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!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
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
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
Sunday, December 11, 2011
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
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
Sunday, December 4, 2011
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
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
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