general. Some types of beans and rice they make that i really like. They also make Lassangias (forgot how to spell it) which is their version of caserols. haha but they are really good.
What are the Top 5 things you like about Brazil?
* these arent in any perticular order
1. Soccer!!!
2. the culture is so friendly and open
3. Everyone here believes in God and its allowed to be talked about anywhere, unlike in the states, so its nice to be able to talk about God any where and everywhere.
4. Food!!
5. uhh.....Not sure what else. just like it in general. haha
(Kevin’s cousin left for his mission.)
I didnt know there was an MTC in Peru. Tell andrew to look out for an Elder James Moor. i cant remember which mission he is in but i know he is in Peru. Hes my good friend from BYU. ITs crazy that he is finally in the field. Hopefully he can email, cause i would like to be able to talk directly with him, and help him during these next difficult months of the mission. i know he can do it, but ive already gotten thru it and i would like to hear about his experiances too.
Well, i gotta run we have lunch with a member that lives in New York and her family lives here. so she knows english and her daughters and son do too. its crazy haha.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July 13,2010
July 13, 2010
Hope you are all having fun in Utah or home. haha its been getting hot here again, which i dont like. its supposed to be cold, but idk whats going on with the weather. its still raining alot though. Work is somewhat going, its been a bit slow since Amarante has been a bit sick lately, but im being patient. not much else is new.
We asked Kevin a few questions in our email:
Aunt Pat wants to know if you have had Portuguese sweet bread? Shawn ( who served in Sao Paulo) gained about 10 pounds with the stuff. He loved it.
I think i have had sweet bread here, not sure if its the same thing though, but yes its good. i havent found a place that makes really good bread here though. Had a bakery close by in conquista, but here they arent as good yet.
Your bank account shows some purchases at the supermarket. Are you needing more food money…..or are you just having some fun making cookies!?! I love to hear that you are cooking!!!! Ha!
Yea, i have been trying out some reciepes that sydni sent to me. I have had some free time to try some out. I have pictures of the no-bake cookies u made but they didnt turn out well, cause the cocoa powder is expensive and i tried it with chocolate powder, but didnt turn out well. so i bought the cocoa powder and will try that. haha
You haven’t received any Mission Ties letters from me in the last couple months?....nor Shelly’s birthday card? Very strange. I don’t even remember what package I sent “way back”….so we will assume it was lost. I will mail one this week. I think I will cancel the MissionTies subscription.
yea, i dont know whats going on. i have gotten a card from the Mitchells and one other but from you guys...nothing yet, its annoying.
In his audio recording, Kevin shared a few more details about his companion’s illness. He could use some extra prayers sent his way. Last week we asked him to share his Mission Theme with us in Portuguese. When I get back to Vegas….and if I can figure out how to extract that part of his recording…I will include his response in a future blog. Meanwhile – his Mission Theme and Purpose is located in the first chapter/first page of Preach My Gospel and the entire text of D&C 4. His main focus this week was the health of his companion. Missionaries work in pairs – so when one is sick – both companions stay in the house until the companion has recovered. Aside from cooking, Kevin says he has been spending extra time reading the Bible!
Hope you are all having fun in Utah or home. haha its been getting hot here again, which i dont like. its supposed to be cold, but idk whats going on with the weather. its still raining alot though. Work is somewhat going, its been a bit slow since Amarante has been a bit sick lately, but im being patient. not much else is new.
We asked Kevin a few questions in our email:
Aunt Pat wants to know if you have had Portuguese sweet bread? Shawn ( who served in Sao Paulo) gained about 10 pounds with the stuff. He loved it.
I think i have had sweet bread here, not sure if its the same thing though, but yes its good. i havent found a place that makes really good bread here though. Had a bakery close by in conquista, but here they arent as good yet.
Your bank account shows some purchases at the supermarket. Are you needing more food money…..or are you just having some fun making cookies!?! I love to hear that you are cooking!!!! Ha!
Yea, i have been trying out some reciepes that sydni sent to me. I have had some free time to try some out. I have pictures of the no-bake cookies u made but they didnt turn out well, cause the cocoa powder is expensive and i tried it with chocolate powder, but didnt turn out well. so i bought the cocoa powder and will try that. haha
You haven’t received any Mission Ties letters from me in the last couple months?....nor Shelly’s birthday card? Very strange. I don’t even remember what package I sent “way back”….so we will assume it was lost. I will mail one this week. I think I will cancel the MissionTies subscription.
yea, i dont know whats going on. i have gotten a card from the Mitchells and one other but from you guys...nothing yet, its annoying.
In his audio recording, Kevin shared a few more details about his companion’s illness. He could use some extra prayers sent his way. Last week we asked him to share his Mission Theme with us in Portuguese. When I get back to Vegas….and if I can figure out how to extract that part of his recording…I will include his response in a future blog. Meanwhile – his Mission Theme and Purpose is located in the first chapter/first page of Preach My Gospel and the entire text of D&C 4. His main focus this week was the health of his companion. Missionaries work in pairs – so when one is sick – both companions stay in the house until the companion has recovered. Aside from cooking, Kevin says he has been spending extra time reading the Bible!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
July 7, 2010
Yea,. brasil lost. Ilhéus is pretty dead now that Brazil is out of the cup. Lame but what do u expect.
Work is work, haha. President Joaquim (the Branch President) started a new program. More information about that in my recording. Its been interesting being District Leader. I send my numbers along with the other pair in my district to the Zone Leaders and i run district meeting. Interesting, but more responsibilities makes me more involved into the work. So its good. A little stressfull at times, but whats a little stress gonna do, hurt me? haha nope.
I do miss doing priesthood responsibilites, even though i wasnt always the most patient about it. On the mission, i have really noticed the importance of Home Teachers, enlarging your callings, and just doing your part in the church. The church is all voluntary, but if we all work together, anything can be accomplished.
I sang the national hymn when i woke up and thought about how blessed i am to be an american during the day. that was about it for the 4th of july celebrations. kinda lonesome, but only one more till im home. so not too much to worry about.
*** I asked Kevin several questions and these were his responses:
How are you? How is it that you went from Senior Companion to District
LeaderŠ.in a week!?! Whew!!! :o)
doing good, been busy but thats better then not doing anything. I think its because last transfer 14 missionaries went home and alot were ZLs and DLs, plus in a couple months ill be one of the oldest groups on the mission. So president needs us up and running quick. i was the last person in my CTM group to be senior, but the first to be District Leader. Crazy, i know. haha
Have you organized your first District Meeting? What do you have to do?
What goes on?
yea, i organized last weeks meeting. I pick people to give the prays, recite DC 4, the missionary purpose, and the Bulitem(sp) from president. Then i assign a pair to give a short training with a practice, we have a list of topics to choose from. then talk about anything needs or what not. not too fancy, but im in charge haha
Any interesting lunch appointment stories?
Not really yet, ask me next week and ill be aware for one.
What was the funniest thing that has happened this week?
I wouldnt say funny, but three days in arow we were walking on this one road and it started pouring like crazy at almost the same time of day. it was rediculous, haha but its alright, i like rain
What was the most spiritual?
We had a ward cousel meeting, and president had some videos to help ``pump`` people up. the talked about having a vision of something and then going thru with it, also taking control of your life and make what you want happen. It really inspíred me and im trying to be better at not doing something cause i think it wont happen or im not good enough. im gonna try to do what i want and not let myself get in the way, any advice would be greatly appreciated. haha
Any memorable tracting stories?
the rain story, haha
What is the theme of your mission?.... Do you have a mission statement
and/or motto? How about sharing that in Portuguese? Say it all at once and
then translate it! How about writing the info, too (in Portuguese &
English)Š..and I will share it on your Blog!
our theme is D&C 4 and the missionary purpose in Preach my gospel Chapter 1. ill include them in next recording.
Well, its good to hear summer fun is finally come haha well, i cant think of anything else to write at the moment. i havent gotten the packages yet, so cant say anything about that yet. miss you all love you all.
(The mail seems to be really slow this time. We have even sent letters through Mission Ties and he hasn’t received them. Don’t let this deter any of you from sending him letters or packages. I have heard it has taken anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 months for mail to reach our missionaries in Brazil.)
*** Recording additions: The Branch President works for a radio station and he hosts a program on tips to getting a job. He uses the resources the church has put together and has the missionaries makes calls and answers questions. They have gotten a couple investigators out of that service opportunity. He made chocolate chip cookies for himself and his comp (thanks Sydni for sending him the plethora of recipies – he loves them!!). He says he is going to make another batch and substitute some of the chips for chunks of white chocolate. (Illehus is home to a chocolate factory. I am glad to hear that he is doing some more cooking!) Kevin says it has been raining a lot now. The rain makes the nights cool – which is a relief. He shared a simple prayer with us for his Portuguese lesson!!!
Work is work, haha. President Joaquim (the Branch President) started a new program. More information about that in my recording. Its been interesting being District Leader. I send my numbers along with the other pair in my district to the Zone Leaders and i run district meeting. Interesting, but more responsibilities makes me more involved into the work. So its good. A little stressfull at times, but whats a little stress gonna do, hurt me? haha nope.
I do miss doing priesthood responsibilites, even though i wasnt always the most patient about it. On the mission, i have really noticed the importance of Home Teachers, enlarging your callings, and just doing your part in the church. The church is all voluntary, but if we all work together, anything can be accomplished.
I sang the national hymn when i woke up and thought about how blessed i am to be an american during the day. that was about it for the 4th of july celebrations. kinda lonesome, but only one more till im home. so not too much to worry about.
*** I asked Kevin several questions and these were his responses:
How are you? How is it that you went from Senior Companion to District
LeaderŠ.in a week!?! Whew!!! :o)
doing good, been busy but thats better then not doing anything. I think its because last transfer 14 missionaries went home and alot were ZLs and DLs, plus in a couple months ill be one of the oldest groups on the mission. So president needs us up and running quick. i was the last person in my CTM group to be senior, but the first to be District Leader. Crazy, i know. haha
Have you organized your first District Meeting? What do you have to do?
What goes on?
yea, i organized last weeks meeting. I pick people to give the prays, recite DC 4, the missionary purpose, and the Bulitem(sp) from president. Then i assign a pair to give a short training with a practice, we have a list of topics to choose from. then talk about anything needs or what not. not too fancy, but im in charge haha
Any interesting lunch appointment stories?
Not really yet, ask me next week and ill be aware for one.
What was the funniest thing that has happened this week?
I wouldnt say funny, but three days in arow we were walking on this one road and it started pouring like crazy at almost the same time of day. it was rediculous, haha but its alright, i like rain
What was the most spiritual?
We had a ward cousel meeting, and president had some videos to help ``pump`` people up. the talked about having a vision of something and then going thru with it, also taking control of your life and make what you want happen. It really inspíred me and im trying to be better at not doing something cause i think it wont happen or im not good enough. im gonna try to do what i want and not let myself get in the way, any advice would be greatly appreciated. haha
Any memorable tracting stories?
the rain story, haha
What is the theme of your mission?.... Do you have a mission statement
and/or motto? How about sharing that in Portuguese? Say it all at once and
then translate it! How about writing the info, too (in Portuguese &
English)Š..and I will share it on your Blog!
our theme is D&C 4 and the missionary purpose in Preach my gospel Chapter 1. ill include them in next recording.
Well, its good to hear summer fun is finally come haha well, i cant think of anything else to write at the moment. i havent gotten the packages yet, so cant say anything about that yet. miss you all love you all.
(The mail seems to be really slow this time. We have even sent letters through Mission Ties and he hasn’t received them. Don’t let this deter any of you from sending him letters or packages. I have heard it has taken anywhere from 3 weeks to 5 months for mail to reach our missionaries in Brazil.)
*** Recording additions: The Branch President works for a radio station and he hosts a program on tips to getting a job. He uses the resources the church has put together and has the missionaries makes calls and answers questions. They have gotten a couple investigators out of that service opportunity. He made chocolate chip cookies for himself and his comp (thanks Sydni for sending him the plethora of recipies – he loves them!!). He says he is going to make another batch and substitute some of the chips for chunks of white chocolate. (Illehus is home to a chocolate factory. I am glad to hear that he is doing some more cooking!) Kevin says it has been raining a lot now. The rain makes the nights cool – which is a relief. He shared a simple prayer with us for his Portuguese lesson!!!
June 30, 2010
(To Dad) Im sorry to hear about the loss. (A high school friend of Spencer’s passed away this week.) Things like that a never good, but we are privilaged to have the fullness of the plan of happyness to know that there is a life after this life and we will be able to see and be with our family and friends after our time comes. Just remember that. Just learn from past mistakes and ill understand with im traveling with you and it takes a day to drive from utah to idaho or whatever trip we do in the future.
Im sad the states lost (World Cup Soccer), but ive also seen the vast improvements we are making. We are actually pulling out wins and making plays when we need it. MAybe not every chance turns into a goal, but the fact that we are putting up those chances makes me excited for the 2014 cup in Brasil that ill be going to in 4 years. haha hopefully i can do that, if not the 2016 olympics are here too. so we will see.
Not much else is new here, just getting used to the added responsiblilites of being District Leader. its a new, but helps me grow.
(To Mom) Sounds like you are all having fun with Blondie and the suprise. haha i guess kim and geoff didnt do as much research as they could of done. haha oh well.
About the dentist, here they dont do anything unless there is a problem. so im brushing my teeth every morning, after lunch if i can, and before bed. i still forget about flossing, so i need to get better about that. not sure what else i can do to take better care of my teeth
Questions do help me organize ideas, and without any, i just write whatever comes to mind and forget lots of things. so continue asking questions.
Im sending the recording, and try to have something for me to say in portugues or any requests so i can include them in the recording.
Most of the updates are on the recording so i wont repeat them here.
im still waiting for the packages, the ZLs are going to salvador today, so ill find out if i got them by friday. im keeping my fingers crossed untill then. i hope you sent more deoderant, cause i didnt think about that till just recently.
*** Notes from recording (paraphrased by Mom): Kevin – nor his companion was transferred. However- the other companionship - Pickering & Hernandez - in the house were transferred. Kevin misses the guys ,but does enjoy the additional space! He was also made DL - District Leader (LED in Portuguese). He receives the weekly reports and passes them on to the Zone Leaders (ZL). One of the ZL’s is a former companion (Purcell) – so Kevin is excite d to work with him again. He conducted his first two baptismal interviews and organized the weekly District Meeting. He asks us to continue to pray for investigators in his area. He gave us a little less on verbs and pronouns in Portuguese!
Im sad the states lost (World Cup Soccer), but ive also seen the vast improvements we are making. We are actually pulling out wins and making plays when we need it. MAybe not every chance turns into a goal, but the fact that we are putting up those chances makes me excited for the 2014 cup in Brasil that ill be going to in 4 years. haha hopefully i can do that, if not the 2016 olympics are here too. so we will see.
Not much else is new here, just getting used to the added responsiblilites of being District Leader. its a new, but helps me grow.
(To Mom) Sounds like you are all having fun with Blondie and the suprise. haha i guess kim and geoff didnt do as much research as they could of done. haha oh well.
About the dentist, here they dont do anything unless there is a problem. so im brushing my teeth every morning, after lunch if i can, and before bed. i still forget about flossing, so i need to get better about that. not sure what else i can do to take better care of my teeth
Questions do help me organize ideas, and without any, i just write whatever comes to mind and forget lots of things. so continue asking questions.
Im sending the recording, and try to have something for me to say in portugues or any requests so i can include them in the recording.
Most of the updates are on the recording so i wont repeat them here.
im still waiting for the packages, the ZLs are going to salvador today, so ill find out if i got them by friday. im keeping my fingers crossed untill then. i hope you sent more deoderant, cause i didnt think about that till just recently.
*** Notes from recording (paraphrased by Mom): Kevin – nor his companion was transferred. However- the other companionship - Pickering & Hernandez - in the house were transferred. Kevin misses the guys ,but does enjoy the additional space! He was also made DL - District Leader (LED in Portuguese). He receives the weekly reports and passes them on to the Zone Leaders (ZL). One of the ZL’s is a former companion (Purcell) – so Kevin is excite d to work with him again. He conducted his first two baptismal interviews and organized the weekly District Meeting. He asks us to continue to pray for investigators in his area. He gave us a little less on verbs and pronouns in Portuguese!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
June 16, 2010
Soccer is really heating up the world right now. It gets crazy down here. Basically every store has a tv with the games tuned in. fireworks are legal here so everyone is setting off fireworks and bombs (not terrorist bombs, more like fire crackers that could blow your ear out if you were too close) its crazy some times. You can always tell when Brazil makes a Goal, because u here fireworks set off more then usual. haha and its also really had to work during games, we have had people literally open the door, say their games is on and they wont attend our visit and close the door. We technically arent supposed to go to the members houses just to watch the game, but we cant tell investigators to turn off the game when we are doing a visit. so there are ways to watch parts of the game but still work. I saw the last part of the USA game, im slightly dissappointed that they didnt win, but at the same time happy that they didnt lose. I was also being a pain to the brazillians by rooting for North Korea during the Brazil game. I know that North Korea isnt necessarily a spirit led country, but its fun to mess with the brazillians once in a while.
We are told to go out and find news (I believe he is referring to new investigators) during the hours of the soccer games. Its really hard to find anyone that will let us share a message during the Brazil game, so we will see if president stays with that decision or tells us to stay in or what. we will see.
So, this sunday im giving a talk in church. my lucky streak ran out. We are supposed to talk about missionary work. Thats a very narrow topic, so ill be thinking about what to talk about the next couple days and try not to stress out about it. so it will be interesting
I dont know if i have grown (taller) any yet. i know ive gain and kept 10ish pounds in since i entered the MTC, but idk exactly where it went, so we will see if i grow or not.
The work was pretty much not coming p-day till monday, so it was really dissappointing and hard to come home with no new investigators even though we were doing all we could on our side. it was really really hard waking up the next day wondering if we were gonna have results, then go work and everything fall through, and do that about 4 days in a row. so it was really hard this past week. but then we got a lucky break yesterday, and finally got some news and had visits that didnt fall through, so im in a bit better spirits today, i just hope the dissappointments dont return. so we will see, pray extra for the work here.
Im always trying new foods, nothing too different yet. The other day i had a guarana/açai drink, it was really good. i havent been able to actually eat straight up açai yet though, so ill let u know when that happens. There is Acaraje here, a food native to Bahia. Its like a fried corn bread ball that has vegeatables (sp) and sause and shrip on the inside and a big piece of shrip on the top. its alright, Elder Pickering my DL likes it alot, im not a super big fan of it though. ill eat it, but i prefer other foods.
Well, i guess its good that Kim finally decided a date to get married, unfortuately it is almost exactly a year too early for my schedual. im happy for here, but i wish i could be there. It saddens me alot, but what can i do about it? nothing really. so we will see what happens. im happy for her none the less.
We are going to the Chocolate factory here in Ilhéus with the Branch president here in a little bit.
Love ya, miss ya
Soccer is really heating up the world right now. It gets crazy down here. Basically every store has a tv with the games tuned in. fireworks are legal here so everyone is setting off fireworks and bombs (not terrorist bombs, more like fire crackers that could blow your ear out if you were too close) its crazy some times. You can always tell when Brazil makes a Goal, because u here fireworks set off more then usual. haha and its also really had to work during games, we have had people literally open the door, say their games is on and they wont attend our visit and close the door. We technically arent supposed to go to the members houses just to watch the game, but we cant tell investigators to turn off the game when we are doing a visit. so there are ways to watch parts of the game but still work. I saw the last part of the USA game, im slightly dissappointed that they didnt win, but at the same time happy that they didnt lose. I was also being a pain to the brazillians by rooting for North Korea during the Brazil game. I know that North Korea isnt necessarily a spirit led country, but its fun to mess with the brazillians once in a while.
We are told to go out and find news (I believe he is referring to new investigators) during the hours of the soccer games. Its really hard to find anyone that will let us share a message during the Brazil game, so we will see if president stays with that decision or tells us to stay in or what. we will see.
So, this sunday im giving a talk in church. my lucky streak ran out. We are supposed to talk about missionary work. Thats a very narrow topic, so ill be thinking about what to talk about the next couple days and try not to stress out about it. so it will be interesting
I dont know if i have grown (taller) any yet. i know ive gain and kept 10ish pounds in since i entered the MTC, but idk exactly where it went, so we will see if i grow or not.
The work was pretty much not coming p-day till monday, so it was really dissappointing and hard to come home with no new investigators even though we were doing all we could on our side. it was really really hard waking up the next day wondering if we were gonna have results, then go work and everything fall through, and do that about 4 days in a row. so it was really hard this past week. but then we got a lucky break yesterday, and finally got some news and had visits that didnt fall through, so im in a bit better spirits today, i just hope the dissappointments dont return. so we will see, pray extra for the work here.
Im always trying new foods, nothing too different yet. The other day i had a guarana/açai drink, it was really good. i havent been able to actually eat straight up açai yet though, so ill let u know when that happens. There is Acaraje here, a food native to Bahia. Its like a fried corn bread ball that has vegeatables (sp) and sause and shrip on the inside and a big piece of shrip on the top. its alright, Elder Pickering my DL likes it alot, im not a super big fan of it though. ill eat it, but i prefer other foods.
Well, i guess its good that Kim finally decided a date to get married, unfortuately it is almost exactly a year too early for my schedual. im happy for here, but i wish i could be there. It saddens me alot, but what can i do about it? nothing really. so we will see what happens. im happy for her none the less.
We are going to the Chocolate factory here in Ilhéus with the Branch president here in a little bit.
Love ya, miss ya
June 9, 2010
(How has your week been?.....any success/es ?........)
Last week we found some new investigators, so we will see how they progress, but no new baptisms yet though.
(Physical challenges?)
not really yet, i started running yesterday so we will see how that goes.
(Spencer asked Kevin if he is able to attend the Temple.)
We dont get a chance to go to the temple during our two years here. I have really been missing the temple since the CTM time where we got to almost every week. Ive learned how much it really helps in life, even just being there helps. So i hope you and mom are still going as much as possible. i unfortunately have to wait another year to go to the temple again :/
(P-Day fun experiences?)
we are planning to go to the Chocolate factory thats here in Ilheus, since here has many exports of Cocco (sp? chocolate)
well, we had zone conference monday, and it was pretty good. President talked to us about Coley´s (sp?) 7 habits to highly successfull people and how it has gospel roots. (Kevin is referring to Stephen R. Covey!) so ill work to imply those into my life. Also like i said sunday was stake conference, that was good too. i can understand most of what they say, when im not zonning out. haha
not much else is new. ill try to send a little voice message every week or something. so i included another one.
not sure if i said last email, but ive started to read the bible and currently im in Numbers i believe. i just got past the 10 commandments, part haha coincidence. its interesting that right as he got the first set of commandments, the people of Israel had already started worshiping idles and God had to ``dumb down`` the commandments. After reading more, God seems to have to literally lead his people by the hand like little kids, since they arent spiritually strong enough to trust in God completely. Its kinda of sad in a way, cause they couldnt receive all the blessings of the everlasting convenant and such. what to say about to the kids?......good questions. i guess just teach the importance of trusting in the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
LEt me know if u hear anything about Andrew, since im not hearing anything.
Well, im not sure if i have anything else to add, so ill talk to you all later!
love you
***Note: Kevin has begun to include an audio recording in his weekly emails. We sent a small recorder with him per the advice of some other missionary families. He is just now able to devote some time to learning how to use it. :O)
(How has your week been?.....any success/es ?........)
Last week we found some new investigators, so we will see how they progress, but no new baptisms yet though.
(Physical challenges?)
not really yet, i started running yesterday so we will see how that goes.
(Spencer asked Kevin if he is able to attend the Temple.)
We dont get a chance to go to the temple during our two years here. I have really been missing the temple since the CTM time where we got to almost every week. Ive learned how much it really helps in life, even just being there helps. So i hope you and mom are still going as much as possible. i unfortunately have to wait another year to go to the temple again :/
(P-Day fun experiences?)
we are planning to go to the Chocolate factory thats here in Ilheus, since here has many exports of Cocco (sp? chocolate)
well, we had zone conference monday, and it was pretty good. President talked to us about Coley´s (sp?) 7 habits to highly successfull people and how it has gospel roots. (Kevin is referring to Stephen R. Covey!) so ill work to imply those into my life. Also like i said sunday was stake conference, that was good too. i can understand most of what they say, when im not zonning out. haha
not much else is new. ill try to send a little voice message every week or something. so i included another one.
not sure if i said last email, but ive started to read the bible and currently im in Numbers i believe. i just got past the 10 commandments, part haha coincidence. its interesting that right as he got the first set of commandments, the people of Israel had already started worshiping idles and God had to ``dumb down`` the commandments. After reading more, God seems to have to literally lead his people by the hand like little kids, since they arent spiritually strong enough to trust in God completely. Its kinda of sad in a way, cause they couldnt receive all the blessings of the everlasting convenant and such. what to say about to the kids?......good questions. i guess just teach the importance of trusting in the Lord with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.
LEt me know if u hear anything about Andrew, since im not hearing anything.
Well, im not sure if i have anything else to add, so ill talk to you all later!
love you
***Note: Kevin has begun to include an audio recording in his weekly emails. We sent a small recorder with him per the advice of some other missionary families. He is just now able to devote some time to learning how to use it. :O)
June 1, 2010
How are things going? good it seems. sounds like things are settling down at home with summer break coming along. haha thats good. i should be running every morning, but 630 comes awefully early for me sometimes and i dont want to be sore while trying to walk up all the hills and stairs here in ilheus. I want to run, but maybe if i get another flat area. we will see. Yes, time does fly by fast. its crazy sometimes. its been over 9 months. but thats good though. haha
My companion is Brazillian, from Rio de Janeiro. He speaks a little bit of english, most stuff that we are teaching him. so i think he could be fluent by the end of his mission. so we will see how that goes. he helps me with portugues and i help him.
Yes, i can buy memory cards. ill send a message if i ever need to buy one.
Home teaching is very important, they are the missionaries for the members. The ones to help if help is needed and to constantly help uplift the saints. They are very important.
(Shelly wanted to know if he received her B-day card?)
havent gotten any mail yet, so probably next week at zone conference ill get it. wow, zone conference is next week. holy moly, time flies slowly! Haha
So i cant remember everything i said in the recording, so i may have some repeating things. One cool thing that happened this week, is sunday an australlian visited our ward. He doesnt speak any portugues though, so he picked the right chapel to go to. Pickering and i helpéd him out that day. Then yesterday and today, we met up with him to help him out with some stuff and he took us out too lunch also. He is like 40some and has 5 children, he is retired, bored, and has a little bit of money to do stuff. U will see him in some of the pictures if im able to upload them. Hes really cool and im glad i was able to be here to get to know him.
Let see, what else. Ah... i had some cool gospel moments. On sunday we had to pick a scripture that helps in missionary life. I picked alma the youngers conversion. I made up the following on the spot while i was sharing it (inspiration/revelation? i think so). I was thinking how he was rebelious and going around doing things contrary to the gospel and i likened that to the life of a missionary before the mission. We are a bit rebelious and the gospel hasnt really become an important part in life. Then we get our call, and this time on the mission is when we are truelly(depends on the person) converted and gain that eternal perspective of life, how somethings that didnt seem that important really are. it really hit me and made me think how much a blessing the mission is in my life.
Also, i have been reading in the old testament, since i decided to read all of the bible now. I have been understanding a great deal. I think i was too young and inattentive in the past to really understand some of the things in the bible , but its really been alot different, the experience of reading it now. I was reading about when Abrahams servant was sent out to find a wife for Isaac. He stopped at the well, and asked God how he was going to find the right woman and if she was the one, she would reply in a certain way. The first women he talked to after that prayer ended up being the one designated by God since she answered in the certain way. this is kind of like missionary work. We tell God what we are going to do and we are going to do it, and how the people react to our message will reveal if they are an elect or not. Ive just been connecting stories like this in ways i never would of thought before. Its really cool, haha.
Also, i was listening to a couple talks about Patience and its true, to be perfect we need to have Godly patience. The Isrealites waited 40 years to enter the promised land, JAcob waited 14 years for Rachel and many stories of godly patience. I know im learning to have that. Ex; since reading my blessing and being out on the mission for almost a year, ive learned that we have to sometimes wait awhile to gain blessings. Man, im growing alot, haha. anyways, so those were my spiritual/gospel events of the week.
How are things going? good it seems. sounds like things are settling down at home with summer break coming along. haha thats good. i should be running every morning, but 630 comes awefully early for me sometimes and i dont want to be sore while trying to walk up all the hills and stairs here in ilheus. I want to run, but maybe if i get another flat area. we will see. Yes, time does fly by fast. its crazy sometimes. its been over 9 months. but thats good though. haha
My companion is Brazillian, from Rio de Janeiro. He speaks a little bit of english, most stuff that we are teaching him. so i think he could be fluent by the end of his mission. so we will see how that goes. he helps me with portugues and i help him.
Yes, i can buy memory cards. ill send a message if i ever need to buy one.
Home teaching is very important, they are the missionaries for the members. The ones to help if help is needed and to constantly help uplift the saints. They are very important.
(Shelly wanted to know if he received her B-day card?)
havent gotten any mail yet, so probably next week at zone conference ill get it. wow, zone conference is next week. holy moly, time flies slowly! Haha
So i cant remember everything i said in the recording, so i may have some repeating things. One cool thing that happened this week, is sunday an australlian visited our ward. He doesnt speak any portugues though, so he picked the right chapel to go to. Pickering and i helpéd him out that day. Then yesterday and today, we met up with him to help him out with some stuff and he took us out too lunch also. He is like 40some and has 5 children, he is retired, bored, and has a little bit of money to do stuff. U will see him in some of the pictures if im able to upload them. Hes really cool and im glad i was able to be here to get to know him.
Let see, what else. Ah... i had some cool gospel moments. On sunday we had to pick a scripture that helps in missionary life. I picked alma the youngers conversion. I made up the following on the spot while i was sharing it (inspiration/revelation? i think so). I was thinking how he was rebelious and going around doing things contrary to the gospel and i likened that to the life of a missionary before the mission. We are a bit rebelious and the gospel hasnt really become an important part in life. Then we get our call, and this time on the mission is when we are truelly(depends on the person) converted and gain that eternal perspective of life, how somethings that didnt seem that important really are. it really hit me and made me think how much a blessing the mission is in my life.
Also, i have been reading in the old testament, since i decided to read all of the bible now. I have been understanding a great deal. I think i was too young and inattentive in the past to really understand some of the things in the bible , but its really been alot different, the experience of reading it now. I was reading about when Abrahams servant was sent out to find a wife for Isaac. He stopped at the well, and asked God how he was going to find the right woman and if she was the one, she would reply in a certain way. The first women he talked to after that prayer ended up being the one designated by God since she answered in the certain way. this is kind of like missionary work. We tell God what we are going to do and we are going to do it, and how the people react to our message will reveal if they are an elect or not. Ive just been connecting stories like this in ways i never would of thought before. Its really cool, haha.
Also, i was listening to a couple talks about Patience and its true, to be perfect we need to have Godly patience. The Isrealites waited 40 years to enter the promised land, JAcob waited 14 years for Rachel and many stories of godly patience. I know im learning to have that. Ex; since reading my blessing and being out on the mission for almost a year, ive learned that we have to sometimes wait awhile to gain blessings. Man, im growing alot, haha. anyways, so those were my spiritual/gospel events of the week.
Friday, May 28, 2010
May 26, 2010
Questions -
* What did you do for your Birthday???? (I put an additional $50 in your
acct. tonight. Looks like you have some kind of hamburger joint there in
your area?)
we didnt do awhole lot, but we went to Bob´s an american hamburger place here in brazil that make really good milkshakes. Not In and Out milkshakes but good ones. We did more stuff sunday since it was also my DLs birthday sunday. We bought mini-pizzas sat and made them sunday night with the rest of our district. He got like 3 cakes so we ate them, well not all of it. And just some other little things. Nothing too over the top. I have learned that i never want to go a birthday without my family after my mission. I only have to miss one more, haha but my companions become somewhat family, so its not too bad. But i still want to be with family for my birthdays.
* So what are the responsibilities of a Senior Companion?
Everything pretty much, i take heat for bad numbers or stuff. Im basically the one in charge, but we both do the same work. not much else.
* Have you found any new investigators?
Its been hard for us 4 missionaries to get news (I think he means investigators) here, but we are working everyday to find elites.
* Aside from the heat - what do you like about your area?
I like being by the ocean, its nice to live by one finally. It rains a bit more here, even though thats not always a good thing. This area is just different, so its nice to experiance new things. 5 girls here have been married to american returned missionaries, so unfortuately the women here have a slightly different idea of missionaries. but im not here to find my wife, i know my wife is in the states. but it will be interesting.
I was looking at the Conference Liahona a member had and saw Kelsey Gubler in it, so look for her picture.! i was skimming and say here and said ``what the heck, whats Kelsey doing there!!`` haha so i showed everyone her. shes the second friend i have known thats been in the April conference issue.
well, i love you all,
* What did you do for your Birthday???? (I put an additional $50 in your
acct. tonight. Looks like you have some kind of hamburger joint there in
your area?)
we didnt do awhole lot, but we went to Bob´s an american hamburger place here in brazil that make really good milkshakes. Not In and Out milkshakes but good ones. We did more stuff sunday since it was also my DLs birthday sunday. We bought mini-pizzas sat and made them sunday night with the rest of our district. He got like 3 cakes so we ate them, well not all of it. And just some other little things. Nothing too over the top. I have learned that i never want to go a birthday without my family after my mission. I only have to miss one more, haha but my companions become somewhat family, so its not too bad. But i still want to be with family for my birthdays.
* So what are the responsibilities of a Senior Companion?
Everything pretty much, i take heat for bad numbers or stuff. Im basically the one in charge, but we both do the same work. not much else.
* Have you found any new investigators?
Its been hard for us 4 missionaries to get news (I think he means investigators) here, but we are working everyday to find elites.
* Aside from the heat - what do you like about your area?
I like being by the ocean, its nice to live by one finally. It rains a bit more here, even though thats not always a good thing. This area is just different, so its nice to experiance new things. 5 girls here have been married to american returned missionaries, so unfortuately the women here have a slightly different idea of missionaries. but im not here to find my wife, i know my wife is in the states. but it will be interesting.
I was looking at the Conference Liahona a member had and saw Kelsey Gubler in it, so look for her picture.! i was skimming and say here and said ``what the heck, whats Kelsey doing there!!`` haha so i showed everyone her. shes the second friend i have known thats been in the April conference issue.
well, i love you all,
May 19, 2010
(Spencer began his email with: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY early!! The big 20. Congrats, you’re NOTHING! Too old to be a teenager, and too young to be legal. Great time to be on a mission.")
haha thanks (Dad) for reminding me im currently nothing, in the legal sense, haha its very uplifting to know im at the worst point in life in what i can do with my life. haha
well, the last week has been pretty stressfull for me. learning that my contact skills actually suck and that i still stink at speaking, but im able to do more then i could in the past. i think once i settle into being a senior and having to actually be responsible for the work and get my public fear gitters away - i think i'll finally be fully settled in. i know i'm supposed to be here.
How is the new area? What does it look like...and what have you been able to
see so far? Compare it with Vitoria da Conquista.
My new area is alright, its hot, very very very humid and windy at times. i sweat when im sitting doing nothing, let alone walking around. im starting to wonder if my clothes are really the best material for brazil. thats been a bit hard to get used to since i dont like sweating all day every day, but what ever. its very very hilly, so it feels like i hike to appointments and such. so that should help with at least getting my legs back into shape and working out my cardio strength, i just hope it doesn't kill my knees. its on the ocean so i get to see the ocean everyday, yay, i have some pics so hopefully ill have time to add them.
What is your new apartment like?.....and sharing space with 3 other
missionaries? Why do you have to do that?
the apartment is small, almost too small for 4 people, its kinda old and lame. i dont really like it but maybe ill only be here for a transfere. our area has 4 missionaries for it, why? idk haha but two may be pulled out next transfere since we are loosing missionaries.
How is your companion? What is his name? I know you said that he is
Brazilian..where is he from? Is he a convert? Does his family support him
on his mission?
My companion is 3ish months out, he is from Rio de Janeiro, so he has the funnier portugual accent. he has a fiance that will be serving a mission soon too, so they will both get back about the same time.
Have you encountered any new creatures or "wild life"? (Shelly wants to
know!)
not any legit ones yet, still the same old ones but i did find a bat walking on the side walk, i have a pic so ill try to upload it.
Are the members taking care of you like they did in your last
area-lunches/dinners?
we have lunch everyday, so thats nothing to worry about.
How is it being the Senior Companion now?
stressful like crazy, im definetly figure out my weaknesses and they are being strengthened, hopefully, as we speak. its been hard, but im doing what i can.
(Rather than send a package that may/may not have arrived in time for his B-day - we put extra money in his account for him to spend.)
i havent had alot of time to really shop around, but i have had to buy an umbrella and a pillow. im looking for something i would like to buy myself though, and ull find out next week. haha
haha thanks (Dad) for reminding me im currently nothing, in the legal sense, haha its very uplifting to know im at the worst point in life in what i can do with my life. haha
well, the last week has been pretty stressfull for me. learning that my contact skills actually suck and that i still stink at speaking, but im able to do more then i could in the past. i think once i settle into being a senior and having to actually be responsible for the work and get my public fear gitters away - i think i'll finally be fully settled in. i know i'm supposed to be here.
How is the new area? What does it look like...and what have you been able to
see so far? Compare it with Vitoria da Conquista.
My new area is alright, its hot, very very very humid and windy at times. i sweat when im sitting doing nothing, let alone walking around. im starting to wonder if my clothes are really the best material for brazil. thats been a bit hard to get used to since i dont like sweating all day every day, but what ever. its very very hilly, so it feels like i hike to appointments and such. so that should help with at least getting my legs back into shape and working out my cardio strength, i just hope it doesn't kill my knees. its on the ocean so i get to see the ocean everyday, yay, i have some pics so hopefully ill have time to add them.
What is your new apartment like?.....and sharing space with 3 other
missionaries? Why do you have to do that?
the apartment is small, almost too small for 4 people, its kinda old and lame. i dont really like it but maybe ill only be here for a transfere. our area has 4 missionaries for it, why? idk haha but two may be pulled out next transfere since we are loosing missionaries.
How is your companion? What is his name? I know you said that he is
Brazilian..where is he from? Is he a convert? Does his family support him
on his mission?
My companion is 3ish months out, he is from Rio de Janeiro, so he has the funnier portugual accent. he has a fiance that will be serving a mission soon too, so they will both get back about the same time.
Have you encountered any new creatures or "wild life"? (Shelly wants to
know!)
not any legit ones yet, still the same old ones but i did find a bat walking on the side walk, i have a pic so ill try to upload it.
Are the members taking care of you like they did in your last
area-lunches/dinners?
we have lunch everyday, so thats nothing to worry about.
How is it being the Senior Companion now?
stressful like crazy, im definetly figure out my weaknesses and they are being strengthened, hopefully, as we speak. its been hard, but im doing what i can.
(Rather than send a package that may/may not have arrived in time for his B-day - we put extra money in his account for him to spend.)
i havent had alot of time to really shop around, but i have had to buy an umbrella and a pillow. im looking for something i would like to buy myself though, and ull find out next week. haha
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Serving in Ilheus - a coastal city south of Salvador
May 9, 2010
Note from Denise/Mom: We had a wonderful phone visit with Kevin on Sunday for Mother's Day. He sounds great....and I am continually amazed at how much his voice sounds like my father's!!! Kevin says that his language is getting so much better. He can remember when he could not understand anything.....and feels he has "come a long way". He is greatly for his American companions and is ready for another Brazilian companion who will challenge his abilities even further. Regarding the upcoming transfers, he said "he was ready for something new, but he will miss the people". Kevin has been in Conquista ever since he left the CTM the end of October!
May 11, 2010
I have had a major shake up in the mission. I was transferred to Ilheus, which is on the coast south of Salvador next to Itabuna. It is hottttt here. ugh im gonna die, haha. nah just sweat even more. (Ilheus is) a decent sized city, smaller then Conquista i believe. its right on the coast so i may finally get to see a brazil beach, maybe. it took 6 hours by bus to get there, freak it was boring, haha but now im here. its hilly, more green, ive only been here for a few hours so thats all i can tell ya haha. i have a new companion, he is brazilian and he has only 3 months on his mission. i think i am his second companion, ``mom`` in mission terms. haha its going to be interesting finally being senior. it scares the poop out of me, but i think im somewhat ready. So we will work hard and see how it goes. I live in a house about the same size as the old one, just i have 4 missionaries in it instead of only 2. its kinda cramped, but its a new adventure. i did accidently forget my pillow though - so i had to buy a new one today, i took out a bit of money first for the bus ticket (in case i needed extra) then used the card to buy the pillow, so thats why u will see two uses of it today.
well, i guess that about raps it up so far, since ures was short, that makes mine short too.
(Our emails were short due to the Sunday phone call! I guess I still need to ask more questions in order to get more information!!!! ;o) Check out what Wikipedia says about Ilheus. Don't worry....there are specific rules about going to the beaches!!!)
Note from Denise/Mom: We had a wonderful phone visit with Kevin on Sunday for Mother's Day. He sounds great....and I am continually amazed at how much his voice sounds like my father's!!! Kevin says that his language is getting so much better. He can remember when he could not understand anything.....and feels he has "come a long way". He is greatly for his American companions and is ready for another Brazilian companion who will challenge his abilities even further. Regarding the upcoming transfers, he said "he was ready for something new, but he will miss the people". Kevin has been in Conquista ever since he left the CTM the end of October!
May 11, 2010
I have had a major shake up in the mission. I was transferred to Ilheus, which is on the coast south of Salvador next to Itabuna. It is hottttt here. ugh im gonna die, haha. nah just sweat even more. (Ilheus is) a decent sized city, smaller then Conquista i believe. its right on the coast so i may finally get to see a brazil beach, maybe. it took 6 hours by bus to get there, freak it was boring, haha but now im here. its hilly, more green, ive only been here for a few hours so thats all i can tell ya haha. i have a new companion, he is brazilian and he has only 3 months on his mission. i think i am his second companion, ``mom`` in mission terms. haha its going to be interesting finally being senior. it scares the poop out of me, but i think im somewhat ready. So we will work hard and see how it goes. I live in a house about the same size as the old one, just i have 4 missionaries in it instead of only 2. its kinda cramped, but its a new adventure. i did accidently forget my pillow though - so i had to buy a new one today, i took out a bit of money first for the bus ticket (in case i needed extra) then used the card to buy the pillow, so thats why u will see two uses of it today.
well, i guess that about raps it up so far, since ures was short, that makes mine short too.
(Our emails were short due to the Sunday phone call! I guess I still need to ask more questions in order to get more information!!!!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
May 8, 2010
Nøte: from Denise (mom): It has been quite a while since I have posted Elder Allen's news on his blog. My apologies. Much has happened in our Family, as well as with Kevin, over the last couple months. The following entries are arranged in the order as they happened...so be sure to read the end first and work your way up! Also - I have tried not to edit Kevin's writing - which is very difficult for a professional teacher! He has limited time to email....so editing is not a priority!! :o) We will be able to speak with Kevin tomorrow on the telephone and we are really looking forward to that experience. What a great Mother's Day gift! Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers....and mothers who will some day be....!
May 3, 2010
Things a pretty well here. same old same old. I realized mothers day is this sunday not next, so i have to figure out how that is going to work, but im excited to talk to you all. Kim got a new dog?!?!?! already...arg. apparently she didnt read my request a few weeks back about waiting to get a dog till i come home.....lame, i want to play with Blondie. i want to see pics.
The work is going, we had a baptism last weekend, a kid named Jean. I’ll try to put some of the pics on dropshots if i have time. we could have another potential baptism soon too.
(Spiritual moment….) I’ve been reading Talmages book about the story and philosophy of Mormonism, its really good. so far its talked about all the persecution our church went thru in its roots and I’m currently reading about the political persecution.
Zone conference was good, im understanding more portugues every conference, which is cool. haha
We made spegetti today with garlic bread. it was yummy!
April 28, 2010
Sounds like stake conference was good, we had zone conference yesterday, and its usually always difficult to pay attention for hours on end, but it was good and i got stuff out of it.
Sounds like things are settling down abit at home after the last few shake ups. i have had a question the past two weeks. I know that we carry our intelligences and memories into the after life when we die. would it be the same for animals, star for instance. will she be there when we return to greet us and remember us? ive been trying to find a forsure answer for that. (I have since sent Kevin a couple articles from the Ensign on the subject….and scripture references to support a religious view of animals.)
(Funniest moment….) Today, i was helping a member clear his ward of weeds and such (big huge weeds), and we accidently agitated a bee hive, of course they decided not to attack my companion or the member, instead, they decided to deal me a sting to the neck and to the ankle. they hurt sooo much, but after about 15 minutes i was fine. it reminded me of that time when dad was mowing the lawn and i was following behind him and i got attack by the bees. (This is a memory from our home in Blacksburg, VA.)
(I asked about their daily study time….) I have been studying alot of things, like signs of the second coming, and anything that i think of during the days. Its for twoish hours, first alone, then second with my companion.
We actually had zone conference yesterday, it was good. interviews are friday. then we have next week and the week after is transfers. i am pretty positive that i will be transfered, but anything can happen, so we will see. i completely forgot about phone call, that makes me really happy. i will let u know about the call when i find out if im staying or not. u could probably just call the cell phones that we use, since u guys have the plan and it would be charged from your side. so I’ll let u know when the time comes.
April 22, 2010
Im doing better here, after last weeks letter. Its still hard to know that when i go home, star wont be there, but i guess its better, in ways, to be out here when she decided to go home. So things are for the most part back to normal for me. its still hard that i wont see star when i come home, and i never will have a chance to say good bye to her. She was such a good dog and idk if any other dog will ever be able to measure up to her. i do plan on getting another dog later in my life, but obviously i cant now. I would like you guys not to get a new dog till i atleast come home, cause i want the dog to know me, and i dont want to come home a stranger to a new one. but since im not at home, i dont have as much of a vote anymore, so do what u like. just wanted to put my opinion out there.
Also, do dogs retain their memories like we do when we die? will star remember us and greet us when we die? i havent found a for sure answer for that question and its been on my mind all week. Oh well, life moves on. Working helps get the mind off of things. So thats been helpful. Not much else is new here, just trying to get investigators into church so we can baptize them.
i deal with allegries a bit here, but its just normal stuff, nothing too bad. (I asked about cooking….) Yes, we have been buying chicken nuggets and little things like that that are quick to heat up when we are hungry.
(Funniest moment…) Yesterday, we had a huge ward activity since its some holiday, and they were playing some techno music - american of course haha - and i was singing outloud to it. One of the ward members attempted to ``Translate`` one of the songs into portugues and it was hillarious. haha it obviously wasnt a correct translation, but what he came up with was funny.
Well, like i mentioned in the questions we had a huge ward activity. It included soccer, basketball, volleyball, BBQ, and other activities. It was alot of fun, Purcell and I killed in the sports. haha We showed them how Americans play soccer and such. haha it really helped me get thru the star experience, which i have gotten thru about 85% of it. It will linger in me for awhile since i never got to see or feel the missing presence of her till i go home. so i dont think that will fully be settled till im home.
Love you all. Be strong, smile, and everything will be okay. Im trying to do that here.
April 14, 2010
Well, as hard as it is i guess its just kinda difficult to adjust to a culture shock, esp when the average person is not as well off as the average person at home. But i´ll get over it more as my portugues skills get better. They are still slowly coming, but it should be more noticeable since my skills are more wide spread then a few months ago. Well, its also getting cold in Conquista. I never thought i would be freezing at nights sometimes. ``winter`` - dont know if its actually winter yet- here in conquista is similar to vegas, where it gets cold and windy at night and then is still chilly windy during the day, but the sun warms up things abit. My companion is wearing sweatshirts everyday. haha He reminds us of Mr. Rogers and his sweaters. haha its funny. Im enjoying the more chillier weather. so i just hope we dont get sick soon. eek.
Well, i have been studying alot about the signs of the second coming. There is a member here with the Mormon Doctine by McConkie in english and i have been using that to study the scriptures lately. im learning alot about what to be looking out for in the future.
(At this point I – Denise – realized that Kevin was online at the same time as I was reading the above email to his dad. My email brought news that Star – our dog of 11 years had passed away earlier that morning. Kevin and I were able to email back and forth as I shared details and answered questions. The following entry are answers to my questions for the week.)
My new companion is from Reddlands, cali. He has a few months left, same time as Cook. He is helping me with portugues, like everyone has been. Hes really cool and we get along really well, so far, so we will see how this transfer goes.
(Regarding the daily work…) we do street contacts everyday, and when we go to lunch we ask for referrals. So a bit of both. We have a Ward Mission Leader and he is pretty helpful.
(Funniest moment…) Today, my comp decided to see if one of our outlets has power, since the wires are sticking out. He touched them together and POP, out went the power. so we are without power for now. I wouldnt say that is the funniest thing, but its probably one of them. He’s pretty crazy so we have had a handle ful of moments so far. (…and the mother responds with a sigh…..fortunately - all they had to do was reset the breaker in order to regain power.)
(Spiritual moment…) Well, i guess today might be it. we will see. (regarding Star)
April 7, 2010
Everything (clothing/shoes) is holding up well, just my two belts from Missionary mall are about to break, so i could use a new belt. Whether i buy it here or u send one, ill do whatever.
Elder Hernandez and i worked hard up till the weekend, teaching and such. Then conference came around. All of our investigators were out of town, so we will show them a talk or two online. They didnt have a room for english so i only got to hear it in portugues. So i didnt really understand any of the talks. I did have a few spiritual moments though. During Monsons talk in the priesthood session, he talked about a missionary whose family wouldnt write him. Monson told him to just write everyweek anyways and they would write back. Monson then found out later that the missionaries family did start responding and they eventually got baptized and sealed together. I felt the spirit bear testimony the importance of the family and how essential it is for families to be sealed together for all time and eternity, in the right church with the right authority. Also, another thing that was interesting was hearing Elder Scott and Elder Anderson giving their talks in Portugues. It was recorded earlier and instead of having a translator they played over them speaking. It was really fascinating, even though i didnt really get the message though. I love conference and i cant wait to hear it in english, or read it.
Then yesterday night, Hernandez and i went to the Bus station since he was being transfered to Salvador. I am staying in Ala (ward) Brasil and i received my new companion today at 5am ish. i had to spend the night at the ZLs and one of our ZLs was being transfered to a new city. My new companions name is Elder Purcell. He is samoian, but is from Reddings, California. I am a junior once again, but it will be fun.
March 31, 2010
Not sure what i will be doing for the holiday, minus conference, yet but i will see. We get to watch conference at the stake center. Sessions are at 1pm then 5pm here. Not too bad. Im excited for it. My first real legit conference in the field. Hopefully i can understand enough to get something out of it, but im sure i will either way.
This past week has been pretty crazy. We ran into this guy on the street and he started asking us Tons of questions. We went back to his house and pretty much taught the 3 lessons with him since he had so many questions. He then introduced us to his family, and we are currently teaching them too. Hernandez and i are pretty sure they will be baptised soon. Hopefully i stay one more transfer here, so i can baptise them. Also, i want to actually experiance winter and Conquista is the coolest place in the mission. Im tired of Sweating! haha.
I am doing my best to let the Lord mold me into what he wants, its just hard not knowing what method he will be using. but im doing what i can, and i hope i become an awesome person by the time my time is up.
We were given this investigator that was waiting almost 2 years to be baptized. His 18th b-day was yesterday and so was his baptism. He was so excited and so were we. It took him 3 tries to be successfully baptized, haha. Then we comfirmed him that night.
Its been good getting experiance as senior. I do the planning, some of the talking with members and such (not all since i still suck at talking), and im in charge for the most part. Hernandez isnt taking advantage of it though, he is helping me out alot. So, its a ``controlled`` senior setting. Hopefully it will help me out next week when i findout what will happen to me next transfer.
Well, thats the news in my life. It sounds like life is getting fun at home. I am glad im not there to help dad out in his `projects´ haha. those are allways a joy. haha well, do what u need to to be happy, and im always praying for you all. Love Ya
March 23, 2010
the past days have been a bit of a doosy. We had zone conference monday, which lasted literally all day. i was understanding things though during the day, which was a first. i was able to take things out of the trainings and take notes and such. Thats a good sign that my portugues is coming along. we had interviews that night and president decided to transfer cook out and switch him with the other district leader in our zone, elder hernandez. he was actually one of the trainers when i came into the field and i know him pretty well. Though hes gonna work me hard on portugues these next two weeks when real transfers happen. so it will be an interesting two weeks with probably some struggles from trying to detact myself some more from depending on english and getting used to portugues. I pray i can do it faithfully and grow how the lord needs me to grow. Yesterday, we did the transfers. It took all day just about because of headaches with the bus transportation, but it eventually got done. Its really weird feeling, getting a new companion all of a sudden, but it was a needed thing to be done.
I wish i could of been there for your talk (Dad), but thanks for sharing a part of it with me. It reminds me of us gathering in front of the tv during conferences as a family and me struggling to stay awake. Before the mission, conference was just another thing. it didnt have a great meaning to me, but since being on the mission and being a bit more distant from church athorities and such, ive have grown an appreciation for conferences, the ensign - or liahona - and other such guidence we have in life. I am definetly excited for conference thats coming up real soon. i just hope i can understand it haha. either way it will be good.
Kim got a car!?!?!?! no, she did not tell me this. luckyy, but good. you dont have to worry about driving her around anymore, which is kinda funny to think about since she is almost 23 and didnt have a car. But thats good now. I definetly understand her wanting to avoid parking problems and stuff like that. I guess thats just a new driver mentalitly. Plus she is my sister, we do think alike in ways. haha
You can share anything with me. I like getting the articles, stories, etc etc. Anything is fine with me.
I do go to the bread store. I dont go to the meat market or fruit stores cause i dont really trust the meat here and i dont know how to buy fruits, haha. My diet has gotten a bit better outside of lunches. I eat more then cookies. I have found Cheetos, doritos, breads, and other random things i get when it looks good. Also they have Pastel shops. Pastel is pastry in portugues, but its not really deserts. Here, they have chicken, or cheese and ham in them. they are really good.
I only recieved the package with the portugues book and the Nathan Brazil book. What was the reason behind sending that book? im curious. Also, what else was in that package, it has more written on the description, but whatever it was, i think it was taken out, since the package had been opened. I guess by customs or something. idk. I havent gotten the package with the ensign in it. (It appears that the “less than honest postal workers” opened the package and replaced the original contents with some random book. Kinda makes ya nervous about sending packages!!)
May 3, 2010
Things a pretty well here. same old same old. I realized mothers day is this sunday not next, so i have to figure out how that is going to work, but im excited to talk to you all. Kim got a new dog?!?!?! already...arg. apparently she didnt read my request a few weeks back about waiting to get a dog till i come home.....lame, i want to play with Blondie. i want to see pics.
The work is going, we had a baptism last weekend, a kid named Jean. I’ll try to put some of the pics on dropshots if i have time. we could have another potential baptism soon too.
(Spiritual moment….) I’ve been reading Talmages book about the story and philosophy of Mormonism, its really good. so far its talked about all the persecution our church went thru in its roots and I’m currently reading about the political persecution.
Zone conference was good, im understanding more portugues every conference, which is cool. haha
We made spegetti today with garlic bread. it was yummy!
April 28, 2010
Sounds like stake conference was good, we had zone conference yesterday, and its usually always difficult to pay attention for hours on end, but it was good and i got stuff out of it.
Sounds like things are settling down abit at home after the last few shake ups. i have had a question the past two weeks. I know that we carry our intelligences and memories into the after life when we die. would it be the same for animals, star for instance. will she be there when we return to greet us and remember us? ive been trying to find a forsure answer for that. (I have since sent Kevin a couple articles from the Ensign on the subject….and scripture references to support a religious view of animals.)
(Funniest moment….) Today, i was helping a member clear his ward of weeds and such (big huge weeds), and we accidently agitated a bee hive, of course they decided not to attack my companion or the member, instead, they decided to deal me a sting to the neck and to the ankle. they hurt sooo much, but after about 15 minutes i was fine. it reminded me of that time when dad was mowing the lawn and i was following behind him and i got attack by the bees. (This is a memory from our home in Blacksburg, VA.)
(I asked about their daily study time….) I have been studying alot of things, like signs of the second coming, and anything that i think of during the days. Its for twoish hours, first alone, then second with my companion.
We actually had zone conference yesterday, it was good. interviews are friday. then we have next week and the week after is transfers. i am pretty positive that i will be transfered, but anything can happen, so we will see. i completely forgot about phone call, that makes me really happy. i will let u know about the call when i find out if im staying or not. u could probably just call the cell phones that we use, since u guys have the plan and it would be charged from your side. so I’ll let u know when the time comes.
April 22, 2010
Im doing better here, after last weeks letter. Its still hard to know that when i go home, star wont be there, but i guess its better, in ways, to be out here when she decided to go home. So things are for the most part back to normal for me. its still hard that i wont see star when i come home, and i never will have a chance to say good bye to her. She was such a good dog and idk if any other dog will ever be able to measure up to her. i do plan on getting another dog later in my life, but obviously i cant now. I would like you guys not to get a new dog till i atleast come home, cause i want the dog to know me, and i dont want to come home a stranger to a new one. but since im not at home, i dont have as much of a vote anymore, so do what u like. just wanted to put my opinion out there.
Also, do dogs retain their memories like we do when we die? will star remember us and greet us when we die? i havent found a for sure answer for that question and its been on my mind all week. Oh well, life moves on. Working helps get the mind off of things. So thats been helpful. Not much else is new here, just trying to get investigators into church so we can baptize them.
i deal with allegries a bit here, but its just normal stuff, nothing too bad. (I asked about cooking….) Yes, we have been buying chicken nuggets and little things like that that are quick to heat up when we are hungry.
(Funniest moment…) Yesterday, we had a huge ward activity since its some holiday, and they were playing some techno music - american of course haha - and i was singing outloud to it. One of the ward members attempted to ``Translate`` one of the songs into portugues and it was hillarious. haha it obviously wasnt a correct translation, but what he came up with was funny.
Well, like i mentioned in the questions we had a huge ward activity. It included soccer, basketball, volleyball, BBQ, and other activities. It was alot of fun, Purcell and I killed in the sports. haha We showed them how Americans play soccer and such. haha it really helped me get thru the star experience, which i have gotten thru about 85% of it. It will linger in me for awhile since i never got to see or feel the missing presence of her till i go home. so i dont think that will fully be settled till im home.
Love you all. Be strong, smile, and everything will be okay. Im trying to do that here.
April 14, 2010
Well, as hard as it is i guess its just kinda difficult to adjust to a culture shock, esp when the average person is not as well off as the average person at home. But i´ll get over it more as my portugues skills get better. They are still slowly coming, but it should be more noticeable since my skills are more wide spread then a few months ago. Well, its also getting cold in Conquista. I never thought i would be freezing at nights sometimes. ``winter`` - dont know if its actually winter yet- here in conquista is similar to vegas, where it gets cold and windy at night and then is still chilly windy during the day, but the sun warms up things abit. My companion is wearing sweatshirts everyday. haha He reminds us of Mr. Rogers and his sweaters. haha its funny. Im enjoying the more chillier weather. so i just hope we dont get sick soon. eek.
Well, i have been studying alot about the signs of the second coming. There is a member here with the Mormon Doctine by McConkie in english and i have been using that to study the scriptures lately. im learning alot about what to be looking out for in the future.
(At this point I – Denise – realized that Kevin was online at the same time as I was reading the above email to his dad. My email brought news that Star – our dog of 11 years had passed away earlier that morning. Kevin and I were able to email back and forth as I shared details and answered questions. The following entry are answers to my questions for the week.)
My new companion is from Reddlands, cali. He has a few months left, same time as Cook. He is helping me with portugues, like everyone has been. Hes really cool and we get along really well, so far, so we will see how this transfer goes.
(Regarding the daily work…) we do street contacts everyday, and when we go to lunch we ask for referrals. So a bit of both. We have a Ward Mission Leader and he is pretty helpful.
(Funniest moment…) Today, my comp decided to see if one of our outlets has power, since the wires are sticking out. He touched them together and POP, out went the power. so we are without power for now. I wouldnt say that is the funniest thing, but its probably one of them. He’s pretty crazy so we have had a handle ful of moments so far. (…and the mother responds with a sigh…..fortunately - all they had to do was reset the breaker in order to regain power.)
(Spiritual moment…) Well, i guess today might be it. we will see. (regarding Star)
April 7, 2010
Everything (clothing/shoes) is holding up well, just my two belts from Missionary mall are about to break, so i could use a new belt. Whether i buy it here or u send one, ill do whatever.
Elder Hernandez and i worked hard up till the weekend, teaching and such. Then conference came around. All of our investigators were out of town, so we will show them a talk or two online. They didnt have a room for english so i only got to hear it in portugues. So i didnt really understand any of the talks. I did have a few spiritual moments though. During Monsons talk in the priesthood session, he talked about a missionary whose family wouldnt write him. Monson told him to just write everyweek anyways and they would write back. Monson then found out later that the missionaries family did start responding and they eventually got baptized and sealed together. I felt the spirit bear testimony the importance of the family and how essential it is for families to be sealed together for all time and eternity, in the right church with the right authority. Also, another thing that was interesting was hearing Elder Scott and Elder Anderson giving their talks in Portugues. It was recorded earlier and instead of having a translator they played over them speaking. It was really fascinating, even though i didnt really get the message though. I love conference and i cant wait to hear it in english, or read it.
Then yesterday night, Hernandez and i went to the Bus station since he was being transfered to Salvador. I am staying in Ala (ward) Brasil and i received my new companion today at 5am ish. i had to spend the night at the ZLs and one of our ZLs was being transfered to a new city. My new companions name is Elder Purcell. He is samoian, but is from Reddings, California. I am a junior once again, but it will be fun.
March 31, 2010
Not sure what i will be doing for the holiday, minus conference, yet but i will see. We get to watch conference at the stake center. Sessions are at 1pm then 5pm here. Not too bad. Im excited for it. My first real legit conference in the field. Hopefully i can understand enough to get something out of it, but im sure i will either way.
This past week has been pretty crazy. We ran into this guy on the street and he started asking us Tons of questions. We went back to his house and pretty much taught the 3 lessons with him since he had so many questions. He then introduced us to his family, and we are currently teaching them too. Hernandez and i are pretty sure they will be baptised soon. Hopefully i stay one more transfer here, so i can baptise them. Also, i want to actually experiance winter and Conquista is the coolest place in the mission. Im tired of Sweating! haha.
I am doing my best to let the Lord mold me into what he wants, its just hard not knowing what method he will be using. but im doing what i can, and i hope i become an awesome person by the time my time is up.
We were given this investigator that was waiting almost 2 years to be baptized. His 18th b-day was yesterday and so was his baptism. He was so excited and so were we. It took him 3 tries to be successfully baptized, haha. Then we comfirmed him that night.
Its been good getting experiance as senior. I do the planning, some of the talking with members and such (not all since i still suck at talking), and im in charge for the most part. Hernandez isnt taking advantage of it though, he is helping me out alot. So, its a ``controlled`` senior setting. Hopefully it will help me out next week when i findout what will happen to me next transfer.
Well, thats the news in my life. It sounds like life is getting fun at home. I am glad im not there to help dad out in his `projects´ haha. those are allways a joy. haha well, do what u need to to be happy, and im always praying for you all. Love Ya
March 23, 2010
the past days have been a bit of a doosy. We had zone conference monday, which lasted literally all day. i was understanding things though during the day, which was a first. i was able to take things out of the trainings and take notes and such. Thats a good sign that my portugues is coming along. we had interviews that night and president decided to transfer cook out and switch him with the other district leader in our zone, elder hernandez. he was actually one of the trainers when i came into the field and i know him pretty well. Though hes gonna work me hard on portugues these next two weeks when real transfers happen. so it will be an interesting two weeks with probably some struggles from trying to detact myself some more from depending on english and getting used to portugues. I pray i can do it faithfully and grow how the lord needs me to grow. Yesterday, we did the transfers. It took all day just about because of headaches with the bus transportation, but it eventually got done. Its really weird feeling, getting a new companion all of a sudden, but it was a needed thing to be done.
I wish i could of been there for your talk (Dad), but thanks for sharing a part of it with me. It reminds me of us gathering in front of the tv during conferences as a family and me struggling to stay awake. Before the mission, conference was just another thing. it didnt have a great meaning to me, but since being on the mission and being a bit more distant from church athorities and such, ive have grown an appreciation for conferences, the ensign - or liahona - and other such guidence we have in life. I am definetly excited for conference thats coming up real soon. i just hope i can understand it haha. either way it will be good.
Kim got a car!?!?!?! no, she did not tell me this. luckyy, but good. you dont have to worry about driving her around anymore, which is kinda funny to think about since she is almost 23 and didnt have a car. But thats good now. I definetly understand her wanting to avoid parking problems and stuff like that. I guess thats just a new driver mentalitly. Plus she is my sister, we do think alike in ways. haha
You can share anything with me. I like getting the articles, stories, etc etc. Anything is fine with me.
I do go to the bread store. I dont go to the meat market or fruit stores cause i dont really trust the meat here and i dont know how to buy fruits, haha. My diet has gotten a bit better outside of lunches. I eat more then cookies. I have found Cheetos, doritos, breads, and other random things i get when it looks good. Also they have Pastel shops. Pastel is pastry in portugues, but its not really deserts. Here, they have chicken, or cheese and ham in them. they are really good.
I only recieved the package with the portugues book and the Nathan Brazil book. What was the reason behind sending that book? im curious. Also, what else was in that package, it has more written on the description, but whatever it was, i think it was taken out, since the package had been opened. I guess by customs or something. idk. I havent gotten the package with the ensign in it. (It appears that the “less than honest postal workers” opened the package and replaced the original contents with some random book. Kinda makes ya nervous about sending packages!!)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March 17, 2010
During the week, i was thinking about temples at one point, i think i was talking to Abrãao** about his mission and he was able to go to most of the temples in his mission. He served in the Provo mission, which went from the point of the mountan to st. george. he was able to go to all the temples in his mission and it reminded me how much i enjoyed the temple while in Sao Paulo. unfortunately we dont get to go to the temple here since the nearest one is Recife and thats way too far away. I also had the thought if u guys have been going to the temple lately. if so, good. if not, i encourage you all to go more regularly. it really is a blessing to have a temple in the same city. many members here in my mission have to pay alot and go through alot of expense just to travel to the nearest temple and visit it. so i hope you all are going to our temple there in town.
The kid that we taught got baptized saturday. The baptism was origionally planned for 6:30 but his mom was like 2 hours late, and we werent going to do it without her there. so it didnt get over till like 9;30 almost. it was crazy, but good.
We have one other person that (we are teaching). Her name is Lia and she works at the bread store we go to. shes been pretty receptent on the stuff we have taught her and shes already been to church twice. so we will see how she goes the next week.
(**Abraao has just returned home to Brazil from his mission in Provo, Utah! I think Kevin's portuguese is having an affect on his spelling!)
The kid that we taught got baptized saturday. The baptism was origionally planned for 6:30 but his mom was like 2 hours late, and we werent going to do it without her there. so it didnt get over till like 9;30 almost. it was crazy, but good.
We have one other person that (we are teaching). Her name is Lia and she works at the bread store we go to. shes been pretty receptent on the stuff we have taught her and shes already been to church twice. so we will see how she goes the next week.
(**Abraao has just returned home to Brazil from his mission in Provo, Utah! I think Kevin's portuguese is having an affect on his spelling!)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
March 10, 2010
Sounds like it was a successful lesson taught, but u have always been a good teacher so thats only normal. (Spencer taught a lesson in Church on Sunday.) It was interesting to hear that i helped Bethany pay her tithing when i was home teaching with you. kinda interesting hearing how a little thing to us can really help out other people. Hopefully im doing that everyday here in Brazil. I probably wont really find out about very many of those occasions now, but hopefully i will later on.
Our area still hasnt had much success. We have been focusing more on trying to help reactivate inactives and have been having a little bit of success there. i have a feeling we wont have any baptisms this transfer (sounds like the baptism date fell through), but maybe the inactive work we do will kind of take its place. we shall see.
Everything else is basically normal, still working on portugues. still annoying me that im not able to speak very well and my understanding can be very little at times, depending on the conversation.
Well, i love you all.
Our area still hasnt had much success. We have been focusing more on trying to help reactivate inactives and have been having a little bit of success there. i have a feeling we wont have any baptisms this transfer (sounds like the baptism date fell through), but maybe the inactive work we do will kind of take its place. we shall see.
Everything else is basically normal, still working on portugues. still annoying me that im not able to speak very well and my understanding can be very little at times, depending on the conversation.
Well, i love you all.
March 3, 2010
Rain in vegas? haha its been raining the past few days and when i say rain, i mean RAIN. Like you could almost ride a kayak down the road. The drainage systems here suck. We were walking along a street and i notice one side of the road had rushing water and the other side didnt. That slightly puzzled me why. Then i noticed that one of the drainage spots wasn’t draining any water off the road. Well thats helpfull, haha. At least its cooled down slightly. Not that much though. Some times it just makes it more humid, which i dont like. Ive decided when im home and have a career, i dont want to live in a humid area. We will see how that goes.
Im continually working on Portugues. Still not super good at it, but im improving a little every day. I usually read the Book of Mormon in portugues everyday. So im doing my best to do my part haha.
Im continually working on Portugues. Still not super good at it, but im improving a little every day. I usually read the Book of Mormon in portugues everyday. So im doing my best to do my part haha.
oh another thing about the rain....it just started up right now....yea its pouring cats and dogs. and guess what...we have clothes hanging up to ``dry``. yea they arent gonna be dry for awhile now. IT doesnt matter to run back now since they will be soaked anyways. arg haha i miss drying machines.
Sounds like you all are having fun, with the visitors and such. (We had Amber’s friend Carriann, husband and baby over for the weekend.) haha i can see dad freaking out about the baby. aww, i miss star. i wish i could just go and lay my head on her and chill.
So this week has had a few interesting times. One thing that im starting to notice is that my mission is going to be filled with ´´Refiner´s Fire´´ moments. I had one last thursday and before it happens i feel really icky and bad. Then i go thru it and after wards i feel better. Its good to have these times cause if it wasnt during the mission, i dont think i would be as accepting and such. So i feel that this mission will help me grow up a bit. Unfortunately, it will be hard at times, since u cannot work a piece of metal into something without heating it up and pounding at it. So im slightly ready for the next one, but im just not sure im gonna want one to happen. haha ya know?
We have this kid named Henrigue that we are teaching. He has family that lives in our area and he is always over there. His family is actually inactive members that were baptised 15 years ago and for some reason they never told him about it. Hopefully we can reactivate his family too.
We have this kid named Henrigue that we are teaching. He has family that lives in our area and he is always over there. His family is actually inactive members that were baptised 15 years ago and for some reason they never told him about it. Hopefully we can reactivate his family too.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Feb 24, 2010
* Note: Kevin has a new email address: Kevin.Allen@myldsmail.net
Transfers were this week and im spending another transfer here in conquista. It will be my 3rd transfer in this ward and 2nd transfer with elder Cook. Im excited to be able to put what we learn from last transfer to work and get some results. im looking forward to it.
Some things i would like to share:
1. A simple juice recepie (wow cant spell). not sure if it will work but u can try. here we use frozen pulp of fruits. dont know if we have that in the states, but u can be creative. half liter of milk, and add sugar till its sweet (about half a cup). Its really good here, so see what u can do at home.
Two Stories:
1. We were going to contact a reference from a recent convert (of almost a year) and we couldnt find it since she didnt have the street name, only number. We asked her what the persons name was. She said ``Rossana``. Cook and i looked at eachother, we had an ex-investigator in the area we were searching with that name. We described the person to her and she said that it couldnt be here. We went to Rosanna´s house anyways to see if the number matched. Sure enough, it was here. We couldnt get her to commit to going to church in the past, but edileine got her to do so. it was crazy. haha what a coincidence, aka work of God.
2. We were going to visit this inactive member of a few years to see how he was doing. Bishop asked us to do it. So we did, he let us in and right when i stepping thru the door i saw how nice the house was. Beautiful wood frame working, giant pictures of him and family, an x-box 360 (rare to find here) and so on. it was such a nice house. Definetly the niceest here in conquista that ive seen so far. We couldnt get him to comit to go back to church the following sunday do to a conflict but we shall try again soon.
Another thing is they have different kinds of bannanas. I didnt know that was possible. i thought a bananna was just a bananna. Nope they have a handful of kinds. it kinda blew my mind. haha
Transfers were this week and im spending another transfer here in conquista. It will be my 3rd transfer in this ward and 2nd transfer with elder Cook. Im excited to be able to put what we learn from last transfer to work and get some results. im looking forward to it.
Some things i would like to share:
1. A simple juice recepie (wow cant spell). not sure if it will work but u can try. here we use frozen pulp of fruits. dont know if we have that in the states, but u can be creative. half liter of milk, and add sugar till its sweet (about half a cup). Its really good here, so see what u can do at home.
Two Stories:
1. We were going to contact a reference from a recent convert (of almost a year) and we couldnt find it since she didnt have the street name, only number. We asked her what the persons name was. She said ``Rossana``. Cook and i looked at eachother, we had an ex-investigator in the area we were searching with that name. We described the person to her and she said that it couldnt be here. We went to Rosanna´s house anyways to see if the number matched. Sure enough, it was here. We couldnt get her to commit to going to church in the past, but edileine got her to do so. it was crazy. haha what a coincidence, aka work of God.
2. We were going to visit this inactive member of a few years to see how he was doing. Bishop asked us to do it. So we did, he let us in and right when i stepping thru the door i saw how nice the house was. Beautiful wood frame working, giant pictures of him and family, an x-box 360 (rare to find here) and so on. it was such a nice house. Definetly the niceest here in conquista that ive seen so far. We couldnt get him to comit to go back to church the following sunday do to a conflict but we shall try again soon.
Another thing is they have different kinds of bannanas. I didnt know that was possible. i thought a bananna was just a bananna. Nope they have a handful of kinds. it kinda blew my mind. haha
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 10, 2010
Wonder what missionaries do on P-day? (Preparation Day) Clean! It is important to have a clean and orderly home in order for the Spirit to dwell. The frig used to be in that spot. This must have been a rather nasty job! (Sorry about the side view of the pic.)
Kevin and his American companion, Elder Cook & two Sister missionaries.
Kevin didn't include captions, so this must be a district meeting (hint: the Elders are wearing a suitcoat! It is too hot to wear the full suit every day.) Elders and Sister missionaries get together regularly with the Mission President to receive instruction, report on activities and discuss progress with investigators.
Updates from recent letters - Kevin says:
"Elder Cook and I are rocking it here. We have a few people teaching and possible baptisms in the next week and a half. so we will see. Today we were totally cleaning the house, so thats been fun and it will be nice when its finished. He is drilling me everyday all the time, about the language."
"i have bought stuff to start baking, so cook and i will start making somethings. idk what yet, but we want to make stuff.so that will be fun. i wouldnt mind some more recepies, like for pancakes and stuff. anything fast, easy, and cheap. so i wouldnt mind that. maybe ask around the ward for some or something. idk ure smart u can think of something haha."
{We asked Kevin to share some of his experiences for the week.}
The worst (that you can share)?
no water in our bathroom portion of our apartment, been so for 5 days. very annoying. working on getting it taken care of and hopefully will be by the end of the week
What did you cook this week?
two peach cobblers, yummy
no water in our bathroom portion of our apartment, been so for 5 days. very annoying. working on getting it taken care of and hopefully will be by the end of the week
What did you cook this week?
two peach cobblers, yummy
Hmmm....interesting pan....and stove.....!!! :o)
The most spiritual?
"we gave a blessing to a member and i did the (first part) in english (we keep forgetting to go over it in portugues) and Cook did the (second part) in port. i didnt think much of it 'till last night at the wards family night. The member started talking about it and how even though i was speaking a different language........ she said she felt the spirit more strongly in my part then she did in Cooks part. That really took me by surprise. I really didn't think anything of it when i was doing (my part) but it was really really really cool that my lack of port. skills actually did something. i never thought of that before, but in some ways, im glad i know english. well, thats about all i understood her to say, so i dont have much more to add. but it just made me think that whatever language we use, the (result) is universal and transcends all earthly limitations. it was really cool."
"well, not much is new this week, just sweating and learning."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Serving from 8/09-11
