"Oi,
We had a multi-zone conference yesterday in Piracicaba!!!! I was super excited to return to the best city I ever served in! We had a lot of practices and trainings and we learned a lot. We also had interviews with the president.
This will be interesting. There's a soda called Guarana Jesus in the state of Maranhao in the north of Brazil. Elden Diniz was from the Maranhao and has been missing Guarana Jesus ever since he got to Campinas. So when we met some investigators from Maranhao here in Sumare, I asked them about Guarana Jesus and they got some. We drank it and I gave a bottle to Elder Diniz! He was really excited and I knew he would like it.
We are teaching Raimundo and Ivonete and they are super excited about the gospel. They are really seeing changes in their lives. They are getting everything ready to be married and baptized at the end of the month of May.
That's an interesting letter from Casey (Bangerter). Our mission has always been the way his mission is becoming. Pres Castro Deus has always, always, always emphasized worthiness and obedience before anything. Baptisms usually come as a result of obedience, but whether we baptize or not, because of obedience, we are worthy of eternal life. The Brazil Campinas Mission has risen from dead last to become the 6th most baptizing mission in Brazil in under two years...and we'll just keep rising. Fortaleza (Casey's mission) is historically the highest baptizing mission, but in March we surpassed them. This goes to show the truth of what Casey is learning.
The mission sent us a photo of the whole mission when Elder Cook visited here in Campinas and I'll forward it to you.
I'm going to find some glasses to buy so as to rest my eyes. I talked with Sister Castro Deus and she said that would be best. Everyone makes fun of the glasses I have so I just used the contacts and my eyes have started to hurt.
I'll work out everything for Mother's Day. To be honest I'm shocked that it's already here. It feels like yesterday was Christmas Day. This will be the last phone call and then I'm home!! This phone call can only be with you two, alright. Pres. hasn't said yet, but I bet it's only for 30 or 40 minutes.
I love you all. Ate mais,
Elder Christian Larsen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Live and Learn
"Oi!
Well, this past week was a lot better. I learned a lot! My companionship became a lot better when I learned this simple lesson...that I need to know the true character of a person, and then make the decision to look at him as though he were the person he one day could be. This was what I did with Elder Damasceno and everything changed for the better. His pride is obvious, but it isn't an obstacle for our companionship anymore.
First off, I'll try my best to get a letter out to both Cory and Chaz. You've already perceived the humongous pressure to baptize and have other high key indicators here. I believe that is the biggest reason why letters...for at least the past 10 months since I became senior...have become scarce. I feel like I've done what Pres. Hinckley was counseled to do..forget yourself and go to work, and "turning off" from your personal committments back home ( as it says in Portuguese) is essential to diving into the work. And, I have to say that I don't feel toooooo bad, because you have the blog up and they can look at it whenever they like. Also, this area doesn't have a post office, so it's twice as hard. Also, I have only what...6 months left. But, I'll be better with letters.
So, we marked the baptism of Ivonete and Raimundo. They have to get married first so they won't get baptized until the 23rd of May. We're working with many other families and we have great hopes for them. This ward has an excellent bishop which is a huge help.
I also want you to know how far our money is going in this mission. This past month the allowance has been late, so this last district meeting two elders, separately without the knowledge of the other, pulled me aside and asked me for money to get the bus home. I gave it to them, of course, to one I gave even more and told him to use it throughout the week. Our money was the only reason that the water and lights weren't turned off at our apartment in Rio Claro, because I was able to pay the outrageous bills when the city upped the taxes. I bought medication for Elder Santana and then two months later for Elder Barreto. And, of course, everyone is benefitting from the sweets you send. I thought you might find it interesting. It really became apparent yesterday when I gave the two elders bus passes.
I liked the idea of Jason working with you a lot! And, I laughed to hear that the squirrel is still there. and I remember very well when I played the accordion for grandma's aunt. That is a very special memory.
I'm happy and we're working hard. I love you all! Ate mais!"
Elder Christian Larsen
Well, this past week was a lot better. I learned a lot! My companionship became a lot better when I learned this simple lesson...that I need to know the true character of a person, and then make the decision to look at him as though he were the person he one day could be. This was what I did with Elder Damasceno and everything changed for the better. His pride is obvious, but it isn't an obstacle for our companionship anymore.
First off, I'll try my best to get a letter out to both Cory and Chaz. You've already perceived the humongous pressure to baptize and have other high key indicators here. I believe that is the biggest reason why letters...for at least the past 10 months since I became senior...have become scarce. I feel like I've done what Pres. Hinckley was counseled to do..forget yourself and go to work, and "turning off" from your personal committments back home ( as it says in Portuguese) is essential to diving into the work. And, I have to say that I don't feel toooooo bad, because you have the blog up and they can look at it whenever they like. Also, this area doesn't have a post office, so it's twice as hard. Also, I have only what...6 months left. But, I'll be better with letters.
So, we marked the baptism of Ivonete and Raimundo. They have to get married first so they won't get baptized until the 23rd of May. We're working with many other families and we have great hopes for them. This ward has an excellent bishop which is a huge help.
I also want you to know how far our money is going in this mission. This past month the allowance has been late, so this last district meeting two elders, separately without the knowledge of the other, pulled me aside and asked me for money to get the bus home. I gave it to them, of course, to one I gave even more and told him to use it throughout the week. Our money was the only reason that the water and lights weren't turned off at our apartment in Rio Claro, because I was able to pay the outrageous bills when the city upped the taxes. I bought medication for Elder Santana and then two months later for Elder Barreto. And, of course, everyone is benefitting from the sweets you send. I thought you might find it interesting. It really became apparent yesterday when I gave the two elders bus passes.
I liked the idea of Jason working with you a lot! And, I laughed to hear that the squirrel is still there. and I remember very well when I played the accordion for grandma's aunt. That is a very special memory.
I'm happy and we're working hard. I love you all! Ate mais!"
Elder Christian Larsen
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
A Hummingbird in the Hand....
"Oi!
I'll write my letter by answering your questions.
Our house isn't as good as it was in Rio Claro. But it's just the two of us now. We live underneath the house of a family of members who are wonderful and help us a lot. I'm also happy because they have two dogs, one talking parrot, and a little bird that can sing La Cucaracha and the Addam's Family Theme. You might not believe it, but I held a hummingbird in my hand the other day. I never thought I could get so close to a hummingbird!
My companion is another story. I'm really confused about this guy. He is 25, has been a member since age 20. He is probably the smartest person I've ever met. He works well, especially with people and makes friends easily. He is very bold, something that probably comes with his maturity. He teaches very well, and it seems that the members here trust him. But he doesn't want to qualify. He says he doesn't want to be senior because it's annoying, too much of a hassel.
Easter was like any other day. We worked and taught and found new people to teach. We had church, then lunch, then ward counsel, then we taught a very spiritual lesson to a wonderful family for whom we have great expectations. You need to put their names in the temple after you read this email, because yesterday we had another spiritual lesson with them and they said they didn't want us to return to teach them. Cassumiro, Edsan, Cleber, and Christian. We have fasted and prayed that this family, together with another ....Fabiula, Pedro, and Carol may be baptized in this month of April. Please pray for them as well. Easter is celebrated here, but its just a big dance party with immorality and drugs and barbeque like any other holiday here.
Yes, I play the piano in sacrament meeting. In fact, I gained a lot of the bishop's trust by offering to play the piano right off the bat.
Thanks for the rice crispies, turtles, and jelly bellies. I would love more of these and especially more sour patch kids and starbursts. But these are just wants, I don't have any needs.
I love you all. Ate mais!
I'll write my letter by answering your questions.
Our house isn't as good as it was in Rio Claro. But it's just the two of us now. We live underneath the house of a family of members who are wonderful and help us a lot. I'm also happy because they have two dogs, one talking parrot, and a little bird that can sing La Cucaracha and the Addam's Family Theme. You might not believe it, but I held a hummingbird in my hand the other day. I never thought I could get so close to a hummingbird!
My companion is another story. I'm really confused about this guy. He is 25, has been a member since age 20. He is probably the smartest person I've ever met. He works well, especially with people and makes friends easily. He is very bold, something that probably comes with his maturity. He teaches very well, and it seems that the members here trust him. But he doesn't want to qualify. He says he doesn't want to be senior because it's annoying, too much of a hassel.
Easter was like any other day. We worked and taught and found new people to teach. We had church, then lunch, then ward counsel, then we taught a very spiritual lesson to a wonderful family for whom we have great expectations. You need to put their names in the temple after you read this email, because yesterday we had another spiritual lesson with them and they said they didn't want us to return to teach them. Cassumiro, Edsan, Cleber, and Christian. We have fasted and prayed that this family, together with another ....Fabiula, Pedro, and Carol may be baptized in this month of April. Please pray for them as well. Easter is celebrated here, but its just a big dance party with immorality and drugs and barbeque like any other holiday here.
Yes, I play the piano in sacrament meeting. In fact, I gained a lot of the bishop's trust by offering to play the piano right off the bat.
Thanks for the rice crispies, turtles, and jelly bellies. I would love more of these and especially more sour patch kids and starbursts. But these are just wants, I don't have any needs.
I love you all. Ate mais!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
New Zone, New District, New Assignment
"Oi,
Well, I got transferred! It's a blessing! I got transferred to one of the best zones & to a very good area. The only thing now is, if I don't baptize here, I'm up the river without a paddle. This ward is super nice, very excited and loving. We had a family night yesterday after mission conference and I made friends with a bunch of members. I think we'll have success here.
I got transferred to a city called Sumare, Nova Veneza Ward. My comp is Elder Damaceno from Manaus. I got a promotion of sorts. I'm the District Leader "Interviewer". It doesn't have the same effect in English. I don't have to give trainings anymore, thank goodness. Now I'm specifically designated to interview the baptismal candidates in our zone, which is good because I love to do baptismal interviews! Elder Carvalhal and Elder Barreto both got transferred too. It's not often that both missionaries get transferred. Elder Carvalhal was transferred to be the Zone Leader where I am now. I'm super happy about that!
Today we went to the temple, and my comp didn't remember how to get there. I found out that I know more or less how to navigate Campinas, because we found the bus stop just fine. I ran into a member from Campo Grande, Nielson. In fact he called to me from across the road....LARSEN! LARSEN! I was surprised that he remembered my name. At the temple Zilda, also from Campo Grande, was there. She says she is still anxious to see you guys. I think we need to start planning a trip down here in the summer of 2010. Even cooler, when we got to the bus stop a member from another stake here stopped and gave us a ride. His name is Marcello and he is a nurse in Vinhedo.
General Conference was wonderful! I got to watch all the sessions, but in Portuguese. This stake didn't have an English room. Did you know that Elders Scott and Christofferson speak Portuguese? (I knew about E. Scott, but not E. Christofferson) They record their talks in their own voice in the language instead of using a translator. It was cool to hear them speaking in Portuguese. Anderson was my 2nd choice. He is super humble. He'll be wonderful.
I got your packages....three big boxes. The whole mission is still envious of me. Thank You.
I'm super excited, and very happy! Pray that we baptize here! I love you all.
Elder Christian
Well, I got transferred! It's a blessing! I got transferred to one of the best zones & to a very good area. The only thing now is, if I don't baptize here, I'm up the river without a paddle. This ward is super nice, very excited and loving. We had a family night yesterday after mission conference and I made friends with a bunch of members. I think we'll have success here.
I got transferred to a city called Sumare, Nova Veneza Ward. My comp is Elder Damaceno from Manaus. I got a promotion of sorts. I'm the District Leader "Interviewer". It doesn't have the same effect in English. I don't have to give trainings anymore, thank goodness. Now I'm specifically designated to interview the baptismal candidates in our zone, which is good because I love to do baptismal interviews! Elder Carvalhal and Elder Barreto both got transferred too. It's not often that both missionaries get transferred. Elder Carvalhal was transferred to be the Zone Leader where I am now. I'm super happy about that!
Today we went to the temple, and my comp didn't remember how to get there. I found out that I know more or less how to navigate Campinas, because we found the bus stop just fine. I ran into a member from Campo Grande, Nielson. In fact he called to me from across the road....LARSEN! LARSEN! I was surprised that he remembered my name. At the temple Zilda, also from Campo Grande, was there. She says she is still anxious to see you guys. I think we need to start planning a trip down here in the summer of 2010. Even cooler, when we got to the bus stop a member from another stake here stopped and gave us a ride. His name is Marcello and he is a nurse in Vinhedo.
General Conference was wonderful! I got to watch all the sessions, but in Portuguese. This stake didn't have an English room. Did you know that Elders Scott and Christofferson speak Portuguese? (I knew about E. Scott, but not E. Christofferson) They record their talks in their own voice in the language instead of using a translator. It was cool to hear them speaking in Portuguese. Anderson was my 2nd choice. He is super humble. He'll be wonderful.
I got your packages....three big boxes. The whole mission is still envious of me. Thank You.
I'm super excited, and very happy! Pray that we baptize here! I love you all.
Elder Christian
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
March--225 Baptisms!
"Oi!
Thanks for the letter from Casey (Bangerter) and the pictures of Ryan (Froyd) and Daniel (Haycock). It's great to hear news about the ward, so keep it coming.
About the Llama Festival poster, Palmeiro got that poster in Spanish Fork. He travels to Utah almost every year to study at BYU. He's pretty rich for Brazil, although you'd never know it. I thought of dad when I saw it , so I had to send it to you guys. Irmao Palmeiro is the 1st counselor and, as you know, we don't have a bishop (nor do we have a 2nd counselor. The elder's quorum president was released last week and our ward mission leader is on the road to inactivity). So, this wonderful 70+ man is leading the ward for now. I know this situation isn't as difficult as it could be, but it's a doosy! But we're happy!
I will watch conference, again in English. We'll watch it here at the Rio Claro stake center. Our biggest concern is getting our investigators to conference. I'm excited to know who will be the newest apostle.
Some news about the mission now. If you'll remember our goal for the month of March was 300. The total was 225! That is a new record for baptism in one month in this mission. The old record was set back in August with 204 baptisms (before that Dec. 07 with 169) We did a good job. We got closer than ever before, but we'll do better! May will be the month we break 300.
Last weekend the zone leaders, the other district leader and myself were running around tryng to interview baptismal candidates in every single area of our zone. I even had to go into the other district to interview three. One was a 72 year old woman named Maria Clelia who talked A LOT! The interview lasted an hour and a half! The zone leaders and I closed our areas three three times. I got to do a division with Elder Stott, an elder in the other district and in the end every single area (except mine and the area of the zone leaders) baptized! This month our zone baptized 18 people and every area except mine and the zl's baptized! I'll bet that means we were super busy helping the other areas!
This transfer was a shortened transfer so next Tuesday is the transfer meeting. Elder Carvalhal and I think that we'll be transferred and Elder Bareto keeps telling me to pack my bags. LOL I bet that the president will mix up a lot of our zone. I don't care if I'm transferred or not. I have a great companion and I love this ward...even if there is practically no leadership and with all the other difficulties. I think this ward and Piracicaba 8 are the wards that I've loved the most , so I'm happy if I stay here, just as I'll be happy if I'm transferred.
Rest assured I'll pray for Jason and grandma. I love you and I'm happy! Give a great big hug to Florence and Charlie for me!
Ate mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
Thanks for the letter from Casey (Bangerter) and the pictures of Ryan (Froyd) and Daniel (Haycock). It's great to hear news about the ward, so keep it coming.
About the Llama Festival poster, Palmeiro got that poster in Spanish Fork. He travels to Utah almost every year to study at BYU. He's pretty rich for Brazil, although you'd never know it. I thought of dad when I saw it , so I had to send it to you guys. Irmao Palmeiro is the 1st counselor and, as you know, we don't have a bishop (nor do we have a 2nd counselor. The elder's quorum president was released last week and our ward mission leader is on the road to inactivity). So, this wonderful 70+ man is leading the ward for now. I know this situation isn't as difficult as it could be, but it's a doosy! But we're happy!
I will watch conference, again in English. We'll watch it here at the Rio Claro stake center. Our biggest concern is getting our investigators to conference. I'm excited to know who will be the newest apostle.
Some news about the mission now. If you'll remember our goal for the month of March was 300. The total was 225! That is a new record for baptism in one month in this mission. The old record was set back in August with 204 baptisms (before that Dec. 07 with 169) We did a good job. We got closer than ever before, but we'll do better! May will be the month we break 300.
Last weekend the zone leaders, the other district leader and myself were running around tryng to interview baptismal candidates in every single area of our zone. I even had to go into the other district to interview three. One was a 72 year old woman named Maria Clelia who talked A LOT! The interview lasted an hour and a half! The zone leaders and I closed our areas three three times. I got to do a division with Elder Stott, an elder in the other district and in the end every single area (except mine and the area of the zone leaders) baptized! This month our zone baptized 18 people and every area except mine and the zl's baptized! I'll bet that means we were super busy helping the other areas!
This transfer was a shortened transfer so next Tuesday is the transfer meeting. Elder Carvalhal and I think that we'll be transferred and Elder Bareto keeps telling me to pack my bags. LOL I bet that the president will mix up a lot of our zone. I don't care if I'm transferred or not. I have a great companion and I love this ward...even if there is practically no leadership and with all the other difficulties. I think this ward and Piracicaba 8 are the wards that I've loved the most , so I'm happy if I stay here, just as I'll be happy if I'm transferred.
Rest assured I'll pray for Jason and grandma. I love you and I'm happy! Give a great big hug to Florence and Charlie for me!
Ate mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
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