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