Many Blessings

So a lot has happened this week and I won’t be able to tell you all in this letter. But before I get way side-tracked I will give you an up to date on the work here in Nova Esperança. This week we once again have seen many blessings. We lost a few investigators and was hurting for a few days but were quickly blessed and gained a few awesome people to teach. I know it because of our faithfulness in doing our contacts. But so far we have 2 people that are doing awesome for their baptisms this week. Jeovani is for sure ready and really excited. He’s 14 years old and we found him playing around with his friends. He also went to church this last Sunday and loved it. So with one of his friends already in the church he is excited to go. Yesterday the Stake gathered together all the young men who are preparing for the mission and spent the day as missionaries. It was a really cool thing, before lunch the elders gave trainings and prepared them to be able to teach about a few things. (I gave a training about Christ doctrine and the missionaries purpose, it went well) then we all ate lunch and left on divisions in our areas. Each elder had a member with him but the bad thing was that it was raining supper hard all day. I must say a first I was thinking, man this will be difficult and how will I be able to give a good experience to this member when nobody lets us in when it rains. Well I must say that I was a doubtful but I was going to do everything to at least teach. So our first lesson we were able to teach to a person who let us in, It was a contact I did last week and an unmarked appointment well that lesson went well and then we were off to our other investigators. Well all of our plans fell through so I started knocking doors and we knocked a ton before someone opened up the gate for us. But in total we taught 4 lessons and a few hours and were able to mark 3 dates. Two of the ppl are really ready for the gospel and were really excited. Over all the day turned out to be cold and wet before returning the member back to the church to meet up with the others. By the end of the division he was supper excited and wanted to knock more doors it was awesome. Anyway this week has already started off really good and we will have a baptism this week too. Although I had an experienced that opened my eyes and shook me once again, but not like the last time. This time I wasn’t in danger. But it’s still a crazy thing that’s not solved and when it is I’ll tell you what’s been going on.
Once again we as a zone did a sweet activity and went to a national park with lots of cool things and rock formations. It was sweet and I took a ton of pics. so I’ll send a few home, there were wild monkeys their but we didn’t get to set any. I hope everyone is doing good and staying out of the cold. Sounds like a crazy snow storm and stuff, just drive safe please. But I love you all. Until next week. love, -Josh
P.S. This week I was kissed by a drunken man, had a small dog bite my leg, and then a gang told us that we are protected by them that we’re their bros and if anyone robs us or does something to tell them and they will take that person out. We actually were teaching 3 of the gang members but had to cut them as investigators. But as friends were always talking to them so it’s great. I know that I’m now safe in this hood

Seems like yesterday I was sitting at this computer. The time few by this week and I’m left scratching my head wondering why it did. But the best part of that is that it’s ok when it happens like that. But the week has been busy. The district is doing really good and is keeping me running back and forth from my area to theirs. Saturday I was given the opportunity to do 3 interviews and 2 of them were with two little girls. (8 and 9 years old.) I must say that they probably were the smartest little girls I have done an interview with. Defiantly was really cool to see them ask questions that grown up´s don’t ask. I think the older ppl get nervous when I talk with them. But these two girls were straight up with the questions. The girls are very mature at a young age and if I would have had to guess their age, it would have been 12 and 10 years old. They talked alike an adult. Anyway the 9 year old passed the interview and also one other person, but the 8 year old drinks a TON of coffee so this week I’ll go back to talk to her, anyways our area is getting better. We still had a good week but also lost a few investigators which have had us searching for new ones. I must say that after the loss of a few investigators we were quickly blessed with a few good new ones which have some friends as members so it’s going to be awesome.
I’m supper pumped to hear Jake got his feet wet and was able to baptize Eddi. That’s so cool. Also to have the president there must have been so cool it’s rare. I have tried to invite my president, but so does 165 other missionaries, anyway sounds like he’s on a history ride to visit the ruins and stuff. I hope I get to see some pic.!!
As for today the zone decided we would go and look for this water fall that was in an area. They said it wasn’t too hard to find all you have to do is fallow the creek, Duh. Well that didn’t sound too hard so we started in a field and then entered into the trees. Well turns out that there wasn’t a trail and we were walking in chest deep matov (weeds, fallen trees and through huge spider webs!! Just like you would see on TV) Well anyway after walking about 15 min I started talking to my LZ (who is a hunter also) and he was like man this is going to be hard to leave this area, were going to get lost. I was thinking the same thing and told him that we should mark trees with plastic sacks or something to help find our way back. We didn’t have anything like that and neither did anyone else but eventually we got the water fall and took pictures and ate a small snack. The hike was a beast and we about killed two sisters.... ha-ha anyway everyone fell into the water and was all wet except for me. :) I have balance and skill (lol, jk) but it was awesome. We did find our way out of the jungle after a few attempts and after some ppl decided to just walk in the creek. But nobody was hurt and only one person was bitten by a spider.
Anyway I feel bad for mom’s loss. It’s thought to see family members leave this world. But like we have been taught, they are in a better place and are without pain. Their mission here on earth was complete and is helping out on the other side of the veil. With the comfort also knowing that we will one day be with them again and in a state of never ending happiness!! What a wonderful promise. But I hope the roads stay clear. Seems like it’s early for snow...? crazy. It’s been supper hot here! (I’m praying for rain) I love you guys, be safe and do what’s right!! Love Josh

Genealogy

This is going to be somewhat short letter today because well we have been working all day. So let me start off with this week’s busy activities. Yesterday we had a zone conference. That was extremely awesome like always and I learned a bunch. President Cordon did a very good job with everything and everyone left excited and ready to work. Also today was the first time here in Paraná (the state) that they had a Genealogy conference (or family history). It’s been advertised for months now so for our p-day we were to go there and work. It was really cool and there was a ton of ppl that were visitors. The only thing was that we were not able to do contacts with them unless the ppl were to ask us what we do. So that made things a little bit more complicated. But it was good. While I was talking to president, he told me to leave and go e-mail. So it’s just luck I made it here and am able to e-mail you guys. I was already planning on being out of time and not being able to e-mail until next week but president told us to go e-mail and the others who wouldn’t have time to write a had written letter. So ya it was cool. I’m glad I’m able to write this quick letter. Anyways I also got 8 letters yesterday. With the mail strike it’s really slowed down the mail. The oldest letter talked about Jake not yet receiving his vista. (back in sept 28) so it’s been a while since I have heard of my friends and from you guys, but it’s all good now. Anyways this week was busy and well somewhat difficult my mission ties will tell you why. But all is well here and I’m doing well. It’s been special week here in Brazil because of the news coverage of the church. Here they did a 5 page story of the church in the biggest news paper here in Brazil they talked about everything. Also at the thing today they had a camera crew recording everything. I have been really surprised on how much the church is advertising and making the name known here in Brazil. It’s playing a huge part in missionary work and it’s awesome. Also they keep a close eye out on the USA and have been talking about Mitt Romney running for president and the fact that he is a member and that he’s on the course for winning. So the subjects about the church are like wildfire and its spreading like crazy here. But one more thing really fast that I was so glad to here today. I received an e-mail from my last comp elder da silva. He said 2 weeks ago Tuane and Teresina were baptized. Man it was so cool for me to here that. I worked with them for months and they were able to be baptized a week after I left. Although I wish I could have been there to see the baptism, but the important thing was that they were baptized and I was a part of that just helping them and teaching them I’m really speechless. But I have to go. I love you all. and I’m doing well. For Christmas I could use some ties..... hint, hint, but I hope everyone had a good Halloween. Jake sounds supper excited about his week and I’m praying for his success every day. I love you all and miss you all. Love, -Josh

Hey everyone!!!! Well I must say I’m really tired this week from today. Today we played soccer like always but we mixed it up and played Americans against the natives. So it was 3 on 3 so good news Americans won 25-22! ya it was crazy and probably too crazy. Brazil doesn't like losing in the game their best at and they left the court unhappy but they got over it after a fruit juice. ha-ha So also it’s been a very long week for me. I’m still trying to get the hang of things and get things rolling. My comp is awesome like I have said. Thought young in the mission, his desire to work and to keep up with the expectations are really good. I felt bad because he ended up with a huge blister on his foot from walking this week, but the trooper didn’t say to slow down once so it was cool. This week we were able to find a bunch of new ppl and did a ton of contacts and all were awesome. The bad thing that happened this week was that I lost my planner for the first time and lost 6 days of work, names, addresses, and the lessons we taught. I must say I was pretty devastated when I lost it. Man I really worked hard to get those addresses and to mark appointments for this week and almost the entire next week. So it was a real bummer for me with that. But it won’t really have much of any importance to you guys just thought I would let you know of the low point in my week. Writing this I also thought of the lost 116 pages (or however many it was) from the book of Mormon. I’m sure Joseph was pretty sad of that when he lost something so important to the lord’s work and to the future people who would latter read the BOM. But because of Nephi he re-wrote the things more important and we still know of the things important in those pages. Un-like Nephi my comp didn’t mark any of our future appointment or anything so we really lost things important to this area. But the work goes on right....
Anyway sounds like Jake is doing well. Makes me happy to hear the lifestyle and the things he’s eating. I must say for me a grasshopper looks better on a hook than on a taco.... and the hook and grasshopper produces a better finished product....!!! (FYI a fish..) But yesterday I was also hugged by a huge drunk guy. More like a bear hug that lasted longer than a young couple dating......... I almost passed out from the smell or beer or ``pinga`` what some call it here. I must say also it was hot yesterday and he was sweating pretty well and that was also shared in his more than friendly hug so it’s been a crazy this week. But I’m out of time because we need to get to work. We arrived late in the area and so that cuts our internet down. But I love you all Keep doing what’s right and being examples. Be careful with your back dad.!! I heard fishing trips are a good medicine to take and I will need a lot of medicine when I get home. I love you all, Love -Josh

Marcos

To start off this e-mail I will just say ``We BAPTISED Again!!`` Yeah Boy!  Sunday morning Marcos was baptized. It was really cool. We have been working with Marcos for about 1 month now. We first were told about Marcos when a member girl said she had a boyfriend and she wanted us to teach him. So being a sweet girlfriend she set up a meeting with us and then brought Marcos over. I’m 100% sure it was a surprise to him and that she on purpose didn’t tell him some missionaries were going to be at her house to teach him. Haha so she tricked him into talking with us and in the end he was baptized. Sounds crazy if you ask me. The member girl is a return missionary and apparently knew what she was doing and pulled the surprise visit. But the cool thing about Marcos was the fact he was so interested about the temple. When we taught him about eternal families he was like, ´´that’s what I want some day!`` and then asked and asked about the temple. It was really cool. He’s got the biggest desire to be married in the temple and I’m sure he will be. So it was a very cool baptism because of that. But now for the other news. I was transferred out of my area. It was really good though leaving the area helping another person be baptized there. It made it a lot easier to say goodbye to my friends in Almirante Taman dare.

But Wow has it been a long day for me already. I was able to get all my stuff in my bags but it was a tight fit. My bags are supper heavy so lifting them in and out of busses as we changed wasn’t too fun either so something’s gotta go. haha Anyways I’m here in my new area that’s called ``Nova Esperance in Ponta Grosse`` and well it’s safe to say that Nova Esperance just received Esperance! :) (that’s me!) ask Jared or Jeff to translate that for you mom and dad. But the area is a ways from Curitiba and is interior with nothing but hills. Only difference is that their paved so nothing will de different to me in that part. Anyways my new comp is a native again. Elder Sondré from the north of Brazil from a town called Nanvque he’s only got 3 months in the mission, so I’m another step-daddy again. Seems like a cool person so far. He’s told me about the area and well the work here is slow from the sounds of it so I will change stuff up like I did in the last area and yes I already have cleaned the whole house. Man I’m disgusted with how some missionaries live. I thought our house was a dirt floor until I moved the table and saw where the table legs were at. Anyways the first area I cleaned was the bathroom, that’s where I was gagging so it shows you it was bad if it came down to that anyway sounds like Jakes doing well. Sounds like me seeing the dogs and homeless at the start of my mission and the houses. I’m sure he will like the area. I wish I was there, I want to see the ruins and that stuff. Mom and Dad don’t come and get me in the mission when its time, lets save the trip and get Jake down in Mexico or go on a cruise again. haha but I got that paper dad and will send it back this week. It’s already signed and ready I just need to find the mail place. Also continue sending me Jakes letters and that will help me out. O and I hope it snows so much that nobody will be able to shoot a deer. haha jk I can’t believe it snowed already so with that be careful driving!!! I’m out of time though and will send you pics. I love you all and pray for you guys. Love, -Josh

That’s sweet Jake was able to leave to get into Mexico Monday.!!! I’m really excited about the good news. And that Jeff was able to get to see him and you guys were able to talk to him. I’m sure it was a sweet moment for him and for you guys to talk to him before he flew out. But I’m sure he’s doing great, a little lost, but I know he’s safe. I’m also very comforted to know that dads surgery went well. I had these two things on my mind all week anyways so it was a very cool week with conference going on. I must say that it was very good like always the talks were very uplifting. I too liked the story of the boy from Idaho who baptized only the one guy not knowing the blessing he gave the family until years down the road, another talk I liked was of Elder Holland’s in priesthood. It was about missionaries and the importances of going. I must say I too was shocked to hear about the temple in Star Valley, Wy ha-ha and the comment President Monson said. ``Ì really wanted to dedicate that temple``  it was awesome as always I learned a ton from the talks. 

As for our week now, we were not able to baptize this week, but was so close. Ana passed her baptism interview but said she wasn’t quite ready to be baptized. So were working so hard to get her into the water this week so far she’s reading and praying every night about the BOM and she´s happy. So things are going good with that. We also have 3 other ppl we are really working with to help them out this week also. Marcos is another person who is lined up to be baptized this week end. Were running around like crazy to help these ppl out, and keep in contact with them. It’s something very important that we see and talk to them every day this week so devil can’t tempt them. Also this next week we will have transfers. I’m not too happy because I know I will probably have to leave and say goodbye to ppl. I’m praying that I stay but the lord knows where he wants me to go and if it’s to leave or to stay, then I’m in agreement with the decision. There was a talk in conference about this that the lord calls us to areas and gives us companions so that after the mission, we will be better ppl from the ppl we meet and teach and this helps us be better parents. But I would really like to stay in the area. My comp said to me the other day that he wants to stay one more transfer with me. ha-ha I about fell over when I heard that it kind of shocked me that he said that. But it’s cool. 

This week I was also interviewed by President and it was very good. Our conversations are so cool. He told me something really cool that I never heard before. That the Book of Mormon was translated in only 75 days, that’s pretty fast! (We have the goal as a mission to read the BOM in 95 days, or before the new year.)  I’m going all out and reading the BOM in Portuguese and English at the same time before the New Year. Mornings I read in Portuguese and before bed in English. It’s pretty cool. 

As for my scary story, know that I’m safe and that it wasn’t written to freak you guys out. But it’s something scary for sure. (I laugh now because I almost crapped my pants when it happened) It was also very nice to hear that everyone is doing well. Grandma, Jim and Ross and jean, I’m so glad everyone is doing well. Be sure to forward Jakes letters to me when you get them.   I didn’t hear anything from him so I have no idea what he’s doing. But I love you guys a lot. I know that jakes going to be alright. Send him lots of letters to help him out. When you have his address immediately send it to me so I can get a few pics to him.  But I love you all. Be safe and pray always! 

-Josh

So it sounds like you guys have had a busy week back home. So before I get way off task, let me tell you about my week. Well this week we had a baptism! Edwardo was baptized and it was very cool so that tops the whole week off for me. Also today we went to the temple and are just getting back now but it was a beautiful day at the temple and always a blessing. I put names in the temple too. But for my week end I was really sick it was good I got the meds in the package or I would have died but I’m all good now. I’m also really excited also for the conference and to see that I just hope I can watch it in English because it’s not the same in port. But we did have a very cool lesson this week that I will tell you really fast because I’m short on time. SO this week we went over to a members house to give one of a member’s a blessing, well while there a neighbor was there also so we asked if we could just share a scripture with them really fast. So my comp read a scripture that he likes out of the BOM to help the sick member out as doing so I could tell that this family friend was really interested in the BOM. (she kept trying to look at the cover.) So I asked her if she would like a book for herself she said yes and so we explained about the book of Mormon anyways once the book was finally in her hands she said. ``Wow this is really awesome, I knew there was more than just the bible and now I can share this and read this to my school classes.`` (here they teach the little kids bible stories in school) but when she said that I thought about how many little kids will no learn for the book of Mormon and about the true church because of this teacher who is going to share this with them. I thought it was pretty cool.

Anyway let me start off about the fish and game guy. HES STILL ON MY TARGET LIST he’s lucky I’m in Brazil. Dad you will have to tell me all that went down and how Cory talked to him but the ride looks awesome. I want to go there when I get back. It’s pretty high up also and you can see everything. But it looks like jc had a good time at the dance and she looked pretty in her dress. Dad I hope that your surgery will go good but I hope it gets better fast. Anyways I’m really excited to watch conference and to learn, I hope you all are too anyway I’m out of time. I’m getting slower at typing and my computer skills are going down the drain. I’m sure if I was to drive a car that it would be the same scare...... J lol (I hope they make the church parking lot bigger.........) anyway everyone have a good week I love you all and your all in my prayers be safe. love -Josh