Campos - Week Twenty-seven

Well the weeks are going by really dang fast. I don't know what's going on.

Anyway, that is just crazy bout the missionary applications! Who'da thought that it would have changed so dramatically! Sisters are going to destroy the missions now.

Well, thinking about what I did this week, I don't really remember, so it might be a kind of boring email this week.

We taught, we tracted, we contacted, and we didn't have anyone in church. That's it. See ya later family!!!








Just kidding. This week we started teaching a family which is pretty cool. The first time we just taught the wife, whose name is Eloisa. She let us in without a problem, and she said that she had interest to know more about our church. We taught her the first lesson, and it was really great. She is really intelligent. Later this week, we came by and her husband and her other kid was there, and we taught them the first lesson again. Costa asked some really good questions and wanted to really understand what we were teaching. He was really open to our message. We are going to go back this week and challenge the whole family, (they have two kids, one who is 10 and the other is 15) to be baptized.

This week I have gotten a little frustrated with my companion. I just got to tough it out one more week though. It's weird to think that I'll be leaving campos. 7 months seems like it's been forever.

This week has been really hot. Really hot. Like I have been melting, but it's not that bad. haha. Gotta give all for the Lord's work I guess.

We have been trying our best with Orlando, he has been making progress with the Word of Wisdom, but we haven't been able to talk to him very much this week and he didn't go to church on Sunday, which was disappointing. We'll really have to get on him this week. He's a really good kid, and he knows it's right, but his friends will really hold him back. We had a really good lesson with him this week with a member, and we found out that when he was younger, he was shot 6 times, and so he really thinks it a miracle that he survived, and that he has some mission to do, but he doesn't know what it is.

It's really interesting to see how much you love the people that you teach and how much you want them to choose the right, and how disappointed you are when they choose to not keep the commitments that they make.

Jonas, our baptism is doing really well. He really wants to learn about the gospel. He's already excited to get to the temple, and he really wants to do what is right and serve. Its amazing to see how much he has changed since we started teaching him. He used to be very serious, and he never smiled, and always looked like he was mad at something. Now he smiles, he jokes and really just wants to learn more about the Book of Mormon, about the church and about the gospel. It's amazing to see the changes that the gospel brings in people's life.

We started to work with Tanya again, we challenged her to be baptized again, and she said that she would. She was finally deciding to do it. But then she didn't show up at church, and basically I don't think that she will be baptized for a while because of her husband. It's really annoying. But what can we do?

It's great being a missionary. It definitely has its challenges, but it's great.

I found a bakery this week that has the closest thing that I have found to jelly filled donuts. ohmygoodnessgraciousdeliciousness. I'm definitely going to get some today.

Oh, and we also had the primary program here too. It was pretty funny. I had to bless the sacrament this week so I got to look at the congregation. It’s interesting to see how many of the people were singing the songs too.

Well that is about it for my week.  Love you all! You're the best family! The mission goes by way to fast.
It’s scary. I only have 7 more transfers to really work hard and teach the gospel. That's a crazy thought. I think I need like 10 more.

Well, lots of love, until next week!

I saw the google maps street view car this week. Took a picture just to prove it.

Campos - Week Twenty-six

 With the Ten Commandments

Us with Andre.  We learned a lot from him this week.

Baptism! (L to R) Heron (performed the baptism), me, Jonas (who was baptized),

 my comp, and Sergio (ward mission leader)

Hey family! How's it going?

The Weeks are going by really quickly. It's rather amazing. Anyway, We baptized this week!  Got really nervous for a few times with Jonas, but everything worked out all right.

So on Friday night we were needing to talk to Jonas.  We had planned to go by his house later that night. But we got a call from him saying that he was waiting there for us to come by and teach him. (Jonas is a really cool guy, but his family is super against us like I said.) I was worried because his baptism was marked for Sunday, and we still had to teach him all of the commandments. We were praying that he didn't have any problems. We got there and he was waiting for us. We taught him all of the commandments in the same night, and talked about baptism, Holy Ghost and endure to the end. We were there for almost an hour and a half. But thankfully he didn't have any problems. Saturday morning, he was interviewed and passed! Phew! But then that night when we went by there to help him with whatever doubts or problems or questions that he had. When we got there at the time that we marked, someone from his house was outside yelling and swearing at him telling him that he had to decide if he was going to stay on his mom's side or if he would go to the other side. Telling him that he had to make a choice. He told us to leave and he'd get back to us later. We were really worried. We started going to our next investigator's house when we decided to pray. We took turns praying and asking that Jonas would be able to make the right choice and not falter. About 30 minutes later, we got a call from Jonas, and we planned to meet him at the church. We got there and he was waiting for us. We talked to him and he was firm in his decision to be baptized. I don't know what he worked out there, but he said that he was going to be baptized. We talked to him a bit and then let him go.

Sunday was hectic. The time changed and we forgot. We were leaving our house at 8 to go and get investigators, when we got a call from the other elders saying that church already started. We got to church at about 9:20, and Jonas was there already. We got through the first hour until I remembered that we hadn't filled the font yet. Yikes. So we got on that. I left with another elder to go get one of our investigators before sacrament meeting. He came. After sacrament meeting was even more hectic. We had to prepare a baptismal service, I had to take care of our other investigator, a sister was wanting us to come with her to give a blessing to her aunt, and more. Lost in the confusion, my companion let Jonas go alone to go get a towel. That was also worrisome. A lot of the members were saying that he wouldn't come back. But after a long 20 minutes of waiting, he came back. And was baptized. Awesome. So rewarding. What was really cool is that he really came out a new person. At church he was just wearing a normal shirt, but when he came out of the bathroom after the baptism he had a white shirt and tie and everything! Really great. It's just a great feeling to see the people that you love and worry about so much make the right decision. =)

This week we started talking to a kid named Orlando. He is really good. Monday night we had nothing to do. All of our appointments fell. I thought of a guy we had talked to but I didn't remember exactly his address. I knew kinda where it was. We went close and started knocking. The gate next to where we were opened there were two guys sitting there and I went and talked to them. I asked them if they knew where this contact lived. He gave us information and I asked if we could share a message with them. They let us in. We met and taught Orlando, who is 20, and Felipe who is 16. We taught a great first lesson, and then I explained a little about baptism and invited them to be baptized. And they accepted. It was really great. When we listen to the Spirit, when we don't give up, the Lord blesses us. He blessed us with these two investigators, a spiritual lesson, and people willing to learn and to progress. The next time we went there we taught Orlando about the Book of Mormon, and he promised to read and pray. We had trouble talking to him the rest of the week because of his friends, but Sunday we showed up, and he came to church with us. Later that night he said that he had read, but didn't understand very well, and that he prayed and felt good. We taught him the Word of Wisdom because we knew he was going to have problems with this. He accepted to keep the commandment, and we set goals with him to help him stop. I really hope that he decides to progress.

Sunday we also talked with two less actives, whom I really like, I think they are great guys, and I learned a lot from them. We talked about a lot of things and I learned things that I can do to help. I learned a lot about the importance of Service, charity and being able to listen to the needs of others, especially when you are in a position of leadership.

I'm grateful for the experiences that I've gained on the mission. I feel like I could have done so much better. A while ago I felt like I hadn't learned all that much on the mission, But I've reflected and thought about the lessons that I have learned, and they are many. I know that I still have more that I can learn.

Thanks for everything mom and dad. I love you and I'm grateful for all the things that you have taught me, that you have taught me to choose the right, and that you helped me to get here on the mission. Probably the best thing you have done for my life. =) I cannot express the gratitude that I have. I am looking forward to the months at home to spend with the family before going away to college again. Love you all!

Campos - Week Twenty-five Riley's One Year Anniversary!

Me and my buddy Elder Lefoll on an early morning year mark division.

 (A year for the both of us--we got here together.)

Us in the back of a member's car. It's small.

Anniversary açaí.

The weeks pass so fast it's hard sometimes to remember exactly what happened. It all kinda blurs together.

Anyway, we would have had a baptism this week. We got right up to the day. Saturday, we were at Tanya's house to help him get ready and be firm and everything and help her with what doubts she may have had. So, she was all ready. Sunday morning, her husband called, (he never calls about anything good, but only to unmark our appointments) and (I admit that I shouldn't have answered the phone) but he told me about why Tanya doesn't want to be baptized and that she's not going to and such. It was really disappointing, because it wasn't even her telling this to us. =( We tried going there to talk to her, but we were unable. So, we'll see what happens. It was a little disappointing.

We have a baptism date with a man named Jonas, who lives across the street from some members in the ward. While we were teaching him he expressed desire to be baptized this Sunday, but we didn't have time to teach all the commandments to him, so we decided to wait one more week. His biggest problem is that his family is incredibly ignorant. They ripped the pamphlets that we gave to him twice, so this time we left the Book of Mormon and the stuff at the member's house for him to go and read. He went to conference last week, and really liked it, but he didn't go to church this week because he was confused and didn't know if church started at 9 in the morning or at night. =/ weak sauce.

We are also continuing with a family that we have been teaching.  I may have mentioned them to you last week. Hellilton, his wife Maria, and their daughter Eduarda. So we have been over there a few times, Maria really likes talking to us, she always invites us in, but she is super hard hearted Catholic. Hellilton is really open and kind, and they were going to go to church yesterday, but because of the situation with Tanya we weren't able to pass by and go with them to church. But we were teaching them, and we read the Book of Mormon with them. The spirit was really strong, and I know that Eduarda was feeling the spirit. But at the end, when we were asking them to pray and ask god, Eduarda said that she would, but Maria said that she doesn't need to. She believes that her church is right, that it was the one that Christ established, but she also believes that all churches are right and lead to god. I asked her a question like this: "Sister, if GOD was here right now, and was telling you that our message was true, and that this was the true church, would you follow what GOD was telling you?" and she said, "Mmmmm. No."  What? You gotta be kidding me! Haha anyway, we have hope for her husband and daughter. They are much more open. Just ridiculous.

We are also working with a kid called Mavery, who is really cool, just his problem is that he is really Catholic as well. It is really sad that the tradition and conviction of families will keep them for receiving the truth. He also didn't go to church this week because he was tired from working. This week we'll se if he'll progress more or we'll have to stop teaching him.

I've got a ton of time here, but I do like the members here. Some of them are really cool.

Well I'm definitely trying my best, and trying to improve NOW. This is also something that I've learned. A lot of times we just kinda wait for some milestone to change what we're doing. Like, next month I'll do things differently. Or next transfer, next week. Thinking like this you'll never change anything. The right time to choose the right is now. That is a lesson that I have tried to put in practice.

Something that really helps me be better, is one of my favorite primary songs, (I really like the primary songs now.) Is thinking about the words to "if the savior stood beside me" I think that is the kind of attitude we should always have. Before we do something or say something, we should think about these phrases. If the Savior stood beside me, would I do the things I do? Would I say the things I say? Thinking about this really helps me. =)

That's really cool about the experience that Tim had. I'm still waiting for that person. In preach my gospel we learn about patience and hope. I know that is the reason why I came here. Even thought it hasn't happened yet, I am waiting patiently on the Lord and I know that if I do my best, I will be where I need to be.

Thanks for everything mom. I love you guys. Thanks for the emails every week. The time just goes so fast. I'm sad that I only have one more year to work. It worries me a little. Now I really have to do my best, because my time to be a full time missionary is running out. I guess we have to make the best use of our time while we have it right?

So you guys are going to come pick me up then? =)

It's not super hot here yet, which is good. I don't really need anything.  I just miss some good American candy. They don't have anything like skittles or starburst here.

Thanks for everything that you do for me mom. I love you all, and hope the best for you. I love the gospel. =)

até mais. eu amo vocês!

Campos - Week Twenty-four

Hey mom!

Yeah the week was actually pretty good this week, there were some disappointments, but overall, it's just been good. So we had a really good zone meeting this week, where the Spirit was really strong and we talked about being testifiers and challengers. It kinda helped me a little. We did a few divisions this week and we just had a lot more success than before, mainly because we stopped thinking negatively about the area. I decided that I'm going to be here 5 more weeks, so I'm gonna make the best of it. If I'm still here there is something that I still need to do here. We had some really cool experiences this week by being guided by the Spirit. If we pray for the opportunity, and then listen, be open to the promptings that come, you will be guided to where you need to be. Really cool. The Spirit was just great this week. I love it!

I had an interview with President again this week. He told me that this will be my last transfer in Campos, and that at the end of the transfer I should have my bags ready. I really like President.  He's a really cool guy. =)

So the best part of the week for me was definitely conference. We watched ALL of the sessions, which is lucky, and we just chilled in the high council room and watched in English. Last time I had to watch it in Portuguese. The spirit of conference is so awesome. I loved all of the talks. I especially liked Elder Cook's talk. I thought it was great. I also liked Nelson's talk, and I knew that you would like that one mom. I always love to hear Elder Holland's talks, and I think that they bring really cool insight to the scriptures. He is definitely my favorite.  [Watch and listen to Elder Holland's talk below.]

I thought that the new missionary age is really awesome. It will definitely open the doors to a lot more missionaries, especially to sisters. Instead of the old, "if I don't get married first" thought, they can actually get out there and serve. Sister missionaries have power. They help so much. I would encourage all the young women in the ward to think seriously about serving. The mission blessings and experiences are unforgettable, and I am sure that they will help me throughout my life. I love the mission and the spirit that I feel on the mission. I think it's just incredible. I love the gospel.

Some of the sisters were saying to us this weekend, how the young women are always told to marry a returned missionary, that we should also only marry a returned sister missionary. haha

Anyway, I love this work. I love the gospel and the spirit and joy and love that it brings. There is no experience that can replace serving a mission. The spiritual growth of the mission is like no other. It puts your faith to the test. It's hard. But if you don't give up, you will earn, or strengthen, or solidify the testimony that you thought you had.

I really liked (I think it was Uchtdorf) who talked about the regrets of the people in the hospital and really thought about it. That is one of the things that I wish I had done, was spend more time with our family. =( I just downloaded conference to listen to it again this week.

I love you guys. Thank you mom and dad for everything you have done to teach me to do what is right. Thank you for getting me here on the mission. Thank you for being excellent examples.

I love all of you. =) thanks for all the help and support. =)

Campos - Week Twenty-three

That was a pretty interesting talk Mom. I liked it. Speaking of good talks, church this Sunday was outstanding! Definitely the highlight of the week.

Anyway, I'll get to that. Transfers did happen this week, but nothing happened. Few people were transferred because the mission doesn't have very much money because it spent a lot getting everyone to hear Elder Cook. Anyway, I've got the same companion, same area, same district, for one more transfer.

This week in terms of work, we didn't have all that much success, BUT we have an awesome investigator who is progressing a lot, and she has basically adopted us into the family. She brought us dinner, twice, and we ate lunch ate her house once this week, and she is going to make dinner for us for the family home evening that we will do at her house tonight. She basically said that she wants to be baptized. The only problem is that she loves to talk, so sometimes it's hard to teach her and we lose a ton of time there. She and her husband went to church this week and they really liked it. And I'll tell you why in a bit. She is really cool, really searching for more peace, and am sure that if she keeps going the way she is, she'll be baptized soon. Her husband Constantino, is really cool, really open to new things, just that he believes in reincarnation and that kind of thing, and so he doesn't really know if he wants it that much or not, but church was perfect for him.

Which brings us to Magda. She didn't go to church this Sunday, she was going to travel, and then didn't, and the space I think let her think about other things which influenced her. She started to say that she was  wanting to stay in the Maranata church, so we had to explain about apostasy again. She understood and said that she has to pray again to really know, but I think she already knows. With all the confirmations that she's gotten already, I will be really sad for her to not continue.

We taught a woman named Ednea this week who was really cool. When we started teaching her she was saying that all churches lead to god and all that stuff and it doesn't matter which you go to. Anyway, we taught an outstanding and spiritual first lesson, and very clearly explained the doctrine so that at the end she said, well this completely contradicts what I originally thought, so yes I will pray to know if it is true or not. I love lessons like that. Teaching clearly with the Spirit makes all the difference.

Well, on to church. This was the best. I love general authorities. So, we are there in church waiting for Tanya and Constantino to get there, when out of nowhere, the mission president walks in the door. That was a surprise (oh and I got my box yesterday too. The shoes are good, and I ate all of the mike and ikes already. Liked that talk. I was just studying about grace this week too.) So our investigators got there too. In priesthood meeting, it was combined, which was pretty good, talked about D&C 121, at the end, and how it is the "manual for the priesthood." Pretty good. It helped with Constantino's doubts about the priesthood. President made some good comments also. Then gospel principles. We talked about eternal marriage, which was great because they are going through a little bit of relationship troubles. And the best part was sacrament meeting. The best that I've been to in a while. We had a member of the Seventy there, Elder Grande? He came out of nowhere and was super awesome. Anyway, both he and President Araújuo spoke. Dominated.

Pres. spoke about the priesthood a little bit and bore a great testimony. I honestly don't remember much of what he said because I was blown away by the simpleness and spiritualness of elder Grande's talk. He taught doctrine in such a simple and comprehensive manner, and with the Spirit that it was hard to not understand or just be blown away. He first talked about the radio and principles of communication and connected that with  prayer and the spirit. Like the radio waves are always there, the Spirit is too. We just need to be tuned in to listen and decipher the message. He explained the principles of communication, how there has to be a sender, receiver, a mode of communication, and a code? Or something like that. He then talked about prayer. Prayer is us communicating with God. We are the senders. Revelation, is God communicating with us. He is the sender. We can ask God for guidance and our questions. When God gives us full chunks of information, a complete idea or something full, it is revelation.When we get little by little, to help us know what to do, it is called inspiration. He also talked about the plan of salvation in such simplicity.  It was awesome. He used E.T. as an example. He is an extra terrestrial, and so are we. He comes from a celestial father. Like he had to phone home, we do this through prayer. Basically, it was awesome.

It seemed like it a was custom-made Sunday for our investigators. I talked to Tanya this morning and she said that Constantino was really reflecting and thoughtful all day yesterday because of the talks. Perfect Sunday. General authorities are awesome. The Spirit is just so great.

Well, that's about it. I love you all. Keep up the good work!

Love you all! Hope you have a great week. =)