This first Mouth has gone by really fast. At times there is simply not enough time in the day to work, but we are able to share the gospel as change lives.
I will share an experience that has helped steer me in the direction for my mission. On Monday all of the new missionaries that have been out for one mouth meet with President Tanner for more training. I was very exciting to see old friends from the CTM and my district, but is was saddening to hear so many speak English, this may seem ok and normal but what I have learned on my mission from experience and general authorities is this. For missionaries learning another language for their missions, we have to be able to preach and teach the gospel in the native tongue of the people, and knowing just a missionary vocabulary is not magnifying our calling. The only way to really learn Portuguese is to only speak it. It really also shows the inward commitment of the missionary to use all of heart might mind and strength to this work, when you learn the language with your whole heart and with the help of the Lord. You can tell the difference, hear the difference and you witness the change of the missionary to become Christlike and to be the instrument the Lord needs you to be.
The work here is growing, we have found many wonderful families, and several are progressing to baptism. Also on Monday we were teaching Maria and Armando, they at first had many doubts and did not have much of a desire to read and pray to know that the things we were teaching them are indeed the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Cristo. All we did was pour our whole soul out in testimony, the simple testimonies of two Kids that are week, but have been made strong in the Lords hand, and they opened their hearts, and the spirit change their hearts. Maria said that she was wondering why we knocked (clapped) at their house, and share this message with them out of all the people in that neighborhood, I said, we are here because are message is true and are messengers of Jesus Christ. They said I know that I need to read this book and go to this church; I have never felt this way with any other person and from any other church. The Gospel changes lives and we are here to help change their lives.
Tchau
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
NOTE: 5 NEW PICTURES! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Congratulations Acea for finishing a terrific year. Aye and how Elder Christofferson’s talk last April sobre correction in nossas vidas. Mas, acea voce vai fazer muito bom coisas. You will do many great things, and being a life guard is also fun and will teach you many great things. E você não pode compare yourself with other people, only to find good traits in other people and apply them in your own life, And scripture mastery is not a completion but helping you apply and share the gospel. I think you have grown a little bit more engressado (Funny) in just 3 months; it will be fun to talk to you in two years.
This has been a great week in Summarè. On Sunday we had a baptism of a wonderful man, Gilmar who changed and repented and you can see how the Gospel has changed his life, and that is why I am out here, to help change people’s lives by giving them the restored Gospel. But this week we have not had that much success. We found many wonderful families last week, but very few this week. Elder Bennett and I have been pondering, praying, and working smarter. Elder Bennett went to a meeting with the Mission President in which to have higher goals, some people might thing we just care about numbers and baptisms, no we are showing the lord and having the attitude to accomplish the will of the lord just like Nephi, We plan more effectively, more specific, greater faith and reliance on the lord to guide us to people that have been prepare to receive the Gospel. I am learning a lot of not having a lot of success, because I am finding things to improve, to learn and grow, to be shaped with patience and love into the instrument the Lord wants me to be.
Another principle I am learning is the principle of following-up. As missionary we found that if we do not go by every day or call about their progress in the commitments of reading the Book of Mormon, pray to know if it is true, preparing for baptism, they are less likely to be baptised.
Sorry but I forgot my camera so I will send the picture for the plaque next week.
I will pray for Julie to get better Eu Sinto muito para você Julie.
Tchau tchau.
Elder Sands
Congratulations Acea for finishing a terrific year. Aye and how Elder Christofferson’s talk last April sobre correction in nossas vidas. Mas, acea voce vai fazer muito bom coisas. You will do many great things, and being a life guard is also fun and will teach you many great things. E você não pode compare yourself with other people, only to find good traits in other people and apply them in your own life, And scripture mastery is not a completion but helping you apply and share the gospel. I think you have grown a little bit more engressado (Funny) in just 3 months; it will be fun to talk to you in two years.
This has been a great week in Summarè. On Sunday we had a baptism of a wonderful man, Gilmar who changed and repented and you can see how the Gospel has changed his life, and that is why I am out here, to help change people’s lives by giving them the restored Gospel. But this week we have not had that much success. We found many wonderful families last week, but very few this week. Elder Bennett and I have been pondering, praying, and working smarter. Elder Bennett went to a meeting with the Mission President in which to have higher goals, some people might thing we just care about numbers and baptisms, no we are showing the lord and having the attitude to accomplish the will of the lord just like Nephi, We plan more effectively, more specific, greater faith and reliance on the lord to guide us to people that have been prepare to receive the Gospel. I am learning a lot of not having a lot of success, because I am finding things to improve, to learn and grow, to be shaped with patience and love into the instrument the Lord wants me to be.
Another principle I am learning is the principle of following-up. As missionary we found that if we do not go by every day or call about their progress in the commitments of reading the Book of Mormon, pray to know if it is true, preparing for baptism, they are less likely to be baptised.
Sorry but I forgot my camera so I will send the picture for the plaque next week.
I will pray for Julie to get better Eu Sinto muito para você Julie.
Tchau tchau.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
This has been a wonderful and interesting week in Sumaré. Last Tuesday we had a down pour, a real life flash flood, I got my first bath in the streets (meu primero banho nas ruas), because of the hills and streets the place we were at, the streets were flooded. Right now, the days are really hot, but at night pretty chilly and my sweater is now one of my favorite friends. This week we found a new area if strength. On Monday we found 11 new investors, and taught 7 first lessons all on a couple of streets. The great thing about it is that we had to go back the next day to give them Books of Mormon.
Another Interesting thing about proselytizing in Brazil is that we sing a lot. We sing before Personal study, before companion study and before all lessons with members or investigators. Pray is also a wonderful thing, to help investigators learn how to pray, we first show them, then they try or we pray and they repeat, Brazilians are a wonderful, friendly, cooking people. The food here is great and I always love lunch, today we are eating lunch with an investigating family who has been prepared to receive the Gospel. Also I have never used my garrafa (water bottle filter) because the people that we teach give us water, sometimes food; it is a different and wonderful Culture.
Elder Sands
Another Interesting thing about proselytizing in Brazil is that we sing a lot. We sing before Personal study, before companion study and before all lessons with members or investigators. Pray is also a wonderful thing, to help investigators learn how to pray, we first show them, then they try or we pray and they repeat, Brazilians are a wonderful, friendly, cooking people. The food here is great and I always love lunch, today we are eating lunch with an investigating family who has been prepared to receive the Gospel. Also I have never used my garrafa (water bottle filter) because the people that we teach give us water, sometimes food; it is a different and wonderful Culture.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
My First area I am in the city of Sumaré which is fairly big, in the area of Matão which is on the edge and next to sugar cane fields. The work is going great, there is a difference in proselyting in Brazil, everyone is really friendly and they let you in and we are able to teach them the first lesson. But the thing that lets us know whether that person is ready to hear the gospel is we always invite them to be baptised in two weeks. This might sound weird but we really can focus our efforts on those that sincerely what to follow Christ.
My daily routine is pretty normal, at 6:30 we wake up and exercise and get ready for the day. At 7:45 we eat a small breakfast, if we have food. A thing about Brazil is we always eat lunch with members every day except our p-days which are Wednesdays. Then we study, first personal, then companion which right now Elder Bennett is helping with the lessons in Portuguese, then language which is helping me more with the language. Then we go out for about an hour and on our way to lunch and contact people, this is the best way to find people and their address are always good, then for the rest of the day we go find people’s houses from the contacts, visiting investigators, some members to strengthen, and less actives.
One thing I observed today at p-day with my Zone is that you have to speak the mission language always, and only when we are teaching Brazilians can we speak English, you can feel and tell the difference between Elders. My companion is fluent and doesn’t have to think about speaking while other Elders having been the same time in the mission have a hard time and still have an accent. I am so very grateful for my companion and his diligence in everything.
My time is almost up and I will remember to take a better Picture. Para-béms (congratulations) on the ring it looks really nice.
Tchau, Tchau.
Elder Sands
My daily routine is pretty normal, at 6:30 we wake up and exercise and get ready for the day. At 7:45 we eat a small breakfast, if we have food. A thing about Brazil is we always eat lunch with members every day except our p-days which are Wednesdays. Then we study, first personal, then companion which right now Elder Bennett is helping with the lessons in Portuguese, then language which is helping me more with the language. Then we go out for about an hour and on our way to lunch and contact people, this is the best way to find people and their address are always good, then for the rest of the day we go find people’s houses from the contacts, visiting investigators, some members to strengthen, and less actives.
One thing I observed today at p-day with my Zone is that you have to speak the mission language always, and only when we are teaching Brazilians can we speak English, you can feel and tell the difference between Elders. My companion is fluent and doesn’t have to think about speaking while other Elders having been the same time in the mission have a hard time and still have an accent. I am so very grateful for my companion and his diligence in everything.
My time is almost up and I will remember to take a better Picture. Para-béms (congratulations) on the ring it looks really nice.
Tchau, Tchau.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
This was a great last week at the CTM, we made goals to work hard, to learn what we can and to prepare for o campo (the field). It is a little sad to leave our humble abode of 2 months but we know our time is up and we need to go out into the field and to use the things we’ve learned and to go and serve. Then the day came, ontem (yesterday) to arrive first at the Mission home of President and Sister Tanner. We had a wonderful Almoço (lunch) and had interview with the president to let him know who we are and get a sense of how we will work. Then we received some training by the assistants and received a very confortable travissiero (pillow). That night I recebei (received) my first companion and trainer. His name is Elder Bennett from Draper Utah, but the cool thing is, he only talks to me in Portuguese, at first I thought he was Brazilian because he spoke it so very well. I am able to communicate better because of this, and he is helping me with grammar, better words to use in contacting and teaching.
Last night we were able to follow up on a family and taught some things about the Book of Mormon. At first it was hard but the spirit helps you beyond your imagination and it is becoming easier and easier to speak Portuguese and it hasn’t be so bad speaking no English for one day now. The Lord is helping me with this work. I was able to give a spiritual thought at a recent converts house, the teaching came more natural than at the CTM, I can feel real love for the people.
My P-days are on Wednesday and I am on around 12:00.
I am so excited for Nathan, Drew, Matt, and even Adam. Brazil is a Wonderful country with Wonderful people, and Portuguese is a wonderful, beautiful language. Just work your hardest at learning and doing.
I encourage you to write me at:
Elder Sebring Sands
Rua 10 de Setembro, 38
Cambuí
13023-100 - Campinas - SP
BRAZIL
And it takes three stamps to send.
Até Logo, Tchau
Elder Sands
Last night we were able to follow up on a family and taught some things about the Book of Mormon. At first it was hard but the spirit helps you beyond your imagination and it is becoming easier and easier to speak Portuguese and it hasn’t be so bad speaking no English for one day now. The Lord is helping me with this work. I was able to give a spiritual thought at a recent converts house, the teaching came more natural than at the CTM, I can feel real love for the people.
My P-days are on Wednesday and I am on around 12:00.
I am so excited for Nathan, Drew, Matt, and even Adam. Brazil is a Wonderful country with Wonderful people, and Portuguese is a wonderful, beautiful language. Just work your hardest at learning and doing.
I encourage you to write me at:
Elder Sebring Sands
Rua 10 de Setembro, 38
Cambuí
13023-100 - Campinas - SP
BRAZIL
And it takes three stamps to send.
Até Logo, Tchau
Elder Sands
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Thank you for that wonderful email Julie, I know that this is truly exciting. And I am not worried about our brotherly bond, you are a lot more pretty then I am.
This is the last week; hopefully I will be able to send some pictures next week in the field. My favorite scripture is 1 Nefí 3:7, now that I am here this declaration of faith and trust in the lord has been my goal, to be the instrument the Lord wants me to be and to not be limited to sharing the gospel through our limited knowledge but to rely on the spirit. The language is coming faster and I am able to teach simply with lots of help from the spirit, and I fell that I am really learning how to teach effectively, and the language comes. The gift of tongues is my friend and a remarkable gift from our Heavenly Father because he truly wants this missionary work to succeed. On Friday we were able to go again out to share the gospel with the Brazilian people, but this time in the downtown São Paulo in the financial center for South America. After we pleaded for help from the lord Elder Meredith and myself went about sharing the gospel. We talk to an older lady who was really excited to hear that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Also the Lord led us to a Bishop and we were able to talk with many people in his office and give two Books of Mormon to great people. The spirit does truly lead us even though we don´t know some times that we actual were and are. I hope everything goes well for the wedding and I Hope everything is Ok with Karyl I keep all of you in my prayers. Thank you Julie for taking care of my brother, you can have him all to yourself and maybe the Lord. And for those who don´t know and are wondering CTM is Centro de treinamento missionário de Sáo Paulo, MTC but in Portuguese.
Love you all!
Tchau até logo from the field,
Elder Sands
This is the last week; hopefully I will be able to send some pictures next week in the field. My favorite scripture is 1 Nefí 3:7, now that I am here this declaration of faith and trust in the lord has been my goal, to be the instrument the Lord wants me to be and to not be limited to sharing the gospel through our limited knowledge but to rely on the spirit. The language is coming faster and I am able to teach simply with lots of help from the spirit, and I fell that I am really learning how to teach effectively, and the language comes. The gift of tongues is my friend and a remarkable gift from our Heavenly Father because he truly wants this missionary work to succeed. On Friday we were able to go again out to share the gospel with the Brazilian people, but this time in the downtown São Paulo in the financial center for South America. After we pleaded for help from the lord Elder Meredith and myself went about sharing the gospel. We talk to an older lady who was really excited to hear that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. Also the Lord led us to a Bishop and we were able to talk with many people in his office and give two Books of Mormon to great people. The spirit does truly lead us even though we don´t know some times that we actual were and are. I hope everything goes well for the wedding and I Hope everything is Ok with Karyl I keep all of you in my prayers. Thank you Julie for taking care of my brother, you can have him all to yourself and maybe the Lord. And for those who don´t know and are wondering CTM is Centro de treinamento missionário de Sáo Paulo, MTC but in Portuguese.
Love you all!
Tchau até logo from the field,
Elder Sands
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sorry Mom but happy mother’s day. I didn’t even know until someone happened to talk about it on that Sunday, I am now repenting. My P-day has been changed to Tuesday and I still email around 13:00 São Paulo time which is 4 hours. I would also very much like to what Levi did to propose to Julie. Also if it is alright can I get an email from Julie, I have to make sure she isn’t talking a too awful chance on Levi. I am probably not the first one to say this, but welcome to the family, Irmã Julie.
Brazil is a wonderful place, I was conversing with a brasiliero about brazil and one thing I have seen is that the church is strong, the members are have built their foundations on Christ, I have learned so much from our Brazilian roommate in just 3 weeks. we go to the temple we get to see a portion of São Paulo, the things I notice is that they only have small carros, they drive crazy, mostly the motorcyclists, and If you look down when crossing any street, you will get run over. Not to worry if you stay vigilant you will make it. Many people come and go in the CTM unless you are learning Portuguese, I feel the second biggest hurtle to jump is finding the needs of investigators, teaching it to them with to spirit, and ensuring that there conversion is in the Bok of Mormon. The language is coming better that I thought, we are able to teach, expound a little and teach with the spirit, it is just hard sometimes really being in sync with my companion, not because of lack of effort, but something that is new to both of us. We sat down and figured out what we can do to teach better, and we both knew that we really need to listen to the spirit, to each other, and also to the investor. It is wonderful to see how when I don’t know what to say next, Elder Meredith knows exactly what to say. We also were taking about how we do ok to good in lesson, but how can we be better not settling for less is the key. This Gospel is true and the Work is guided by Christ himself, one quote I heard is that Christ wants you to succeed. He is helping me; I could not do this work without him or the spirit.
Talk to you next week and sorry about the spelling I will try and do better next week.
Love you Mom and family, welcome to the family again Julie. tchau.
Elder Sands
Brazil is a wonderful place, I was conversing with a brasiliero about brazil and one thing I have seen is that the church is strong, the members are have built their foundations on Christ, I have learned so much from our Brazilian roommate in just 3 weeks. we go to the temple we get to see a portion of São Paulo, the things I notice is that they only have small carros, they drive crazy, mostly the motorcyclists, and If you look down when crossing any street, you will get run over. Not to worry if you stay vigilant you will make it. Many people come and go in the CTM unless you are learning Portuguese, I feel the second biggest hurtle to jump is finding the needs of investigators, teaching it to them with to spirit, and ensuring that there conversion is in the Bok of Mormon. The language is coming better that I thought, we are able to teach, expound a little and teach with the spirit, it is just hard sometimes really being in sync with my companion, not because of lack of effort, but something that is new to both of us. We sat down and figured out what we can do to teach better, and we both knew that we really need to listen to the spirit, to each other, and also to the investor. It is wonderful to see how when I don’t know what to say next, Elder Meredith knows exactly what to say. We also were taking about how we do ok to good in lesson, but how can we be better not settling for less is the key. This Gospel is true and the Work is guided by Christ himself, one quote I heard is that Christ wants you to succeed. He is helping me; I could not do this work without him or the spirit.
Talk to you next week and sorry about the spelling I will try and do better next week.
Love you Mom and family, welcome to the family again Julie. tchau.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Thank you so much for the emails, I figured that because of the time difference I didn’t get it time. That is so exciting E estou muito animado that Levi is engaged. It feels as if it is a pretty big prank, but I am very excited to hear to good news. All I ask is to send a picture to my mission Home, because I will get it in about 6 weeks.
The CTM is different than Provo. First of all, this CTM is a fortress with 20ft high wall, razor wire and spikes on the walls, with motion detectors, and a Israeli security firm that protects us. Don’t worry the Brazilian people are very nice, e muito Bom. The food is much better, different and much healthier. The teaching is different, with all native teachers. We learn grammar and then we apply everything in teaching and practicing. TE is wonderful because we get real advice on things we need to improve. This last Friday we went out proselyting in Casa Verde. It was difficult at first to speak to the brasileiros, but I could feel the Lord was helping me speak to the people with the spirit. We talked to several people that were Catholic and didn’t want anything to do with us but still were very friendly. Many people in Brazil say they have Books of Mormon, most of our time we committed people to read it, pray about it, and go to church that Sunday. We did talk to a few people and I felt the Book of Mormon in some way will change their lives. It is truly wonderful to share the truth of the gospel to the people of Brazil.
The language is coming faster than I thought possible, the gift of tongues is real and we couldn’t do this work without it. The cool thing is the help the Brazilians give you, and we in turn teach them a little bit of Ingles.
I love you both, Levi and minha Irmá Julie; ok, Spanish seems awkward and Portuguese seems natural. Levi did you now a Lopez family in Argentina, I know an elder here that might have remembered you
This gospel is wonderful and I feel the blessings and I know you guys are too. Eu amo todas pessoas em Brasil e voces. Até Logo tchau tchau.
Elder Sands
The CTM is different than Provo. First of all, this CTM is a fortress with 20ft high wall, razor wire and spikes on the walls, with motion detectors, and a Israeli security firm that protects us. Don’t worry the Brazilian people are very nice, e muito Bom. The food is much better, different and much healthier. The teaching is different, with all native teachers. We learn grammar and then we apply everything in teaching and practicing. TE is wonderful because we get real advice on things we need to improve. This last Friday we went out proselyting in Casa Verde. It was difficult at first to speak to the brasileiros, but I could feel the Lord was helping me speak to the people with the spirit. We talked to several people that were Catholic and didn’t want anything to do with us but still were very friendly. Many people in Brazil say they have Books of Mormon, most of our time we committed people to read it, pray about it, and go to church that Sunday. We did talk to a few people and I felt the Book of Mormon in some way will change their lives. It is truly wonderful to share the truth of the gospel to the people of Brazil.
The language is coming faster than I thought possible, the gift of tongues is real and we couldn’t do this work without it. The cool thing is the help the Brazilians give you, and we in turn teach them a little bit of Ingles.
I love you both, Levi and minha Irmá Julie; ok, Spanish seems awkward and Portuguese seems natural. Levi did you now a Lopez family in Argentina, I know an elder here that might have remembered you
This gospel is wonderful and I feel the blessings and I know you guys are too. Eu amo todas pessoas em Brasil e voces. Até Logo tchau tchau.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Brazil is a wonderful, hot and rainy country. It is great to be here studying the gospel in Portuguese and learning to speak with the native speakers. We are getting to know people in Portuguese before we teach a lesson, is it difficult, but it is easier when you just say the language from the verbs and words you know.
This Friday we are going out into the neighborhood around the CTM and handing out some os Livros de Mormon. It is getting us ready to work and get used to the language; I hope they will understand the importance of the Book of Mormon and the Gospel we are there to share with them.
This past week I have done the most learning so far. Irmão Zamboi, one of my teachers, has been teaching us about learning, growing, changing yourself inside rather than blaming others for not learning, and to apply the principles of the gospel in your life. Every day I learn, and it is great to set goals for learning and to meet them, showing the lord you want to learn and he then helps you do that.
We are able to go out on P-day around the neighborhood and go to shops, mail letters and just talk to the people. The Brazilian people are so nice that they do like to have fun and help you if you just try and open your mouth.
The Food is always wonderful, what I have discovered is that some foods taste a little weird by itself but when you mix it with rice, it is fantastic. I also love this fruit call goiaba which the closest taste it compares to is a current berry but has a lime green skin and dark red on the inside, Levi might have had some. The candy and chocolate is good, but when you mention peanut butter all of the Brazilians go crazy.
This church is true and that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet to translate the Book of Mormon, We need to read it and apply the principles in it in our lives, and we need to develop a testimony of it and a love for it.
I will assume you still love me, I didn’t get your letter this week, I write at 1:00 my time which is 4 hours ahead of Washington time. Are you getting my Emails? I am collecting pictures to send and even some great landscapes for mom.
Até logo, tchau.
Elder Sands
This Friday we are going out into the neighborhood around the CTM and handing out some os Livros de Mormon. It is getting us ready to work and get used to the language; I hope they will understand the importance of the Book of Mormon and the Gospel we are there to share with them.
This past week I have done the most learning so far. Irmão Zamboi, one of my teachers, has been teaching us about learning, growing, changing yourself inside rather than blaming others for not learning, and to apply the principles of the gospel in your life. Every day I learn, and it is great to set goals for learning and to meet them, showing the lord you want to learn and he then helps you do that.
We are able to go out on P-day around the neighborhood and go to shops, mail letters and just talk to the people. The Brazilian people are so nice that they do like to have fun and help you if you just try and open your mouth.
The Food is always wonderful, what I have discovered is that some foods taste a little weird by itself but when you mix it with rice, it is fantastic. I also love this fruit call goiaba which the closest taste it compares to is a current berry but has a lime green skin and dark red on the inside, Levi might have had some. The candy and chocolate is good, but when you mention peanut butter all of the Brazilians go crazy.
This church is true and that Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet to translate the Book of Mormon, We need to read it and apply the principles in it in our lives, and we need to develop a testimony of it and a love for it.
I will assume you still love me, I didn’t get your letter this week, I write at 1:00 my time which is 4 hours ahead of Washington time. Are you getting my Emails? I am collecting pictures to send and even some great landscapes for mom.
Até logo, tchau.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
It was good to talk to you guys. I was a little down that night, we were tired, hot, and weary but I am glad we were only stuck in Dallas for one day. At the airport we were a little bored, but we were able to talk to some great people about life and the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also meet a lot of Brazilian members that were flying down to São Paulo and were able to understand a little and talk a little to them.
We were soon on the 9 and a half hour flight, I was sitting with a Brazilian and spoke a little too. I told him I was a missionary for the church but it was hard understanding him and talking with him. Then we made it to the airport and went through customs and I exchanged my money for 16 Reals. We then got on a bus to the CTM/MTC in São Paulo. I was hot, I was sticky and I needed to shave but we were all so happy to finally be in Brazil.
The food here is wonderful, different some times, but wonderful. The rice and beans is served in every meal and it is really tasty. For Breakfast we eat paninees, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. The Guadana is wonderful and it doesn’t really taste like the ginger ale and apple cider mix we had with the Crumps, but it is good.
The Learning and teaching here is different, it is wonderful to be able to speak the language with any Brazilian and they are very nice. They are a bit crazy and full of energy but great people. We also have one Brazilian in our room with his companion from Peru who is learning Portuguese. It is cool to see many Argentinians here as well. There is an Elder Lopez that says he remembers you, but he was speaking in Portuguese at the time so I don´t know for sure.
We are learning a lot more grammar but also focusing on getting to know investigators and teaching to that need. It is hard sometimes with the different situations that we have, it really teaches us to rely on the spirit and also know how to teach to answer their questions.
Wednesday is my P-day. On P-Days we get to go to the temple, it is beautiful and a wonderful time to learn and be edified. Also we get to go out and shop look around and talk with people. The ties down here are very cheap 15 reais for 2 ties or 4-6 bucks a tie.
I got to go but this gospel is true and the work is real and wonderful.
Elder Sands
We were soon on the 9 and a half hour flight, I was sitting with a Brazilian and spoke a little too. I told him I was a missionary for the church but it was hard understanding him and talking with him. Then we made it to the airport and went through customs and I exchanged my money for 16 Reals. We then got on a bus to the CTM/MTC in São Paulo. I was hot, I was sticky and I needed to shave but we were all so happy to finally be in Brazil.
The food here is wonderful, different some times, but wonderful. The rice and beans is served in every meal and it is really tasty. For Breakfast we eat paninees, grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. The Guadana is wonderful and it doesn’t really taste like the ginger ale and apple cider mix we had with the Crumps, but it is good.
The Learning and teaching here is different, it is wonderful to be able to speak the language with any Brazilian and they are very nice. They are a bit crazy and full of energy but great people. We also have one Brazilian in our room with his companion from Peru who is learning Portuguese. It is cool to see many Argentinians here as well. There is an Elder Lopez that says he remembers you, but he was speaking in Portuguese at the time so I don´t know for sure.
We are learning a lot more grammar but also focusing on getting to know investigators and teaching to that need. It is hard sometimes with the different situations that we have, it really teaches us to rely on the spirit and also know how to teach to answer their questions.
Wednesday is my P-day. On P-Days we get to go to the temple, it is beautiful and a wonderful time to learn and be edified. Also we get to go out and shop look around and talk with people. The ties down here are very cheap 15 reais for 2 ties or 4-6 bucks a tie.
I got to go but this gospel is true and the work is real and wonderful.
Elder Sands
Thursday, April 21, 2011
NOTE: 1 NEW PICTURE! CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO THE RIGHT TO VIEW THE PICTURE ALBUM.
Dear Parents,
We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time. We promise to take good care of your missionary.
They now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study. The branch presidents and their wives, will soon give them a second greeting. These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.
The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife. We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.
Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.
Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”
Please accept our love,
President Donald L Clark and Sister Zaza Clark
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . .
DO NOT SEND PACKAGES to the Brazil Missionary Training Center. All packages must be sent directly to the mission where your missionary will be serving not the MTC. If you have already mailed a package to the Brazil MTC and it arrives after your missionary has left for the field, please understand that the package cannot be forwarded to his or her mission and will be returned to you. The only other option is for us to open the package and forward the letters and photographs, giving the rest of the content of the package to the missionaries that are here.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE SENDING HAND WRITTEN LETTERS. Please write your missionary´s first and last name. Your missionary will provide you with his district and box number. Also, please DO NOT SEND ANYTHING BY FEDEX, DHL, UPS, or other private carriers. The cost to get this type of correspondence is exorbitant.
Dear Parents,
We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time. We promise to take good care of your missionary.
They now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study. The branch presidents and their wives, will soon give them a second greeting. These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.
The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife. We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.
Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.
Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”
Please accept our love,
President Donald L Clark and Sister Zaza Clark
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION . . .
DO NOT SEND PACKAGES to the Brazil Missionary Training Center. All packages must be sent directly to the mission where your missionary will be serving not the MTC. If you have already mailed a package to the Brazil MTC and it arrives after your missionary has left for the field, please understand that the package cannot be forwarded to his or her mission and will be returned to you. The only other option is for us to open the package and forward the letters and photographs, giving the rest of the content of the package to the missionaries that are here.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE SENDING HAND WRITTEN LETTERS. Please write your missionary´s first and last name. Your missionary will provide you with his district and box number. Also, please DO NOT SEND ANYTHING BY FEDEX, DHL, UPS, or other private carriers. The cost to get this type of correspondence is exorbitant.
Friday, April 15, 2011
This has been a great week but also a little crazy. On Saturday my companion Elder Peterson went home to get surgery on his knee, and on Tuesday 5 Elders in our district went to the Brazil MTC leaving just four Elders this week, Elder Dimond my new companion, Elder Buchanan, Elder Clay and myself Elder Sands. Also on Tuesday night we had the great blessing of hearing from Elder Rasband. He talked about the great gift of the Holy Ghost and how to always have it with you. I learned that when we listen, and then do what the spirit directs then we will be lead to who the Lord has prepared, and that he can count on me to fulfill this great responsibility.
Then on Thursday we got our visas. 3 of us anyways, poor Elder Dimond is still waiting for his visa and is the only one left in our district. We are praying he will get his soon. I will be leaving to Sao Paulo on Tuesday the 19. I will try and call you at 7-7:30 Texas time.
Today, Friday I had the wonderful blessing to go to the Provo Temple, what a wonderful experience, and it is much bigger than the Spokane temple, I almost got lost in it if it weren’t for my companion steering me in the right direction. We even saw our teacher Irmao Canan on his day off in the temple, that was really exciting.
The Provo MTC has taught me many things, patience, charity for everyone, kindness, studying by the spirit, and trusting the Lord to help me out.
Also during our last TRC, when we taught, the lesson was everywhere by we knew we were being directed by the spirit, and that let us know we are doing the right thing.
This is the true gospel of Jesus Cristo and was restored on the earth again by Joseph Smith the prophet, the Book of Mormon is the word of God and I invite all who read this to read it and pray to know if it is true, if you do not have a copy two missionaries will be happy to take one to you. Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet on the earth today. And Jesus Christ is my savior and the savior of all mankind and we need to follow his example and have faith in him, repent of our sins, be baptized with one who has the authority, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and heed it's promptings, and endure to the end.
I will next write from the Brazil MTC!
Love,
Elder Sands
Then on Thursday we got our visas. 3 of us anyways, poor Elder Dimond is still waiting for his visa and is the only one left in our district. We are praying he will get his soon. I will be leaving to Sao Paulo on Tuesday the 19. I will try and call you at 7-7:30 Texas time.
Today, Friday I had the wonderful blessing to go to the Provo Temple, what a wonderful experience, and it is much bigger than the Spokane temple, I almost got lost in it if it weren’t for my companion steering me in the right direction. We even saw our teacher Irmao Canan on his day off in the temple, that was really exciting.
The Provo MTC has taught me many things, patience, charity for everyone, kindness, studying by the spirit, and trusting the Lord to help me out.
Also during our last TRC, when we taught, the lesson was everywhere by we knew we were being directed by the spirit, and that let us know we are doing the right thing.
This is the true gospel of Jesus Cristo and was restored on the earth again by Joseph Smith the prophet, the Book of Mormon is the word of God and I invite all who read this to read it and pray to know if it is true, if you do not have a copy two missionaries will be happy to take one to you. Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet on the earth today. And Jesus Christ is my savior and the savior of all mankind and we need to follow his example and have faith in him, repent of our sins, be baptized with one who has the authority, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and heed it's promptings, and endure to the end.
I will next write from the Brazil MTC!
Love,
Elder Sands
Friday, April 8, 2011
It is Elder Sands, sorry you haven't heard from me in a little while, but because of General Conference we did not get a P-day last week. This past week and a half has been wonderful. I got here and really couldn't believe I am here at the Missionary training center. I meet my district and almost all of them are going to Campinas. The days are made with studying, class time, and more studying, which isn't so bad because you have the spirit of learning that is very hard to get with all of the distractions in the outside world.
The language is going great, the first day our teacher Irmao (brother) Slater only spoke in Portuguese, it was difficult at first, but because we have been trying our best to speak the language all the time the lord is blessing us for our efforts with the gift of tongues. General Conference was wonderful, I loved Sister Stevans talk about how we need to be more like children found in Mosiah 3:19, I made it a goal to be more humble, patient, full of love, and willing to submit my will to the lords.
My companion Elder Peterson is wonderful, he is an elder with few words, but I am learning mountains from him, it humility, brotherly love, and patience. I need to tell you what is going on with us. He has been recovering from an ACL tear for 4 mouths and unfortunately he re torn it on the second day hear. After spending hours in the doctor’s office he has torn his ACL, MCL and his meniscus. He is leaving tomorrow to get surgery on it, and hopefully in 3 mouths he will be here again. I am very sad but will pull through.
Five elders in my district have their visas but not me and they leave Tuesday. I will be praying for it and hope it will come soon. I have been able to talk with Elder Lee a bit and he also got his visa and is leaving Tuesday. So I will have to see what will happen.
I am learning much and doing much; on our first TRC contacting in Portuguese it was rough the first time but got better by the third time. And we taught with the spirit and testified of the truthfulness of this gospel and we looked into their eyes and watched how the spirit was working on them, even though they were just volunteers.
It is great to hear from you and thank you for the letters, for right now just dear elder me because we only have 30 minutes and it is not that much time.
Thank you much I love you and will be out here for two years in service to the Lord.
Love,
Elder Sands
The language is going great, the first day our teacher Irmao (brother) Slater only spoke in Portuguese, it was difficult at first, but because we have been trying our best to speak the language all the time the lord is blessing us for our efforts with the gift of tongues. General Conference was wonderful, I loved Sister Stevans talk about how we need to be more like children found in Mosiah 3:19, I made it a goal to be more humble, patient, full of love, and willing to submit my will to the lords.
My companion Elder Peterson is wonderful, he is an elder with few words, but I am learning mountains from him, it humility, brotherly love, and patience. I need to tell you what is going on with us. He has been recovering from an ACL tear for 4 mouths and unfortunately he re torn it on the second day hear. After spending hours in the doctor’s office he has torn his ACL, MCL and his meniscus. He is leaving tomorrow to get surgery on it, and hopefully in 3 mouths he will be here again. I am very sad but will pull through.
Five elders in my district have their visas but not me and they leave Tuesday. I will be praying for it and hope it will come soon. I have been able to talk with Elder Lee a bit and he also got his visa and is leaving Tuesday. So I will have to see what will happen.
I am learning much and doing much; on our first TRC contacting in Portuguese it was rough the first time but got better by the third time. And we taught with the spirit and testified of the truthfulness of this gospel and we looked into their eyes and watched how the spirit was working on them, even though they were just volunteers.
It is great to hear from you and thank you for the letters, for right now just dear elder me because we only have 30 minutes and it is not that much time.
Thank you much I love you and will be out here for two years in service to the Lord.
Love,
Elder Sands
Monday, February 28, 2011
This week wasn’t very exciting, we were all sick!
This week I go to Bahía Blanca and then we have interviews too. But even though we don’t have much time this week we have some amazing investigators!
Have a great week, Chao
Elder Sands
This week I go to Bahía Blanca and then we have interviews too. But even though we don’t have much time this week we have some amazing investigators!
Have a great week, Chao
Elder Sands
Monday, February 14, 2011
I didn’t send a good recording but I wasn’t feeling well today. I’ve been fighting my health.
It would seem that we we’re able to move out finally.
So we’re going to have two baptisms this week. Two ladies are ready and so we’re going to go on with it.
I have to go, have a great week.
Elder Sands
It would seem that we we’re able to move out finally.
So we’re going to have two baptisms this week. Two ladies are ready and so we’re going to go on with it.
I have to go, have a great week.
Elder Sands
Monday, February 7, 2011
Well still we’re very complicated with the house it’s such a pain! I’m can’t stand missionaries that break EVERYTHING!
I did get transferred but only to the other side of the area so I lose all of my investigators but I get all of the investigators of the other Elders that live with us. I’m now with Elder Palma from Lima Peru.
So I don’t really have much time at the President sent a huge letter so I ran out of time but I love you all and have a great week! chau!
Elder Sands
I did get transferred but only to the other side of the area so I lose all of my investigators but I get all of the investigators of the other Elders that live with us. I’m now with Elder Palma from Lima Peru.
So I don’t really have much time at the President sent a huge letter so I ran out of time but I love you all and have a great week! chau!
Elder Sands
Monday, January 31, 2011
This week was awesome and yet still really messed up. First the messed up part. We still aren’t out of this apartment and it is just a black hole when it comes to time. Thankfully we had more time than last week but still we lost a lot of hours to the house problems. We still have a lot to do but we should be moving Wednesday if all goes according to plan.
So as for the awesome part Marisa got Baptized! She’s so amazing and very humble and sensitive to the spirit. She said that when we put our hands on her head she felt like a fire! The spirit is sometimes something instant in terms of the way that we feel it.
So now we have some more investigators that are progressing. We have this Catholic lady Marta that is way prepared but her husband has dementia so it makes it a little difficult for her to come to things, but she was really impressed with how one member acted in the hospital as a volunteer and she was so impacted that she let us in and wanted to know what was it about that woman that made her that way. She loved the restauración as we shared it with her. She later told us about how she was having a terrible time after we had been by and she knew that it was Satan that didn’t want her to accept this!
There’s also another kid named Damian that we may be able to baptize this week because he’s been going for a year and a half and he never got baptized but now that he’s moved from Buenos Aires to here, it seems as though he wants to get baptized. We’ll find out soon on that!
The Lord is very merciful!
Have a great week, I love you all!
Elder Sands
So as for the awesome part Marisa got Baptized! She’s so amazing and very humble and sensitive to the spirit. She said that when we put our hands on her head she felt like a fire! The spirit is sometimes something instant in terms of the way that we feel it.
So now we have some more investigators that are progressing. We have this Catholic lady Marta that is way prepared but her husband has dementia so it makes it a little difficult for her to come to things, but she was really impressed with how one member acted in the hospital as a volunteer and she was so impacted that she let us in and wanted to know what was it about that woman that made her that way. She loved the restauración as we shared it with her. She later told us about how she was having a terrible time after we had been by and she knew that it was Satan that didn’t want her to accept this!
There’s also another kid named Damian that we may be able to baptize this week because he’s been going for a year and a half and he never got baptized but now that he’s moved from Buenos Aires to here, it seems as though he wants to get baptized. We’ll find out soon on that!
The Lord is very merciful!
Have a great week, I love you all!
Elder Sands
Monday, January 17, 2011
Not much that happened this week as my comp and I we’re both sick on and off. We found out that something got in the water on this side of the city and has been affecting a ton of people, but we’re starting to get over it.
Officially we started to fix the house. Today was crazy. I had to pack up again and we’re playing musical chairs with the rooms in the house. Hopefully it’ll be done soon, it’s really a huge problem because it all takes so much time. We do at least have some options for a house! We still have to do a little bit of investigating in that so we’ll keep praying.
As for investigators, we do have the one lady that I talked about. She went to church yesterday with her family! She’s so ready to get baptized!
Thanks for everything have a great week! Chau
Elder Sands
Officially we started to fix the house. Today was crazy. I had to pack up again and we’re playing musical chairs with the rooms in the house. Hopefully it’ll be done soon, it’s really a huge problem because it all takes so much time. We do at least have some options for a house! We still have to do a little bit of investigating in that so we’ll keep praying.
As for investigators, we do have the one lady that I talked about. She went to church yesterday with her family! She’s so ready to get baptized!
Thanks for everything have a great week! Chau
Elder Sands
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