tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52681039902678970662024-03-13T17:47:37.321-07:00Elder Brett Wilson - our Brazil Joao Pessoa missionaryRob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-62588818947880489262014-07-01T06:57:00.000-07:002014-07-01T06:57:42.337-07:00June 25, 2014 - Transfers, a new but familiar area, new companion and a new calling<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">first sorry i forgot to tell you that we have transfers so email is today- wednesday. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">second SURPRISE i was transferred. do you want to guess where? you will never get it right. i am back here in guarabira, my first area. i am senior comp to elder munoz who i lived with in itapororoca in the four-man apartment. i guess that prez noguiera said "elder wilson will be senior comp. but he needs an area that he knows to start his time as senior comp." sooooooo yeah....guarabira. im actually not quite sure how i feel about this. i keep going back and forth about whether i'm happy to be back or not. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">whats a little funny, is that i may be in the same city and i know it in that regard but i will be working in completely different parts of the city...parts that i don't know. it should be interesting. please keep the prayers coming. odds are that i will need them. they do strengthen me.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">so also quirky is the fact that my district leader here is elder simonson. my former comp. i just cant get away from what is familiar. also with this transfer i am now have seniority in the zone. it means absolutely nothing but its kind of fun to say. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">anyway this past week was pretty good. the best moment was when i learned that -Vanini- a women i taught during my first stay in guarabira was baptized last Sunday. its just a great feeling to know that the seeds i planted during my first 2 transfers here, budded, grew, and gave fruit. it will be even better when i see here Sunday during church. also something i just thought of, it will be awesome to see the people that i baptized here in guarabira, continuing to go to church, progress and do what is right. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">the world cup here is in full swing. Brazil won against Cameroon 4-1. its so funny after the 0-0 tie with mexico everyone predicted imminent failure for this years cup team. now after the win everyone is predicting success. oh the hearts of the people are fickle. but its so cool here during the games. everything shuts down. and everyone watches the games. many businesses have signs that say ``due to the game we will be shutting down at 1 o´clock. the games are normally at 5, they have 4 hours of tailgating. and when Brazil scores a goal, its loud and loco, to put it mildly. im not criticizing at all. i love it, i think that its awesome, and i am screaming along with everyone else.</span></span><br />
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happy são joão - this is a holiday that they only have here in NE brazil, and a small part of rio. i'm not sure its really a holiday since all that i saw happen was people get a day off work, get drunk, and eat lots of corn/corn products. whatever...i like corn and the food people gave us tasted good. </div>
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also something good about guarabira--our apartment has water. always. It is amazing how much I appreciate having water after not having it. What a blessing. I am excited. </div>
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anyway my comp, elder munoz, is a chilean. he has 4-5 months left on a mission. He is a little annoying but he works hard (which is great), and is happy to be a missionary. he wants to do things right. i think that we will have success together.</div>
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i wonder how the members will react to me returning here. i think that they will like it. i should already have their confidence because i already served here and they know me and know that i love them and the work, and now that i speak a little bit of Portuguese, i should be able to gain even more trust so we can work together better. Without us working together, the work is much harder. </div>
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the pic is of my comp. its not his best look, he is normally smiling actually, i just surprised him by taking a pic when he wasn't ready/ paying attention. i hope that yall are well and enjoying the best that summer break has to offer. here's an interesting thought. summer break is just 2 transfers and a little bit. wow is it weird that i am thinking of time in terms of transfers? </div>
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this Saturday could be a little challenging because Brazil will play Chile. and my Chilean comp is probably the only person in all of guarabira rooting for chile. we will see how that goes. i am well, thanks for the prayers, the church is true</div>
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love brett</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-81538074029923984012014-06-27T06:55:00.003-07:002014-06-27T06:57:58.275-07:00June 16, 2014 - World starts, Thanks to modern medicine, Igor and Manuel (two elect)<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_9893" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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igors baptism was really good, he was baptized with very little problems. there was a sweet spirit. it was funny though when he saw the font he said ```wait, i'm going to have to get wet``. apparently he hadn't completely understood baptism. we got it straightened out quickly and he was baptized. </div>
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elder garcia's eye is healed now, something that he is really grateful for. </div>
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i am enjoying the world cup immensely, its so funny. Soccer, a sport that i gave little or no credit to before, is now something that i enjoy greatly. oh, how things change on a mission. as far as the goal of doubling the numbers this week we didn't reach it. but we did increase our output by 30% so improvement which in reality is all that i think the prez wants. </div>
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In answer to your question about the first goal against Brazil in World Cup, yes when Brazil had a goal contra to start the cup, the whole world here groaned and then started predicting doom and gloom of incredible magnitude for this years world cup. it was funny, of course i didn't say that to the Brazilians. as far as if USA meets Brazil. i will root for Brazil. i am here, and i don't want to die. its just logical. lol</div>
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this week i discovered how to put Biggest Loser out of business. send them all to Brazil. in 3 days this week, i lost 7 pounds. it was because i was ``sick`` so what i had was diarrhea. so whatever went in, came out, with stomach pain that took away my appetite. so i wasn't hungry/eating, wasn't keeping what i ate, and was working all day. thus we see that i will be coming home thinner, and maybe i need a new belt. lol don't worry i am better now. after day 2 of home/herbal medicine, i called sister noguiera and got some modern medicine. it worked. and thus we see that there is a reason that god created modern medicine and didn't leave us to drink herbal tea. </div>
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the big news of the week for me was of course baptizing igor. :):) he was just so awesome, he accepted our teaching straight-up. like for example we left the pamphlet the restoration with him to read. the next day we came back and asked ``did you read`` ``yes`` ``and who was Joseph smith`` ``a prophet who restored the church`` :) you cant buy this stuff. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Igor, and Elder Castro</td></tr>
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also in the really awesome category Manuel, who was baptized 2 weeks ago, has gotten off work and went to help us teach people almost every night this week. seriously bro, you rock. you are helping us more than some people who have been members for 3 years now. </div>
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one thing on my mission that i have learned- some people are just prepared to receive and embrace the gospel, and its our job to find them. times up.</div>
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love ya´ll</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">brett</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">p.s. mom don't worry about being rejected a lot statistically you will be rejected by 3/4 of the people you talk to, so if you go in looking to be rejected you are just helping your odds. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">local carnival outside of our apartment - it was really annoying</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-65102996516252540162014-06-27T06:43:00.000-07:002014-06-27T06:43:19.007-07:00June 9, 2014 - 6 months, the importance of families and Go Brazil!!!<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_8611" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
this week was good. so our district leader said that all juniors would be seniors for this week. that was good i learned some things and was able to change some of the annoying things that my comp does. my comp didn't like this week because i do things way different than his OCD ways. but whatever. i was senior. </div>
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so this week we helped 2 members who have been living together get married it was really cool and i felt the spirit testifying of the importance on family. on that same line of thought we were teaching this lady. she has 2 kids, 6 and 8, and she hates them and they don't respect her. we were able to share how the gospel blesses our lives and the lives of our families. afterwards you could definitely tell that the spirit touched her heart. it also touched mine. now i know much better than before my mission just how important families are to the plan of our heavenly father. </div>
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this week i completed 6 months. wow how did that happen? </div>
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in the cool and another miracle category. so this kid - igor - 16 years old - we talked to him and taught him a little a few weeks back. then we cut him because he never came to church. yesterday he showed up all on his own with a friend. he is now marked to be baptized next Sunday. </div>
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so we had a mission conference Wednesday. 2 big news items. the ``bad`` prez noguiera doubled the number of lessons he wants us to teach in a week. my comp is flying around in a frenzy trying to figure out how to do it. honestly he cares way too much about the numbers. and the 2nd item. and the much better news...prez noguiera said that we missionaries can and should watch the games of the world cup when Brazil is playing. :):):) go Brazil!! just think how cool it would be if Brazil wins. and i am here? i will be able to tell that mission story for the rest of my life. </div>
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a friend of mine - elder Garcia hurt his eye. when he woke up, he sat up and hit his eye with a hanger. he then had to go to the hospital in joao pessoa. now he ``gets`` to wear sunglasses everywhere for the next 2 weeks. we all keep telling him how cool he is wearing sunglasses indoors. hey we are 19-21 year old males what more would you expect. compassion? lol</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">love brett</span>Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-61444862766245439572014-06-27T06:27:00.000-07:002014-06-27T06:43:58.583-07:00June 2, 2014 - finding the elect, I love new socks!<div class="yiv5560633021MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7926" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; padding: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7925" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Questions you asked:</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What are the names of your investigators?</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7684" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What interesting thing have you learned about Brazil this week?</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7870" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What did you learn at your last zone conference?</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Answers:</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7873" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">investigators: mara, elite, jo, lenia, arnoldo, raniel, mateus, and a few more I'm forgetting. this week i learn that i hate banks in Brazil. so in the local(and only bank) 3 of the 4 atms are broken, and the day we received money the one working atm ran out of money, so yeah that was annoying. </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">at my last zone conference, they talked about the importance of making firm commitments with your investigators.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7875" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">house keeping- this week i received a package from y'all with my blister free socks, i like them a lot. not because of blisters\(my feet are callused and ugly) but for the new sock feeling. thanks.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my new socks!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">so this week ``winter`` hit. not that is cold but that everyone is getting sick. you know runny nose, coughing, sneezing </span>ect<span style="font-size: x-small;">. including my comp. but he´s on some medicine now so i think that he´s improving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">in the biggest and BEST news this week....... we baptized a man named </span>miguel<span style="font-size: x-small;">. it was awesome. he was/ is truly elect and ready for the gospel. also awesome, his wife (who he is legally married to) wants to be baptized as well. :) one thing that they don't tell you before your mission is that your whole purpose is to baptize, to open the gate for people to get to heaven. here is a pic of him. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Miguel, and Elder Castro</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">its funny every time i write you an email and say that it hasn't rained- it rains a lot. I'm sure that there is some irony here. happy summer to all y'all. Don't spend too much time watching TV. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this week we had a multi zone conference in </span>joão<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>pessoa<span style="font-size: x-small;"> with </span>prez<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>nogueira<span style="font-size: x-small;">, it was really good he talked about our duty to the members in our areas and how when we help them, we gain their trust which helps us. so just know if a missionary is helping you its because they want a referral. </span>lol.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> sorry about the email last week. </span>idk<span style="font-size: x-small;"> what happened. thanks for the prayers. I need them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">i really don't want to get sick here. Brazilian doctors are on my list of Brazilian things i don't want to experience, along with prisons, and intestinal bugs. to name a few. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">the past few weeks we've been working with an less active couple, </span>jose<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and </span>sedinha<span style="font-size: x-small;"> and they are now re- activated and have a date set to legally marry and go to the temple. amazing is the power of the atonement to change lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">oh yeah here is the cool story with </span>Miguel -- <span style="font-size: x-small;">so before church he went to get a hair cut and was talking to the barber.``yeah I'm going to church and will be baptized today``</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7904" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">cool which church</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7902" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">the church of Jesus Christ, </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">``the Mormons``</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7898" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">yes</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7896" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">you should leave while you still can. i was talking to this preacher from the assembly of god and he said that Mormons are a ring of child kidnappers.</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7894" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">``that's not true, its a church full of good people trying to humbly follow god, and Jesus´ example in doing whats right``</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7892" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">``but they also have this other bible full of satanic chants</span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_7890" lang="EN-US"><span style="font-size: x-small;">``no. they have the book of Mormon which is another guide for our lives on how to improve everyday through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. it was written by prophets just like the bible``.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">when he told us that story i just wanted to hug him and never let go. not even a member yet and standing up for the truth to the confounding of false doctrine. when you hear an experience like that, it makes your struggles much easier to deal with. god is great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">i was having a hard time here and then we met Manuel and when you meet an elect life just turns so much better. god is truly watching out for us, finding Manuel was truly a tender mercy of the lord. got to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">love brett</span></div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-64082290622671145072014-06-27T06:14:00.001-07:002014-06-27T06:44:47.347-07:00May 19, 2014 - new companion, Karma, testimony strengtheners<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1403841508485_6641" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Questions: How is it working with Elder Castro?</div>
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How was Miguel's baptism?</div>
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Are there many sisters serving in your mission?</div>
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Answers: life is all karma. remember my comments to elder Wilkins about his comp. yeah you can probably guess what happened. i now have my first comp that i don't like or is not as easy to like. elder Castro is an organizational nut. he is gold out the wazoo. its driving me crazy. or it will here soon. also he doesn't like sports (yeah i know right. i have to luck to have the one Brazilian who doesn't like soccer :)). we don't have much to talk about in general. we are pretty opposite and he is my senior comp. so we have to do things his way. this is terrible and i am having a difficulty with it. i am trying to take it as a test of my humility/patience. any advice is welcome. what i have contrived to help me like/work with him better is during my personal prayers i thank god for 5 things about elder Castro. we´ll see how it works. </div>
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Miguel was not baptized and will not be until August. In the past, too many missionaries were baptizing kids and just kids, because they are easy, so those missionaries have numbers. the prez made a rule that if they are under 16 they need to attend church consistently for 3 months before being baptized. Miguel is 15-until march. dang it. </div>
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idk how many sisters we have but i think that its about an average amount. we don't have any in my district here but we have 8 in our zone.</div>
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well i may not like my comp but i cant fault his work ethic. this week we have been running like crazy. lots of lessons, especially with inactives, elder Castro has a goal to increase the attendance here from 30 to 45, this week in the WOW category. we were talking with this less active teenager - asking for referrals, and i jokingly said ```yeah, do you know anyone who is 16 or older, doesn't drink,or smoke, is married on paper, and likes god? about 3 seconds later her friend, Angela, showed up. she fits the mold. wow. we haven't taught her yet but she accepted our invitation to teach her/come to church with us. so that was really,really cool. </div>
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this week we talked with 2 inactives- luinda and Jose. they are inactive about a year now. and we asked how their life is. they responded that its not good. we asked when it started going down hill. they said about a year ago. now I'm not a rocket scientist but i think that there might be a correlation here. one thing that i have learned here on a mission is that life is better when you keep that commandment and do what your supposed to. it makes me sad when people cant see that fact, like them even after we explained this correlation, and they agreed to go to church. they didn't the wife was washing clothes, and the husband was sleeping. come on people, overcome the natural man. the laziness that we all have inside and choose the right. that goes for all of you out there. Heavenly Father says (repeatedly) in the book of Mormon. ``if you keep my commandment ye shall prosper in the land`` i affirm that statement to be true. got to go.</div>
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Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-3084977378384099442014-06-26T22:15:00.000-07:002014-06-27T06:45:45.479-07:00May 14, 2014 - Transfers but staying in Itaporoca, meeting Miguel<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1400041799594_11495" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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happy almost bday dad. </div>
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i am still doing well here in Brazil. the last few day its rained cats and dogs. but i haven't drowned so that's good. </div>
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we have been teaching this teenager named Miguel and he agreed to be baptized this Sunday. he is a huge miracle. so i met him when we were doing a split with the other missionaries. me and elder Munoz were doing contacts and we met this inactive teen, Alex, and his friend Miguel. they both accepted our invitation to go the family home evening that we have in the church on Thursday and then were at mutual on Saturday and church Sunday. in the words on Miguel, "this is really cool, when do you guys have activities because i want to go to them all? (this is where my jaw drops)...awesome! he read the Book of Mormon and recognized an answer on his own. He even introduced us to his sister who we are now teaching. it is just wonderful the way that some people are just prepared for the gospel. also its great when you find them compared with the maulies that you often have to deal with.</div>
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so this week (today) is transfers. i am staying in itapororoca for at least another 6 weeks. my comp did change though. i am now with a Brazilian named elder Castro, he has 7 months on a mission, he seems likable enough but i don't know him well enough to judge yet. i guess that this means that i will go back to only hearing Portuguese (which is probably for the better) and some of my jokes will fall flat because he doesn't have the American background. oh well i can live with that. </div>
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my other American roommate, elder Wilkins it annoyed with the way transfers happened, because he is still here for his 4th transfer in a row, and even more he is still with elder Munoz, for the 3rd straight. elder Wilkins has trouble with elder Munoz which is a little funny, because elder Munoz is elder Wilkins' "son", meaning he trained him. i just keep telling him not to worry because in the words of Nephi "it came to pass". eventually he will have a different situation. God is in control and there is more he can learn. of course its easier to say that when you aren't in a situation like his. </div>
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my gospel thought for the week is this: its important to always be pushing forward in the gospel. in Lehi's dream, the only ones that made it to the tree were the ones who kept moving forward. my football coach used to ask after a workout/practice, "did you get better or worse today?" you never stay the same. if you are not staying with God, then you are in the power of Satan. do what it right, and it is that much easier to do what is right again, the same thing with doing the wrong. its like skipping a workout, it's that much harder to workout the next day. Living the gospel isn't easy, but it is definitely worth it.</div>
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hope y'all are well. thanks for the support.</div>
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love elder brett wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-18877450097589895742014-06-26T21:08:00.000-07:002014-06-27T06:46:11.580-07:00May 5, 2014 - Power of working with members<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1400041799594_9332" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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housekeeping. i will be `calling` via skype next Sunday at 5pmish central standard time.</div>
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so fun fact for ya´ll. the Portuguese language does not have a word for awkward. which is a shame because sacrament meeting yesterday was awkward. for starters with 15 minutes remaining, their was no one else left to bear their testimony because all of the firmes (active members) had already and there were only inactives and investigators left. secondly, my investigator that i was sitting with, had an "episode" during the meeting. for about 2 minutes he went crazy, almost like he was having a seizure. i didn't quite know what to do, and then afterwards he didn't remember a thing...very out of the ordinary. i think that the drugs he took in his "past" life really messed him up. but he has a strong desire to be baptized, so we´ll see. afterwards my comp asked me "`when that happened, why didn't you cast out the demon?" :) thanks bro, way to be helpful. </div>
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also for all of my "may the 4th be with you" people. we don't actually have that here. we have ``o quatro de mayo``...America how i miss you at times. but may 4th did mark 5 months for me. just think, only 19 to go. that seems a little strange.</div>
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this week we had good luck with the members, they taught with us and we received several references. as such, we have several new investigators who are progressing well. we also had frustration where the catholic mom of one of our investigators blocked her from progressing further. then tried to pretend that it was actually the daughters doing. darn catholics. actually i like catholics here, they are one of the most teachable religions.<br />
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the church that is the most frustrating is ``assemblia de deus`` assembly of God. i don't know if we have them in America. but we have them here, and they are really annoying. like Nephi's "great and abominable church", annoying. they are so wrong, and they are so closed minded, stubborn about being wrong, and they drag everyone they can down with them. but what would you expect from a church where the preacher screams and shouts for Jesus. then asks for money for peoples salvation. so yeah.</div>
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I saw this sign. it says,"obey the signage." how do you say redundant in Portuguese? lol</div>
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i am well and we have 3 baptisms lined up for this weekend. and mom just to make you jealous, last week in the market i bought 20 of the best bananas that i have ever eaten, for 2 reais. or a little under a dollar. thanks for always keeping fruit in the house when i was growing up. it wasn't easy I'm sure but it made a huge difference in my health and appetites.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">love elder brett wilson</span>Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-36577802560069866502014-05-14T20:56:00.000-07:002014-05-14T20:56:02.886-07:00April 28, 2014<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1400041799594_8934" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
questions. </div>
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1. thank you sister sennett for your care and concern with the portable shower heater. that is very kind. one day we had water long enough for me to take a real shower and i discovered 2 things: 1. that we have hot water in this apartment. <br clear="none" />2. that hot water is only something that you want when you have a climate controlled house and aren't walking in the heat all day. </div>
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also this week, the prez came by to talk to the owner of the apartment. good news because of that, the owner will be putting a water box on the roof so whenever its finally hooked up we will have water. the truth is that we have a running bet going for when it will be complete. the most optimistic guess is a month. the least optimistic is 6 months. we will see. but it is something good to know is in the works.</div>
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so this week in the bad column, our progressing investigator- Dyegina who was in church last week has been blocked by her uber-catholic mom. there will be no more progress there until she moves out, 3 years from now.</div>
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but in the miracle side, we received a reference, janderilson, who was in church with his member friend. when we taught him last night, he was still uncertain about baptism. so we challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and then to pray if baptism was right. he didn't understand so he opened right there during the lesson randomly to Alma 4 and started reading. it talks about how the Nephites had difficulties and so they were humbled and were baptized into the church of God. (1-4) thank you, heavenly father. i owe you one (in fact, many, many). janderilson agreed to be baptized next Saturday. miracles happen. </div>
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yeah so this week i had a really trippy thought. i have been out of school for almost a year now. the second part of that thought is the thought of how much time/effort my teachers used to teach me things that i have all but forgotten. lol</div>
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the pic I sent is of a fruit called jaca. i think its called jack fruit in English but I'm not sure. yes its the size of my head. it tastes like a citrusy banana. and is pretty good.</div>
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so some of the members said that fall is coming but all i did was shake my head because this week was the hottest its been here in itapororoca for me.</div>
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we are still trying to find people to teach consistently but it was better this week. we just need them to come to church because if they dont come for two weeks, we have to cut them (stop teaching them). </div>
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i am well the church is true</div>
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elder brett wilson</div>
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p.s. sorry about your phone dad that really bites. also forgive scout he knows not what he does (scout knocked me over while walking and the phone was destroyed...and scout was in very big trouble!)</div>
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Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-47877873614704669102014-05-14T20:47:00.003-07:002014-05-14T20:47:53.837-07:00April 21, 2014<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1400041799594_7763" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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so guess what our family is not the only weirdos who do their Easter candy on Saturday. all of Brazil does their candy (which is only chocolate) on Saturday as well. the chocolate is the same, but they have different fillings/flavors, many using the native flavors. also i got your Easter package thanks. so yeah this week was a little fat. people love to give missionaries candy. I'm not complaining, but it was a little unhealthy for me.</div>
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so this week we had a (small) miracle. we have an investigator who we met through an apostate member. she hasn't been to church in more than a year. the investigator told us that she would come to church if luanna (the "member") went with her so that she wouldn't be alone. Sunday came and they were both in church together. luannas brothe-jo( who is the youngmen's prez) told us ``good job. y'all just performed a miracle, she hasn't had any church desires for a year. and you got her to bring her friend to church. thanks.`` gratifying. now if only we could get the miracle of people not lying to us all week about going to church. i don't know what it is. it wasn't this bad in guarabira. i guess that people here don't have shame/ embarrassment about this kind of thing. must be something about the culture.</div>
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so as far as some sad news in the branch, Luciano a member of the church, one of about 3 Melchizedek priesthood holders in itapororoca and the only endowed member in itapororoca has decided to leave the church. He said he "doesn't need church to worship god." he still believes in our doctrines and beliefs- just not church. we tried to help´but he wouldn't listen (look up Moroni 6:6). How sad to see him in this state. elder simonson says that its because he is really prideful, and was prideful when elder simonson was here a year ago. its a vicious cycle. the worst thing is how its affecting his family. his wife wont go against him and only one of his children is firm enough to continue in the church on her own. it is really sad to watch. </div>
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i now have a greater understanding of the dangers of pride and unfortunately there is very little that we as missionaries can do. just keep them in my prayers i guess. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">its funny so we have 3 Americans and a Chilean- elder </span><span style="background-color: yellow;">Munoz</span><span style="background-color: white;">. so here in America we have Spanglish for Spanish/English mix. elder Munoz speaks </span>portuanish, Portuguese/Spanish mix<span style="background-color: white;">. its really funny, to correct him "speak your language elder. you are in Brazil." He says, "oh sorry, i thought i was." he doesn't even realize it...very funny!</span></div>
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also do you want to know the worst thing that i have experienced here? too bad, i'm going to tell you any way. last night i entered our bathroom to use it, and there were 2 cockroaches. i killed them. then during the course of my business 4 more cockroaches enter through the drain. all of which i killed. 6 cockroaches in about 10 minute. afterwards i just felt dirty for the rest of the night. it was pretty gross.</div>
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<br clear="none" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">elder brett wilson</span>Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-13614332694205003302014-05-14T20:27:00.003-07:002014-05-14T20:27:45.465-07:00April 14, 2014<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1400041799594_6971" style="background-color: white;">
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questions- </div>
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me and elder simonson, my new companion. he is pushing me while i am riding a tricycle.</div>
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1. well, for starters my comp's name is elder simonson. he is from a small town in southern Idaho near Pocatello (here is a shoutout to grandpa Wilson). he has 17 months on a mission. He has the same views about American football as i do and he served here in this city almost a year ago, so the members like him. <br /></div>
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2. itaporoca is not really 3rd world...i don't know, its hard to describe how life here in Brazil is compared with how you would think coming from America. just know that it is nothing like America, yet at the same time you have everything that you need. </div>
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3. also as further proof, remember my comment about the water. yeah that was on the best day. in general its available about 20- 25 minutes right when we wake up. we spend the time filling up many water bottles, and buckets then we take our showers from the buckets. who says that you wont experience something new on a mission. lol. all joking aside. that is one thing that America does better.<br clear="none" /></div>
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A goat i encountered. the funny thing is that about 3 seconds later it charged me and i almost got mauled. awesome!</div>
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so far our teaching pool is pretty small. we had a few hold overs from the last elders but we cut most of them so we have been doing a lot of street contacting and had reasonable success until Sunday when everyone had a desculpa (no English equivalent. its like a sorry or an excuse) and we ended up with no investigators in church...frustrating. i wish that people would stop lying to us. if you aren't going to come to church then just say so and save both of our time. </div>
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as far as the branch, there is a frequency of 30-40 with 200 on the rolls of the church for this city. so yeah a lot of less actives. but i like the branch especially the youth. all of the ones that i have met are fun and like the missionaries (and they love to correct my Portuguese). so this week a young man named Carlos asked me what the phrase "piece of crap" meant. apparently a missionary had taught it to him but not explained it. fubeca. so that was interesting. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">This is Carlos from the branch. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">he stole my tag so i made him take a picture as elder Wilson in the guise of the missionary he will be one day.</span></div>
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the people are spiritual and open to the gospel in general but in general only to listen. everyday we talk to people and it goes like this:</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">what are you doing to show your faith? i dont know</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">will you go to church this Sunday to show your faith? (we get a variety of answers here) who knows, we´ll see, one day, and the most annoying of all, "</span>si deus quiser"<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> if god wishes. really bro? where do you think that God wants you to be on a Sunday morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">but anyways, i always try to keep it in the context of everyone we talk to is one closer to the elect we are seeking. the ones who say yes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">anyway. i am aware that all of this may seem dreary. but its all part of the experience and if u take it with a grateful heart knowing that everything that happens gives me another story to tell about my mission. lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">i am well and it is not as hot here in </span>itapororoca<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> so that is great thing. and our apartment has a veranda, which is way sweet. and don't worry too much about the water we are in the process of moving apartments. </span></div>
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please pray for us to meet people prepared to accept the gospel.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">love elder Wilson</span><br />
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Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-67185736896696496342014-05-14T20:14:00.002-07:002014-05-14T20:14:57.327-07:00April 7, 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16976">
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16979" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">1. i watched conference almost live - at 1 at 5 on Saturday; 8am for the priesthood and 1 and 5 on Sunday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">2. i watched the sat sessions in English and the sun sessions in Portuguese because we had investigators with us on Sunday. the conference was really good. for my thoughts see the pics. </span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16988" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3. i was transferred. my training is over. i am a missionary in full. i was moved to a city called itapororoca. it has about 16000 people. my comp is named elder Simonson. i haven't met him yet as he is currently en route from joao pessoa. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">4. i stay in the same zone though so not everything has changed. In this area and for much of the city, they are having problems with water because they are building new houses but don't have the infrastructure to support all of the new houses. So, in my new city apparently we only have water for 2 hours in the morning. that should be interesting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">This last Sunday, we baptized a teenager, named Cleber. It was really cool because he has been investigating for a long time and finally decided that the church was right for him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">One good thing about this new smaller city - there are no neighborhoods that are 20 or 30 minutes away from the actual city. it's all here together. that should save time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Also i was wondering, what kind of things do you want me to talk about in my emails, or do y'all not really care as long as you hear from me? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">In my new district/apartment, i have 3 Americans and one Chilean so i think that i will be hearing more English for the next little while. I'm not sure how i feel about that.</span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16989" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">the branch here is about 30 people about 1/3 of what is was in guarabira so it will be easier to remember everyone's name. lol</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16991" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">anyway good job family with your missionary work. i wish that all members were like y'all. its kind of frustrating when members won't work with you because "they're busy, or its too far" especially when they are converts themselves. it's like come on, seriously. you were converted because someone made time and walked a far distance for you and you cant give back a little. but entropy is a powerful force. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of members who help us. its just the ones who don't that are annoying. just know that you are making this missionary proud.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16993" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">also as far as our flowers/flowerbeds, you know how much i value the flowers in our front yard. does that give you an answer how i feel about them lol</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_16995" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">We had zone conference and I've decided that this is not my favorite part of a mission. Here, they always have some motivation thing as part of conference. This time we marched and chanted as soldiers "Os soldados de senor", "the Lord's soldiers.". Last time, it was as athletes and they had football face paint to put under our eyes, like were are competing in the Superbowl, 'the Superbowl of souls." so yeah but i receive my mail at zone conference so its not all bad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">On a funny note, a sister here asks all the missionaries to sign a pillow case. You may notice the Hooters emblem. She doesn't know what Hooters is---hilarious!</span><br />
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<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1398692139254_17022">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">love elder Brett Wilson</span></div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-81874411847257562932014-04-03T05:31:00.001-07:002014-04-03T05:34:59.382-07:00March 31, 2014<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396307589066_17986">
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</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1396307589066_17987">
house keeping: i received my name
badge/snickers. Thanks it is very appreciated. Also, next week is transfers so
pday isn't until wednesday.</div>
<div>
So, this week we had
2 baptisms - two men, carlos and arnoldo, and they were both MIRACLES!!!!!!!!!. First
with carlos...he is the neighbor of one of our investigators, Van. Van has a
coconut tree and asked Carlos to climb the tree to harvest so we could eat/drink
of the bounty. Carlos then stayed for the message and wanted to learn more.
That night, he read and prayed about the Book of Mormon and knew it was true by
himself! He had a smoking problem but after learning of the Word of Wisdom, he
commited to living it without hesatation. The next day, he told us that he found
an unsmoked cigarette in the street. He picked it up, put it in his pocket and
gave it to his friend because "I quit smoking" :) and he hasn't looked back.
</div>
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Elder Bernardo, Carlos, and me</div>
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The other one, Arnoldo, we found him during our 50-contact day. First, he accepted
our invitation to be baptized during our street contact. Then, he accepted the Book
of Mormon and our message without a problem and was baptized on Sunday. The
truly miraculous thing is that he told us later that the very day we talked to
him, he was planning to ask his neighbor if he (Arnoldo) could go to church with
his neighbor, who is not a member, because Arnoldo recently moved here. So, if we hadn't talked to him, if we just walked on by, a soul probably would have been lost. Always listen to the
Spirit. He will direct your actions to help others. </div>
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Me, Arnoldo, and Elder Bernardo </div>
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</div>
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I heard a quote from Pres.
Eyring this week, "The Lord sends people prepared to hear the gospel to people
prepared to share the gospel." Keep up your efforts. You have a promise from an
apostle. (Don't worry mom, eventually you will get one who lives in our ward). Tell
Dad thanks for fixing my bike. It was something I put off because I was leaving
for 2 years. Seriously, Matthew, you got hurt again? We are going to need to
bubble wrap you :). I agree running isn't (generally) fun (referring to this week's YW fun run).</div>
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The market where I buy fruits/vegetables...amazing selection!!</div>
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My time's up. Enjoy
conference.</div>
Elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-45473926531981843472014-03-26T22:01:00.002-07:002014-04-03T05:33:47.778-07:00March 24, 2014<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Questions: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. Do your shoes ever
dry with all of the rain and humidity? Yes, my shoes are normally dry because it rains in the mornings when it rains. Then, it is hot for the rest of the day. But the last few weeks we have been having less and less rain, and more cooling wind. It's still hot and sunny but its definitely a blessing (or the start of fall depending on your beliefs) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. How are the mosquitos?</span>
M<span style="font-family: Calibri;">osquitos arent a problem here exept for one neighborhood that is about 4 miles from the city. Probably because of the fields around that neighborhood. idk we arent there very often. </span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29806" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">3. Will it get colder their
in the fall and winter? Probably. Will it ever be cool or cold? Doubtful. But i keep it in my prayers anyway. who knows? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will you ever go to the temple while you are in
Brazil? No, I wont ever go to the temple during my mission here in brazil. The temple is about 5-6 hours away from me now and 3-4 hours away from the nearest location in mission joao pessoa. Unfortunate but as one missionary said here "the work of a missionary isn't to get people to the temple, it's to get them to the waters of baptism and the baptism by fire (the holy ghost). It's the job of the ward/branch (with a little help from the missionaries) to get the new converts the the temple for their saving ordinances. and so it is.<br clear="none" /> 5. Do you expect to be transferred soon? T</span></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29597" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">ransfers are april 9ish. Apparently, the odds are that
i will be transferred, then i will have one, maybe two transfers (wherever i am) then
i will be training...not a happy thought. My portuguese is incredilbe for my
situation but its not anywhere close yet.</span></div>
<br />
T<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29811" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">his week, we didnt have a
baptism but on the flip side in sacrament meeting, we had 117 people there...a
record. The branch prez thanked the missionaries from the pulpit for their hard
work. gratifying. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">Also, this week we made really good progress with several weak
investigators, including one named david. His wife vanini has been ready for
baptism for about a month but wouldn' do it without david. So, when he told us that
he thinks that he probably need to be baptized, it was a fist pump moment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">This
week we made a bet with our roommates (other companionship) for who could do more contacts in one day.
We did 50. and lost. They did 51. freak. So, we had to buy them bolo. It's like
squash pie cake, but in many flavors. really good. My comp said and I quote,
"we're not doing any contacts for a week." lol</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"></span>
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29813" style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">i hope that all is well
in the home land, my time is up see you next week</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">elder brett
wilson</span>Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-42994564377654336972014-03-26T21:53:00.000-07:002014-03-26T21:53:48.849-07:00March 17, 2014Answers to questions:<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_28276">
1. Does Brazil have a daylight savings time? Yes, but only the southern half of the
country. random.</div>
2. Does your companion speak any English? My comp speaks really good english.
That's because he loves american hiphop and rap so he learned from drake and
2chainz. Sometimes this causes problems with the words he says. lol.<br />3. What do you do on your p-days? Pdays are
different every week. Last week, we harvested coconut and played games with some of
the youth. Another time, we hiked to the top of the local "mountain". Brazil is
one giant hill country so the largest hill is referred to as the
mountain.<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_28303">
4. Does Pres. Noguera speak any English? Prez Noguiera probably speaks some english but i havent heard
any.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29147">
Some house keeping: I recieved your package
from the 23 of january with sweettarts in it. Thanks - it was awesome!</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29146">
Questions: 8 missionaries work in our
area. We have divided up the city. Yes, we have a litle problem with retention
but we work on it. We have one branch of about 100 for the city.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29145">
This week, we had an awesome baptism of
the man i talked about in my last email. manuel. It was really sweet and you
could feel the spirit of the baptism. Also, for all of you Beatles fans out
there, for the sisters, I baptized John Lennon :). </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week, we had lots to do and
that's good because it makes resting on pday that much better. It's funny we
scheduled an appointment with a man named jose and his family for 6:30. We showed
up and they were in the middle of watching a soccer game so we literally
had to wait for half an hour until the game ended before we could teach...that's
brazil for you. Also, it was a good lesson and the family agreed to pray about
the Book of Mormon (but it may have been the happy endorphins because their
team won) lol. I'm going to assume that it was the spirit we brought. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Also this
week, a women, ana paula, who we were visiting the last time before "cutting" (dropping her because she doesnt make progress) said
that she wants to be baptized because she needs to change her life. This is
awesome because she has been weak, weak, weak before now. Overall, it has been
a good week. But, on the bad, the senior comp in the other companipnship of elders
is really annoying mostly because he is always in everyone else's business. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Also,
this week the rain came back with vengance. I did jinx myself but we have a
missionary saying here -- "Every time you walk in the rain, your future wife just got a little
hotter!" So, that's what I'm going for. But even if that's not the truth, I am still
in the right place.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_29148">
Love,</div>
<div>
Elder Brett Wilson </div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-11846184894329509342014-03-26T21:42:00.000-07:002014-03-26T21:42:29.675-07:00March 10, 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_27896">
Hi all,</div>
<div>
Answers to questions:</div>
<div>
This week, my baptism of Manuel fell through
because he was sick. He looked normal to me and my comp. Sooo yeah...we
rescheduled for next Saturday but the Lord is awesome. We found out that he was
sick and as we were walking back from his house to church, we received a phone
call from the sisters. A boy we have been teaching named vanjilson showed up
at church with his parents. His parents finally agreed to let him be baptized.
So, we did have a baptism this Sunday. It was truly a miracle. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
You asked if I had received any of your packages yet...I have received no
packages as of yet. What goodies should i be expecting? We haven't moved yet but
we have secured another apartment. It's much bigger. The downside it still only
has one bathroom. My mission prez, he is Brazilian, significantly shorter than
me, and he says that he loves and worries about me. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
For breakfast, i normally eat
a piece of fruit and a hard boiled egg or 2. In the scriptures, i am studying
several things - the Book of Mormon reading it through, missionary work as found
in the D&C, and the pride cycle - why people are lifted up in pride, and how
to avoid it. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Miracles? well the baptism of vanjilson, my language skills. I can
understand almost everything now. and this week my comp told me that i now know
enough Portuguese to get by and i need to study/work on my pronunciation because
and i quote my comp, "people don't understand you because your Portuguese sounds weird." I
don't talk like a Brazilian...who would have thought :). </div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_27899">
This week, I had an interesting
experience. So my comp, the DL, decided that we were going to do splits with the two
new missionaries in the district - him with the trainer (elder Borges) and me with
the greenie (elder Beserra). That way my comp could teach elder Borges how to work
because as my comp said, "I'm not going to have a fubeca in my district." A fubeca is a slacker
missionary. In Portuguese, fubeca translates to `stress` as in it causes the
leaders of the mission and church stress. Of course, that left me and Elder
Beserra to do the work in my area. So, we have one missionary that doesn't speak
very good Portuguese but knows the lessons and how to teach and the other that
knows Portuguese but doesn't know the lessons or how to teach. It was interesting
to say the least and i don't think that we taught false doctrine so I'm going to
call that a win. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It hasn't rained in the last 2 weeks so I'm hopeful that the
rainy season is over (of course even as i write this i think that i might have
jinxed myself). Remember that the field is white already to harvest. The
scripture doesn't say that its white in Mexico, or Brazil, or Utah. The
field (everywhere) you go is white and ready to harvest. When you thrust in your
sickle with your might, when you give some effort to helping this work go
forward, the Lord promised that you will lay up in store or have success and
thereby bring their soul to God and your own. Just some food for thought about
missionary work.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1395691048081_27900">
elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-67188397137068490262014-03-07T08:47:00.003-08:002014-03-07T08:47:45.138-08:00March 5, 2014<div id="yiv93065748">
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1394207732122_4543">
Again, i am late with the email. This time
because of Carnaval. All of the businesses were shut down <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1394209294_0">on Monday</span> and Tuesday to
celebrate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1394207732122_4401">
Anyway, I had an insight this week about
all the cold y'all had...maybe our fruit trees will actually give us fruit this
year. when I'm not here - go figure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Anyway, this week we taught and taught and
taught and it finally paid off. We have a baptism marked for <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1394209294_1">this Sunday</span> with one of our
investigators and funny older gentleman named Manuel. It's funny...we did our
original contact with his son and when we started teaching his son he was there
and told us that he would like to hear more. It is truly a miracle (or it will be
when he is baptized). The people of Brazil are great! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So to preface, down here
they have 2 types of mango - green and orange. The orange are like what we have
in the USA. The green are far superior. They have more of a tangy flavor. The
other night, we were teaching this family and they found out about my love for
green mangos. The mother told me to follow her so I did. On her back porch was
a tub of green mangos. She told me to take some so I tried to take 3 and she ushered me
out of the way and put 8 more in the bag. Awesome! </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
So, <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1394209294_2">this Friday night</span> through T<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1394209294_3">uesday afternoon</span> was Acompamento for the youth. It is a
cross between youth conference and efy. The thing that is notable/a little
humorous is that Carnaval is from Saturday to Tuesday and that is the same time
as acompamento. I'm sure that there is something here about avoiding the evils of
the world. I will let you figure it out. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week, I broke down and picked
my futbol team. Everyone here has to have a team regardless of how much you
know about soccer or what country you are from. So, i did it in the most logical
way possible --- which jersey I liked the best :). So, I am now and forever more a Sao
Paolo Dragon supporter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje3LZ_yneagiaMVNyjGTkF6kkpirFCbJvVlgrIzysHk0wVqBx8Ab0W17YEw1rNN1x2z_wtsALC3Vmzios5oE5gRJCCVjs9OPa258JbTaVayqJ_6m4SNPrPZJB5K591R1zDrxU59MjLaAk/s1600/DSCN0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgje3LZ_yneagiaMVNyjGTkF6kkpirFCbJvVlgrIzysHk0wVqBx8Ab0W17YEw1rNN1x2z_wtsALC3Vmzios5oE5gRJCCVjs9OPa258JbTaVayqJ_6m4SNPrPZJB5K591R1zDrxU59MjLaAk/s1600/DSCN0228.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My companion is from Sao Paolo. His
team is the Sao Paolo Dragons. He didn't want to influence me in my choice so
he waited outside the store for me while i picked. I chose and here is the funny
part when I walked out of the store with my jersey and asked him "hey, what team is
this?" He said, and I quote, "It's Sao Paolo, baby, the best freaking team in the
world." Then, he made me give him a high five. As you can probably figure, he was
pleased. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Also, in other news, I got 2 new Brazilian roomates because of transfers.
One has about 8 months and according to my companion is a slacker. The other
is a greenie fresh from the MTC. So, i guess we will see how much work they
do. My comp, being the dl, is worried. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Now overall, we have 8 missionaries in
Guarabira, which is good the work is moving forward. The bad is that we have to
find a new apartment. Ours technically fits 4 but in reality is great for 2.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thanks for the prayers,</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1394207732122_4546">
elder b wilson</div>
</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-50845616185947439952014-03-07T08:20:00.003-08:002014-03-07T08:20:54.278-08:00February 24, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHeYkE7FvYKOeYTDfUFy6BJZsYCfCbdhYvVX3koM6h3R8OSy4XGZh9O-fmNkF59bNgJl4RM2J7MvxQWjYpNoxFY4aAcEx7Ty_OtjU_Y49y2u9ooSKyYBg_hIRFL6wmwRLnjcYBlquyKeg/s1600/Imagem+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHeYkE7FvYKOeYTDfUFy6BJZsYCfCbdhYvVX3koM6h3R8OSy4XGZh9O-fmNkF59bNgJl4RM2J7MvxQWjYpNoxFY4aAcEx7Ty_OtjU_Y49y2u9ooSKyYBg_hIRFL6wmwRLnjcYBlquyKeg/s1600/Imagem+004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sorry for the late reply. This week is transfers so my pday is on Wednesday. It
didn't really affect me though because i am staying in Guarabira with my
trainer. We did get one new companionship here in our district. It is elders so we
are going to have to move because our apartment was great for 2 people but it doesn't work very well with 4. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOIOE_gsQSNhjEsLlplu9yPQQfG72UwHHmfCPNMKamqYqpLfsb2QQ7avkERcMxCg31Dbq2WeauOhNOAVPiqGTwBHxzEJapWKFgHnL0l51MPParIKVbbBMrO-fNuyuXHc6iPhsnBkYruiX/s1600/Imagem+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOIOE_gsQSNhjEsLlplu9yPQQfG72UwHHmfCPNMKamqYqpLfsb2QQ7avkERcMxCg31Dbq2WeauOhNOAVPiqGTwBHxzEJapWKFgHnL0l51MPParIKVbbBMrO-fNuyuXHc6iPhsnBkYruiX/s1600/Imagem+001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So on Wednesday, we did splits with the zone
leaders. They were good. The best part was that my comp and elder southwick went
to an area called Mutirao. This had previously been a bad unfruitful area but
they went and found many new people to teach and the majority of them came to
church on Sunday. So, we have been very busy in that neighborhood. <br />
<br />
This week, the
district leader (also my comp) made the focus of the week, miracles. And that's what
we have been working for. We had one (almost) so last Sunday this man and his
children show up and say they have taken all of the lessons in Brasilia, They have
just moved here and decided that they need to be baptized. So, we scheduled their
baptism after checking their story out. The problem is that when we went to
visit them <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1394208607_0">on Friday, </span>the father
was literally in the middle of smoking marijuana with his buddies. Apparently, he
didn't quite understand the word of wisdom :). So, we retaught it and he committed
to live it. We go back tomorrow to see the results. <br />
<br />
Besides that this week was
good. Because of the new transfer we have re prioritized and focused our work
better. We have been working hard but we decided that now we are going to work
smart, mostly that means cutting out the fat. We have a plan. Now, lets see how
well we stick to it. On that same theme of miracles, over the last week or so I
have noticed and my comp has commented that I am understanding almost everything
that is said to me, or around me. This is truly a gift from God and a major
blessing. Now, i just need to learn to talk back to them after they speak to me.
<br />
<br />
Have a good week,
<br />
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-64927461033972900962014-03-07T08:09:00.003-08:002014-03-07T08:09:40.062-08:00February 17, 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1394207732122_2053">
Hello all,</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Questions:</div>
- Yes, zach and i have regular
correspondence. <br />
- My investigators survived their family. We have about 8 that we
are teaching right now. We get most of our investigators by member references or
by talking to random people on the street. <br />
- I can and do teach in Portuguese,
actually that is when i am at my best with Portuguese (I'm sure that there's a
reason for that, the spirit or something like that). It's just with normal
conversation that i have a hard time with. <br />
- There are a few normal things- like
pringles, club crackers, peanut m&ms and then things like rice,eggs,fruit. I found chocolate pudding last week. So yeah, I bought that. Other than what i
have named, there are only Brazilian brands which some of them are similar but
they aren't the same, like not even close. They have cereal but it is really
expensive so i haven't tried it yet. <br />
- Yes, the members have pets, mostly dogs or
birds. But for those families that don't have pets, there is always a stray dog
within a few blocks. <br />
- The members are willing to help us. The problem is that
our area is spread out so it is sometimes difficult to get a member who is in
the area that we are teaching in. But if we ask, then they will almost always
help.<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1394207732122_2057">
This week was difficult for the work. We
had 8 commitments for church and none of them showed up, and our baptism
commitment backed out because of her husband's doubts. sigh. But I am well and
the sun is shining. Maybe with all of the cold weather, we will actually get some
fruit this year. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Congrats with your missionary work. It is truly amazing the way
that the Lord opens doors and hearts when we are looking to share the gospel
with others. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week we had mission conference with a member of the area 70
presidency. It was good and there was one talk that struck me about how no
matter where we are or what we do we are always leaving a legacy. So, the
question is "what is yours?" Something to think about. The conference was also
good because i got to catch up with my friends from the MTC. It is truly a great
feeling to see how well they are progressing and growing on their mission and to
know that they see the same growth in me. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
But despite the bad, we did have
a baptism this week from a companionship of sisters in my district. It was the
last son in a family of recent converts. I baptized them all so it was really
cool. It's funny when the youth found out that I am American they often come up
to me and ask me the meanings of song names or of the lyrics. I have to
explain the figurative language of music in my broken Portuguese...kind of
frustrating but funny at the same time. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I hope that you are well. Remember with
this work it's not about the money its about sending a message, "also i can do
all things through Christ who strengtheneth me."</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1394207732122_2072">
love</div>
elder Brett WilsonRob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-56077915053014470402014-02-11T07:25:00.001-08:002014-02-11T07:25:09.504-08:00February 10, 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_2035">
questions. </div>
<div>
My zone conferences are during
the first week of the month. </div>
<div>
Transfers are every 6 weeks but because i am being
trained i wont get a transfer for 2 more months so early April i will lose my
trainer. </div>
<div>
The Olympics aren't a big deal here, i have heard literally nothing
about them. But in comparison, i have heard a lot about the World Cup, you know
the one that is still 6 months away. The other night, we were walking and we saw
an entire neighborhood around the local bars' TV for a match between the 2 main
teams in Paraiba (my current state). It was crazy to see. Soccer really is a
religion here. </div>
<div>
I don't know about my zone since i have only met them once and
there are 20 others. In my district, my comp is from Sao Paulo, 2 of the
sisters are from Utah, one sister is from Sao Paulo, and the other sister is
from Georgia.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_2037">
Tthe weather here isn't crazy. It's hot
everyday and about 60 percent of the time it will rain in the afternoon, like
alot. There isn't such a thing as a ``sprinkling`` here. It's cats and dogs but
that's all right. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week my comp commented that though I am an American, my
tongue is a Brazilian because apparently its weird that i like all of the
Brazilian food i have eaten. I just laughed because its not like i go looking for
bad food to eat. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Also, because i am blond, people here, when we are walking or
talking with them, call out to me "òi aleman vem aqui", or "hey German come here". I
have started introducing myself as Elder Wilson, a missionary for the church and
an American learning Portuguese. After about the 13th time in one day, you get
tired of being called a German. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Our district had 2 baptisms on Sunday - 2 really
cool people. I performed the ordinance and it was special. I could really feel
God's love for these people. I want to baptize every week. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Tell Brandon to enjoy
the MTC and learn as much as he can because the field is way harder and not at
all like the MTC. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We are teaching this couple, David and Vanimi . Vanimi has been
reading the Book of Mormon by herself and writing down words she doesn't
understand and questions like``why was it okay for Nephi to kill Laban?`` She is
awesome. Her husband has some bigger doubts but we are working with him. At the
end of the last lesson, they agreed to pray about the truth of the Book of
Mormon. Unfortunately, they are visiting family until Thursday. I really hope
that their family doesn't `corrupt` them because they are close. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It's summer here so
all of the fruit trees are in season (con forca), which is great for us because the
members can't eat all of their fruit so they are giving some of it to us...fresh
mango straight from the tree may be one of life's great pleasures followed by
fresh sugar cane. mmmmm :). </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Mom, it's funny that you met a Brazilian in the way you
did (MaryAnne was at a doctor and starting talking to a fellow that is from Brazil) because all Brazilians are like that. They love Brazil. The other day, i was
talking with an investigator and he found out that i am from Texas. He asked if i
loved Texas, which naturally, i said yes. He paused and asked me in all
seriousness, `you know that God is a Brazilian right`. It was really funny and the perfect example of how they feel about Brazil. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am well here and my
blisters are gone so i am walking pretty. </div>
<div>
Thanks for the prayers, Y'all are in
mine.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_2050">
Love,</div>
<div>
Elder Brett Wilson </div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-18359423283563999772014-02-11T07:13:00.001-08:002014-02-11T07:13:14.016-08:00February 3, 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_14882">
house keeping. i received the dear elder
letter that you sent on Jan 14th. The way mail works here, I get physical mail once a
month at zone meeting unless you work in the office because that is where all
the mail goes through. The average time for mail is 3 weeks to 6 weeks, for a package
2-3months.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_14881">
Questions</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_14824">
I have given no service yet.</div>
<div>
I have a
fan in my apartment and it is wonderful. I thank God for it in my prayers every
night. </div>
<div>
In guarabira there are very few bugs but it really just depends on where
you are in the mission. </div>
<div>
The ward mission leader is awesome. He is always looking
to help us. </div>
<div>
We don't actually have dinner appointments, we have lunch
appointments and we have those through the members every day except pday. It's
like I said, they love missionaries here. </div>
<div>
I met with my mission prez this week. He
has been serving since July. It wasn't much though - just a hi, welcome, do you have
any probs, or need, we love you and are here for you. Nice but not much.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_14799">
This week was a down week for missionary
work in our city. Our district had 3 baptisms scheduled for Sat. and they all
fell through. (hospital, relapse smoking, and one father changed his mind about
giving approval). I guess that we just have to work harder. My companion blames
himself for the lack of baptisms. He thinks that because he is district leader
he could of done something more to help them be baptised. He isn't depressed. He
just says ``we need to do better this week, okay lets go to work." </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I had my first
rain storm this week and then my second and third. It's funny - we walk and I use
my umbrella (which is so nice) but its not quite big enough for all of me so my
lower third is wet from the rain and the rest of me is sweating. It's more
amusing than anything. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I love the Book of Mormon. We were teaching a family and
one of the family members said I don't believe you because there can't be anything
more than the Bible. My comp started to explain about how God gives his word to
all people ect. I just said ``this is simple. I know this to be the truth and
the word of God. This book is special because it is the only book with a test. I
read her the Moroni promise and told her to do it. I gave her a copy of the Book of Mormon
and she said that she would do it. We go back tomorrow to meet with them again.
But the Book of Mormon is awesome because as Joseph Smith said ``it has the power to
confound the wicked, and eliminate false doctrines teachings and beliefs.`` </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As
for your investigators, Mom, give her a Book of Mormon and bring in the
missionaries. You should get them involved because she will need to meet with
them before she can be baptized, ect and they do this for a ``living``.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_14885">
this week i had `cervada'. It is a drink
that is brewed from a nut and tastes nutty and sweet. It looks and smells like coffee.
I asked my comp what it was and he said coffee. He let me think that I was
drinking Brazilian coffee for about 10 minutes. I even commented that it was
funny because in America we don't drink coffee. He then finally busted out
laughing and told the truth. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I hope y'all are well. </div>
<div>
I'm glad that grandpa's ear
will get better.</div>
<br />
Love,<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1392011533242_14886">
Elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-28395447689729635472014-01-30T08:18:00.000-08:002014-01-30T08:47:04.923-08:00January 27, 2014Hello all,<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_22525">
</div>
<div>
The language is progressing along faster
than you would think but at the same time frustratingly slow. I haven't had any
misspeaks yet that I know about. I´ll keep you posted. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My companion, Elder Bernardo, is about
5' 7", 19yrs old, and a Brazilian. For the most part, he is like a normal 19yr old
but he is Brazilian, so different. I'ts hard to explain. For example, he like all
Brazilians. They don't have any `real` traffic laws so they drive ,walk, ride wherever
they want, I'm like ``elder let's be careful. I don't want to get run over.`` But he
is fearless. I guess its a cultural thing. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I haven't met with my mission president
yet. I haven't had any contact with him yet. I don't know if that's normal or
what but we will see. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I am serving in the area of Maumaguape in the city of
Guarabira, Brazil about 2hrs inland by bus. I am in the Guarabira branch. It has
50-60 people in it and they are all so passionate about the gospel and
missionary work. It is truly amazing. I wish that y'all could see it. I live in
the city in an apartment that is what I pictured it to be. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The only thing that I
really wish for is a/c. Here the only people with it are government buildings,
doctors and the like, or tourist spots. I want to avoid the first 2 and
am-in general- not supposed to go to the 3rd. so yeah. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The work is progressing
and moving forward at a good speed. We baptized 2 of the children of the man I
baptized last week, which was really cool. We are teaching 2 families and 4 others
so we are very busy. I love the fact that the people here love God. We have 2
neighborhoods that are 2-3 miles away and often instead of walking we can stick
out hands out and people will stop because they love God, and want to help
``God's men``. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
This week, we were passing by a lady named, Isabel, and we had a nice
lesson about prayer. We left to go to lunch and we had about 10 extra minutes so we
were going to walk slow. I then had the thought, "go and visit claudia and another
investigator in that neighborhood." So, I told my comp and we did. Claudia's
brother had just been stabbed to death and we were able to share a message about
our purpose, life after death, and the plan of salvation. Needless to say, we
were late to lunch but we had a really spiritual moment with her and we are
now in much better standing with her as she was wavering before that. I am glad
that I was able to receive that revelation. It is an important lesson in always
being worthy because you never know when you will be needed. I</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I hope that y'all
are well. Don't go towards the long tunnel with the bright light.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_44488">
Elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-45292027098159829822014-01-30T08:08:00.003-08:002014-01-30T08:08:47.117-08:00January 20, 2014Howdy y'all,<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_44284">
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_44283" style="font-family: tahoma,; font-size: 16px;">
</div>
</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_44289">
Psyche. My pday is actually <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391097149_0">on Monday</span>. I am well here in the hot
Brazil. We walk everywhere so we get very sweaty. On my second day, I got a
blister. My comp says that my feet will get used to it by the end of the month. I
keep waiting for that day. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
My comp and I are currently teaching 2 people - a lady
named Ana P****, a man named Maurice, and a women Maria and her child. On Sunday, we had a baptism for a man and his son. I did the baptism but they were the
sisters investigators. I don't
have a ward but in my area I have a branch of about 60 people. They are friendly
and love the gospel. There are 6 missionaries in my district - 2 elders and 4
sisters. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
It is very hot here all the time. According to the office elders, I am in
the hottest part of the mission. It is also humid. I haven't seen any snakes yet.
The members feed us here. The main meal is lunch so every day except pday we go
and eat with a member. The food is really good here. I also remember when you made
cuzcus and only dad and I liked it. Here, cuzcuz is a big deal and I have had it
with all but one meal. So it's a good thing I like it lol. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The stores here
are interesting. you walk down main street and there are just shops, one grocery
store, a furniture, hardware, snack, fruit, toy. There is a mall in my city but
most of the people actually don't use it. They just go to the market. Another
interesting thing about Brazil is all of their houses are wide open with lots of
windows. The doors have vents in them. Its all designed for ventilation, because
literally no one here have a/c. On a separate note though, they all have TV so it
fun to see what things are important in life. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Thank y'all for your prayers in my
behalf. This week, I was studying in 1 Nephi and I was reading the story about
the broken bow. It struck me that even Lehi started to complain and murmur, the
Dad and the prophet. Only Nephi relied on the Lord and I'm sure that it must of
been hard for him to say, ``Dad shape up we need you to use the Liahona to find
us food.`` But he did it. I think it's a great example of how just because
someone is your perceived elder/superior doesn't mean that they are in the right
or that you should follow them. You know what is right and others know what is
right as you stand up for it, others will follow. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I love y'all and I am happy to
be here because I know I am doing the right thing. Good job with your missionary
work. We need the members to make this work go forward. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Another fun fact for you...the people of Brazil don't like Obama either. Go figure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
To send me stuff, it's
best to use the mission home address unless its an email. The address is </div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_44290">
Rua Deputado José Mariz, 515</div>
Tambauzinho<br />
João Pessoal –
PB<br />
Brazil<br />
CEP :
58042-020<br />
<br />
<div class="yiv117712063MsoNormal" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_44296">
Love, Elder
Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-54630202382100633792014-01-30T07:59:00.000-08:002014-01-30T07:59:17.286-08:00January 15, 2014 - First email from BRAZIL!!!!<div id="yiv1828716645">
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_43372">
Dear all,</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_43267">
I am well here in Brazil. I made it
through customs easier than I thought it would be. I guess that they didn't
consider me a threat. lol. I met my comp/trainer. His name is Elder Bernardo. He
is a Brazilian from Sao Paulo. I am glad that he is from Brazil because this will help me to learn
faster. I met President Nogureira (pronounced no-gear-a) and his wife. They seem like cool people. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
When
I was in the airport in Rio de Janiero, I was trying to figure out the
customs/bags/security and out of nowhere this guy comes up to me and offers to
help. He is a Mormon who works in the airport. He helped me to get everything in
order and be on my way. He was truly god sent and it just affirmed my testimony
that God knows us and sends help in our times of need. I am going contacting
tonight so that should be fun/interesting and a little nerve wracking because i don't
speak very good Portuguese yet. But it will come with time. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_43668">
My assigned area is a town called
Guarabira, 60 percent ish of people here drive motorcycles and not cars. Here, they have a drink called guadana. It comes from the inside of a green
coconut and it tastes interesting. It's not unpleasant but definitely not
American (just like almost everything else here but that's not a bad thing).</div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I know that I am
here to do the Lord's work and I know that I am right where the Lord needs me. I
can't wait to help him do His work.</div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_43375">
</div>
<div>
love, </div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_43376">
Elder Brett Wilson</div>
</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-34788771504064032682014-01-30T07:52:00.002-08:002014-01-30T07:52:50.680-08:00January 11, 2014<div dir="ltr">
Family,</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I am traveling <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391095546_0">on Tuesday</span> and I dont know when my
pday will be when i get to the mission so here it is.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_42612">
This week, we committed our
investigator, Augustino, to baptism. This was a big step for him since he had a
difficult time with the concept of us having priesthood authority. I am busy
packing. </div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Packing to leave the MTC is much harder than I would have thought at
the beginning of my time here. I'm sorry i dont really have much to say (though i
am sure that ya'll will have lots when i call <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391095546_1">on Monday</span>). I was reading the Book of Mormon in the Book
of Mormon and I had the thought that pretty much all of the Nephite nation was
wicked and yet they chose one of the few righteous among them to be their
leader (Mormon). This is just a testament that even if someone is doing wrong and
evil, they still recognize good and the fact that those people have extra
power/blessings. This may be part of the reason that Jesus said, "Let your light
so shine before man, that they may see your good works". </div>
<div dir="ltr">
</div>
<div dir="ltr">
I am excited to be
flying out to Brazil to begin the main part of my mission. We did Skype with
native Brazilians and I was able to understand most of what they said. So, i am
feeling pretty good about my Portuguese but i am sure that will change once i
get to Brazil. I got your package today with the kool-aid in it and it will be
much appreciated in Brazil. I also received the journals from Uncle Denny. Tell
him thanks from me or send me his email so i can express gratitude myself. Also,
thank you for the healthy snacks they came at just the right moment because
after a time there is only so much candy that you can eat and when many of your
relatives send you candy it ends up piling up. All of my district has been well fed with the stuff sent to me. It is really nice of everyone.</div>
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got to go. </div>
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Love, </div>
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Elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5268103990267897066.post-2838794630667227222014-01-30T07:38:00.002-08:002014-01-30T07:38:48.507-08:00January 7, 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_41119">
Dear all,</div>
<div>
On New Years Eve, we had Elder
Ballard come and speak to us. He spoke about the Atonement and making changes.
The point that struck me was that when we try to make a change, if you only last
a week and then you fail, you are now one week better for that. Now, you can now
use that progress to build to 2 weeks, to a month, to the rest of your life. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I guess
that y'all haven't gotten my letter with the news yet. so i will just tell you I
GOT MY VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQszYLirM1tUblKJ37bazFCaR2YDfizWz0uKx74fxxC_E3YepGBZvCc8rG1eGfZ3tsaf_YppXuMSAcHkStfcjl3TfFqaE1VCRd5FRG-6bw3-mkzHTuqnT4AOvbNKeEaNE9brFIetTPBwID/s1600/DSCN0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQszYLirM1tUblKJ37bazFCaR2YDfizWz0uKx74fxxC_E3YepGBZvCc8rG1eGfZ3tsaf_YppXuMSAcHkStfcjl3TfFqaE1VCRd5FRG-6bw3-mkzHTuqnT4AOvbNKeEaNE9brFIetTPBwID/s1600/DSCN0129.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I will be departing here <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391094618_0">next Monday</span> for Brazil along with 3 others in my
district, including my companion. But none of us are flying together. We are
allowed to call from the airport so I will be calling from Atlanta at about
<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391094618_1">7pm-</span>ish (central time) next
Monday. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vjS1l7neDMRYtTk1sdsHoUUNng90unabSEf4C3hbY4YYfOhuogU7qgAu0r5_ZMb0FKBHuQ-8z3qiek2kSfIW09KohZPCB-EbF2X8pEE2GhkiHeCZvT2CFCyvBk_CT1fVbDZ1gp1o-pT5/s1600/DSCN0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0vjS1l7neDMRYtTk1sdsHoUUNng90unabSEf4C3hbY4YYfOhuogU7qgAu0r5_ZMb0FKBHuQ-8z3qiek2kSfIW09KohZPCB-EbF2X8pEE2GhkiHeCZvT2CFCyvBk_CT1fVbDZ1gp1o-pT5/s1600/DSCN0100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
Brett's companion - Elder Voorhies - A Dutch young man from Lubbock, Texas</div>
<br />
In interviews with the district presidency, we discuss my progress and
any problems that I have or are in my district. I am singing in choir and it is
enjoyable, mostly because that is a hour, twice a week, that I am not in the
classroom. lol. My daily schedule is get up go to breakfast. Then, I have a 3hr
block with a teacher(Portuguese, how to teach, progressing investigator,etc.). Then, study, lunch, language study, gym, more study, dinner, another 3hr block with a
teacher, personal time, bed. It's about 9 hrs total in my classroom. <br />
</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_41116">
This week as I said earlier, I got my
visa which was probably the highlight. Also, I got a light saber, and learned how
to bend gravity (see pics). </div>
<div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU0i_nYh4mm0AfaM8aMz15Wl578YzeCK3hujvxmaTCorVReooPoJEyBo5UKEPSXYbiGrsLsA7rD7_vWgtgoIhp54BZlUQ_CRndSkH3mD648xds0hfJ-3LCVez2JpLkF9leaWqK8BOc1NM/s1600/DSCN0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU0i_nYh4mm0AfaM8aMz15Wl578YzeCK3hujvxmaTCorVReooPoJEyBo5UKEPSXYbiGrsLsA7rD7_vWgtgoIhp54BZlUQ_CRndSkH3mD648xds0hfJ-3LCVez2JpLkF9leaWqK8BOc1NM/s1600/DSCN0120.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
A spiritual insight that I have had this week is
that we were saved for this last dispensation. Out of all of the people who
could of been picked - Abraham, Moses, Peter, Nephi, Moroni, God chose us, he
wouldn't leave this final dispensation to chance. he chose people that he knows
he can count on. Let's not let him down. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In other news, in my final week at the
MTC, my district has now received our 6th teacher because of the way it happened
with us being here between semesters at BYU. Don't worry...one of our teachers
stayed the same, it was just the other one that kept changing. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here we don't have
any pollen. I'm sure that it all died and went to pollen afterlife. But I'm sorry
for y'all all the same. One frustration of the mission life: we have an
investigator (Augustino) who know the Book of Mormon is true but can't quite accept that
Joseph Smith was a prophet or that we have the correct priesthood authority
despite the fact that those are connected. I think that we are making
progress. It would probably be best to ship the journals to Joao Pessoa because I don't know if
they would get here by S<span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391094618_2">aturday
morning </span>because the mailroom closes early <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391094618_3">on Sat</span> and I fly out early <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1391094618_4">on Monday</span>. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Im glad y'all enjoyed New Years. It was fun
here too, especially when at midnight we were woken up by some people who were
right outside the fence yelling "Happy New Years America, You're the best" over
and over. It was funny at first but then it turned annoying. Such is the life of
a missionary.</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_41122">
Bound for Brazil</div>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1390881881703_41123">
Elder Brett Wilson</div>
Rob and MaryAnne Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00785748677298290079noreply@blogger.com0