"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
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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!
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