Powerful Testimony

It’s been a very special week for me and full of spiritual experiences. Last Friday and Saturday I went on 2 divisions all over the place doing baptism interviews. (Like 5 ) And I must say that I learned so much in each one of them. The spirit was also very strong and during one interview I almost cried when the lady bore her testimony to me. It was such a joyful experience knowing that were a part of the church and to know that we really are loved here on the earth. This lady has passed through so many hard challenges with her 10 month old baby dyeing and her dad. She had a powerful testimony of the plan of salvation and of the book of Mormon. It was something I won’t ever forget. But we also had an awesome Sunday and had a baptism. Liliane was baptized and had a smile from one ear to the other, she choose me to be the one to do the baptizing so it was really cool for me.  I must say I was nervous because I haven’t entered into the water too much but everything went well. (I’ll send pic to you guys) But we were working to get the other person baptized this Sunday so I sure hope things will work out.

Yesterday we also had a zone conference with President Cordon. It was very cool and I learned a ton for the training. It seems like every time I leave training like that I’m so pumped up to work and to try things different. Oh before I forget I was wondering if you could send me Jakes address for the MTC. I really want to send a hand written letter to him. Also if you could print off a few pic. I send in e-mails and send them through the mail to him that would be awesome thanks. You will also have to forward his letters to me so I can read want to know how he’s doing. 

I must say the story about the cat is funny though. I didn’t know Thor buried things, that’s unlike him. Man even the dog changes personalities while I’m gone for this short time ha-ha. Anyways funny you gave me a scripture dad. Sunday I was asked to give a 10 min talk. I think you were inspired also, but the work here is going good. We have a few goals were working on to help get some more ppl in the waters of baptism. It’s going really good. Today we also messed around as a zone played soccer but also flew kites. We tried making our own kite but that didn’t work so I bought one for 25 cents. These kites are different though you battle with others to cut their lines. Usually the grind up glass in a powder and take elmers glue and run it along the string then when it touches another kites string it cuts it and the kite floats away. It’s really cool how it works because you latterly can control the kite by how you pull on the string in patterns very interesting. But we didn’t have the glass line to cut other kite down It’s illegal. But I’ll also send pics home about this, anyways I better send this pic to you guys. I love you guys a lot. say hi to the kids for me. Be safe. Love -Josh

Moving Fast

From:	Joshua Hope (joshua.hope@myldsmail.net)
Sent:	Wed 8/03/11 12:29 PM
To:

This week passed by a lot faster than it should have. I don’t really remember where the time went, but it’s been an awesome week from all the events. But most of the time I was thinking about Jake and you guys at this moment. I must say thought it will be awesome for him and the blessings will pour out in abundance for him and for your guys. Just remember to send little letters often for him he will enjoy every one of them and it’s like the best thing to get while you’re in the MTC.

I must say things are defiantly moving fast for me here in the mission. Friday we had a mission conference and I was able to talk to a few ppl. 1st I saw Elder Youngberg and we had a great talk, then Elder Oliveira showed up and gave me some awesome news about Lapa. He said one week after I left they baptized a girl that we were teaching... It made me so happy to hear that kind of a satisfaction that I was able to be a part of that. Also to here that Rryilda was still going to church, them when walking down the hall I saw a member from my first area. After talking to him for a while I asked him if the people I baptized were still going to church and he told me ALL are firm in the church and that Antonio will receive the Melchizedek Priesthood in two weeks and that the young adults are still on the right path and going to church every week. After we finished talking to him I was truly happy knowing that everyone was still firm in the church. I also realized just a little bit of my purpose here in the mission. The work I’m doing and the opportunity of sharing this gospel with others, It was such an awesome day to here all that.

The work is still going good here. My district is also working really hard. The sisters in their area were having some difficulty teaching but now it’s all good and there doing awesome. In our area we are being blessed. Last week we had an investigator walk in the church and said she would like to be a sister missionary. We left her with the 1st lesson after church was done and then we marked a baptism date with her. She was so excited and said she would absolutely be baptized. Then the ward had a party this week too called `´fiesta junina`` and when we showed up she was there waiting for us it was awesome. I never have seen someone with such a desire

to be baptized. She stopped drinking coffee on the spot and said she knows the BOM is true so she defiantly is an elect.

Anyways it rained for about 4 days straight here and the city literally was flooded. and also our house. I took some pics and will send them your way but it was crazy a lot of little mud slides, flooded houses, and everything.

About an hour ago we watched a helicopter land in the street because a motor bike smashed into the bus it wasn’t pretty.  Anyways I’m doing fine It’s stopped raining but it’s really cold. We stilled played soccer though this morning. I just want you guys to know that I love you all! I have really prayed a lot for each and every one of you this week. I just want to say that I know this church is true. I know Jake will be in good hands and safe also you guys will too. Keep praying and holding on to the iron rod with all your might. Until next week. Love, -Josh

P.S. I guess I’m not the only Elder Hope now so I hope the church doesn’t give all my money to Jake every 15 days ha-ha that would be good for him bad for me. :)

New Companion

So last week I forgot to tell you that we had transfers coming up and with that said there was some changes. I wasn’t too worried because I thought we would both would stay because it was going really well here and we were doing awesome. But my comp was transferred out of the area.  :0 And now I have a new companion but it was really sad to say good-bye to Elder Roberts he was an awesome missionary and I learned a lot with him. I also felt like when we talked about Rexburg I was talking to someone who actually knew what I was talking about. Elder Roberts said last week the finished the new swimming pool that’s new news because it wasn’t even started when I left. But he was a good friend and a comp. I told him that I’ll be there at his home coming talk, and sitting next to me in the chair my unknown future wife..... lol jk (I was messing with him)

Anyway I have a new companion his name, Elder Da Silva from the North of Brazil in a city called Recife. He’s another young Missionary with 3 months in the mission and is still learning. (this is his 2nd area) so it should be interesting once again. Like always I haven’t got to know him yet so that’s about all I know about him. 

So another thing is the work is still moving forward with a lot of progress. We have 2 baptisms marked for this Sunday and I praying for them to work out we’re so close with these two different investigators. But the weather has held out for us which is a blessing. A few weeks ago I saw first hand a blessing that the lord gave one of our investigators. She was having a hard time finding work for a long time and I promised her that if she went to church 2 times the lord will open up a work and it will provide for her family. Well she went to church the 2 times and sure enough the Lord fulfilled the promise we made with her. She had 2 different jobs call her up and she was able to choose the one she wanted. It was such a cool experience. 

Also these past weeks I have been reading in my first journal form the beginning of my mission. It’s been so cool to see the experiences and the growth I have made. I can truly say it’s already helped me in this day the things I wrote at the beginning of the mission so Jake write in a journal. 

I’m 98% sure that I will buy in of those dirt bikes/ road bikes with signals. I see ppl cruising around all over here it was a bike that I can take in the mountains and then on the road so I’m just letting you guys know in advance. I’m sorry to hear about the well problems. I’m sure that’s been a pain in the neck and it hasn’t been easy with that and the kids running around, but let’s look at the bright side I’m sure the grass is green in that spot.... :) There won’t be that dry spot there this year. jk its a serious problem but I know that everything will work out for you guys with that problem. 

 Before I go, good luck to Jake and his talk. I know you will do good, just write it now and not on the last day it will save stress. But I’ll be there in spirit.

Everyone have a good week be safe, happy, and kind to others. I know this church is true and that we are together forever!!! 

Love, Josh

Worms

Well how is everyone this week? Good I hope. I’m doing well and am feeling a lot better. Once again this week has some interesting things happen and so I’ll start with those. First thing, my comp has Worms!! He’s lost like 35 pounds these last few weeks which isn’t good. I started thinking man I might be walking him to death but I’m not losing anything.. then he said he had pains in his gut so I called up Sister Cordon and she was able to confirm that there was a ``Monster living inside him and he was to take the pills to bomb him out`` those were her exact words. I about died laughing in the street. I don’t think my comp likes the fact that there is something inside of him....

Anyway they work is going really good still we had 4 investigators in church but were expecting a couple others that didn’t show but 3 of them are really solid in the church and were working with them to help them achieve their goal for their baptism date so that’s awesome.

This week for the first time I also boiled eggs. I thought for a min. that maybe I would hide some for my comp to find when he got out of the shower just to be funny but then holding the eggs in one hand and thinking that I was really hungry I decided to just eat them. haha  ops. (Jake ask mom to teach you how to cook meats, and simple things. like ground up beef.)

But I also have some info that might be useful for Jake; buy some sweat shirts that you can work during the day in, also a good rain coat they also have this stain remover stick that looks like deodorant that’s awesome It’s called (Resolve stain stick) and that thing works like magic! take a few of those. Also I want you guys  to send me Jakes mission home address and info to me so when he’s  in the MTC so I can dear elder him it should be inside the packet he got.

Now for my last story. Yesterday we went on a blitz to another area. (That’s where the zone helps an area out for a few hours and finds new ppl to teach) anyways we went there and started to work but I went with my district leader Elder Hardy. We taught 2 lessons and were walking around on the street to do some contacts because it was almost time to go back that’s when we saw an old short man leaned up against a fence so we went over there to talk to him. Well come to find out he was an owner of a bar and we were actually standing in front of it. (I couldn’t really tell, there was no sign and it looked like a shed) so E. Hardy asked if he has many ppl who come by his bar. The man got quiet and sadly said No it’s been really slow this month then the guy was sad so my DL asked the guy if he sold this one type of juice. He said yes then E. Hardy thought for a moment looked at me asked if I had $1 and was like we will buy a juice. But this guy knew everyone in the area and gave some good references and even though he owns a bar he doesn’t drink at all. Grandma told me about the scam. It’s a good thing Jared’s really not it Canada he would have fooled us all but it goes to show  that personal info needs to be protected. I’m glad everyone had a good 4th of July party, after this e-mail I will meet up with other Americans and we will have a late party to celebrate and cook some hamburgers and hot dogs, but I love you all. Be safe and do what’s right. I’m so grateful for your prayers and the things you do for me..... But until next week.

Love, -Josh

Touched by the spirit

Família,

Oi, como esta todo mundo? Está bem? Eu ainda esta com pouco gripe mas esta melhorando.  But this week was a very productive week for us here in our area.   In matter of fact it was a really good week were we were able to accomplish our goals. Although I’m not fully back to full speed I’m still fighting my ears and throat but that’s ok. This week we manage to find 30 new investigators and a few families. It seems like every house we were at there was family or family friends waiting. Last night we had a sweet lesson where a member girl invited her friends and there was like 5 of them, then the little girls mom is dating a guy so it was another big group to teach. It’s always awesome to have everyone sitting out in front of you while you tell them about Joseph smith. The spirit was so strong last night while teaching that even I was touch and learned something new. Also I know that the people who we taught also were touched by the spirit because of their questions after the lesson. One boy ``rafyel``  was really moved and is an elect for us he is really looking for a church that can bless his life and he only wants the truth. After the message the membros even saw how he really wanted to know the truth and desires he has also after the message the members made us a small dinner which was awesome because I was very hungry. In this area im eating really well and need to limit myself more on how much I eat....

Anyways about the shirt..... yes there was a ton of smoke and no we don’t have a fire alarm. (it’s out of batteries.) But man I remember when I first got in the mission I didn’t think I would ever burn a shirt but when the moment came I just had too, it was a must.

It was also good to hear that you guys had a good week camping and that no one got hurt. I wouldn’t blame Crue or Garcia for not wanting to right to gramps. hahahaha jk (THOSE POLARIS WILL DO THAT TO YA....!!!) haha im just kidding.

But anyway we also had some investigators at church so that means we could have some baptisms coming up. That’s so cool Jake went through the temple, you will soon see the blessings and awesome things that come from that. I challenge all of you to go through as much as possible. But I’m out of time for this week. I love you all, take care, and say safe. -Josh

Mountains

So this week has been supper busy!!! I’m might have said that this area has a few hills last week in my e-mail... I guess I was really wrong this city is on a mountain. Last week I was just seeing the top of the hills and nothing in-between until later that day when we started to work. I literally climb up mountains all day. (which is cool, my style of life) but I’ll probably turn into a Billy goat, bah bah I mean ``ha-ha`` 

Anyways today was really awesome. We went to the temple and had interviews again. My interview with President was pretty awesome. But also going through the temple was pretty cool. Every time I go in and come out I have a learning experience and leave with a smile. So Jake you’re in for a treat on the 28th I must say also to go through the SLC temple before you leave for the mission, the temple will always be a blessing to you.

I also got your package on Monday and it has been awesome I really needed the socks! I might have pushed the time limit and should have asked sooner anyways it’s all good though. I might want you guys to send the wheeler or dirt bike next..... ha-ha but the candy you sent is awesome and the articles Bill wrote I always like too. As for my comp he’s doing really well, he’s really really quiet and is new in Brazil. He’s only been here for 2 and half months and is learning the lang. I’m his step-dad in the mission but we’re working really hard. I’m supper tired and not use to the climbing yet but the areas great along with the members so it’s going to be awesome to work here. We actually live in front of some members and after a long day of work they often bring a small piece of cake over.

One thing I forgot to tell you last week in my e-mail was two Sundays (5th) ago I finished the Book of Mormon in port. for the first time. It was supper cool and I finished it before the day I had planned. I’m pretty sure I started reading it and understood nothing and by the end I could understand almost all of it. It took a long time though 8 months of reading... but was well worth it.

It also sounds like things are warming up there that’s awesome you went camping. I believe I went there one time with the wheelers and with Hamptons and Edelmayers and that’s where Shaun and Jared got lost. I also went swinng in that warm spring and fell off the dock and got all wet and had to sit in Jody’s truck with a blanket until dad, Jeff, Jared got to Salmon for the high adventure. (Steelhead fishing). But I hope everyone’s doing well and now golfing. Sounds like dads getting back to compete with kettle just don’t get hurt... and yes I cleaned the house like crazy. I’m not going to live in a dirty house and Colin wouldn’t either ha-ha, I cleaned the oven also...

But I’m outta time. I love you all and put your names in the temple. Keep getting out of the house and taking pics. I want to see everything. I’m doing fine and am healthy. My comp is a working missionary and things are going to be awesome here. Thanks for the love and support. I’ll send a mission ties this week. Things are just calming down with the new area. Be safe. Love -Josh

Rexburg, ID

So I know you all are wondering if I stayed in my area so I get right down to what my last few days have been like. Today I was transferred to a new area. My new area is called (Almirante Tamandaré) it’s a little closer to the city but it still has a small town feel to it and with a few small mountains close by and a lot of dirt roads so I still feel at home. (well not exactly...) But you’re really going to think that the world is small after I tell you my next news with my new area, I also got a new comp. He´s American and from REXBURG, IDAHO!!!! Wow huh! it kind of shocked me that I was put with person from my own town. His name is Tyke Roberts and has 5 months in the mission. I think I remember seeing him a few times when I was in high school but he remembers me but he was in Jakes graduating class. Were going work supper hard and baptize!! It’s going to be really cool. I’ll try to send a pic of him if it works in this internet place. The ward is good from what he says and the house is ok.. I’ll have some cleaning to do when I get back, I probably won’t sleep until it’s all clean to my standards. The house was flooded a while ago but they fixed the house up a while ago so it’s about like my first area house. I was able to get all my stuff into my bags again. I’ll probably send some books home to gain space and lose weight. The bad news is that my wheels on my bags are broken so it’s going to be really hard to fix that. I’ll probably end up just dragging the suit cases around for 2 years.... :(

Anyway it was hard for me to say bye to the people in my last area. I really don’t like goodbyes but there are some really good investigators that are there! This week while at an investigators house, there dog got hit but didn’t die. They were all crying, and the dog was almost dead. I thought I was going to half to finish killing it with a shovel so it wouldn’t suffer (Which I was glad I didn’t half to) but it almost stopped breathing a few times... 

Charton was doing fine, but is having a hard time understanding the law of chastity.. He stopped smoking and everything but hasn’t obeyed the law of chastity.  But I’m sure he will be baptized soon and there are a few other investigators there that are really good.

It sounds like it’s getting warm there finally that’s good. I hope the flowers look good and pretty but I better try to send some pics. I hope everyone is safe. I received some mission ties and I have a lot to respond to for some reason they have been backed up for 3 weeks. I got like 6 letters all at once but I’m doing well. This week will be adjusting once again and so I’m sure I’ll have plenty to write next week after I get to know my comp he’s still quiet. I love you all, thanks for the missionteies and e-mails. Be safe. Love, -Josh