Happy New Year with pictures

Hey Family, Friend and Loved ones!  I will start by saying it was wonderful to talk to the selected few yesterday!  It was good to hear your voices and hear even Marley speaking!  GAHH!    7 months is a long time since the last call but it was good :)

So I will talk a little about our week since its these emails of for friends, family, as well as my posterity some day haha.  Tuesday usually is a slow day on  the mission.  You try and get to all the appointments you made the week before and sometimes it just seems like everything falls through.  Gratefully, this week was different.  It just seemed like everyone was at home and all were anticipating the missionaries.  It was a little blessing that made the week start off well.  We were both happy and amazed that our Tuesday went so well.  Wednesday, we headed to another Chapel on the other side of the city to have our ´´Commeration of the Birth of Christ as a Mission´´ or in other words our Christmas party haha.  It was a good day to sit back and catch up with a lot people.  There was a talent show which consisted of everything from people singing hymns, dancing, playing guitar, and even some Elder showed us how to fold a shirt in 5 seconds.  The skit of the ´´arobic swimmers´´ was done by a few americans and we ended with a nice spirirtual thought from President and Sister Souza.  Their family was in town for the holidays so they had to present everyone.  It was interesting but I thought of our trip to Chile visiting Grandpa and Grandma in the MTC or CCM 11 years ago! Man time flies.  We got back to our area kinda late but still had time to visit a few people. 

  The rest of the week up until Saturday was good we tried to stay as focused as possible and met some our goals for the week.  Sometimes its a little hard when you had ´´Point of Grace´´ playing or trying to explain to brazilians the purpose of wrapping gifts and waiting to Christmas day.  Saturday and Sunday slowed way down.  Everyone went out of town or just seemed to be ´´´tipping back the bottle´´ So it was a lot safer for us to stay inside or go to members houses.  Our Christmas Eve consists of making Cake mix cookies and talking about past christmas memories with family and friends.  We made ourselves a little homesick but it was all good.  Sunday was way good.  We woke up, opened our packages and then got ready for church.  Our lunch appointment was in a recent converts house (as I said yesterday)  which basically was just like a movie.  I felt like we were being filmed.  Elbow to Elbow at a small dinner table with The Mom yelling at her sons, the Dad just sitting there acting like nothing was going on, the two sons fighting, singing or throughing food, and two Elders sitting across from eachother laughing.  The Mom, just kept going on and on about how this was the first Christmas that the entire family would sit at the table together and everyone was going to be happy.  I just couldnt help but laugh.  We went home for a little bit and then afterward made our calls to everyone. 

I love you all and hope you all have a great New Year.  Things might be changing but something that has definatly stayed constant is my testimony of this work, of our Savior and my love for my entire family.  I hope you all have a good week and continue to remember the blessings that come from our Father in Heaven. 

Until 2012 WHOOOP!

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

Pictures:
Feliz Natal!
Christmas Morning!
Our Christmas Tree :)
With All this pregnant talk! Hope you all know that this missionary just had his first baby!
Feliz Natal e Ano Novo!

FELIZ NATTTTAAALLL!!!

OI OI OI!   Feliz Natal to all!   So it was an interesting week of doing a lot of service projects!  but as the for the area.  We waited patiently Friday night until 10:15 to get the call.   We kept calling our District Leader and his same response was no.  For him he wasnt to worried because he was ending his mission today.   I was just about to fall asleep thinking we would have to wait til the morning when he called.  Elder Nabas and I are staying one more together in Expedicionários. This is my 4 transfer in this area and our third together as companions.   It was suprising to both of us.  We were certain that I was leaving but it all worked out in the end.   So I will pass Christmas here as well as New Years and MY BIRTHDAY.   This transfer will end on January 30 and I should be leaving the area by that time.  Elder Nabas and I are both excited and even more that one of the Elder´s in my house will be training.  I think it actually might be an american but who knows!  It would be nice to speak english since I am forgetting alot of it.

So speaking of english this week our district leader, Elder Willoughbe finished his mission.  His parents came down to pick him up and get a small tour of Fortaleza until they leave on Wednesday.  We did a division to help him get his parents at the airport on Saturday.   I stayed behind at the church with his companion as Elder Nabas and Willoughbe went to the airport.  I coached Elder Nabas on things to say and he said that they laughed at everything.  I taught him ´´I am a redneck´´  ´´ I love the United States´´  and ´´  Welcome to Brasil´´  He already knows a few other phrases so it was funny to let him go.  I couldn´t stand the fact of going to the airport just yet so I stayed behind.  Well his parents came to the church I think they were just so excited to talk to an american since they just kept going off about everything.  I was understanding everything but talking in english was difficult, I was sad.  I felt like random portuguese words kept jumping out of my mouth and his parents just laughed.  I played translator because Elder Willoughbe had to go pick up his baptisms.  It was fun, I actually liked translating for them and helping them out, explaining about Fortaleza and Brasil 

We had the transfer today so we went down to the church by the office to go say goodbye to a few missionaries.  Elder Birdsall, my trainer left, which was pretty cool to see him go.  He was excited and nervous.  I feel like it hasn´t actually been as long as it has been.  I remember the first day the me and Elder Birdsall met and how I was speaking portuguese with some difficulties.  Now, he is leaving and I am a fluent speaker.  Goodness how time is flying by.  He said that if he randomly shows up on the door step at home to not be suprised.  Whatever that means haha. 

So this week we helped with alot of service projects at the church and with some of the members.   We helped our Ward mission Leader make a movie for his going away party since he will be leaving this week for his mission in Macéio.   It was a little hard finding new people to teach but we plan on meeting our goals this week. 

This week we have a mission Christmas party on Wednesday and a Ward Party on Friday.  I am not actually sure what we will be doing on wednesday.  President hasn´t really said anything.  We are just supposed to be at a chapel on wednesday morning. I am excited to hear and talked to you all.  Well Family that is.  Hope you all have a Merry Christmas. 

I have been studing this week a lot about the signs of the Savior´s birth and how every Prophet profitized (I dont the word to put here in english)  about the reality of having a savior in the world.   I am grateful for this time of year to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.  The example that he has set for all of us to live, to be happy and to one day return to live with our Father in Heaven.  I have a lot to be grateful for but especially the mission, the things I have learned and how a lot of things have changed for me. I actually keep hearing the voice of Linus from Charlie Brown in my head, reciting the story of Christ´s birth. 

I love you all, Feliz Natal!  

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

Week 5

 Hey Everyone!  How is everyone doing? 

This week slowed down a little bit for us.  We were doing a lot of work with member less actives and trying to say on top of the wards member lists.  There is about 3 different ones.  It seemed like one worked a lot better than others but another had notes on people that we had to use.  It was basically us both trying to carry a bunch of papers around with us and when we had the chance to pull them out and look them over and over.  There has been a lot of changes in the ward the boundaries and area so it made things a little complicaded sometime.  We were doing our best to stay on top of the game but it just seemed like this week was a lot more difficult than others.  I can see how this area will continue to grow and see how excitment of the members is burning. 

We had the Primary Program yesterday and our small chapel was over flowing with people.  Unfortunatly the majority were members visting but it was cool to see every single bench filled to the maximum. 

I have been trying to teach the Elders Christmas songs in English and explain some of the funny movie quotes but its just not the same in the Portuguese.  I laugh when they sing in the shower and its just the same 5 words over and over. 

We have been doing well this transfer as far as health wise until this week when Elder Nabas had a few complications.  We had to go to the hospital for him to get blood drawn.  It was interesting, there are definatly medical terms i did not understand so it was time to bring out the handy dandy dictionary again.  We are excited for another week but know that this will be the last week of the transfer.  There will probably be some changes in the apartment and maybe with me and Elder Nabas.  Again, I not 100%  but I feel like there will be.  We will get the call on Friday night.  I wish I had more to say but it just seemed like a ´´slower´´ week than usual. 

Hope you are all doing excellent and getting ready for the festivities.  Just remember to celebrate ´´Festavis´´ for me.  Love you all hope you are doing excellent.  I cant waid to talk to you family!!



Remember  ´´I don't want to sleep with Fuller. You know about him, he wets the bed. He'll pee all over me, I know it.´´ (name that movie)  One of the more harder quotes to say in Portuguese :)


Love,
Elder N. Anderson

Christmas has arrived in the Elder's home!

So with all the festivities winding down from Thanksgiving I am pleased to annouce that I am finally accepting Christmas decorations here in Brasil.  Although they have been out since the beginning of October (I knod my head and say under my breath, brazilians)  So things are going well this week. 

I have begun singing many Christmas songs in english for my apartment.  No one understands but it makes it all worth it when I sing them in the shower and I here the pounds on the door and an Elder saying ´´What are you singing!´´  I cant really describe how the christmas songs are down here.  Jingle bells is completely different and I get the best reactions when we walk down the street and I sing Christmas songs in English.  Of coarse the people don´t understand and its a good way to start a contact. 

We have been on a hunt for a new apartment in our area.  We actually live about a 25 minute outside of our area and are trying to get one to the new church.  We found one that seemed reasonable and the guy kept saying who build it, ´´This is for Jesus, I didnt build it for me, I built it for Jesus´´  I couldn´t help but laugh everytime he said it.

This week was alot more busy for us.  We were trying to find a bunch of references that just never seemed to be home.  We are planning to do more Christmas things and hopefully it will keep us busy till the end of the trasnfer.  We did end up contacting a reference of a 19 year boy names João Henrique  last night.  The lesson went really well and he had tons of questions at the end.  The principle that there are people prepared and waiting was definatly reassured with me teaching this kid.   It was one of those lessons that you come out and the first thing you say is ´´He will be baptized´´. 

I am not exactly sure how this transfer will end.  I want to pass Christmas here but this will be my 3rd transfer here so I guess we will see.  This is the 5th week so a few more weeks until ´´the call´´.  Life just seems to keep busy.   We were in our ward council last night and I was thinking about how different things were when I got to the area.  I have seen this area grow alot and plan on finish the work that I came to do. 
Hope you all are healthy and well.  Love you, I pray for you and hope that you all send a little christmas cheer. 

Remember:  ´´The best way to spred Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear´´   (name that movie)

Love you,

Elder N. Anderson

Elder Nick November 28th

So there is another baby on the way!  WHOOOO HOOO!!  Parábems Emily and Bretty and Avery!    :)  One more person to add to the ´´Welcome Home Nick´´ gang!  I am glad to here that everyone is doing well and SAFE!  Goodness! Kara give a missionary a heart attack why don´t you! 

This week went well.  We didn´t have anyone lined up for baptism this week so mainly our focus was on finding new investigators and continuing working with some old.  I have noticed that this area is really commercialized.  There are alot condos and apartments close to our chapel and everyone that we teach lives about a 15 minutes walk away.  15 minutes goes along way with the heat.  We are probably going to do a lot more street contacts this week and help the ward give references.  It is interesting how just a few little words form the missionaries opens up the doors to references.  Remember everyone REFERENCES are the best way to help your missionaries. 

I have been thinking alot about what we can do for a ´´Christmas message´´ in this ward and we will probably do a ´´secret Santa´´ for some of the members here.  Kinda like our annual 12 days of Christmas think that we did.  For the record Santa´s name in portugues is ´´papa noel´´  thats spelled finetically. 

Thanksgiving was good here.  I asked everyone we talked to if they had turkey for me and the only reply was ´´Por que?´´´ (Why?)  I had to explain why thanksgiving was and everyone had the same reply ´´Is that the holiday that you celebrate for killing the indians?´´ It was a great thanksgiving to say the least.  I figured I have to sacrifice two in my life so I figured I should do it in another country.  For the record, I did pie some pie.  YUMMM...

It was a pretty slow weekend for the most part.  We kept trying to contact our investigators but it seemed like everyone was out of down, go figure on thanksgiving weekend.   We ended the week with plans to finish the trasfer strong.  We are starting the last half of the transfer today.  Hope you are all doing well, staying safe, and thinking about the little brazilian missionary. 

I love you all and pray for daily.  Happy December this week.  :)

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hellllllloooooo!  How is everyone?  Get ready for some big old turkey dinner!  For the record, thanksgiving is not celebrated in Brasil.  Dang!  I hope everyone got to see the pictures sent last week.  

This week went very well.  We had a baptism on Sunday for a lady that we have been working with for 4 weeks.  It was really cool.  She always has alot to say to us about the most random things but it was a good experience to see her enter into the waters of baptism.  She choose our LMA (Ward Mission Leader) to baptize her.   He did about three times because I think he was really nervous.  We were able to guide him through it though :)  He just got his mission call to Missão Brasil Maceio and will be leaving in Decemeber so we figured it would be good to give him the practice. 

We were really focusing on Lucia this week for baptism but had  other teaching oppurtunities.  We taught this young man (19 years old) who has a really strong belief in God.  We actually ended up staying at his house for 2 hours talking about everything there is that God has to offer.   It was wierd when I walked in to the house I looked at my watch and then the next thing I knew I was looking back and two hours had passed.   There was a lot of good things to discuss and hopefully he becomes more interested in the church.   We also were teaching the lessons over again to Sandra, our baptism last week.  We are having to preparing missionaries teach her and helping them along as they learn the lessons.  I just kinda feel like that that was our week focusing on recent converts and our baptism for this week.  This next week we are planning for one more conference with Elder Claudio Costa of the Seventy and that should wrap up our General Authority visits. We have a Zone conference with him on Friday this week. 

I have realized that I am pretty sure my subconcience is a missionary as well.  I woke up this week a few nights dreaming that I was a missionary.  I was doing missionary things in my dreams and it just seemed crazy.   There was moments when (in my dreams)  that I would be second guessing if I should be doing something or if I would have to call President about something.  I woke up thinking how strange my life is right now.  A 19 year boy,  in a different country,  speaking a different language, living with three brazilians and going out every day telling people how they can be more happy in their lives.  I guess life isn´t normal right now because, I´m a missionary. 

Pictures are now realesed on the church website for the Fortaleza Temple.  The temple land was dedicated last Tuesday by Elder Bednar.  http://lds.org/temples 

I am grateful for...

the people here in Fortaleza

the fact that I don´t have to walk in the rain every day

bug repellant

the Gospel of Jesus Christ

My call as a Missionary

My Parents 

My Family and Friends cheering me on back home. 

´´In the season of Gratitude, let us all remember what we are grateful for.´´

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and continue to remember the blessings in your lives.  Remember Turkey can make you sleepy, break a ´´wish bone´´ for me, and eat your heart out.  I probably won´t be eating turkey until 2013. Also don´t forget about the discounts and ´´hot´´ deals for Black Friday!   Love you all! Happy Thanksgiving!

Love you all!

Elder N. Anderson

Conference with Elder Bednar and the City

One day late!

Hey everyone!  Sorry its one day late today!  We had a pretty busy week and it just seemed like there was never time to breath.  We had a great conference with Elder Evans, Elder Costa, Elder Goodoy and of coarse Elder BEDNAR! I feel like I have a good chunck of of my mission to work on every thing that they all said.  It was well worth the wait to here from these men.  It just seemed like it was a good way to start a new part of the mission. 

 

So to start this week was pretty busy with alot of appointments and a lot of people to meet.  We had a few references come in that helped alot with keeping us busy and find new people to teach.  We were really focusing on our investigator,Sandra to we scheduled to be baptized this week. She is 14 and had a lot of questions before we arrived on her doorstep.  She wasa actually a reference from a member of the ward. When we first started teaching her, she already wanted to be baptized. She said that there was something different about us, something she is not sure exactly but she just felt that it was right, what we taught.  To make a long story short, this girl was baptized in 2 weeks.  Not a miracle, just finding the right person prepared.  I had the oppurtunity to baptize her which was awesome! The minute she came out of the water I just saw this huge smile on here face.  The water was a little cold but to her she said it felt warm.  I was a really cool experience.  (Picture)

 

If I could write about everything that I learned this weekend I would, but I would be here for an hour or two and you all would be reading for the long as well.  On Friday we headed down to another stake center on the other side of the city.  Its one thing to walk around in a short-sleeve shirt and tie, but another to be in a suit in Fortaleza, Goodness it was hot.  We had a good expereince with Elder Evans. He is the director of the missionary department of the church and works closely with Elder Nelson and Holland. He gave us alot of good tips about rules, doctrine, and a sneek peek of next years missionary program for the church.  He said that there will be a few things changing so it is was cool to here about that.  His wife, sister Evans spoke as well and it was a good way to start the weekend.  Saturday we worked as usual with a baptismal interview for Sandra.  

  

Sunday was our stake conference with Elder Costa and Elder Evans as well as President Souza.  I had another experience of taking a tour bus to conference.   I really dont think I will ever get used to that.  The conference went well.  Both Elder Costa and Elder Evans talked about the temple and the priviledge Fortaleza has of building one this next year. I dont think they have a set ´´completetion´´ date but I´m thinking that it will be close to the World Cup.  Fortaleza is a host city :) Elder Costa talked about the importance of having good friends bring you to the temple.  I guess I can say that my good friends were my Parents, thanks Mom and Dad (tear). After I had the chance to talk with Elder Costa for a few minutes.   I talked about him coming to Portland 2 years ago to reorganize the Stake. Dad he remembered me!  and he remembers that lunch we had at the Jensen´s home.  He sends a big brazilian hug from a small brazilian man.  It was funny what he said ´´You were a little shorter and spoke a little less portugues´´   Of coarse :)  Shout out to the Peacock Family as well because he remembers his lunch with you all.   (Picture) 

 

Monday was the big day with Elder Bednar.  We had the conference with him as the same stake center on the other side of town.  Again a long journey in a suit is not as comfortable as it is at home.  We were going to take a large group picture with him so we all had to get ready before he arrived.  (Picture) We all stood in position and waited patiently as he walked in.  It was the most quiet I have ever heard this mission.  The first thing he said was ´´Como Vai´´ (How is it going?)  Then it was all English from there.   He talked a lot about us acting as missionaries.  Doing arevery best to alwayss have the spirit and to keep striving for revelation.  Elder Bednar had a good question and answer part in which I think everyone wanted to ask someting but he wanted to stick strickly to Doctrine.  You know that feeling when you resite something over an over in your head and then you forget it when you finally have something to say. Yeah, that was me. Luckily it was the last question asked. 

 

There was a lot learned this weekend and I am grateful for the oppurtunity. According to Sister Bednar,  its an experinece that not every missionary gets to have.  What a story to tell some day. 

He is truly someone called of God and has the power to testify and ´´Pierce your soul´´.  I am a really grateful. 

 

Hope you all have a good week and you can see all the pictures!  Love you all! Tuda Bem!

 

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

 

Picture Two Elders

Bigger family!?

KARA YOUR PREGNANT!  I will return from a foreign country with a new brother-in-law, a new neice or nephew for sure, and maybe some more (hint hint nuge nuge Alicia and Emily)  ;D

 

Tudabem Familia e Amigos!?  Como Estão!?  Another week and transfer down here in Missão Brasil Fortaleza! 

Life is going good.We recieved the phone call friday night and I will be staying in my area for 6 more weeks as well as my companions Elder Nabas.  I´m not really sure if I will leave before christmas so who knows, I might make 6 months here!  It just seems like we were super busy this week and all I want to do today is sleep haha. We woke up this morning and did a DEEP clean of our Apartment.  It was pretty nasty.  After we headed down to the transfer in Aldeota.  It was cool seeing mission friends and all.  A few finished their missions this last transfer and will be heading home today.  I told them to give a big kiss to the US of A for me.  I talked with Elder Birdsall (My trainer) who will be finishing his mission this next transfer.  It was fun talking about our old area together and catching up about mission life.  It is interesting how in 4 months you can become so close with your companion they know your sibilings by name as well as parents and friends. 

 

We ended the transfer well.  Seriously Elder Nabas and I were dying this week.  I have never been so tired.  I think this last transfer made me so tired that this last week was brutal.  We continued to do our best but had no baptisms this week.  This next transfer we are planning on baptizing demais!  It is a lot more reassuring when both Elders are staying together because you don´t have to teach a new area to some one.  Also we are both comfortable with our teaching styles so were planning on just continuing to work like mad men. 

 

This week we have our fireside with Elder Costa (Brazil Area President) and Elder David A. Bednar (Quorum of th 12 Apostles).  We also have stake conference this week with a stacked schedule of speakers our Mission President, the temple President of Recife Brazil,  Elder Evans of the Seventy and Elder Costa.  We also found out this friday we will have a fireside with Elder Evans.  This next week we are planning on having 2! Mission Conferences.   Next week I will be emailing earlier (Morning) because of the fireside with Elder Bednar so if you email you have until sunday evening.   I think everyone is really excited about the conferences a good way to be focused on the work and get inspired.  Elder Bednar will hold a question and answer YEAH!

 

We have plans to baptize a few people this transfer especially the couple that I talked about last week, Joséberto and Nilde.  We are also planning to baptiza a few youth and a Senhora named Lucia.  Our zone (Benfica) was dissolved this transfer and we will be teaming with another. To end this next transfer we will be planning to have a ´´white Christmas´´. Which means the last saturday (Dec. 17) of the transfer everyone from the Zone goes to the beach to baptize some of their investigators that have accepted the gospel.  We are excited! It is still a plan in the works.  

 

I love the mission.  I love being a missionary.  I love the work and I am learning to love this blasted SUN!  Things just continue to get better. 

´´Do and be your very best to gain what will be the best in eternity!´´

I love you all!  Have a good week!

Love,

Elder N. Anderson :)

Oct. 31st Sleeping with a hanger under my pillow

Happy Halloween! 

Familia e Amigos,,, como Estão!?  It still hot, still sunny and life is going swell here in Fortaleza Brazilllllll! So an Elder that we live with, Elder Cavaleiro, is convinced that are house is possesed.  Seriously like there is so sort of spirit that lives inside or ´´visits´´ us during the night.  I am not really sure if I believe it or not but he did have some pretty convincing stories.  It also wouldnt suprise me since the house we live in is about 15 years old (Meaning 15 years since missionaries have lived in it) and I am in Fortaleza where people practice ´´Macumba´´.  It is pretty funny some times when I wake up and see Elder Cavaleiro sleeping with his scriptures opend right next to his bed with chapters opened to when Jesus casted out Devils in the New Testament.  Elder Cavalerio also snores like a lawn mower.  I think I woke up 6 out of the 7 nights this week to him honking!  I couple nights I threw hangers at him to get him to stop.   Hence me sleeping with a hanger under my pillow!  :) We are working with a couple that got married this last week named, Nilde and Joseberto.  They are super nice and really interested in the church.  As a wedding gift we gave them a picture of Christ that they have hung in their home.  Nilde, according to my comp, is crazy about me.  Sometimes I agree.  When we teach she sometimes stops Elder Nabas in the middle of the lesson just to ask random questions about the US.  She says to do just to hear my accent.  Sometimes its really funny! ´´So we would like to talk about the baptism of Christ tonight´´  ´´Wait!  How do you say my name in English´´  Something along those lines.  We are gearing up to baptize Nilde and Joseberto this week as well as Luzia, Camilia and Iara.  Hopefully things will go well and Elder Nabas and I both agreed that we need a miracle this week. To Everyone Pray for these people!  We are entering into the 6 and final week of the transfer.  I am not really sure what will happen.  Friday we will get the call.  I will either stay or go, Elder Nabas will most likely stay for sure.  I am hoping to stay a couple more but I guess we will have to wait and see.  Today I told the brazilians (my roomates)  that we would celebrate Halloween.   They werent really sure what to do so we went to the store to buy abombora´s..Pumpkins!  Turns out it didnt really catch their attention but I am still doing it! I am carving an outline of brazil in my small little pumpkin!  They bought stuff to make cookings and asked me to make some,  cake mix cookies of coarse :)  So will probably be doing that later tonight.  They dont celebrate halloween here.  Actually they dont celebrate thanksgiving as well.  How do I know?  well they were pulling out Christmas decorations this week in our house.  Yes we have our christmas calender and stockings hung.  I dont know why, I was knodding my head as they were hanging up the stuff.   Life is going swell.  Minha vida esta melhor porcausa da missão Realmente amo esta lugar e tudo que esto aprendendo. 

I love you all!  Have a good week everyone!  Until November :)

love,

Elder N.  Anderson

Oct. 24th Another Nasalily Week

So I am not sure if everyone remembers but when I was in the MTC, I remember that I was getting a little sick however it seemed like my portugues was improving while being a little nasaily.  Well it happened again this week.  I woke Friday, Saturday and Sunday sick.  Blah!  I don´t think there is anything worse then being a sick missionary!  I´m pretty sure I had the flu but it is all passed now.  However, Elder Cavalheiro, an Elder that I live with is sick now.  oops :)  On Sunday at Church, a member of the ward complimented me on my portugues saying that I sounded like a brazilian.   Goodness...This week was excellent other than being a little under the weather.  We decided to have a crazy week of teaching and just go at it.  We did excellent teaching whoever, whenever.  We have a a few investigators that are progressing well and hoping that by the end of the transfer (Nov. 6) We will see some fruits of the progression.  Right now we are focusing on a 14 yearold girl named, Iara (EE-ar-a)  and a couple named Nilde and Joséberto, they will be getting married tomorrow, we´re pretty excited! I just seems like a normal life.  Everything that I am doing.  Every day I have my routine of working out, getting things ready for the day, breakfast, study and then teaching.  I still come home exhausted and there are some nights where I wake up and I have huge cramps in my legs.  It is interesting how I have dedicated my feet to the work.  Who knows if they will ever be the same after these 2 years.  We just got word that Elder David A. Bednar, of the Qourum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Claudio R.M. Costa, Brazil Area Presidente will be coming here on November 14 to give a special fireside to the missionaries serving here.  They are coming as well to dedicate the Temple plot, which will begin construction this December.   Everyone is really excited.  Especially my ´´roommate´´ Elder Cavalheir.  His exact words ´´I hope he burns me.  Something along the lines of Jeffery R. Holland but Elder Bednar style´´.  Whatever that means.  We had an interesting experience with an Evangelical Lady this week.  The minute we began teaching she pulled out her Bible and was reading word for the scriptures and what not.  As we were finishing up we both felt that all we could do is invite her to be baptized just not mark a date.  She accepted and said she really enjoyed the discussion.  She ended with that ´´We need a lot more people like you two in this world, your on the right path.´´  It was pretty awesome.  She said she had nothing to come back at us.  Our message was direct and she said that what the most enjoyable part.   What I have noticed to be the hardest part of it all is getting people to go to church.  It is seriously like pulling teeth.  They either don´t feell ´´Prepared´´ or dont wake up.  The majority of the time is them not waking up. We have decided to give wake up calls to those the say they will go to church.   Our chapel is progressing well.  The finishing date is set for December 15th.  Hopefully I am still here.  Life just seems to be going well tambem.  I feel like I am in the ´´Power Band of the Mission´´ :)

Love you All!  Keep Praying for those missionaries!  Falou

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

October 17th A short one

Hey Everyone!

 

This is one is going to be short and sweet! Life is going well here!  Hot, but well!  I experienced the Brazilian Hummidity for the first time.  There was alot of cloudy days but the weather was still at 35 degrees C.  I am not sure exactly what that is in Farhenheit but!  I do know that it is hot and I sweat the minute we leave the house.  

  I learned that Brazilians dont fully understand the principal of Sarcasim.  I tried teaching it to the 3 that I live with and they just don´t get it.  I am continuing to learn every day and I still feel like I learn a new word, phrase.  Elder Nabas is doing well with staying patient and he is amazed that I am speaking this well for the amount of time that I have  here in Brazil.  I gave a talk yesterday in Church, speaking with confidence and remembering almost everything I said.  I cant believe that I am sitting on my 8 month mark.  Life just seems to be flying by.  I continue to feel blessed and feel grateful for this oppurtunity to serve. 

  I will start to wrap this up, however I want to say that I love this country I want to say that I fully believe in what I am doing is God´s Work, God´s call to his children.  There is nothing that can change it.  I know that this church is true and I know that what I am doing is truly what Christ wants done.  The Mission life isnt easy, but is it worth, Absolutely!  Everyday a new challenge, a new person to talk to and another oppurtunity to share my testimony of the Work of our Savior. 

  May we all remember that we have importance in this life.  We mean something to our Father in Heaven and we must continue to ´´press forward with a steadfastness in Christ´´

  I love you all and Continue to pray for you all.  Have a wonderful week. 

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

 

Also!  Fortaleza does NOT have day light savings time for those of you that are wondering.  I think that I am 5 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.  Falou :)

Week number "No Sei"

So there was a nice little cockroache crawling on my leg about 5 minutes ago.  Yummy! 

How is everyone doing?  Hope your doing good.  It just keeps getting hotter and hotter here I think.  Part of this time of year.  We had a little bit of rain for about 15 minutes this morning which was weird, havent seen that in 3 months.  I guess its all part of living in the Brazilian Northeast!  Hot and dry!

We had a baptim last night for our friend Gerrlani, her and her mom have been investigating the church for about a month now and we decided to move forward with her baptism this week.  This ward as been ´´dry´´´(without a baptism) for about 2 and half months so everyone was excited when we announced it in Sacrement Meeting.  Gerrliani´s Mom, Veronica will hopefully be married this week and then we will try and scheadule her baptism close to the end of this month. It is really interesting when you meet people that have been ´´together´´ for 15 years and still haven´t gotten married.  It is part of the culture down here.  Weddings on paper can be kinda of expensive so usually people just live together and say they are married.  Almost all the couples I have taught have been like this.  I come out of lessons talking with my companion saying, ´´Just Get married!´´

I dont think I talked about this last week but I am living with 3 Brazilians now.  I am out numbered 3 to1 but it makes it easy to keep the Português fluent.  I will be honest in saying it is crazy!  I have learned a lot about brazilians in one week! More than I could have imagined.  Everyday when I wake up I just think, what am I doing.  But it is awesome.  They all have different personalities but are all from São Paulo.  They definatly have a lot of Brazilian Pride.  

We just keep working and working.  The members still help out a lot it seems like every lunch appointment there is a new reference and everyone is getting anxious for the new Chapel to be finished.  We are trying to find an apartment to move into that will be closer to the new chapel and our area.  We dont actually live in our area so it makes things a little difficult when we have to get to an appointment to start off the day.  Hence Elder Graff and I running home a few weeks back.  We have been looking a lot of places and I think I have learned a lot more vocabulary about renting an apartment.  For the most part we havent found anything to promissing but hopefully we will soon.  The area is really commercialized.  Lots of condos and avenues. 

I had my second Interview with Pres. Souza this week and he says that he is watching my progression closely during these next few months.  It was nice being able to understand everything he was saying.  He said that I need to be more ´´annoying´´ and I will learn the language even more.  We will see how this goes.  Mom he told me to tell you thank you for teaching me to iron my shirts, brush my hair and shave.  

Life is hot, busy and rewarding.  I cant believe that I am sitting on my eight month mark.  It has flown by.  I am having a good time every day and my companion has learned to appreciate my singing when we walk down the road.  The first time I was doing it he asked ´´What are you doing?´´ And I said ´´Singing, because I love being a missionary.´´

Love you all, have a good week!

Elder N. Anderson

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

OLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAA.  

How is everyone? How was conference weekend for you all?  Hope you all enjoyed. If there is one thing I have learned I love conference on the mission especially when people talk about the missionaries :)

 

So lets start at the beginning of my week.  Another Emergency Transfer!  AGAIN!  This time I stayed in the area though.  I think the Lord is trying to test me.  We recieved a phone call Tuesday night the Elder Graff would be going to the office on Wednesday because there were some new Americans that were coming in that had just recieved there visas.  No this doesnt mean I am trainng, just that some rearrangments were made.  I am now with Elder Nabas a brazilian from São Paulo.  We have basicallly the same amount of time on the mission.  He will pass 8 months in a couple weeks.  I am not actually sure what President was thinking but so far the area hasn´t gone up in flames :)  I am still in the same area and were working really well.  It was a little interesting saying goodbye to Elder Graff. We were both caught off guard and it was pretty hard for both of us because we really wanted to stay together for this next transfer. It is alright though.  I guess that is just  part of the mission. 

 

Funny Story!  On Tuesday we had to go into the mission before the phone call.  On the way home we decided to go get some ice cream and catch the bus.  As we caught on the bus there was about 50 people over the capacitiy that the bus would hold.  It was pretty squished.  ´´I felt like I was being violated in so many ways´´ NAME THAT MOVIE! Anyways,  as we were squishing our way up front so guy started yelling randomly. ´´HEY HEY HEY WHAT THE!  WHAT IS THIS!´´  I turned and there was chocolate all over him.  Turns out Elder Graff tried making a milk shake and the cup that he was trying to make it in had ice cream still.  The cup exploded.  Elder Graff´s white shurt was now a chocolate covered shirt with a brazilian man yelling ´´MORMONS MORMONS GOT ME DIRTY!´´  The only thing Elder Graff said was ´´my bad´´´and we got of the bus.  We had a good laugh home.  Especially since we missed our stop and had to walk an extra 25 minutes.  

 

Conference! Was excellent. I actually got to watch it in ENGLISH! Whoop! We went to our Stake Center to watch is with all the members of the stake.  Lucky our zone is our stake so 6 of us Americans got to watch it together. I enjoyed every talk and felt like I learned someting from every one!

 

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Not the Mormon Church. 

 

Hope your all having a good week.  Things are going good.  The sun still never lightens up and yes it is still extremely hot!

Love you all!  Have a good week! Tuda Bem :)

 

Write me !

 

Elder N. Anderson

I ATE A FISH HEAD

So this week was finally settling down as far as the crazyness, but then again life as a missionary is always crazy.  I have been started reading the New Testament and plan to finish that at my year mark.  It is one of my 6 month goals that I made for the next quarter of my mission as well as reading the Book of Mormon in Portguese and working up doing 50 pull-ups a day. For the record Missy I can do 10 :)

 

So where do I start...  Last Monday night our cell-phone had a melt down so this last week we have been sharing with the other Elders that live with us.  We figured that we had to contact one the seceretaries as soon as possible so Tuesday morning we woke up and ran to our Zone Leader´s house, so they could take the cellphone into the office.  I have haven´t ran in a while so it was pretty brutal.  When we got there, Our Zone Leader´s said that there was no need to run because we were having our District Meeting that day and that we would have had the chance to just give the cellphone there.  All that running for nothing ! haha 

 

It has been a week of contacting references for us.  We recieved 15 at church last week so this whole week it was contacting references and finding people that are ready to hear the gospel.  I also love teaching the first lesson because you can tell that people are so interested in what we have to say.  Especially, two americans that are speaking portugues and randomly show up at their door asking to come into their home.  Sometimes we have the best reactions, especially when they ask ´´So you have been in Brazil for a few years right!?`´ When I say 6 months they usually start saying ´´Nooo, your lieing, how do you know this language?´´ .  It is always interesting, but it opens up a good conversations of blessing from Heavenly Father. Wednesday we showed up at our lunch appointment, with the intent of eating really well.  Unfortunatley, the sister in our ward forgot but said she would make some really good for us.  When came out of the Kitchen I saw rice, beans, a fried egg, and a FISH HEAD!  I´m pretty sure that I screamed in the inside.  As we were saying a pray on the food I kept one eye open just making sure that it was  Fish head, Scanning it up and down and looking at its little mouth, which I´m pretty sure it was smiling at me.  I have never eaten fish head and hope that I never have to again.  The only thing I was saying in my head was ´´Your on a mission, your on a mission, your on a mission´´.  Wednesday, was also Brazilian Indepence day so that meant lots of people, lots of drinking, and lots of loud music the entire day.  It was crazy! Thursday I did another division with our district leader and his ´´trainee´´ I went to their area and was senior with his trainee.   It was interesting the area that they work in is really sketchy but we talked with a lot of people and last night when I was passing our numbers to our District Leader we said that the members of his ward really like me.  Also he said that a man who had been smoking for a while was following ´´Elder Anderson´s Way of giving up Smoking´´  haha it was something that I thought of really fast when we were teaching this man that he had to give up smoking. 

 

I guess the highlight of the week was running to church.  We had to get 5 ladies to church and they need a ride, so we went with the car to make sure it all went well.  When they got in the car, my comp and I looked at eachother and said that we would walk.  It was interesting when I looked at my watch and it was 8:50, church started at 9:00 and the chapel was about a 20 minute walk away.  We started out walking fast and then it turned into us spirinting down the street, hoping over a fence, and some random man pulling up in a car asking if we wanted a ride.  I guess he was watching us the entire time.  It was another one of those´´ Only on the Mission´´ experiences. 

 

I wake up to the airplanes every morning.  We literally live right next to the airport so it is a nice alarmclock in the morning.  My comp said this week, ´´hey elder, you know how far the airplane is?´´`I replied `´´How far?´´ His response ´´ 18 months´´.  I go to bed exhausted but feel really grateful for beeing here! I hope everyone is doing well! Love you all! Have a good week! 

 

Love 

Elder N. Anderson  

Ola! Boa Semana para Voces!

So if I could sum up this week I would say, Busy! Hands down the busiest I have ever had since coming to Fortaleza.  We had the goal to just keep working and working this week and thats what we did.  We taught 27 lessons and contacted nearly all of our new references.  It was pretty insane.  I think I came home every single night in a haze.  Just ready to take a shower and crawl into my bed or hammock, I bought one last week and have been using it reguarly.  It is definatly something to get used too :)

 

More recently, last night we had a fireside with the entire ward about missionary work.  We invited President and Sister Souza (Mission President) to come speak which was excellent.  I also had the oppurtunity to speak for the first 10 minutes which went well.  When I sat back down next to President he looked at me and said ´´I think you´ll be just fine with this language´´  It felt pretty good just being able to speak and not have to think too much on what I was trying to say.  Portugues is definatly a rock that I will be trying to lift these next two years but on the plus side I have a good grip for right now. 

 

I guess one of the reasons that I was so tired this week is that Elder Graff and I ran home 3 nights in a row.  We came out of a few of the lessons looking at our watches and seeing 9:05ish.  There was one side of area that takes about a 20-30 minute walk. One of the nights was especially funny when we started off walking fast and hoping that member would pass by and give us a ride.  Didn´t happen so I said ´´Elder you ready to run?´´ He that would be funny.  And then I just took off spirinting.  As we were running down the street I just kept hearing Elder Graff saying ´´I HATE YOU! I CAN´T BELIEVE I´M DOING THIS, I AM TOTALLY GOING TO WRITE ABOUT THIS IN MY JOURNAL!´´  I was running and laughing all in one.  I was all about being obiedient I guess.  We walked through the door right at 9:30 every night.  One of the many people that watched us run passed them said `´Robbed?´´ I said ´´No! Late!´´

 

I am liking this area alot. There are a lot of things to see and do.  Especially today,  I finally played BASKETBALL!. We only played for about 30 minutes because I felt like I was melting.  We are hoping to have a lot more success this week.  This will be week 6 of the transfer so that means this next saturday we will get the phone call to see if one of us will be leaving.  Elder Graff said I am going Assisent to the President, but jokingly! Hope your all doing well!

 

One thing that President said that was excellent last night to the members.  ´´We all have the same call to preach the gospel weather we have a badge or not.  Don´t put all the work on two 19 year-old boys´´  It was excellent so that goes for all of you!

Love you all, Have a good week!

 

Tchau!

Elder N. Anderson

I ATE A FISH HEAD

So this week was finally settling down as far as the crazyness, but then again life as a missionary is always crazy.  I have been started reading the New Testament and plan to finish that at my year mark.  It is one of my 6 month goals that I made for the next quarter of my mission as well as reading the Book of Mormon in Portguese and working up doing 50 pull-ups a day. For the record Missy I can do 10 :)

So where do I start...  Last Monday night our cell-phone had a melt down so this last week we have been sharing with the other Elders that live with us.  We figured that we had to contact one the seceretaries as soon as possible so Tuesday morning we woke up and ran to our Zone Leader´s house, so they could take the cellphone into the office.  I have haven´t ran in a while so it was pretty brutal.  When we got there, Our Zone Leader´s said that there was no need to run because we were having our District Meeting that day and that we would have had the chance to just give the cellphone there.  All that running for nothing ! haha 

It has been a week of contacting references for us.  We recieved 15 at church last week so this whole week it was contacting references and finding people that are ready to hear the gospel.  I also love teaching the first lesson because you can tell that people are so interested in what we have to say.  Especially, two americans that are speaking portugues and randomly show up at their door asking to come into their home.  Sometimes we have the best reactions, especially when they ask ´´So you have been in Brazil for a few years right!?`´ When I say 6 months they usually start saying ´´Nooo, your lieing, how do you know this language?´´ .  It is always interesting, but it opens up a good conversations of blessing from Heavenly Father. Wednesday we showed up at our lunch appointment, with the intent of eating really well.  Unfortunatley, the sister in our ward forgot but said she would make some really good for us.  When came out of the Kitchen I saw rice, beans, a fried egg, and a FISH HEAD!  I´m pretty sure that I screamed in the inside.  As we were saying a pray on the food I kept one eye open just making sure that it was  Fish head, Scanning it up and down and looking at its little mouth, which I´m pretty sure it was smiling at me.  I have never eaten fish head and hope that I never have to again.  The only thing I was saying in my head was ´´Your on a mission, your on a mission, your on a mission´´.  Wednesday, was also Brazilian Indepence day so that meant lots of people, lots of drinking, and lots of loud music the entire day.  It was crazy! Thursday I did another division with our district leader and his ´´trainee´´ I went to their area and was senior with his trainee.   It was interesting the area that they work in is really sketchy but we talked with a lot of people and last night when I was passing our numbers to our District Leader we said that the members of his ward really like me.  Also he said that a man who had been smoking for a while was following ´´Elder Anderson´s Way of giving up Smoking´´  haha it was something that I thought of really fast when we were teaching this man that he had to give up smoking. 

I guess the highlight of the week was running to church.  We had to get 5 ladies to church and they need a ride, so we went with the car to make sure it all went well.  When they got in the car, my comp and I looked at eachother and said that we would walk.  It was interesting when I looked at my watch and it was 8:50, church started at 9:00 and the chapel was about a 20 minute walk away.  We started out walking fast and then it turned into us spirinting down the street, hoping over a fence, and some random man pulling up in a car asking if we wanted a ride.  I guess he was watching us the entire time.  It was another one of those´´ Only on the Mission´´ experiences. 

I wake up to the airplanes every morning.  We literally live right next to the airport so it is a nice alarmclock in the morning.  My comp said this week, ´´hey elder, you know how far the airplane is?´´`I replied `´´How far?´´ His response ´´ 18 months´´.  I go to bed exhausted but feel really grateful for beeing here! I hope everyone is doing well! Love you all! Have a good week!

Love
Elder N. Anderson 

Hey Everyone, I got Transferred!

So this week was definatly crazy,  Not only was I thinking about the big wedding day but I was also in the middle of an Emergency Tranfer out of my area on Thursday.  Yes, I officially left Ipanema after 4 months.  The funny thing is I went in to that Area on an Emergency and came out on an Emergency.  Ironic neh?  So anyways this was my week. . .

 

I emailed President Souza on Monday explaining to him that Elder Boehm was continuing to be sick and it was starting to effect our work in that area.  I figured it was all apart of the mission so I was just sticking it out and hoping that it would get better.  We continued through out our week doing our normal routined stuff up until Wednesday afternoon.  It was interesting during those couple days but we recieved a phone call from Presidente Souza explaning that He thought it would be best for Elder Boehm to go to the office for the rest of the transfer.  I was a little confused at first because one, Presidente as using some words that I didn´t understand and two, I was freaking out inside.  We found out that it wasn´t for sure that I would be leaving. There has been a few tri´s in the mission (Companhionship of 3) and President wanted to figure those out.  So Wednesday we started to go say goodbye in the event that I would be leaving.  That night President called again and said that I would be leaving for sure on Thursday night so we had to make arrangments to leave.  We had to deap clean our apartment because Ipanema was officially being closed for the rest of the transfer.  All I can say is man! I hope I never have to close and area again!  After long goodbyes to a lot of the members and investigators we left Thursday night for Aldeota.  The car that all my stuff was in was packed with 6 suitcases and 4 people! I had suit cases on my lap for about 45 minutes and I am pretty sure my legs went number for 40 minutes.  After getting to Aldeota I met my new companion.  Elder Graff, From Alabama New Area - Expedicionários.  We arrived in the area that night and so everyone thats were I will be until further notice.  I honestly think I will be here through Christmas. 

 

Elder Graff has been out for about 14 months and we live in a house of 4 missionaries.  2 Brasileros and 2 Americanos.  It is a lot different but I am enjoing it.  One of the Brasilians was in the MTC with me at the same time so we were good friends before we even got to Fortaleza.  The area is HUGE! but it is super nice.  There are a lot of people to work with and right now our chapel is a ´´casapela´´ meaning it is not a chapel its a house made into a chapel.  They just divided this ward about 2 months ago and the new chapel is being built and should be done in November.  It is way different but I am liking it.  I was thinking that my language was going to slow down a lot, but it is actually that complete oppisite.  Even though I am with an American we still speak Portugues almost 100% of the time.  I have seen the improvement and it is nice being in a new area that don´t know that I am new from the beginning.  They talk to me like a regular person and yes, I am speaking really well now. 

 

Because I am in a new area this also means that I have to explain to people that I am not a brasilian! Everyone that I meet always starts with,  ´´So where you from?, São Paulo´´  They have the best reactions when I say ´´No, I am Americana.´´  It takes them a little while for them to believe me. 

 

This week was a highlighted one but I am glad to be here. We have a good member base and they are willing to help to us with anything.  Elder Graff is an awesome companion and we will be working our tails off in this area.  President Souza wants this area to grow like crazy so we have our work ahead of us.  I am excited for it all! 

 

Have a good week everyone!  I Love you! tchau

 

Elder N. Anderson

Big Weekend Ahead!

So who is ready for a big ahead at the Anderson homestead?  I hope you all are!  This past week was really different as far as all my weeks have gone on the mission.  I have learned a lot and hope that this next week will be good for you all and me.  

Last Monday, we recieved a lot of information primarily on our Zone Conference down in Aldeota.  It was really different as far as working.  Elder Boehm has been sick this week so the work was a little slow.  We have still been working with Paulo Henrique and Tiago, two boys that are 18 and 16.  They still seem pretty interested in the church so every lesson counts with them.  They really wanted me to speak english to them this week.  Just say a few phrases or teach a few things.  I decided to try it out.  It was suprisingly difficult.  

Especially when they chose me to give the prayer to end things, they wanted it in english.  I realized that for the last 6 months I have been praying in Portugues so that was definatly a struggle. It was half portugues half english which was way different haha.  

The music class that I am teaching is going really well.  This week I figured out that people I am teaching didn´t know the notes as well as they played it off.  I said on Tuesday that if they could memorize both staff´s of notes in the 30 minutes that I gave that I would tell them my first name.  There has been a big scuff in the ward with the members and me.  The really want to know my name but I never say it.  So I gave them the ultimatum.  After the half hour, the students had the notes down so I finally ended up saying my name.  Made it 4 months!  Man! 

Like I said early, there was a lot of trips back and forth to Aldeota.  1 hour bus ride so I have been accustomed to standing and holding on for dear life.  Thursday was our Zone Conference in which President and Sister Souza gave excellent talks.  There were a lot of missionaries, a lot of food and a lot of missionaries coming out with a better attitude toward our new president.  It was really cool because I was understanding everything that was going on.  Didn´t have to guess or ask a bunch of questions.  

We had a baptism on Sunday.  Gelson, an 11 year old who is cousins with Marcelo a young kid we baptized in July.  

There have been a lot of mixed feelings this week but especially because I recieved the wedding invitation.  I have sitting up on my desk to look at two shanagans finally tieing the knot.  I guess this is the part where I have to end this but I just wanted to say that I will be thinking about you all this week.  Hope everything goes well and that you take lots of pictures.  Especially with this card board cut out of me :)  It is definatly a sacrifice but I am very happy to be here.  Love you all.  Have a good week! 

Tchau!

Elder N. Anderson 

I wake up thinking in Portugues!

Dear Friends and Family!  

  How is everyone doing this week!  I woke up this morning thinking in Portugues which was super weird to me.  I was thinking about church yesterday but it was all in Portugues so I grabbed my book that I have been reading (Marvalous Work and Wonder)  started to read it because I was confusing myself.  Elder Boehm and I started off a little rocky.  It was a little difficult trying to communicate and make it all work but as the week progressed it got a lot better and I could see the dramatic improvement.  He has been teaching me a lot about the south of Brazil and it is pretty cool see the similarities and difference with the US.  

  As every new missionary, he wanted to learn the area alot so I was showing him around through out appointments.  We stopped by a lot the ward leadership houses and members.   It was a little funny because I was trying to think of where everyone had lived.  I was basically playing Senior comp for the first few days.  He has a funny personality and I think this transfer with be a ``learning experience``.  It was a little difficult speaking about regular things but when teaching lessons we were defiantly speaking the same language.  I could tell my teaching has improved a lot and even Elder Boehm was confused of how many months I had on the mission (6 month mark is coming up, YEAH!)  We taught a lot of new investigators this week and have been working with all of the old ones E. Birdsall and I were working with. Most of our news are around 16-19 years old so it is cool to talk with them and relate to them a little bit better.  Elder Boehm is 23 so he feels like an old man.  We had 6 at church yesterday which was really awesome.

  I have become the only piano player in the ward and I am the only piano teacher.  I teach the music class every tuesday night and Saturday afternoon.  It is going well there is still a lot of people that show up and I have been getting a lot of help from them with trying to explain things to them.  Everyone seems like they really want to learn to play so it keeps me going with teaching them.  

  On Friday, we went into Aldeota for most of the day.  Elder Boehm has had some medical problems so we had to go to the ho

spital for him to do some tests.  It went well and I had the chance to talk with a few missionary friends.  One of them just became the Sec. of Finances for the mission and he has only bit out as long as I have.  Strange to think that people from my group are starting to get leadership spots.  

We celebrated a ward members birthday on Saturday which was really fun.  I have perfected the ``Happy Birthday song``, brazilian version so it is fun to sing that now at all the birthday parties.  

 This week was busy but it is what keeps my mind focused and my feet going.  I`m thinking the Dr. Schoels might be in order, because I woke up this week every night with huge cramps in my feet.  I am starting to feel a lot more confident with speaking and the whole principal of learning something from all your companions is really true.  I love you all and I am grateful to be here! Hope your all doing well. 

Love,

Elder N. Anderson 

Transfer Week!

Dear Family!

  Well we recieved the call on Saturday morning and I will be spending another transfer (6 weeks) in Ipanema.  Elder Birdsall unfortunalty will be serving in another area.  He was pretty sad about it because he passed 6 months here.  But I guess its all apart of the mission.  I am now serving with Elder Boehm.  He is a BRAZILIAN who speaks very little English.  It will definatly be a change for sure.  After coming back from the transfer I really started to realize that because I can't asked my questions in english anymore.  So I guess its just going to be speaking it 100% from here on out.  I'm excited though.   

  We had the baptism of Gabriel this week. I am pretty sure I have explained the story on him before so it was nice to finally see him so excited.  This week was pretty busy for the most part.  When we finally got everything ready for the baptism we realized the font wasn't clean.  Saturday morning we went over to go see what it looked like and unfortunatly we realized that we left the water in it from last month.  There was all sorts of creatures in there..YUMMY!  We spent about 2 hours cleaning.   The piano class that we are teaching is going really well lots of people show up which makes it really nice.  I think I might be teaching it be myself now though so it will be interesting.  Elder Birdsall and I gave talks on Sunday.  Trying to excite the Ward about the work and see if there could be anything done to help us out.  During our talks we talked about references and during Elder Birdsall's he spoke about inspiration and we had two young men pass out these little slips of paper to the congregation.  After the meeting we recieved 25 references so hopefully this will keep me busy with my new comp.  On thursday after lunch we were walking home and off the side of the road someone dropped a bunch of scrabs  of fabric.  I told E. Birdsall that I wanted to get some and told him that I would make a tie out of it.  After getting started I said I would make it before Monday(Today).  We had a little competion because E. Birdsall was doubting me.  So all weekend, during my free time (Morning and Night) I hand stichted a tie.  Yes, everyone I did finish it last night and E. Birdsall was amazed.  I wore it today to the transfer.  It was pretty funny.  I call it my ''Brazilian Trash Tie''.  

  It will be an interesting week as we start the new transfer and all but I am definatly excited for the challenge.  It will be different especially since I will be speaking portugues 100%.  I will keep you up dated for sure next week.  But that is all I have time for today.  Love you all!  Thanks for the updates.  Tem Semana Boa!  Tchau!

Love,

Elder N. Anderson

8/8/11 Syrup Anyone?

Oi  Pessoas! Como estan? I espero muito bom! So I decided that the whole transistion of writing in portugues and then in english is actually really difficult now.  I just finished my letter to my President but I feel like my mind is still thinking portugues.  It is definatly one of those strange tricks my mind has been playing on me.  I speak english, my mind translates into another language or vise versa.  Smells like a fluent speaker is around the corner, Missy.  But I am still remaining humble. 

   So this week we were gearing up to baptize Gabriel.  He has been ready since Feburary but was waiting for the Green light from his Dad.  I think I explained it last week but we finally got last sunday and the date was set for Saturday.  We planned to meet with him every other day and make sure it was all good.  After his invertview on Friday, with our district leader he let us know that his uncle who would baptize him wasn´t going to be able to make it.  So the baptism is scheduled for next week.  We had an interesting week of visiting of let of people and trying to just stay on top of our schedule.  I have been teaching a lot more of the lessons this week because I wanted to really see what I knew.  I suprised myself everytime.  Especially if I said something that someone didn´t understand I just had to take it and rephrase it.  I had the chance to really prove my language this week on Thursday while working with a Brazilian.  On Tuesday after district meeting, E. Birdsall got new that he had a meeting in Aldeota on Thursday and I would do a division with another missionary working in our area.  I basically had to become senior over night.  I was a little nervous because I would have to lead comp study, talk with the members, basically go from a 3 to an 8 on a scale of one to 10.  It was nerveracking at first especially since the Brazilian just got here in July and didn´t have a lot of experience.  We spent the whole day together contacting recent references, teaching lessons, lunch appointment, riding the bus and so forth.  It was strange for me because I felt like I was the one be followed and not doing the following.  By the end of the day, I speaking pretty well and even picked up the accent that E. Raffati had   (Porto Allegren).  I really like it being able to speak portugues for most of the day and being able to teach a lot as well.  There is a young man in the ward that has been getting ready for his mission in Belo Horz.  He will be leaving this week and it seemed like we were invited to all his going away gatherings.  Of coarse this consisted of lots of food so I wasn´t complaining.  It was really fun going to his farewell party and talking with a lot of people that had different stories about him. 

  On Saturday we woke up to a phonecall that lunch had fallen through. So we decided we would make french toast and Homemade syrup.  For about 2  hours we were on the hunt for Vanilla.  Just to find a tiny bottle for about 4 reals.  It was insane but we needed to get it.  1 cup of Water 2 cups of Sugar and  table spoon of Vanilla.  It was a little watery but when there is no syrup to be found you make what you can´t have.  Anyone have any ideas for peanunt butter?  We also started our music class on Saturday.  There are many members that want to learn how to play the piano or just read music so we decided to teach a class every Saturday and Tuesday.  It turned out well and even our bishop showed up to learn.  After whiping the dust of my fingers from not playing for a few months I got right back into it this  weekend, teaching the keyboard and so on. 

   There hasn´t been to many major things happening these last few weeks so I am sorry I don´t have pictures again. But I´ll try for next week.  Thanks for all the support everyone.  This is the last week of the transfer and there is a high probability that E. Birdsall will be leaving so next week I might be emailing with my brazilian companion sitting next to me  :) Keep an Eye single to the glory of God and remember his hand in all things. Have a good week everyone! Love you!

Te Amo

Elder N. Anderson

8/1/11 45 Minutes of Sleep and Continue to Work

Well Family and Friends, e ei?  Como estan voces?  I´ll be honest in saying that this was one of the most interesting weeks so far.  I believe it was week 21? or something.  However, 5 months have been touched today! OPPPA! 

  

We were trying to have a crazy week of teaching. That is actually what I wrote in my planner last week during weekly planning. We wanted to teach with members every day and really put a dent in the numbers for this area.  However, everyday our members called us and said that they weren´t able to meet with so we were just a couple of Elders teaching as much as possible.  I think I may have heard every possible excuse from a most of our ´´new´´ investigators regarding teaching.  Someone even said that they were to busy with watching for their lottery numbers! Goodness! Brazilians :)  You all know that feeling when your on a rollercoaster and your stomach drops well I had that feeling this week when I walked into district meeting.  I walked in only to see Presidente Souza standing there.  I think I was only nervous because I was caught off guard.  Don´t get me wrong, he is super nice and has a lot of advice but it is just scary when your not expecting a visit from him. We had a lot of references this week which was truly a blessing.   Including one that was way on that other side of area. Elder Birdsall and I walked about 45 minutes to find him not home.  Boo! So we started the long journey back.  Unfortunatley not everyone has phones so somtimes its difficult to know if someone is home or not.  

   

On Tuesday we recieved a phone call from the Mission Office that Elder Birdsall would need to renew his visa this week so we would stay the night in Aldeota.  Elder Birdsall was pretter excited to see a lot of Elders from his group and catch up with them.  So Thursday, We packed our bags and took the bus around 8:00pm over to Aldeota.  The mission ´´home´´ is really close to the office so the bus ride in all is about an hour.  Of coarse like most places, Fortaleza is way different at night.  Many Many random people walking to the street or standing holding their hands up (if you know what I mean) and it was a very interesting bus ride.  Sometimes I think these bus drivers learned to drive a Honda Civic or some some car and then started driving buses.  Anyways, when we walked into the apartment there was about 20 missionaries in total staying the night.  Half brazilian half American.  The funny thing is that apartment only had about 14 mattresses.  Yes,  if you do the math, 14 and 20 do not line up.  In short,  I ended up sleeping on the hard wood floor along with my companion and a few other Americans.  It was one of those experiences in which you say ´´Only on the Mission´´  I´m pretty sure I only got about 45 minutes of sleep the entire night.  Waking up every hour, turning over, wiping the sweat off my face and so on.  It was an interesting night to say the least but when Elder Birdsall and I got home, a one hour nap was in order and then it was back to work.  I was pretty beat all weekend.  I did however enjoy a nice Double Whopper from BURGER KING for lunch!  Holy COW!  I never realized how delicious that can be.  I talked with alot of missionaries that morning while Elder Birdsall went to the federal police.  Two of them are returning home early because of a broken foot and the other with a sickness in his stomach.  It was fun hearing all the stories of all the different areas.  

   

On Saturday we particpated in the ´´Mâos que ajudam´´  which translated into Helping hands.  Yes, we did get to wear the famous yellow vests.  We had to go around to a lot of people around the neighborhood and talk about Dengue awarness.  It was a good oppurtunity for us to recieve a lot of references and meet a lot more people. I also discovered the ward recieve a PIANO! this week.  I was really excited and so was the ward when they discovered that I could play. I am pretty sure I have an unofficial calling of ´´Pianist´´ now.  Last night we taught abunch of lessons trying to catch back up with our goals and had a really good experience with an investigator.  He is 15 and has been going to church since Jan.  He wanted to get baptized in Feb.  but his dad wouldn´t let him.  We wanted to meet with his dad and talk to him about letting his son get baptized.  It was an interesting conversation as well as eventful.  He yelled a little bit and there was some portugues words that I had never heard but it all turned out that Gabriel will be getting baptized this Saturday!  YEAH!  We came out of the house give eachother ´´knucks´´  :)   

   

I discovered that many people say that they would ´´die for Christ´´  when ever we meet them.  Many people have this idea.  But I realized that we shouldn´t ´´die for him´´ but rather ´´Live for Him´´.  He set the example and is the way.  If you accept him then live like you know he would want you to live.  

   Love you all!  Minimal sleep really affects the work but I feel well rested after today.  Hope you all have a good week at Lake Shasta! Just remember that that Lake knows me a lot better than a lot of people :)  I love you!  

Tchau!

Elder N. Anderso