Arriving home with one suitcase (He left with two and a carry-on, but soon learned that they became a hassel). Pleasantly surprised at the decorations.Sunday, June 21, 2009
House Decorated for Arrival
It was raining, but we managed to keep most of the balloons up and the sign out of the weather.
SURPRISE!
Well! Surprise! Hi family and friends, this is Elder Christian Larsen writing. I'm home with honor! After a full 19 months the Lord saw fit to bring me home for medical purposes. I'm happy to be home among old friends and sad to leave the field, but everything is well. I know that this is the work of the Lord and that He lives and loves us. This is the truth!
I hope to catch up with everybody. Friends and family who may read this, give me a call or come by. I love all of you and am anxious to see you. So as they say in Portuguese, "Ate o proximo!"
Christian will be speaking in the West Bountiful 1st Ward June 28 at 1 pm. The address is 311 North 800 West, West Bountiful. Everyone is invited. Please come by and get reaquainted. If you're not able to be at the meeting and would like to visit with him, our address is 875 West 550 North. We'll be celebrating all day.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Temple Tour and Three Baptisms!
"Oi!
This was the week of the muti-zone conferences (week of 6/8). We had three conferences in the three different areas of the mission. I watched it here in Campinas because I stayed here and did divisions here while the assistants prepared the conferences. I divided with a bunch of wards here in Campinas. Saturday and Sunday we divided with the elders in Hortolandia. We live in divisions! I haven't been able to wash my clothes all week and now I'm out! Ah!
Oh ya, last Wednesday, I got to go to the temple to conduct a tour with Elder Nunes. There were families from Hortolandia and Jd Amanda and Rio Claro. I know the members and the family from Rio Claro. That was really cool. They remembered me too. I also got to see the Campinas Temple at night, which was beautiful. Today we went to the temple to do a session and I saw a member (Brother Quatel, who you were supposed to send crock pot receipes to) from Vinhedo and a couple from Piracicaba (the stake partiarch and his wife that live in the 8th ward) that are serving a mission in the temple. That was nice! I love the temple. But, all in all, I'm grateful that the president marked that session. It was for all the mission leaders, assistants, zone leaders, and their companions.
I got your package with the shoes and I'm wearing them now...I got another package full of candy and I'm eating it now.
Everything is going well here. We have from 1 to 3 baptisms in Jd Amanda tonight.
I love you all and know that this church is true.
Ate Mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
This was the week of the muti-zone conferences (week of 6/8). We had three conferences in the three different areas of the mission. I watched it here in Campinas because I stayed here and did divisions here while the assistants prepared the conferences. I divided with a bunch of wards here in Campinas. Saturday and Sunday we divided with the elders in Hortolandia. We live in divisions! I haven't been able to wash my clothes all week and now I'm out! Ah!
Oh ya, last Wednesday, I got to go to the temple to conduct a tour with Elder Nunes. There were families from Hortolandia and Jd Amanda and Rio Claro. I know the members and the family from Rio Claro. That was really cool. They remembered me too. I also got to see the Campinas Temple at night, which was beautiful. Today we went to the temple to do a session and I saw a member (Brother Quatel, who you were supposed to send crock pot receipes to) from Vinhedo and a couple from Piracicaba (the stake partiarch and his wife that live in the 8th ward) that are serving a mission in the temple. That was nice! I love the temple. But, all in all, I'm grateful that the president marked that session. It was for all the mission leaders, assistants, zone leaders, and their companions.
I got your package with the shoes and I'm wearing them now...I got another package full of candy and I'm eating it now.
Everything is going well here. We have from 1 to 3 baptisms in Jd Amanda tonight.
I love you all and know that this church is true.
Ate Mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Brrrr, It's Cold!!!
"Oi!
That's really sad news about Patty Mortensen. I was not prepared for that. This weekend is Fast Sunday. My prayers will be with her.
This week has been a little less busy. We stayed a little closer to Campinas this week, in the Hortolandia zone (the cities of Hortolandia and Sumare). We worked in Jd Amanda (our area) and in Vila Flora with Elder Felipe and Elder Wagstaff. Elder Felipe was my district leader before I was transferred to Jd Amanda. The next day we went to Sumare and participated in their "pass along card/get references for the missionaries drive" and participated in their meeting with the ward mission leader. There is no better city in this mission than Sumare. The members there live and love the gospel and share it too. Sunday, we surprised the sisters in Rosolem by showing up at their sacrament meeting. I played the piano there and we had lunch with practically the whole ward. After, we went and taught an investigator that went to church, but could never be taught by the sisters because he only lives with men. That night we went back to the office and Elder Hillam and the other two assistants started working on the mission conference that is this week. Yesterday, I did a division with area Castelo here in Campinas and tomorrow will be our mission conference in Piracicaba.
It's getting pretty cold here, these past few days everyone has been dying! Someone told me last night that it got down to 8 Celcius or 46 Farenheit. Around 8 am today it was only 11 Celcius or about 52 Farenheit. It felt around 50 below zero! We're all wimps here in Brazil when it comes to the cold and I'm sure I'll freeze my butt off when I get home. So anyway, I survived last winter, somehow, but today I broke down and bought a sweater ( a nice, dressy, chique, sweater), but it was kind of expensive....sorry!
Last week I got a package. Thank you! Thanks for sending the conference Ensign and the Church News. To be honest, that's the stuff I enjoy most. Oh, and thanks a ton for the Motab CD! Everyone here, the secretaries, the assistants, and the other companionship in Jd Amanda are enjoying it.
You'll have to send me a picture of Tyler's (Allen...his piano student before the mission) new dog!
Oh ya! I was not prepared to hear that Blair (Woodward...a former member of the ward) is getting married in August! Holy cow! That's awesome that Nick (Woodward) is going on his mission. I can't believe as well that these kids are graduating this year. Ah, I'm about ready to faint! But, I am SUPER HAPPY that Chaz will go on splits with the missionaries! Give him a big hug for me, alright, and tell him how happy that made me!
This week is likely to be just as calm as the last, but next week I'm sure we'll be running everywhere. I love you and know that this church is true and God lives and Jesus is the Christ.
Ate mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
That's really sad news about Patty Mortensen. I was not prepared for that. This weekend is Fast Sunday. My prayers will be with her.
This week has been a little less busy. We stayed a little closer to Campinas this week, in the Hortolandia zone (the cities of Hortolandia and Sumare). We worked in Jd Amanda (our area) and in Vila Flora with Elder Felipe and Elder Wagstaff. Elder Felipe was my district leader before I was transferred to Jd Amanda. The next day we went to Sumare and participated in their "pass along card/get references for the missionaries drive" and participated in their meeting with the ward mission leader. There is no better city in this mission than Sumare. The members there live and love the gospel and share it too. Sunday, we surprised the sisters in Rosolem by showing up at their sacrament meeting. I played the piano there and we had lunch with practically the whole ward. After, we went and taught an investigator that went to church, but could never be taught by the sisters because he only lives with men. That night we went back to the office and Elder Hillam and the other two assistants started working on the mission conference that is this week. Yesterday, I did a division with area Castelo here in Campinas and tomorrow will be our mission conference in Piracicaba.
It's getting pretty cold here, these past few days everyone has been dying! Someone told me last night that it got down to 8 Celcius or 46 Farenheit. Around 8 am today it was only 11 Celcius or about 52 Farenheit. It felt around 50 below zero! We're all wimps here in Brazil when it comes to the cold and I'm sure I'll freeze my butt off when I get home. So anyway, I survived last winter, somehow, but today I broke down and bought a sweater ( a nice, dressy, chique, sweater), but it was kind of expensive....sorry!
Last week I got a package. Thank you! Thanks for sending the conference Ensign and the Church News. To be honest, that's the stuff I enjoy most. Oh, and thanks a ton for the Motab CD! Everyone here, the secretaries, the assistants, and the other companionship in Jd Amanda are enjoying it.
You'll have to send me a picture of Tyler's (Allen...his piano student before the mission) new dog!
Oh ya! I was not prepared to hear that Blair (Woodward...a former member of the ward) is getting married in August! Holy cow! That's awesome that Nick (Woodward) is going on his mission. I can't believe as well that these kids are graduating this year. Ah, I'm about ready to faint! But, I am SUPER HAPPY that Chaz will go on splits with the missionaries! Give him a big hug for me, alright, and tell him how happy that made me!
This week is likely to be just as calm as the last, but next week I'm sure we'll be running everywhere. I love you and know that this church is true and God lives and Jesus is the Christ.
Ate mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
Friday, May 29, 2009
Full Week and the Kitchen Sink!
"Oi! Tudo Otimo!Ok, this week has been super full. Let me start out with last Wednesday. After I emailed you, we went to the chapel and I practiced the piano and helped Elder Hillam learn how to play "All of Me" by Jon Schmidt. That night we caught the bus to Campinas and then to Piracicaba. YAY... I love Piracicaba! We slept over at Elder Rossi's house and we did a division with them the next day. Thursday I worked with Elder Gomes, Elder Rossi's companion. A year ago I worked in Piracicaba 8 and did a few divisions in that ward so I know the area. We passed by the chapel, where our ward met with their ward. The chapel has been completely remodeled and expanded. It's hardly recognizable.
About a year ago, just before I was transferred from Piracicaba, in a division in that area, I participated in a family night with a family that would be baptized that week. I was transferred and I heard from someone that they never got baptized. So Thursday, I had the strongest feeling that we should visit them. I had only been to their house once, but I could perfectly remember the way there. We went there and found out that the wife hadn't gone to church for a long time, and that the day before, some pastor confronted her about the church and gave her a big long list of doctrinal questions. We taught her and the spirit was really strong. That day we (all four of us) found 13 new investigators and marked 9 baptisms.
The next day we went to a small town outside of Piracicaba called Capivari. there we worked with Elder Griffiths and Elder Damasio. That was a good division. It wasn't too productive numberwise, but I think it was productive because those elders were very unconfident and timid and I think we left them better off.
Saturday we're planning on going back to Elder Rossi's ward, but Rio Claro 2 (ah! another one of me wards!!) called and told us that their 3 marked baptisms for that week were in jeopardy. We woke up early and caught the bus from Capivari to Piracicaba and then to Rio Claro. Elder Hillam interviewd the husband and I interviewed the wife. Turns out that the man never wanted to be baptized and nearly kicked Elder Hillam out of the house when he found out that we don't accept reincarnation. The woman passed the interview, but even with all I could do wouldn't be baptized without her husband. She was very afraid of him. While he and I interviewed this couple, Elder Correa and his companion taught their daughter who accepted baptism! From there we went to the third interview, but the investigator, an elderly woman fell in the shower the day before, broke her shoulder, will never again be able to move her arm and was hospitalized. The adversary was working overtime in that ward.
That same day we returned to Piracicaba and slept in the vacant house in the 4th ward. It's been vacant for a year and a few weeks ago, someone broke in and stole everything, even the kitchen sink! We only had one mattress and two blankets. I used the mattress and Elder Hillam used the blankets. We were there half to guard the house and half because we need to attend church in the 4th ward to see if they were capable of getting a companionship again. that ward was very excited and friendly. We didn't have lunch so we asked around and a couple eagerly volunteered. That lunch gave me diaherria! That night we went to the 8th ward sacrament meeting. I saw everyone that I love and knew a year ago! That was wonderful! Everyone is still excited and will move back to their old chapel this June after remodeling.
Monday we spent the whole day in the office. Tuesday we went back to Rio Claro to attend their district meeting and here we are today! Wow, it's been a full week.
I included a photo of Elders Hillam, Nunes, Hahne, Pacheco, and Rhodes and myself at a churrascaria today after the leadership meeting. It was delicious! (churrascaria = Rodizio Grill type restaurant).
This week won't be as full, but it will be just as good!
I love you all and know that this church is true!
Tchau!
Elder Christian Larsen
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
No Change for Me, Big Change for Elder Brewer!
"OI !
I got what I was hoping for, Elder Hillam and I stayed together! I am loving what we do so much! We are going to change a little bit though. We are going to completely cut the strings that bind us to this area, Jd Amanda, and divide much more with the zones in our third of the mission.
Transfers were yesterday and some interesting things happened. Most interesting was that Elder Brewer was made a new district leader and trainer! When the president announced the transfer, each missionary stands up. Elder Brewer stood up. The president said, "Elder Brewer will stay in the area and is being called to be a district leader...! Elder Brewer almost fell into the pew! His mouth fell open and his shoulders fell back as though the entire weight of the call fell on him all at once. Everybody laughed! Presidente, laughing, said "Oh, aren't you suprised? Let's add to it then. In addition to being a district leader, Elder Brewer, you're going to train!" That was enough. He sat down.
Monday, I divided with Elder Brewer. His companion ended his mission and was going home, so he didn't have a companion. So, because I was also in the office, I grabbed him and another missionary and took them to Jd Amanda. I worked with Elder Brewer that whole day. It was a wonderful division and a chance to catch up on a lot. Now that I think about it, he is the only elder from my group with whom I've worked. He and I marked two baptisms together and talked about a lot of doctrine in between contacts. Elder Brewer has become really meek and calm. We think everyone has changed since the MTC. Sorry, I was about to take pictures but my camera was dead. This week we are planning on going to Piracicaba, so maybe I'll get to divide with him there! Let's hope so.
Yesterday I went with another elder to an area called Monte Mor to shut the area. We had to finish up a few things and get his bags. This elder will work with another one of the assistants.
Oh! Here's something that pleased me. You know how I like to organize stuff. So last night, when I got back to the office, Elder Nunes, one of the other assistants, came up to me and said he had something that he wanted me to do. I told him that I had something that I wanted to do. He asked what it was & I told him that it was to help rearrange the president's board. He about jumped in the air, because that was exactly what he wanted me to do! It was revelation! It's really bothersome to arrange that board, because there are so many little magnets, so many numbers. Nobody likes to do it, but I wanted to do it and loved it! It's still not done, but I hope I can finish it.
That was our week. I'm sure that this coming week will be very eventful. The office elders are thankful that I'm with Elder Hillam now because everyone gets to eat the goodies in my packages. I gave almost an entire package to the departing group...Elder Clark, Elder Santana, Sister Pierce and others. So everyone thanks you!
I love you and know this church is true.
Ate mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
I got what I was hoping for, Elder Hillam and I stayed together! I am loving what we do so much! We are going to change a little bit though. We are going to completely cut the strings that bind us to this area, Jd Amanda, and divide much more with the zones in our third of the mission.
Transfers were yesterday and some interesting things happened. Most interesting was that Elder Brewer was made a new district leader and trainer! When the president announced the transfer, each missionary stands up. Elder Brewer stood up. The president said, "Elder Brewer will stay in the area and is being called to be a district leader...! Elder Brewer almost fell into the pew! His mouth fell open and his shoulders fell back as though the entire weight of the call fell on him all at once. Everybody laughed! Presidente, laughing, said "Oh, aren't you suprised? Let's add to it then. In addition to being a district leader, Elder Brewer, you're going to train!" That was enough. He sat down.
Monday, I divided with Elder Brewer. His companion ended his mission and was going home, so he didn't have a companion. So, because I was also in the office, I grabbed him and another missionary and took them to Jd Amanda. I worked with Elder Brewer that whole day. It was a wonderful division and a chance to catch up on a lot. Now that I think about it, he is the only elder from my group with whom I've worked. He and I marked two baptisms together and talked about a lot of doctrine in between contacts. Elder Brewer has become really meek and calm. We think everyone has changed since the MTC. Sorry, I was about to take pictures but my camera was dead. This week we are planning on going to Piracicaba, so maybe I'll get to divide with him there! Let's hope so.
Yesterday I went with another elder to an area called Monte Mor to shut the area. We had to finish up a few things and get his bags. This elder will work with another one of the assistants.
Oh! Here's something that pleased me. You know how I like to organize stuff. So last night, when I got back to the office, Elder Nunes, one of the other assistants, came up to me and said he had something that he wanted me to do. I told him that I had something that I wanted to do. He asked what it was & I told him that it was to help rearrange the president's board. He about jumped in the air, because that was exactly what he wanted me to do! It was revelation! It's really bothersome to arrange that board, because there are so many little magnets, so many numbers. Nobody likes to do it, but I wanted to do it and loved it! It's still not done, but I hope I can finish it.
That was our week. I'm sure that this coming week will be very eventful. The office elders are thankful that I'm with Elder Hillam now because everyone gets to eat the goodies in my packages. I gave almost an entire package to the departing group...Elder Clark, Elder Santana, Sister Pierce and others. So everyone thanks you!
I love you and know this church is true.
Ate mais!
Elder Christian Larsen
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Busy, Busy, Busy!!!
"Oi!
It was wonderful to talk to you guys on Sunday. I can't believe that we're already talking about me coming home. But I've got plenty of time left.
First off, this week is going to be cool! Here's the breakdown:
Campinas mission: 75 marked baptisms
Hortolandia region: 34 marked baptisms (our 1/3 of the mission)
Hortolandia zone: 25 marked baptisms and 9 possible baptisms
Our goals this week are:
Campinas Mission: Over 81
Horlandia Region: 50
Hortolandia Zone: 30
Jd Amanda Area: 12
That means that three records would fall: 1. most baptisms in the mission in one week; 2. most baptisms in one zone in one week and, 3. most baptisms in one area in one week.
Another cool thing I've noticed is that ever since the multi-zone conference, I've marked a baptism in almost every single lesson I've taught (and I don't think it's all Elder Hillam...I haven't taught many lessons with him). That was surprising to me.
These past two days I've spent helping in the office with whatever I can. I'm excited to go back to our area tonight, sleep in our own house, and keep teaching. Ever since the transfer, I've been to nine different areas and I've slept in five different houses. It's really busy! But, its really cool!
We had two baptisms this past weekend! Two girls, Jennifer and Larisse and will have a bunch more in the coming weeks.
This mission will pass through a thorough phase of refinement. Our teachng will be examined and critiqued and honed. I feel like I teach well, but I'm excited to see how I can improve. This mission is going to improve substantially. I'm excited and I hope that I stick with Elder Hillam for this next transfer. The transfer in this coming Tuesday (19/5/09).
I love you all and am happy. I know this is the work of the Lord and it's amazing.
Ate mais, Elder Christian Larsen
P.S. Elder Brewer was able to talk to this mom just fine. After your call I called his zone leaders and checked with them and everything is fine.
P.P.S. I saw a flyer for the Star Trek movie on the ground the other day and avoided it. That was a surprisingly huge temptation, but it looked cool and I'm excited to watch it when I come home.
It was wonderful to talk to you guys on Sunday. I can't believe that we're already talking about me coming home. But I've got plenty of time left.
First off, this week is going to be cool! Here's the breakdown:
Campinas mission: 75 marked baptisms
Hortolandia region: 34 marked baptisms (our 1/3 of the mission)
Hortolandia zone: 25 marked baptisms and 9 possible baptisms
Our goals this week are:
Campinas Mission: Over 81
Horlandia Region: 50
Hortolandia Zone: 30
Jd Amanda Area: 12
That means that three records would fall: 1. most baptisms in the mission in one week; 2. most baptisms in one zone in one week and, 3. most baptisms in one area in one week.
Another cool thing I've noticed is that ever since the multi-zone conference, I've marked a baptism in almost every single lesson I've taught (and I don't think it's all Elder Hillam...I haven't taught many lessons with him). That was surprising to me.
These past two days I've spent helping in the office with whatever I can. I'm excited to go back to our area tonight, sleep in our own house, and keep teaching. Ever since the transfer, I've been to nine different areas and I've slept in five different houses. It's really busy! But, its really cool!
We had two baptisms this past weekend! Two girls, Jennifer and Larisse and will have a bunch more in the coming weeks.
This mission will pass through a thorough phase of refinement. Our teachng will be examined and critiqued and honed. I feel like I teach well, but I'm excited to see how I can improve. This mission is going to improve substantially. I'm excited and I hope that I stick with Elder Hillam for this next transfer. The transfer in this coming Tuesday (19/5/09).
I love you all and am happy. I know this is the work of the Lord and it's amazing.
Ate mais, Elder Christian Larsen
P.S. Elder Brewer was able to talk to this mom just fine. After your call I called his zone leaders and checked with them and everything is fine.
P.P.S. I saw a flyer for the Star Trek movie on the ground the other day and avoided it. That was a surprisingly huge temptation, but it looked cool and I'm excited to watch it when I come home.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Call
Our call to Christian was limited to thirty minutes. He could only talk to his parents. Each mission president sets his own rules and his were pretty strict.
His new assignment means that he travels during the week with his companion and they have four zones to direct. Monday through Friday they do divisions with other companionships and on the weekend they are in their own area which they share with another set of elders. They travel by bus and next week they will be in the most remote part of the mission which is a four hour bus ride. His companion is Elder Hillam from Idaho Falls and is one of three AP's. He said that since they are not home during the week, they sleep on mattresses on the floor of the apartment of the elders with whom they work that day.
We learned that because of a short transfer (5 weeks instead of 6) earlier in the year that his release date is now moved up to Nov. 3, one week earlier than expected. This past transfer was unexpected because 6 missionaries went home early. The next regularly scheduled transfer is the 19th of this month.
He sounded really happy and excited about the work that he's doing.
I opened an email from Elder Brewer's (one of Christian's MTC group) mother just a few minutes before we called Christian. They apparently hadn't heard from their son this week and didn't know where to call him. Christian gave us the phone # of the mission home which I forwarded on to the Brewer family. In the interim, they had found a phone # which turned out to be the mission president's home phone. I'll bet that started the ball rolling.
What an eventful Mother's Day!!!
His new assignment means that he travels during the week with his companion and they have four zones to direct. Monday through Friday they do divisions with other companionships and on the weekend they are in their own area which they share with another set of elders. They travel by bus and next week they will be in the most remote part of the mission which is a four hour bus ride. His companion is Elder Hillam from Idaho Falls and is one of three AP's. He said that since they are not home during the week, they sleep on mattresses on the floor of the apartment of the elders with whom they work that day.
We learned that because of a short transfer (5 weeks instead of 6) earlier in the year that his release date is now moved up to Nov. 3, one week earlier than expected. This past transfer was unexpected because 6 missionaries went home early. The next regularly scheduled transfer is the 19th of this month.
He sounded really happy and excited about the work that he's doing.
I opened an email from Elder Brewer's (one of Christian's MTC group) mother just a few minutes before we called Christian. They apparently hadn't heard from their son this week and didn't know where to call him. Christian gave us the phone # of the mission home which I forwarded on to the Brewer family. In the interim, they had found a phone # which turned out to be the mission president's home phone. I'll bet that started the ball rolling.
What an eventful Mother's Day!!!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Emergency Transfer!!!!
"Well, I was transferred!!!
No, I'm not joking, there was a large emergency transfer because in the past two weeks 6 missionaries returned home early...three because of sickness, and three because of disobedience. One of those was Elder McEwen. He was the companion of one of the three assistants to the president. I took his place. Elder Hilliam is my companion and we spend every week traveling the mission doing divisions with everyone. This week I'll be returning to Rio Claro and do divisions there.
This past Tuesday in my interviews the President told me that when he opened up the assistant's callings to have a companion he wanted me to be that companion, but for some reason or another called someone else. But, now, because of these transfers, he put me with the assistant. I'm very excited to be even more involved in the work here than I was. Dividing with the missionaries in our mission will be an excellent experience. Aside from looking after our part of the mission, we have a proselyting area. My new area is called Jardim Amanda and is recognized as the best area in the mission. We live with another companionship, Elder Shattuck and...guess who...Elder Santana (my old companion from Rio Claro!) who also work in Jardim Amanda! We have baptisms there every week.
What's cool, though, was that my last week in Nova Venza, I was able to mark 8 baptisms for this month and get 10 investigators to church! That was our best week there, and certainly Elder Damasceno will baptize all of these people.
I'll leave it at that, because I'll talk to you guys, for the last time in the field, this Sunday. You can call the chapel. All four of us will be there and I'm scheduled for 5 pm Brazil time.
I love you and am excited to talk to you....until Sunday.
Tchau! Elder Christian Larsen
No, I'm not joking, there was a large emergency transfer because in the past two weeks 6 missionaries returned home early...three because of sickness, and three because of disobedience. One of those was Elder McEwen. He was the companion of one of the three assistants to the president. I took his place. Elder Hilliam is my companion and we spend every week traveling the mission doing divisions with everyone. This week I'll be returning to Rio Claro and do divisions there.
This past Tuesday in my interviews the President told me that when he opened up the assistant's callings to have a companion he wanted me to be that companion, but for some reason or another called someone else. But, now, because of these transfers, he put me with the assistant. I'm very excited to be even more involved in the work here than I was. Dividing with the missionaries in our mission will be an excellent experience. Aside from looking after our part of the mission, we have a proselyting area. My new area is called Jardim Amanda and is recognized as the best area in the mission. We live with another companionship, Elder Shattuck and...guess who...Elder Santana (my old companion from Rio Claro!) who also work in Jardim Amanda! We have baptisms there every week.
What's cool, though, was that my last week in Nova Venza, I was able to mark 8 baptisms for this month and get 10 investigators to church! That was our best week there, and certainly Elder Damasceno will baptize all of these people.
I'll leave it at that, because I'll talk to you guys, for the last time in the field, this Sunday. You can call the chapel. All four of us will be there and I'm scheduled for 5 pm Brazil time.
I love you and am excited to talk to you....until Sunday.
Tchau! Elder Christian Larsen
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Campinas Surpasses Fortaleza in March!
"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
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 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
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
New Bishop Called....At Last!
"Oi!
This past week was very difficult, but it was very good as well. I learned a lot.
First off, I think what happened with Vania moving hit me harder than I thought it would. I just couldn't believe that everything was going so well, and then she moved! I got really discouraged this past weekend because of it, but Sunday the new stake president visited our ward to call a new bishop. We've been without a bishop for two months. I felt a very strong confirmation that he was called of God to be our stake president. He said some wonderful things in the sacrament meeting. He told us that this ward has passed through some trials, but the time is not far away when the chapel will be filled! The Spirit made me remember when I was sent here in December. At that time Pres. Castro Deus told me he felt very strong about my transfer. The Spirit whispered that I was sent here now because my testimony and myself are both strong enough to be here and help this ward in this, the most trying period in the history of the ward. I felt very comforted and very ready to lead my district, to work in this ward and to be better than ever!
I'm very happy and now I'm gonna go home and rest. I need a haircut but that can wait until next pday. Tchau!
Ate mais! Elder Christian
This past week was very difficult, but it was very good as well. I learned a lot.
First off, I think what happened with Vania moving hit me harder than I thought it would. I just couldn't believe that everything was going so well, and then she moved! I got really discouraged this past weekend because of it, but Sunday the new stake president visited our ward to call a new bishop. We've been without a bishop for two months. I felt a very strong confirmation that he was called of God to be our stake president. He said some wonderful things in the sacrament meeting. He told us that this ward has passed through some trials, but the time is not far away when the chapel will be filled! The Spirit made me remember when I was sent here in December. At that time Pres. Castro Deus told me he felt very strong about my transfer. The Spirit whispered that I was sent here now because my testimony and myself are both strong enough to be here and help this ward in this, the most trying period in the history of the ward. I felt very comforted and very ready to lead my district, to work in this ward and to be better than ever!
I'm very happy and now I'm gonna go home and rest. I need a haircut but that can wait until next pday. Tchau!
Ate mais! Elder Christian
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