Well it’s been a crazy week for me so far and with that said I’ll start right at last Thursday. Thursday I had a division with my Zone leader it was much needed. He was very cool and I got to vent to him a little bit then he bought me a pizza because he thought we needed one ha-ha but it was really cool to just be with him. He’s very chill and we had fun while working that’s always important. Friday I ended the division with him and started a new one we spent the night outside of our area as well with my comp latter on. Saturday we were trying to get to the chapel to watch the first session but lunch was late so we watched it at a member’s area. Later we were able to get to the church were I could watch it in English. I did get to see the priesthood session and then afterwards we stayed in a Missionaries house that was close. Well something crazy happened right in front of us right before the priesthood session, I and my zone leader went to go for another walk, we went to the store looked at some food and decided we didn’t have enough money to get anything, so we started returning to the church. That’s when two guys came out of now-where and robbed a guy right in front of us who was 10 ft in front of us. It was supper crazy because the guy was saying a lot of stuff to the man and the other guy that was with him doing the robbing didn’t even notice us. (We were actually speaking English) but the weird thing was that the two never even looked at us. We actually think that they had no idea we were there. Now this might sound strange but for the first time in my life I felt invisible...... No joke.  INVISIBLE, because they were huge and two of them, and we are two Americans so we are a bigger target. But for some reason they never saw us they were like 10 ft away and walked around us without even looking at us. It was a scary thing I’m not saying we were invisible, but someone was looking out for us!!!

Anyways conference was good although there wasn’t a blizzard after hahaha. All the missionaries picked up on the hint that we need to get married (hahaha) so that’s the big talk with missionaries. Sunday I couldn’t listen to the conference in English so for me it was almost all in port. which was very hard for me and my zone leader to pay attention for that long. It’s really different in another language but we returned later Sunday night to our area. There was some really good talks but I’m short on time so I won’t go into that. 

Today we went to the temple It was really awesome for me. President and I had a 45 min interview and that went good. Then inside the temple I met 2 ppl. one was from Rexburg the other out in Mud Lake!!!!!!! SO I got to talk to them and they knew the Simmons and some of the ppl out in Mud Lake. They will return home in 1 week so one of them will call you to say hi. I gave him the house number  they speak good English but have an accent so when they call don’t think it’s some sales person. Because they really are cool. One is a temple president here in Brazil and he said something to me that really hit me hard and touch my heart so when they call I think you will like them (and there old) there awesome. I hope all is well with everyone, I’m short on time but doing all right. I love and miss you all -Josh 

Well another week has gone by and so much has happened. The weekend we were stretched to our limits at times we really just wanted to just sit down in some shade. It was hot muggy and everything that could go wrong went wrong. (We had 3 of those days in a row) Discouraging, But pushing through we were able to get some teaching in and knowing the lord blesses and rewards ppl who trust and keep pushing through the hard times, we started off the week on fire!!! Things this week have been really good, Monday we had a division my comp. went with another elder to some trainings and I stayed with a new elder who only has 2 1/2 months in the mission. With his little experience in the mission, I was supper nervous and to top things off he wasn’t too happy he had to go on a division in our area. (He hates divisions) so after the long bus ride I finally got the elder to start talking to me. Right as we got to my area we began running to our appointments and every appointment was awesome. We had investigators saying that they prayed about the BOM and that they know it’s true and all that good stuff by the end of the day we taught 5 lessons. We had some really cool experiences. We were able to mark 6 baptism dates! which was so cool. Our last lesson of the day was the best.  It was getting pretty late and the elder that I was with really didn’t want to work much more. So we started knocking doors. Well the first door they let us in an old man and his daughter. We began teaching and just got to the part of the restoration of the Gospel when the old man stopped us, he began to tear up and said that his whole life he has wondered about the things we were talking about and we show up and answerer them in 15 min. We left the first vision and he had tears rolling down his face it was a really cool experience. Then we invited him to baptism without thinking about it he accepted and also his daughter. He said he was so gratefully for us being there and sharing this message with him. His daughter said she will defiantly be at church this Sunday, it was a neat experience. We returned to the house when the LZ called they were nervous about how the day went because they knew this elder didn't want to be there and the night before the assistants had to convince him to come to lapa. SO when I told the LZ about the day they were supper surprised and very excited for the baptism dates. Tuesday was a bit more difficult with this elder, he didn't want to leave the house and work and woldnt study at all once out of the house things got better. But so far this week has been good. The lord has really blessed us and we’re now seeing so many blessings. But everyone knows this area is tough and it has a nickname that this zone has for it. Because it will discourage anyone and everyone who works here for that reason the elder didn't want to be with me and travel for 2 hours on a bus to get here. I learned a lot with him and I know that the lord really blesses us when were patient with this work.

We’re are teaching a crazy guy who owns a fish pond that ppl pay to fish in, so ill be working to get some benefits to get a hook in the water there.

Anyways I found out that this town has about 39,000 ppl or so. So it’s like Rexburg but smaller in size wise so I think that's why I like it here at times. But I don’t have much more time I have a funny story to tell you but I’ll write it in a mission ties. Let’s just say my comp literally thought I was an angel.

But I love you all thanks so much for the prayers and letters, everyone be safe. I know this church is true and if we’re having a hard time the lord will reward us with a ton of blessings after if we continue to have faith. Just trust in him with all you might mind and soul. Until next week, -Josh

p.s. I’ll be thinking of you guys during conference and for the 2 days we will stay with some elders in Curitiba so we can watch it at a church so enjoy and don’t sleep through conference. lol!!!!

NOTICE

Well some good news right off the bat, the package arrived with the camera. (Well I hope its inside I haven’t got it home to open it up but it looks like nobody messed with it.) so I’m excited about that.  Even more excited that Jake received his call. Mexico should be great for him and although Aug 3 is a ways away it will sneak up on him faster than you think and that day will be there before you know it!  Like I told Jake, now I will have to take Spanish in BYU to fit in with the other Brothers. Ha ha. no big deal though.

My new companion is ok some days he’s cool other days he’s so different so it’s going to take some time to adjust to this one but were working really hard. We have had some cool experiences like: Were teaching this one family outside of their house they gave us 2 chairs and we sat on them while they sat on ground. There was like 10 people sitting around us It was really cool. I felt important and I know we looked important too because every person who walked by stopped and wanted to see what we were doing and teaching. I wish I had a picture of the whole thing. Anyway this week I also received some letters with pictures inside, I can’t believe the snow you guys had. WOW I kind of wish I was there to see it for myself. Jakes face was something. I wish I could have seen too I’m sure pulled teeth are not fun. (I wouldn’t know, never had to have one pulled) so mom, the other night my comp was going through his books and I was looking at them as he went and I came across one that was called ``the best two years`` it was a cook book I looked to see who wrote it and to my surprise it said Karen Sunderland. I thought to myself It’s a different person then I opened up to the back and saw the author’s picture!  yup it’s my aunt. ha ha, I’ll take a picture of the book and send it home. It was crazy my comp who really doesn’t know English had it. (Also my comps a high school dropout....)

One thing that I always forget to tell you is here they use electric mowers the one like grandmas. Except if you could send grandmas down to me I could sell it and make a ton of money!! Her’s would be considered nice. ha ha so grandma doesn’t need to get rid of that thing if it’s not too late. But I’m doing well here in Lapa.  But with the opportunity to go to the temple on the 6th of April I’m hoping it will re-energize and get me pumped up for the work. (These small areas really can wear you down. everyone in the mission says that) it seems like we’re working overtime a lot here, but I haven’t learned everything here in this small area. It’s been a blessing to me and I know that’s why I’m in this area. I’m healthy and having very cool moments while I’m teaching sometimes I think as I’m teaching the lessons, that they help me just as much as they are helping the investigators so it’s been awesome with that part.  I love you all and pray individual for each and every one of you. I know this church is true and that we are blessed in our lives (really blessed) everyone be safe.

Love, -Josh

Elder Rocha

Well there have been more changes once again. Today I received a new comp. Elder Rocha from the northern part of Brazil. I wasn't surprised that E. Pires was transferred, because he’s been here for a while. But I really wanted to stay with him. I learned so much with him and he pulled his weight in the work. (There was no pushing to get things moving) But I'm not sure if I'm really ready to take this area over. This last transfer was the shortest transfer of the year with 5 weeks.  I was cut short on learning this area a little and am still trying to figure out which way is up at times so that's my biggest worry here. My new comp has only 3 more months left in the mission  so if he’s as good as he says he is, we should be able to get some new things started here like he wants to.. SO we will see if he can walk the walk and talk the talk. (or how ever that phrase is...) But he seems ok so far, this should really help my language out even more. I’m now the only American in my district and there is only one other in my zone.

But things are somewhat good. The other night we were talking to a member in the street and I was watching some drug dealer’s right across the street, man it was really crazy on how this guy was working. Within 10 min he made around 7 sells or more. He had a huge roll of cash he was flipping around and every time a girl walked by he began counting it. I really wanted to film it somehow for Dad to see because it was so crazy that I saw that many sells right in the front of my face. Usually you see one or two, but this guy was selling it like it was going out of style. But I’m also excited to here where Jake is going to go. It seems like yesterday that I remember all of those feelings of anticipation and waiting it to arrive in the mail. But I know where ever he goes that it’s because he needs to be there and that he will really enjoy it.

I’m glad you’re finally getting sun up there in America and the snow is going away. It seems like it’s been around for a while now... As for the rain it’s been raining off and on. We haven't been hit hard with the rain here in Lapa, but enough to make it miserable. Other areas in Curitiba have gotten it pretty bad with some flooding and landslides but it’s sunny today and really feels hot to me. It’s kind of been hot theses last few days too so it’s not quite winter for us. As for the stuff happening in Japan, It’s really sad. I have heard a little about what’s going on and from the pictures in the news papers in the super markets and it looks pretty bad. Sunday a member or two was telling everyone to repent now because it’s the end of the world stuff it was a little extreme I thought. But yes with the nuke plant blowing up and the earth quakes happening it’s really sad. But It’s good to know were doing what’s right and to know gods plan and his warning signs.

But I know this church is true and that we will all be safe if we continue to hold to the rod and stand strong in what we believe in. I love you all and hope that all of you are doing well and are staying healthy. I’m continually praying for each and every one of you. And I thank you all for your prayers and support. This next few week I will be adjusting once again to another comp, but I’m sure I will learn something really important. I love you all. Stay strong and say your prayers.  “Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened”  I’m really forgetting stuff in English. and it not funny.

With Love, -Josh

It’s been a good week once again. Well some what... ha-ha we now live above another church! They opened up a weird church under us and now I live above a church. We already talked to the pastor and told him he needs to be quieter in the mornings and needs to be done preaching at 9:00, and he was pretty nice. He hasn’t done exactly what we said, but he knows the house has ppl living in it and around it and the other ppl weren’t too happy about him opening a church there so it’s been crazy with that. We haven’t told president yet because we’re afraid of him making us more out and there isn’t a better house in this area at all so were keeping it on the D.L.The news of the camera being in another box that hasn’t gotten here has really made me feel a lot better! wow that was good news for me. But things are slowly starting to work its self out here in this small branch. Although one member is moving to Curitiba because there really mad but the branch president released everyone in there callings and re-organized everything!!!  so ppl are somewhat excited about their calls now. But there’s always someone un-happy and you can’t please everyone..... (so there is a member or two that is a little upset.) Sunday I and my companion gave training in Sunday school. We taught them how important the members are to our work and that were grateful for the help they have given them. We also challenged them to step up a little. It went really good. Friday they organized a little meeting, and 4 members will go and knock doors with us and another set of missionaries in our area. (This training was more to get them to help us out and get them excited to help us) every member of the church is obligated to share the gospel. ``its part of our responsibility (preach my gospel).

Anyway the works been good, also I’m so glad JC sent the shirt I used it last night for the first time. I really needed one and was going to buy a plain white one at the store so she must have been inspired. Thanks Sis! Also the candy was awesome, It’s what I needed. I’ve lost almost 4 pounds in this area my comp walks so fast so it’s really helping me lose that extra weight. I have a goal that I’m trying to get down to. I was excited to read that they changed the season rules and now you can fish on basically any river year round that’s pretty cool. The ice fishing sounds good to Bills report’s the new High School gym looks sick form the picture too, that’s pretty crazy they won state. It makes the trip way better and fun.

Also yesterday we had somewhat of a sleepover with our district in our house. Our whole district came over and we bought a pizza and had a really good time. Elder Hann is the other American in my district, and he plays the guitar really well so he and I sang songs. It was so cool, then we all woke up at 5 am and left to go one the tour bus around Curitiba that was really cool. I tried to take a lot of pic with my camera, but I’m not sure if it took any yet it wouldn’t work at all! So I will try to send some of those. Also I ATE AT MCDONALLDS!!!!!!!!!!! ya it was awesome but very expensive. They play American music too and right as I took my fist bite of my hamburger a song came on ``Its like I have waited my whole life...`` Its a song that Jake listens too and it was funny to me because its been 8 months since I have ate there. But I’m doing well I’m so glad everyone is doing well and that everyone is happy and made it back from Boise ok. This coming week is transfers (On the 16th) I know I will stay but I really want my comp to stay one more transfer with me he’s been awesome. But I love you all. Take care and be safe. Love -Josh

Well it’s been an interesting week again, it hasn't rained but its turning cold and I like it. ha-ha Let me start off by saying the bug bomb was a failure, and the flea Battle continues. ha-ha But were taking back over the house with this white powder stuff. I looked under my bed and thought it snowed because I dumped this powder stuff all over on the ground but really I think they’re going away now so it’s not a big deal now. As for the work, we had 7 marked baptism for this next week but all of that fell through because nobody showed up to church. Which in a way was a good thing because ppl were fighting and pretty much everyone said they won’t continue with their callings? (like 6 ppl said that) So that’s only problem with our branch. Were afraid it’s going to close down if things don’t start to get better. Actually my comp said it was bad before I got here but our work goes on. Once again we taught a ton of 1st lesson and yes we have to keep track of our lessons and the things we teach and data.

Anyways that picture dad sent of Jake, well I looked at it first thing and I about died. I felt so bad and thought WOW I’m never getting that done then I started looking and knew it was a fake. Then I read your letter telling me you messed with the original pic on your phone so you guys scared me!! ha-ha But that’s cool everyone is going back down to the BB games in Boise. CJ he can buy more needles to shoot through his slow gun there really cheap. Dad thanks for the quotes, I enjoy them and also yes I like seeing what my friends are doing and are going through.

Also the other day I was looking though the hymn book in English and came across a song that stuck out to me. It’s on page 114 “Come unto him”. I’m not sure why but I really liked what it said read it during church or something. We were walking down a road and saw a cow so I took a few pic with my comps camera it was pretty cool. But I’m doing fine here, not a lot has gone on this week other than I went on a few divisions. But I’m doing well, I’m short on time and I need to send some pics before I go. Sorry the e-mail is supper short I sent a mission ties too so everyone be safe. Take a pic of the snow and keep reading the BOM. Love,  -Josh

Their Back

Family,

Well a lot of things have happened this week. Everything somewhat good. But let me start off with the work before I tell some stories. This last week we worked really hard It was supper cool. We were able to teach 7 first lessons and had 12 new ppl. Now that’s not a ton, but for this area that’s amazing! My comp was supper happy and also the zone leaders. Some of the ppl are pretty weak but this area hasn’t had numbers like that for a really really long time. Coming out of my last area I was pretty spoiled we could teach pretty easy and it wasn’t hard. But in this small town everyone knows who we are and what we do, I’ve never had a door (well gate) slammed on my face until I came to this area. Last week I had 3 ppl do that so it’s different but the work is going good the only thing that slows us down is the rain and the dirt roads.

But we also had a mission conference. It was really good. Pres. and Sister Cordon did a really good job. Sister Cordon even made brownies. She made one plate and then took them around to every missionary and made then smell them. then she was talking about the ingredients she uses to make them. She said she added a special ingredient to them to make them better. That’s when she pulls a sack of cat crap out and told us we all just smelled brownies with cat crap in them!! SICK!  I can’t remember how she tied it into the lesson. (I was a little sick about the whole idea after) but after she gave us real brownies to eat. They were supper good. Another story, we were at a small store eating a pastel and I needed to use the bathroom well I there was a small wall hiding the bathroom doors and since we were sitting next to the wall instead of walking in front of the wall I walked right behind it. Right at first I thought it was strange how they didn't have a boy/girl sign so I choose one and used the bathroom well walking out of the 1 person bathroom, there was a line of girls waiting to use the bathroom and they all looked at me really weird. That’s when I walked in front of the little wall and saw the signs so I guessed I used the girl’s bathroom and I felt supper gay. My comp was laughing supper hard too oh well right... ha

Also last night we were walking in the street and we saw a boy roping a small calf that someone made out of wood. As we walked by I told my comp man I really want to do that... it’s been a long time since I have tired that so he was like let’s go back so we went back and I asked to try. He gave me the rope and I coiled it up in my one hand made the loop in the other hand stood about 30 feet away, and started swinging it above my head. (That’s when I noticed about 15 people watching me and the kid’s family was standing by their houses.) So with ppl watching me and the rope swinging over my head I let it fly to my surprise the thing went right around the wooden calf neck.!!!! It was sick! On my first try I roped it, the kid’s smile was priceless, and the kid’s family was pretty shocked that a kid in a white shirt and tie just roped the thing. I took the rope off gave it back to the boy and watched him one more time before telling him to keep up the good work and we walked away. Man it made my day. I’m so proud of myself too,  I remember learning on time in the church parking lot and Scott Neville teaching us so you can tell him thanks for me.  So that was pretty cool.

Also lately I have been eating a ton of mangos before bed. (There like candy to me) well come to find out that they have 400 calories in each one. That’s a ton for a fruit so I stopped eating those, also we live by an army training place and every once in a while they run by in the morning yelling and staying in there straight lines It’s pretty cool This area is pretty safe for the most part, but we don’t go in some areas. Also I’m not sure if I told you but our church starts at 3pm -6pm. It’s pretty late and I’m not use to it at all.

Oh one last thing, the other day I told my comp I was getting eating by the mosquitoes, he looked at my arm and the bumps and said. “their back “ . I asked him what’s back and he said  “FLEAS”  that's when he went into our room and started pumping white powder all over so to make the story short, we have fleas in our beds and house. And they suck! I have bite marks on my legs, back, and arms so tomorrow were going to bomb the house with bug spray. They better die.

But I love you all, be safe and don't let the elk get you man I wish I could have been there for that but I love you all. -JOSH