I am sorry it is taking so long to get the picture, it is a little difficult to find a spot with a nice background that you will like, and my old companion was tired of taking pictures, but I will take a picture here in a praça (park or square) that has very beautiful gardens. But I don´t know if I can send it while I am here because my companion told me the computers don´t work with the cameras. You can tell people I am on my mission really and steer them to the Blog
Well we have had a few changes in the mission, we have a new mission President, Presidente Pizzirani, President Tanner was not realized but had to go back to the US to have surgery on his leg, and He was hoping to be back by December or January. It is interesting the different between Brazilians and American Presidents. Brazilians are more prone to rules, whereas Americans and Especially President Tanner is a lot more calm leaving it up to the missionaries to choose to be obedient and only the rules that anything that will damage our ability to receive the spirit, the reputation of the Church and as a missionary in Missão Brasil Campinas we should not do.
Other things about the mission and Brazil; we receive an allowance like every other mission every 15 days of 90 reais (60-70 dollars) but in some places more expensive 100 reais to 150 reais. Here in São Manuel we get 100 R$, but most of our money goes to transportation on buses. The buses aren’t too expensive, but when you have to travel a lot for meetings and interview it quickly adds up. We get some money for food, but mostly from money members give us to eat.
The food here is wonderful, we do eat rice and beans every time we eat with members, but with other foods too, chicken is very popular because it is cheap, but also beef is really good too. We also drink a lot of soda; I love orange Fanta and Guarana, muito bom. And dad we eat a lot of Ice cream too, it is the same thing in the US and very cheap to.
This is just a little about the mission in Missão Brasil Campinas for you.
I will do my best to take the picture for the plaque soon
Tchau tchau
Elder Sands
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I am so excited for Levi and Julie and for the whole family, and those pictures are so wonderful, even the picture Levi kissed Julie. I am so glad that everyone could make it. Don’t worry about me I can feel a little of the love, spirit, and excitement that occurred; way to go.
Well I have been transferred again and I am about 4 and a half hours away from Campinas, in a small town São Manuel. My new companion is Elder Coelho da Silva, a brasierio, who is a great missionary. The trip over wasn’t as long as your but 4 hours wasn’t that bad, we slept in the house of the Zone leaders last night to catch the bus to São Manuel at 9a.m. This town is pretty old and old in the mission, right now there is branch here and the capela (chapel) is a house, but we well change that pretty soon.
Thank you for the confidence in me, I am always learning to be patient with the process of becoming the best missionary I can be. I have been thinking lately, I haven’t had as much success and other missionary in the field in terms of baptisms. This is a baptizing mission and there are people who really want to be baptised, but were to find them. It is normal to baptize 3, 4, 5 in a week and more in a mouth, but me only two. But these are two, I started really pondering over this, and the scripture in Doctrine and Convents 18 came to mind. “if you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto the children of men and bring just one soul how great should be your Joy, How great shall be your Joy if you can bring many souls unto God” How great shall be my joy with two souls children of heavenly father that are on their way to return to his presence, and After this how much desire I had to really find those people that are ready to receive the gospel, and too to really rely and have trust in the spirit. The thing I have been think has been a little lacking is using the spirit in finding, we have found some elect and it is possible, but now the trick is to develop this.
Thank you much for the pictures and the love, tchau tchau
Elder Sands
Well I have been transferred again and I am about 4 and a half hours away from Campinas, in a small town São Manuel. My new companion is Elder Coelho da Silva, a brasierio, who is a great missionary. The trip over wasn’t as long as your but 4 hours wasn’t that bad, we slept in the house of the Zone leaders last night to catch the bus to São Manuel at 9a.m. This town is pretty old and old in the mission, right now there is branch here and the capela (chapel) is a house, but we well change that pretty soon.
Thank you for the confidence in me, I am always learning to be patient with the process of becoming the best missionary I can be. I have been thinking lately, I haven’t had as much success and other missionary in the field in terms of baptisms. This is a baptizing mission and there are people who really want to be baptised, but were to find them. It is normal to baptize 3, 4, 5 in a week and more in a mouth, but me only two. But these are two, I started really pondering over this, and the scripture in Doctrine and Convents 18 came to mind. “if you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto the children of men and bring just one soul how great should be your Joy, How great shall be your Joy if you can bring many souls unto God” How great shall be my joy with two souls children of heavenly father that are on their way to return to his presence, and After this how much desire I had to really find those people that are ready to receive the gospel, and too to really rely and have trust in the spirit. The thing I have been think has been a little lacking is using the spirit in finding, we have found some elect and it is possible, but now the trick is to develop this.
Thank you much for the pictures and the love, tchau tchau
Elder Sands
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
That you for the letter Julie, and Parabens for your casamento por eternidade (marriage for eternity). Welcome to the family again, and I would love to see some picture of your reception and other events.
This is the last week of my second transfer here in Missão Brasil Campinas, time is never enough to get things done sometimes. Oh and I have exciting news, we are preparing two teenagers for baptism this Sunday and they are different than any other investigators we have had, they expect everything, read all that we have them read and when we asked them about baptism they were sincerely excited for their baptisms.
The process I am going through to become a true missionary is coming along, line upon line, lesson upon lesson, conversation upon conversation. Being like Ammon I have learned does not happen overnight but a process, a process that if build upon principles of the gospel and diligence we will become a powerful, successful, Christlike servant of the lord. But and the same time you can be successful day one, when you have the desire, goals, consistently grow and learn, practice, learn from mistakes and struggles, let the Lord mold you into the instrument he want and needs you to be, align your will with his, and work diligently, we are successful.
My Portuguese is becoming better every day, and as I look back at the beginning of this transfer I have progressed a lot. The funny thing is English I harder for me to speak than Portuguese. I say phrases and pronounce words for my Elder Martins my Brazilian companion, but a conversation is difficult. I have seen that as I have worked and only speaking in Portuguese the lord has blessed me with the gift of tongues and has taught me the lessons I needed to learn and still need to learn.
Até mais
Elder Sands
This is the last week of my second transfer here in Missão Brasil Campinas, time is never enough to get things done sometimes. Oh and I have exciting news, we are preparing two teenagers for baptism this Sunday and they are different than any other investigators we have had, they expect everything, read all that we have them read and when we asked them about baptism they were sincerely excited for their baptisms.
The process I am going through to become a true missionary is coming along, line upon line, lesson upon lesson, conversation upon conversation. Being like Ammon I have learned does not happen overnight but a process, a process that if build upon principles of the gospel and diligence we will become a powerful, successful, Christlike servant of the lord. But and the same time you can be successful day one, when you have the desire, goals, consistently grow and learn, practice, learn from mistakes and struggles, let the Lord mold you into the instrument he want and needs you to be, align your will with his, and work diligently, we are successful.
My Portuguese is becoming better every day, and as I look back at the beginning of this transfer I have progressed a lot. The funny thing is English I harder for me to speak than Portuguese. I say phrases and pronounce words for my Elder Martins my Brazilian companion, but a conversation is difficult. I have seen that as I have worked and only speaking in Portuguese the lord has blessed me with the gift of tongues and has taught me the lessons I needed to learn and still need to learn.
Até mais
Elder Sands
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
PARABENS MEU IRMÃO E CUNHADA AMADOS. It is so exciting to see (hear) the joy, love, challenges, success, of your engagement and marriage.
This week has been great! We had the baptism of Adriano and he is truly elect, he was prepare to reacive and live the gospel with are the people that really desire to be baptised. We found another elect family that came and watched Adriano be baptised, and they are learning, and living the gospel. We taught the word of Wisdom yesterday and even though they have some problems with café, fumo (smoking) they sincerely accepted to live this mandamento.
The Mission is exciting and what we do helps share the gospel. My companion is a little energetic and gets excited and works hard with that, and the people we teach feel this excitement and have desire to do but a little lack of the rules of the mission. This is the balance I am trying to find and Improve, to have that excitement, fun, and being friendly but also be 100% obedient, humble, kind, loving and powerful when teaching. The best example of this is Joseph Smith, in the film “Joseph Smith, The prophet of the Restoration”, is perfect to explain this. He had the power and authority and power of a prophet but still played with the kids, had that fun with his fellow brothers, lived with that Christ like optimism and excitement, and joy of the gospel. Many missionaries are fun to be around, are excited, but have a distaste for the rules, and there are missionaries that are completely serious who work hard but don’t make those friendships and the atmospheres of trust that are so very important with working with the members and helping people be baptised. Many people only think you can be one or the other, but there is a balance that is necessary to find. Like all thing I am improving on this. Teaching with love power, conviction, and excitement is also so thing I am working on too.
But one thing that I am learning with Elder Martins is that rules are important and are here for a reason, Missionaries that don’t learn to not only do them, but love them they will not love to keep the commandments when they return home, all things, I am learning, has a time a place, but we have to find those times place and method to use them.
It is so wonderful and excited to see many people in the stake serve missions, this is the joy the gospel brings.
If anyone would like to write me and has a Washington Quarter to please send it with the letter. A brother here has many US Quarter and need this one to complete the collection.
Tchau, tchau
Elder Sands
This week has been great! We had the baptism of Adriano and he is truly elect, he was prepare to reacive and live the gospel with are the people that really desire to be baptised. We found another elect family that came and watched Adriano be baptised, and they are learning, and living the gospel. We taught the word of Wisdom yesterday and even though they have some problems with café, fumo (smoking) they sincerely accepted to live this mandamento.
The Mission is exciting and what we do helps share the gospel. My companion is a little energetic and gets excited and works hard with that, and the people we teach feel this excitement and have desire to do but a little lack of the rules of the mission. This is the balance I am trying to find and Improve, to have that excitement, fun, and being friendly but also be 100% obedient, humble, kind, loving and powerful when teaching. The best example of this is Joseph Smith, in the film “Joseph Smith, The prophet of the Restoration”, is perfect to explain this. He had the power and authority and power of a prophet but still played with the kids, had that fun with his fellow brothers, lived with that Christ like optimism and excitement, and joy of the gospel. Many missionaries are fun to be around, are excited, but have a distaste for the rules, and there are missionaries that are completely serious who work hard but don’t make those friendships and the atmospheres of trust that are so very important with working with the members and helping people be baptised. Many people only think you can be one or the other, but there is a balance that is necessary to find. Like all thing I am improving on this. Teaching with love power, conviction, and excitement is also so thing I am working on too.
But one thing that I am learning with Elder Martins is that rules are important and are here for a reason, Missionaries that don’t learn to not only do them, but love them they will not love to keep the commandments when they return home, all things, I am learning, has a time a place, but we have to find those times place and method to use them.
It is so wonderful and excited to see many people in the stake serve missions, this is the joy the gospel brings.
If anyone would like to write me and has a Washington Quarter to please send it with the letter. A brother here has many US Quarter and need this one to complete the collection.
Tchau, tchau
Elder Sands
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Oi Familia tudo bem? Como vocês estão.
I sound like you had a wonderful time I hope Acea, sometimes things aren’t perfect, but we can still find that joy and learn from things. Things are always good If we want them to be, happiness and joy is a choice we make not is circumstances we find ourselves in. for my I would much rather have that hope and fun rather than looking for things we don’t like.
The work is moving forward here in Itatiba. This city is the city of hills, and hills, and a small hill in the near distance, but one thing is my strength is increasing, and some times and the rate of my ability to speak Portuguese. I also have really exciting news, we are helping another wonderful brother enter the waters of baptism on Saturday night. It is exciting because he can now progress, sentir este felicidade and receber the holy ghost sempre (always). We have found people, taught people, brought people to church, but only those who are truly prepared and elect have the desire to know for themselves if these things are true and a desire to be baptised. We haven’t had a lot of baptisms but I know that these two people are firm and truly have a desire to live the gospel and that brings me much joy.
My Mission life in the first few months really is the ground I am building my mission off of, every day I truly realize that I don’t do things that great, I have many weaknesses, and I have my own challenges as well. With teaching, every time I teach I realize I can do better and need to do better, some time I feel like I haven’t learn anything. But the one thing that is hard is teaching in Portuguese and no one understands, they look at you funny and my companion then re-explains everything I just said. But I am grateful for this; to break me down so that I can be molded into the instrument the Lord can then thrash the wheat of the harvest. I learn and improve from these things; some Elders I see don’t learn from their weaknesses and never improve. I know in whom I can really trust, that he has strengthened me and continues to strengthen me and is slowly but surely making my weaknesses become strong.
One thing I have been really focusing on is teaching with much more excitement, power and effective ness with questions, scriptures and love to. One great example I learn from a lot is the gospel principles teaches in the Ward. She is Italian and shows that excitement that makes me feel like that we can baptize hundreds. This is what I am working on, and I can see how much I have improved in just a few months, this is exciting and oh if I can just show you these people and where they were and where they are going then people will realize how great this work is.
Até next week, tchau tchau
Elder Sands
I sound like you had a wonderful time I hope Acea, sometimes things aren’t perfect, but we can still find that joy and learn from things. Things are always good If we want them to be, happiness and joy is a choice we make not is circumstances we find ourselves in. for my I would much rather have that hope and fun rather than looking for things we don’t like.
The work is moving forward here in Itatiba. This city is the city of hills, and hills, and a small hill in the near distance, but one thing is my strength is increasing, and some times and the rate of my ability to speak Portuguese. I also have really exciting news, we are helping another wonderful brother enter the waters of baptism on Saturday night. It is exciting because he can now progress, sentir este felicidade and receber the holy ghost sempre (always). We have found people, taught people, brought people to church, but only those who are truly prepared and elect have the desire to know for themselves if these things are true and a desire to be baptised. We haven’t had a lot of baptisms but I know that these two people are firm and truly have a desire to live the gospel and that brings me much joy.
My Mission life in the first few months really is the ground I am building my mission off of, every day I truly realize that I don’t do things that great, I have many weaknesses, and I have my own challenges as well. With teaching, every time I teach I realize I can do better and need to do better, some time I feel like I haven’t learn anything. But the one thing that is hard is teaching in Portuguese and no one understands, they look at you funny and my companion then re-explains everything I just said. But I am grateful for this; to break me down so that I can be molded into the instrument the Lord can then thrash the wheat of the harvest. I learn and improve from these things; some Elders I see don’t learn from their weaknesses and never improve. I know in whom I can really trust, that he has strengthened me and continues to strengthen me and is slowly but surely making my weaknesses become strong.
One thing I have been really focusing on is teaching with much more excitement, power and effective ness with questions, scriptures and love to. One great example I learn from a lot is the gospel principles teaches in the Ward. She is Italian and shows that excitement that makes me feel like that we can baptize hundreds. This is what I am working on, and I can see how much I have improved in just a few months, this is exciting and oh if I can just show you these people and where they were and where they are going then people will realize how great this work is.
Até next week, tchau tchau
Elder Sands
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
That is going to be a wonderful youth conference that will change lives, when I went it was a little different with different challenges and joys and helped me become who I am today. It is wonderful to learn so much from these activities that like a mission jump start your progression as we learn, ponder, apply and continue to live.
I have been thinking a lot this last week about the mission, missionaries and thoughts that can be on missions, how is Nathan doing, is he preparing, is he excited and desirous to go, Can I get his address so I can write him, I would really appreciate that? Also how is Ben doing; preparing?
The mission is a wonderful place where miracles happen all the time, where you grow, learn, fail, and succeed. I have been thinking about desire a lot this past week, where my desires were, where I was lacking, what I was succeeding in. The mission is tough at times, when you walk all day, in the heat of the sun, don’t find people to teach that day, haven’t eaten in a while, your investigators are not progressing, what do you do next? When you get on your mission, that flame of excitement, energy, enthusiasm, willingness to do whatever it takes dies if you do not feed that fire. It is fed with effective study, the desire to work, the faith to find, the hope that your investigators will have that desire to progress and live the commandments. This mission is not about us, but is the work of Jesus Christ and He guides this work. As we do all that we can to help people change their lives, not to just to be another baptism for all to see that we are successful, but to help them fulfill their divine potential, you can see in them and how happy they can be. This needs to be your focus and purpose for working to keep that fire, excitement, and energy growing stronger even than when it began.
Just two more weeks and you Levi and Julie will be married in the temple; I am so happy for you and be sure to continue to send pictures. And Karýl you will have a birthday, but your still young and full of energy just like Dad.
This is my testimony of the mission Jesus Cristo é nosso Salvador e ele vai nos ajudar neste trabalho. Joseph Smith foi um profeta de Deus. Deus se preparar um jeto para comprir todos mandamentos e ordens, todos as coias são possível com O Senhor.
I have been thinking a lot this last week about the mission, missionaries and thoughts that can be on missions, how is Nathan doing, is he preparing, is he excited and desirous to go, Can I get his address so I can write him, I would really appreciate that? Also how is Ben doing; preparing?
The mission is a wonderful place where miracles happen all the time, where you grow, learn, fail, and succeed. I have been thinking about desire a lot this past week, where my desires were, where I was lacking, what I was succeeding in. The mission is tough at times, when you walk all day, in the heat of the sun, don’t find people to teach that day, haven’t eaten in a while, your investigators are not progressing, what do you do next? When you get on your mission, that flame of excitement, energy, enthusiasm, willingness to do whatever it takes dies if you do not feed that fire. It is fed with effective study, the desire to work, the faith to find, the hope that your investigators will have that desire to progress and live the commandments. This mission is not about us, but is the work of Jesus Christ and He guides this work. As we do all that we can to help people change their lives, not to just to be another baptism for all to see that we are successful, but to help them fulfill their divine potential, you can see in them and how happy they can be. This needs to be your focus and purpose for working to keep that fire, excitement, and energy growing stronger even than when it began.
Just two more weeks and you Levi and Julie will be married in the temple; I am so happy for you and be sure to continue to send pictures. And Karýl you will have a birthday, but your still young and full of energy just like Dad.
This is my testimony of the mission Jesus Cristo é nosso Salvador e ele vai nos ajudar neste trabalho. Joseph Smith foi um profeta de Deus. Deus se preparar um jeto para comprir todos mandamentos e ordens, todos as coias são possível com O Senhor.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
I don’t have much time, but this past week has been a little crazy with transfers. Right now I am in a new area in Itatiba about 40 south of Campinas. At 10:30pm on Thursday Elder Facer and I got a phone call from our Zone Leaders and they told me that I was being transferred in an emergency transfer the next day. When the call comes we go and do in faith. Don’t worry nothing bad happened but I guess the President is preparing to close Sousas due to lack of missionaries and the work in that area is really weak and needs a period of preparation.
My new companion is Elder Martins a Brazilian who was also trained be my trainer Elder Bennett. He is a little lacks on the rules but gets excited and works well with people.
I will tell you what has occurred in the mission, which is sad and dishearten. Recently, missionaries have been leaving the mission field because they simply do not want to be here. This happen to a great dear friend of mine who just gave up. It is sad because they had so much potential to do good, even being an example to me before the mission field, but now, did not keep his focus on the mission, on helping other people and serving the Lord. And one other thing, on my mission I have witnessed this; it is far easier to serve a mission, find people, teach and baptize, but far harder to be a missionary, which happens by simply following the little rules, becoming like Christ a little at a time. This helps us so much on the mission, and after the mission for the rest of our lives. Those that don’t really live the gospel after the mission didn’t really become a missionary on their mission.
I well send more next week; I love all of you
Tchau, Tchau
My new companion is Elder Martins a Brazilian who was also trained be my trainer Elder Bennett. He is a little lacks on the rules but gets excited and works well with people.
I will tell you what has occurred in the mission, which is sad and dishearten. Recently, missionaries have been leaving the mission field because they simply do not want to be here. This happen to a great dear friend of mine who just gave up. It is sad because they had so much potential to do good, even being an example to me before the mission field, but now, did not keep his focus on the mission, on helping other people and serving the Lord. And one other thing, on my mission I have witnessed this; it is far easier to serve a mission, find people, teach and baptize, but far harder to be a missionary, which happens by simply following the little rules, becoming like Christ a little at a time. This helps us so much on the mission, and after the mission for the rest of our lives. Those that don’t really live the gospel after the mission didn’t really become a missionary on their mission.
I well send more next week; I love all of you
Tchau, Tchau
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Well transfers came and Elder Bennett and I were on the edge of are seats. The call came and Elder Bennett is to remain in Matão and train a new missionary and I am transferred. We were both surprised but when the call comes, we do in faith. I had no clue who my companion was to be or which area but I packed my bags and went to Campinas to be transferred. Transfers happen yesterday and my new companion is Elder Facer and he has been in the field for 1 year and 8 months, and has just two transfers left. My new area is on Sousas Campinas which is really neat because we are in the same area as the temple and is just 15 min away on foot. Elder Facer is a great companion and reminds me little bit of Jeffery Winkfield. Sousas is a little different area and has its own difficulty and challenges. In Matão we were averaging about 40 lessons a week 15-20 with a member, 10 investigators at church per week, etc. Here the atmosphere is different the people are not as willing to hear the gospel, only a few go to church right now, but we lift were we stand. I know that there are people out there that are ready to hear the gospel; we just have to have the faith to find them.
In just 6 week I have learned alot about using every resource that you can use, and members are essential. gaining confidence and helping them have the vision that this are can and will be growing and many people entering the waters of baptism and remain active. There is the feeling of hopelessness in the air but there is always hope to find, teach , baptize and grow. the problem is some times 6 weeks is not very much time to get the job done, but we work are very hardest. As a missionary we can direct affect our success first with contacts, 210 a week, and with this we will find people to teach, finding people that will go to church and be baptized and we show the lord we are willing to do all that we can do.
So far my Portuguese is getting a lot better, when you only speak Portuguese you learn very fast, But at times people don´t understand me, but you can never give up and continue making mistakes and learning from them. I can teach all lesson with commandments,simply, and that is the goal to teach people simply so they understand and do. But teaching is different in the mission, we give the first lesson in 20-30 mins, second visit follow up, we then by then know there needs so far and ether focus on commandments or the other lesson. the real success come from them reading and praying to receive an answer and live all commandments and going to church.
my stuff is holding up and working great, and I feel that I brought all the thing I needed to bring here. I have not given any talks in church yet, I know that will change soon.
The only thing I ask is to send a real copy of Levi's and Julie's wedding announcement in the mail, it only takes 3 stamps, por favor.
I will send the picture next week.
tchau, tchau
In just 6 week I have learned alot about using every resource that you can use, and members are essential. gaining confidence and helping them have the vision that this are can and will be growing and many people entering the waters of baptism and remain active. There is the feeling of hopelessness in the air but there is always hope to find, teach , baptize and grow. the problem is some times 6 weeks is not very much time to get the job done, but we work are very hardest. As a missionary we can direct affect our success first with contacts, 210 a week, and with this we will find people to teach, finding people that will go to church and be baptized and we show the lord we are willing to do all that we can do.
So far my Portuguese is getting a lot better, when you only speak Portuguese you learn very fast, But at times people don´t understand me, but you can never give up and continue making mistakes and learning from them. I can teach all lesson with commandments,simply, and that is the goal to teach people simply so they understand and do. But teaching is different in the mission, we give the first lesson in 20-30 mins, second visit follow up, we then by then know there needs so far and ether focus on commandments or the other lesson. the real success come from them reading and praying to receive an answer and live all commandments and going to church.
my stuff is holding up and working great, and I feel that I brought all the thing I needed to bring here. I have not given any talks in church yet, I know that will change soon.
The only thing I ask is to send a real copy of Levi's and Julie's wedding announcement in the mail, it only takes 3 stamps, por favor.
I will send the picture next week.
tchau, tchau
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
This past week has been filled with wonderful things. We are teaching a wonderful couple who are elato (elect) they really feel the need to change to live the gospel and to read the Book of Mormon and to pray to see if it is true. We had a wonderful noite familiar (family home Evening with them, Maria and Edvaldo, they made wonderful friends with a family in the Ala (ward) and were spiritually uplifted. We are planning their baptisms for this Sunday, We just need to follow up and give them and Interview. Sometimes it is hard to find people home and to stop by and follow up with people every day, but as long as we try are hardest to do, improve, to find and teach, obey the commandments and All missionary rules, We are and will be successful missionaries.
This past Friday we had a multi-Zone Conference in Campinas, with Elder Godoy, one of the Area Seventy in Brazil. I learned a lot of things of what I could understand; we are here in Brazil on our missions to save souls by finding teaching effectively, and baptizing them. This is no easy take at times and we practiced how to invite people to commit to do something more effectively. We are to Invite them to make and keep a commitment (read and pray about the Book of Mormon, Go to Church) teach them the Doctrine, testify, promise blessing and follow up. We are here to build the Kingdom in our areas and wars with priesthood, tithing, etc. and we are here to save our own souls to progress, keep all commandments, and grow and to keep growing and progressing when we get back from our missions.
Have a great week, Tchau tchau.
Elder Sands
This past Friday we had a multi-Zone Conference in Campinas, with Elder Godoy, one of the Area Seventy in Brazil. I learned a lot of things of what I could understand; we are here in Brazil on our missions to save souls by finding teaching effectively, and baptizing them. This is no easy take at times and we practiced how to invite people to commit to do something more effectively. We are to Invite them to make and keep a commitment (read and pray about the Book of Mormon, Go to Church) teach them the Doctrine, testify, promise blessing and follow up. We are here to build the Kingdom in our areas and wars with priesthood, tithing, etc. and we are here to save our own souls to progress, keep all commandments, and grow and to keep growing and progressing when we get back from our missions.
Have a great week, Tchau tchau.
Elder Sands
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
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
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.
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