QUESTIONS:
1. Did you see the dentist…did you get your teeth cleaned? Any cavities?
Well I did go to the dentist, just to get an x-ray to see what was going on, because I knew that it's not a problem in the teeth but in the jaw. But the dentist just wanted to look at the x-rays. But this week she told me I have to go to Southern part of Sao Paulo to see a jaw specialist. She already has an appointment, but things are well. It's been hurting for about 4 months, but the pain is going away little by little. I think it's just because my body is slowing getting accustomed to it. But I still can't move my jaw in some parts. But I think this week I'll get an update on what I have to do. But I don't think its too serious. I can work and what not. It's not impeding on the work, haha just lunch. So it's all good.
2. Things getting any closer for Jailton on getting married?
He is still waiting for his papers. So we are on hold with him, but it's all good.
3. Are you teaching another one of his daughters? The rebellious one? What is her name?
We are teaching one of his daughters Danile (dan-E-L-E) haha but yes she is the rebel. She doesn't want to obey the law of chastity. She was asking why and wanted details. So finally we just cranked a scripture to keep her quiet and to answer the question really direct. In John, "If you love me keep my commandments..." haha and we just told her this was a commandment. She was pretty quiet after that, but she is really difficult to get a hold of.
4. Are you teaching anyone else?
Yeah but nothing is too serious yet. We taught Michelle a long time ago and we got a phone call that she wants to be baptized. And so, this week we are planning to baptize her. I guess the other Elders have taught her for a long time.
5. How is the family you reactivated the dentist? What are their names?
We reactivated the family. It's the family of Vicente. Haha but the daughter was already active, there are just a ton of problems in that family. They have a ton of money, but have other problems. The house is empty, no spirit, so it seems.
6. So is the weather getting cooler? I see that it is raining more, how are you able to hang your clothes to dry then?
Haha yeah its getting cooler, I've already lost my tan. Dang it! But yes we are able to hang up our clothes and what not.
7. Did you get a washing machine?
Not yet. haha
8. How are your English and Spanish classes you are teaching coming along?
Haha we stopped them. We only have a few members going and so we just stopped because we wanted to use our time a little bit better.
9. Are there golf courses out there?
Haha yes there are. It's pretty sweet! There is the Interlagos raceway. I did pass by this week. I got a little peek at the GT3 Porsche race. I got some pictures. Dad would have gone nuts. I'll be sure to send photos, but this lan house doesn't have a USB port.
10 .So people who are in the wealthy areas, what kind of cars do they drive? What do they do for work?
Usually the people who are rich have Fiat´s or Peugeot. BUT the Honda and Japanese cars are WAY expensive out here. Oh by the way, I did see a Nissan GTR in action on the road. I couldn't believe it when I passed. It was whipping by so fast. Everyone here loves cars and motorcycles, so it's awesome to talk and break the ice here. I have to admit, this area is pretty boss. I get to talk about cars bikes and the gospel all day everyday. Cars and bikes to break the ice and what not, or soccer. I have to admit its pretty sweet and I'm loving life :)
So as for this week. I did win a France jersey this week. (A replica, which is about 80 reais). But I did a scratch and win and what do you know I won! My companion couldn't believe it and the guy at the stand as well. Haha it was pretty great. Also, this week I plan on buying a green lazer. Yes, the ones like the military use. They go for MILES! For only 30 reais! I'm pretty stoked, since you cant buy them in the states. I'm pretty stoked. The area is progressing super well! What else, I am just loving life. I just hope everything will work out for my jaw. I'm a little worried about it.
But I did get your package this week! Thanks MOM ! :) I loved it! Also, I have a favor, you don't have to buy it now. But my companion has been so awesome! And we have been working our butts off...he is going to give me his Argentina jersey. It's original. So I have a little favor. If you could get a Real Salt Lake or Portland Timbers jersey and send it, he would freak out! Elder Beron is legit! He is thinking about going to BYUI with me. He has already gone to the states but, anyways, he is legit and I thought he deserves something.
Anyways, sounds like things are well with Alex. Alex, tell profe that I'm learning Spanish and tell her I plan on coming back to talk to her in Portuguese. I want to tell her about my experience here is Brazil as well as the other teachers. OZ, Link and what not. I think they would love it. But anyways sounds like things are going great. It's crazy to hear about the tree and the storm! NUTS!
Anyways, I love you all and wish you a fantastic week!
Com Amor, Elder Firl
Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Reactivated 2 families!
Looks like you were having computer problems mom...I only got part of your email.
Anyways, I'll give you the update really quickly! Sounds like things went excellent with Josh Vaughan's farewell talk! Sounds like an unforgettable experience! He is going to love the mission. He will learn so much! Nice to hear about Chris Vaughan's mission!
But as for this week...
Things went pretty well! We reactivated 2 families this week! One super rich family and another. This other family is so awesome! The dad was beating the wife and we explained about the Atonement and he said he will go back to church because we was embarrassed. SO that was an awesome experience. And this super rich family was kinda weird. We got a call to visit them and so we passed by and what not. We talked joked around shared a thought and they went to church. And now we have a ton of references that we should be receiving soon in the RICH neighborhood. HECK YEAH! We finally got a way to get into those filthy rich homes. Haha talk about a blessing.
But anyways, she also got me hook ups to go see a dentist. Because my jaw is hurting. The same side at the Ridgefield game. Remember when that happened? Yeah, its the same side and it hurts to chew meat and bread. And I can't open my jaw all the way. So she said she is going to have a specialist look at it take x-rays and what not, for free!!! She is a dentist. So anyways, don't worry. I'll be sure to give you an update. I didn't want to say anything until I got an appointment.
But things are going so well mom! :) Oh if you haven't sent a package I would like to have Listerine as well and a few good pens and deodorant.
But anyways mom I love you mom and thanks for all the support :)
Questions:
1. How are things coming with Jailton?
Things are going great! He just needs to get his papers and he will get married! We are working with the rebellious daughter. She went to church! He has 3 daughters. We baptized the 2nd oldest, but the rebel is the oldest. So this is progress :)
2. Did you get a washing machine?
not yet....
3. How much does a bus ride cost?
It's about 3 reais. Haha it's so expensive! It sucks!
4. Do the kids play soccer on turf fields or dirt and grass? Are there turf soccer fields there?
Usually they will just play on anything. In Embu das Artes, they always played on dirt. But here they have a lot of grass and turf. The turf field is super nice here! HOLY SMOKES!
Com Amor,
Elder Firl
Anyways, I'll give you the update really quickly! Sounds like things went excellent with Josh Vaughan's farewell talk! Sounds like an unforgettable experience! He is going to love the mission. He will learn so much! Nice to hear about Chris Vaughan's mission!
But as for this week...
Things went pretty well! We reactivated 2 families this week! One super rich family and another. This other family is so awesome! The dad was beating the wife and we explained about the Atonement and he said he will go back to church because we was embarrassed. SO that was an awesome experience. And this super rich family was kinda weird. We got a call to visit them and so we passed by and what not. We talked joked around shared a thought and they went to church. And now we have a ton of references that we should be receiving soon in the RICH neighborhood. HECK YEAH! We finally got a way to get into those filthy rich homes. Haha talk about a blessing.
But anyways, she also got me hook ups to go see a dentist. Because my jaw is hurting. The same side at the Ridgefield game. Remember when that happened? Yeah, its the same side and it hurts to chew meat and bread. And I can't open my jaw all the way. So she said she is going to have a specialist look at it take x-rays and what not, for free!!! She is a dentist. So anyways, don't worry. I'll be sure to give you an update. I didn't want to say anything until I got an appointment.
But things are going so well mom! :) Oh if you haven't sent a package I would like to have Listerine as well and a few good pens and deodorant.
But anyways mom I love you mom and thanks for all the support :)
Questions:
1. How are things coming with Jailton?
Things are going great! He just needs to get his papers and he will get married! We are working with the rebellious daughter. She went to church! He has 3 daughters. We baptized the 2nd oldest, but the rebel is the oldest. So this is progress :)
2. Did you get a washing machine?
not yet....
3. How much does a bus ride cost?
It's about 3 reais. Haha it's so expensive! It sucks!
4. Do the kids play soccer on turf fields or dirt and grass? Are there turf soccer fields there?
Usually they will just play on anything. In Embu das Artes, they always played on dirt. But here they have a lot of grass and turf. The turf field is super nice here! HOLY SMOKES!
Com Amor,
Elder Firl
Monday, May 14, 2012
Loved Mother's Day!...time is going quick
Oh man I loved Mothers Day! It was so awesome! I loved seeing everyone and talking! It was the best Mothers Day! I miss you all so much! The time is going by so quick! And well, I know that Christmas is going to arrive so quickly, and then bam! Mothers Day again and one month till I come home. It passes quick. But anyways, I want to thank you all for being there. I'm so glad you loved the present. Give the credit to Ma Woods! It was her idea and she put it together. I just sent the pictures. But I love you all! And hope you have a fantastic week! :)
1. Do you meet with your ward mission leader a lot in your new ward?
Well our Mission Ward Leader has been inactive, we have no idea why, but we are going to try to activate him. We have been trying to get his address, but he won't tell us and nobody knows where he lives. So that makes it a little complicated.
2. What is the name of your new ward?
The Interlagos Ward.
3. How much does pizza cost there?
Well it depends. But with chocolate stuffed crust it's about 23 reais ($11.72 US currency). But it just depends on the place.
4. How much do you get each month to spend?
It's about 300 a month ($152 US currency). But, we spend so much money on the bus fees. Haha its crazy.
5. Do you put the whole program together for the baptism?
Yes, we put everything together. The baptisms are way different here. They aren't NEARLY as well put here as it is there. Haha you have no idea. But it's still awesome.
6. How long has Elder Beron been in this area?
Well... we opened the area. But he has been in and out of here for about 2 months. He doesn't really know the area really well. But enough to get around. haha...
Natalia is asking these questions below as she is teaching a lesson in Relief Society and wanted to know from you…
7. How have the scriptures helped you? Before or during your mission?
Before the mission I didn't really read a lot. I read, but at the same time I didn't read. The importance of STUDYING is SO important. And then reflecting what is actually going on. How you can apply it in your life. I have learned this on the mission and the difference is huge. You gain knowledge about life and you gain happiness in your life. The peace you can get out of the scriptures is incredible. Also, with so much confusion among other people about religion. With people attacking our religion everyday, the scriptures are a huge tool to defend our faith. The Book Of Mormon is the most correct book on the face of the earth. Don't be afraid to use it. When people bash on us I give the same response. Why do you say that our religion is false? or the Book Of Mormon is not right. Usually they will express what they feel or what they have heard. But share your testimony, that you KNOW it's true because you have received an answer from God. And if they want, they can find out for themselves that it's true. They just have to read, pray and go to church and have an open heart. But they can't say that your answer is wrong because you got an answer from God. This is the power of the scriptures.
8. What do you teach the investigators about the scriptures?
Normally we ask what they know about the scriptures. Then ask if they read the Bible and what they know about it. Because everyone has a religion here. I just explain that the Book Of Mormon and the Bible were written by Prophets. But the Bible was written in the Middle East. And the Book Of Mormon was written in the Americas. And then ask, do you think that God just loved those people in the Middle East to receive the word of God. For sure, everyone says no. And say, well in this time, existed people in the Americas, the Indians. And explain they didn't have technology to get the word. SO, explain about Nephi and how he went to the Americas and his story, prophets were called and what not. Christ visited the Americas and what not.
9. When do you start teaching about the Book Of Mormon to the investigators?
Well, I do things different. I explain about baptism first and the importance of it and ask if they have desire, on the first visit. And they agree they if they receive an answer from God they will be baptized. So the second visit we explain that through the Book Of Mormon you can receive an answer, the history first obviously but that ONLY through the three things that I mentioned we can receive an answer. People often ask why they cant receive an answer through the Bible. I said you can, but do you believe that the bible is the word of God. They always say yes and I ask how? they explain how they feel the peace and what not and explain they can feel the same way in the Book Of Mormon but they have to read it. You already have testimony about the Bible, now you have to get a testimony of the Book Of Mormon.
Com Amor, Elder Firl
1. Do you meet with your ward mission leader a lot in your new ward?
Well our Mission Ward Leader has been inactive, we have no idea why, but we are going to try to activate him. We have been trying to get his address, but he won't tell us and nobody knows where he lives. So that makes it a little complicated.
2. What is the name of your new ward?
The Interlagos Ward.
3. How much does pizza cost there?
Well it depends. But with chocolate stuffed crust it's about 23 reais ($11.72 US currency). But it just depends on the place.
4. How much do you get each month to spend?
It's about 300 a month ($152 US currency). But, we spend so much money on the bus fees. Haha its crazy.
5. Do you put the whole program together for the baptism?
Yes, we put everything together. The baptisms are way different here. They aren't NEARLY as well put here as it is there. Haha you have no idea. But it's still awesome.
6. How long has Elder Beron been in this area?
Well... we opened the area. But he has been in and out of here for about 2 months. He doesn't really know the area really well. But enough to get around. haha...
Natalia is asking these questions below as she is teaching a lesson in Relief Society and wanted to know from you…
7. How have the scriptures helped you? Before or during your mission?
Before the mission I didn't really read a lot. I read, but at the same time I didn't read. The importance of STUDYING is SO important. And then reflecting what is actually going on. How you can apply it in your life. I have learned this on the mission and the difference is huge. You gain knowledge about life and you gain happiness in your life. The peace you can get out of the scriptures is incredible. Also, with so much confusion among other people about religion. With people attacking our religion everyday, the scriptures are a huge tool to defend our faith. The Book Of Mormon is the most correct book on the face of the earth. Don't be afraid to use it. When people bash on us I give the same response. Why do you say that our religion is false? or the Book Of Mormon is not right. Usually they will express what they feel or what they have heard. But share your testimony, that you KNOW it's true because you have received an answer from God. And if they want, they can find out for themselves that it's true. They just have to read, pray and go to church and have an open heart. But they can't say that your answer is wrong because you got an answer from God. This is the power of the scriptures.
8. What do you teach the investigators about the scriptures?
Normally we ask what they know about the scriptures. Then ask if they read the Bible and what they know about it. Because everyone has a religion here. I just explain that the Book Of Mormon and the Bible were written by Prophets. But the Bible was written in the Middle East. And the Book Of Mormon was written in the Americas. And then ask, do you think that God just loved those people in the Middle East to receive the word of God. For sure, everyone says no. And say, well in this time, existed people in the Americas, the Indians. And explain they didn't have technology to get the word. SO, explain about Nephi and how he went to the Americas and his story, prophets were called and what not. Christ visited the Americas and what not.
9. When do you start teaching about the Book Of Mormon to the investigators?
Well, I do things different. I explain about baptism first and the importance of it and ask if they have desire, on the first visit. And they agree they if they receive an answer from God they will be baptized. So the second visit we explain that through the Book Of Mormon you can receive an answer, the history first obviously but that ONLY through the three things that I mentioned we can receive an answer. People often ask why they cant receive an answer through the Bible. I said you can, but do you believe that the bible is the word of God. They always say yes and I ask how? they explain how they feel the peace and what not and explain they can feel the same way in the Book Of Mormon but they have to read it. You already have testimony about the Bible, now you have to get a testimony of the Book Of Mormon.
Com Amor, Elder Firl
Monday, May 7, 2012
Using the tanquinho to wash clothes....
Holy cow, that is quite the spiritual experience Mom! I can't believe Chris had an honorable release and he is home, that's crazy man! The lord knows whats best, and the Mission President is able to receive this kind of revelation. Anyways, I can't wait to see you guys this Sunday! It's going to be most excellent! I love you all and can't wait. I'll be sure to call you as well.
1. What time are we going to Skype on Mother’s Day (SUNDAY May 13!)? You are 4 hours ahead of us. So it would be 4:45 your time to call. Will that work? Will you call me? Who do I need to add?
Oh no worries. We were planning on talking in the afternoon around 6 or 5 here in Brazil. But I will call you and confirm with you. Also, I think I will just use my Skype account. No worries, I will call you and everything. I think I'll call Saturday to confirm.
2. Do you have a washer in your apartment? Or are you washing clothes by hand again?
Haha we don't have a washer yet. But no worries, I have my connections in the office. And they said they will get a washer for me... next week. Ahaha...heck yeah! But yet I am using the tanquinho. And it's pretty much is by hand. but that's ok. The area is really flat, so I don't even sweat. I have a feeling I'm going to get pretty chunky here. We are WELL fed and we barely walk. It's pretty legit.
3. How are you and Elder Beron getting along?
So we are getting a long really well. The work is coming along excellent as well.
4. How is the language coming? Are you speaking and listening faster?
Oh the language. I'm learning a lot here about the language. There is always something that I need to improve. Sometimes I feel like I have a really thick accent. And at times I can't speak some words because everybody here speaks so freakin fast! But my language is improving a lot! It's pretty sweet! I tell everybody that they can correct me and what not. And they correct me all the time. its pretty nice. There is a lot of slang and usually I don't understand slang super well. I'm always learning something. Elder Beron helps me a lot. He says I speak really really well for an American. But it's coming a long really well. Also people word things different. It's quite interesting. I'm liking it.
5. How is Jailton coming along in the gospel?
Haha holy smokes! Jailton is going to get married! We are going to pass in the office, not this Saturday but the next to get a wedding date and everything. Then they will be baptized! ALSO! His daughter is going to get baptized this week. Crazy! She received her answer yesterday! So we have her set for baptism and well Jailton encouraged her to get baptized he bore testimony. So awesome!
6. Teaching anyone else new?
Nobody that is ready to progress. haha
7. Is the ward feeding you? Are they giving you good referrals?
Oh yes, they are feeding us really well. They are pretty good at giving references.
8. Where do you go to email me?
To the lan house, its like a computer lab.
9. I heard you are teaching English & Spanish classes…how are they going?
They are coming along pretty well! My first class was sad. There were a few people, but the word is getting around, and the people really liked the classes. I'm learning Spanish. It's pretty sweet. It's way similar to Portuguese. It's kinda scary.
10. Have you gone anywhere on your P-day in your new area to check out any of the sights?
Haha no, we just sleep wash our clothes and sleep more. haha
Com Amor, Elder Firl
1. What time are we going to Skype on Mother’s Day (SUNDAY May 13!)? You are 4 hours ahead of us. So it would be 4:45 your time to call. Will that work? Will you call me? Who do I need to add?
Oh no worries. We were planning on talking in the afternoon around 6 or 5 here in Brazil. But I will call you and confirm with you. Also, I think I will just use my Skype account. No worries, I will call you and everything. I think I'll call Saturday to confirm.
2. Do you have a washer in your apartment? Or are you washing clothes by hand again?
Haha we don't have a washer yet. But no worries, I have my connections in the office. And they said they will get a washer for me... next week. Ahaha...heck yeah! But yet I am using the tanquinho. And it's pretty much is by hand. but that's ok. The area is really flat, so I don't even sweat. I have a feeling I'm going to get pretty chunky here. We are WELL fed and we barely walk. It's pretty legit.
3. How are you and Elder Beron getting along?
So we are getting a long really well. The work is coming along excellent as well.
4. How is the language coming? Are you speaking and listening faster?
Oh the language. I'm learning a lot here about the language. There is always something that I need to improve. Sometimes I feel like I have a really thick accent. And at times I can't speak some words because everybody here speaks so freakin fast! But my language is improving a lot! It's pretty sweet! I tell everybody that they can correct me and what not. And they correct me all the time. its pretty nice. There is a lot of slang and usually I don't understand slang super well. I'm always learning something. Elder Beron helps me a lot. He says I speak really really well for an American. But it's coming a long really well. Also people word things different. It's quite interesting. I'm liking it.
5. How is Jailton coming along in the gospel?
Haha holy smokes! Jailton is going to get married! We are going to pass in the office, not this Saturday but the next to get a wedding date and everything. Then they will be baptized! ALSO! His daughter is going to get baptized this week. Crazy! She received her answer yesterday! So we have her set for baptism and well Jailton encouraged her to get baptized he bore testimony. So awesome!
6. Teaching anyone else new?
Nobody that is ready to progress. haha
7. Is the ward feeding you? Are they giving you good referrals?
Oh yes, they are feeding us really well. They are pretty good at giving references.
8. Where do you go to email me?
To the lan house, its like a computer lab.
9. I heard you are teaching English & Spanish classes…how are they going?
They are coming along pretty well! My first class was sad. There were a few people, but the word is getting around, and the people really liked the classes. I'm learning Spanish. It's pretty sweet. It's way similar to Portuguese. It's kinda scary.
10. Have you gone anywhere on your P-day in your new area to check out any of the sights?
Haha no, we just sleep wash our clothes and sleep more. haha
Com Amor, Elder Firl
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