tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84103378442716703012024-02-01T22:42:59.571-08:00I HAVE TWO YEARS TO DO IT AND THE REST OF MY LIFE TO THINK ABOUT IT.ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-9159820045646340182012-04-01T18:42:00.003-07:002012-04-01T18:42:58.480-07:00Happy Spring Break!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Pictures:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Pizza with Pres<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Check out the beach in the background <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL_rO6Z3n4c"><span style="color: #2856c7;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KL_rO6Z3n4c</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Hey everyone! Bom Dia! Hope your all having a good week. Things where nice and busy this week (as usual) but we did have a few celebrations in store for us in the office and with investigators, which made a busy week not so stressful. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">We started off on a good note Monday night. Getting out of the office on time to go work. Things seem less stressful when we can leave early. We don´t feel like we are running around like a ''chicken with our legs cut off''. Visits always are nice especially with new investigators which was our main focus this week. On thing that becomes hard is not having anyone to teach, which we felt like was happening as we closed last week. Sometimes theres a lot of people that just don´t progress at all and we have to let them go. This area can be difficult as well. Its kinda of like working ''downtown''. Pretty commericalized, with hi-rise buildings of offices and apartments. So that whole ''door knocking'' doesn´t happen very easily. We have been working with a lot of references (cough, cough, thanks to the reference secretary) which seems like their going well. We had a few of our progressing investigators at church yesterday. Including a fmaily that we are teaching. They seem to really like the church and they told us that they are liking the visits a feel like this is something that they have always had questions about. Wilson and his wife, Bia seem like they were already members when they walked in yesterday. All the ward members did a good job of welcoming them. It those satisfing comments that help a lot of missionaries. We are planning on helping a few people this week with there various problems to get them ready for baptism. It feels like this week went by a lot faster than I thought it would <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">As for a few of us we celebrated are mile stones in the mission. Elder Loureiro, made one year on friday. He was one excited man since he talked about it every single day last week. Kinda like the countdown that Katie gives for her birthday, although Elder Loureiro didn´t start six months ago :) We didn´t do to much just a few games and few hugs. I woke Elder Loureiro up that morning with a ''body blanket'' and saying happy birthday. I celebrated my one year in Brasil on thursday as well. I still think about that day alot when I got my visa. Walking down to the travel center at the Provo MTC, wondering if it was the right ''Elder Nick Anderson'' since there was 3 with that name waiting for their visas, then figuring it was me and only having a short 14 hours til I was on a plane to New York then an overnight flight to São Paulo. Quite the trip I must say, but I have stayed pretty organized through out the mission thanks to Mom, Dad, Emily, Brett, and Alicia helping me pack before I left for Provo. Yes, everyone those plastic space bags are life-savers for travelers out there. Its a strange feeling knowing that I have been here, for over a year now. Time certainly is flying. President and Sister Souza took the secretaries out to Pizza Hut this week for a nice little ''thanks for the hard work''. Now I know why some come out of the Office a little heavier. We organized the office a lot, which was one of the things President wanted done and the insentive was Pizza Hut. Can´t blame the man for knowing how to get missionaries to organize things, food. It was the same Pizza Hut on the beach which is always fun with President and Sister telling you ''look down at your shoes''. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">My phone just kept ringing non-stop every night we got home. Missionaries with their questions or to pass references. I also try to sound nice and cheery on the phone but when it starts to get late with people still calling, its gets a little difficult. My companions said that I´m the most crazy in the office, I´m not sure what that means but they have learned to put up with my singing in the shower. I feel like secretaries are the go to guys for every question possible about mission stuff. The most random questions come in. I like it though, gives me a good chance to learn new words in portuguese, which is nice. I geuss things just keep getting better everyday. Our companionship is doing fine. The four-pack is still going strong and its always fun teaching with someone new every night. We have our countdown for General Conference this week, I feel like thats like Christmas for missionaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I love this work, there is not a bad day just days better than others, I hope your all looking forward to good Conference Weekend. Remember the the words of God´s servants are speaking. I love you all! Have a good <u>Spring Break</u> week!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div><!--EndFragment-->ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-88831874404741961932012-04-01T18:42:00.001-07:002012-04-01T18:42:25.377-07:00Wow, I never want to do that again!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Pictures:</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Stake Conference..Yesterday or Boy Band perhaps?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Fat Lip, yup this is real<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Wasabi! notice fat lip again! :(<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Oh the airport. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Hey All, Tuda bem? So I have a lot to write as always and I will do my best to squeeze it all in. This week was good, we ended the transfer on a good note which made things nice. As it usually is in the office, the last week of the transfer is really busy. There are exit interviews with all the missionaries that are leaving, the making of the new transfer, people doing last minute things before they leave area, etc. It was busy but we counted down the days until the end of the transfer. We were already advised that we, (Elder Howland, Elder Loureiro, and I) would stay together as a companionship for another six weeks. We welcomed Elder Macedo (Brazilian, from São Paulo, Fluent English Speaker) into our companionship as the new Financial Secretary. Elder Loureiro as passed 5 transfers here in the office (about 7and half months) and he is ready to leave haha. The office does that to you. Elder Loureiro will be training Elder Macedo as the new secretary and will be leaving for another area at the end of the transfer. So now we have four of us working here in the area, which will be really good. I think this transfer will be one of the highlights. So I started my 9th transfer today, I can't believe it at all. It seems like its going by way to fast. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">This last week we started off with our regular schedule during the week. There was a missionary that just recieved his visa this week and so it required a trip to the airport. This Elder had been waiting for his visa for over 6 months. He was serving in South Dakota since the time he left the MTC (September 2011) Anyways, he recieved his visa and he had a good welcoming for him at the airport, at President´s House, and then sent him on his way to the area. Its always fun to see brand new missionary coming in. You just see that fire in their eyes, then you see it dwindle a little when they actually hear portuguese. Like we always say, it just takes a little more time to learn and pick up the accent. We are planning on going to the airport tomorrow to pick the new arrivals straight from the MTC in São Paulo. We have 11 missionaries arriving (5 Americans, 5 Braisilians, 1 Bolivian) Actually Mom and Dad Elder Nichols from Fed. Way, Washington is arriving. I guess I´ll have to try and explain that we ''kinda'' know eachother..oh this wierd Mormon Connections. Speaking of the airport I entitled my email ''Wow, I never want to do that again.'' for a reason. Today was the first day of the transfer which meant missionaries leaving. There was a good group of 12 missionaries that left in total. It was a little sad since there were a few that I became close with. It definatly is a hard thing, sending missionaries off. You see how the mission changes a person, and how awesome those guys are going to be when they get home. I had to bargain with my ravishing charm with a ''Front Counter'' person at the airport, to get here to wave the fee for a few Elders. That was fun. It was hard saying goodbye, but my companions said tomorrow, ''the welcome'' is always better. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">So as you can see in the pictures, I had an encounter with a fat lip this week. On Wednesday I woke up with this wierd feeling in my nose. Didn't think anything off it so I left it. Thursday, I woke up a fat lip and it just progress on getting bigger through out the day. We had a special lunch for an assistant that will finish his mission training so eating became a struggle. We went to sushi which was delicious! Anyways back to lip. Friday it was hurting a lot so right when we got done working we headed straight to the hospital to get things checked out. Turns out, Ingrown nose hair was the answer and taking some medicine would be the cure. It was a little embarrasing walking around with a half smile/fat lip, but i made it work. Yes that picture is real. Saturday and Sunday it started going down and today it looks good as new. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">We started teaching a family this week that was really fun. The seemed really interested and will hopefully be going to church next week. We have had a few progressing investigators at church yesterday which made it nice. A man named Wilson and his son. They left yesterday saying '' I want to know more about htis church''. This guy we found just by a few of his neighbors saying that he would be someone interested. We definalty have some big goals for the transfer. Just to continue working hard and have some success these next six weeks. I am looking forward to another transfer here in this area. The ward is great and it seems like a really good experience. There are the stressful moments but its all good. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I am really finding that happiness in the work. I am finding how the mission is making all the difference in my life so that I can be better. I love this gospel, this work, and the people whom we serve. Thanks for all the support. Até semana que vem! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Elder N. Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-74709653859495584492012-04-01T18:41:00.001-07:002012-04-01T18:41:46.461-07:00The Fire is Still Burning<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Pictures:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Just your classic burn :)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Broken table, I still laugh at this.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">OHHHH that beach<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">One!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Hey All, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">How is everyone this week? It was a busy week to start off. Actually REALLY busy in fact, its seems like when the transfer starts to ''wind up'' thats when the busiest time falls finishing the 6 weeks. We are just now heading into the 6th week of the transfer and as always, the entire mission is getting anxious for the news. Its kinda reminds of being a little kid, when you go to the grade school in the summer to see who your teacher is going to be for that year OR when you wait to see your new class schedule . The anticipation, wondering if any of your friends will be in your classes, how the teacher is going to be. Its basically like that for transfers. Everyone wants to know! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">This week we had two large conferences for the Zone Leaders and Leadership of the mission. I had to speak at both of them, talking about some of the stuff here in the office. On Wednesday we had the Zone Leaders meeting which was held here in the office. There was a huge excitement about lunch as well, Pizza Hut! There are probably about 10 in all of Brasil and one just happens to be right on the beach here in Fortaleza. When we called to order it the day before, the restaurant said that we needed to go pick it up. So, Sister Souza and the 3 secretaries drove down there to get them. We had to make a few other stops as we made are way there, getting things for the transfer, etc. There were tons of pillows, soda and pizza stuffed into Sister Souza´s car. When we got to Pizza Hut to get the Pizzas it was literally right there on the beach. All of our mouths dropped. Of coarse we heard from Sister Souza ''This is the closest you will ever be to the beach'' but it was cool! That water reminds exactly what St. Martin looked like 2 years ago. The Conferences went well though. Lots of errands to do which kept us busy but President Souza had alot to talk about a lot of interesting things that helped us all. Wednesday and Thursday, we came home completly exhausted but I made sure to rest up for my celebratory 1 year make on Friday. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">It seemed like this whole week, I was thinking, '' What have I been doing for a year?'' The flood of memories that just kept coming to my head. My companion Elder Loureiro woke me singing '' Happy Birthday'' to me for some reason which was so funny. It wasn´t really any day different than the others. Just fun to think back on it all. We worked the majority of the day in the office as usual. References kept me busy and it seemed like on Thursday after the conference they just flooded in. When we went out to go visit our investigators that night, it was the reality of how much I have progressed since day one. Actually being able to communicate with people, feeling comfortable speaking another language, and just feeling like a missionary. Everyone that has ever been to the MTC all know that the first day you don´t know what is going on at all. We had the celebratory ''burning of the shirt'' for the one year mark and delicious hot wings to end the night. It is so funny how those mission traditions still stay alive. I geuss the highlight of the day was Elder Howland breaking one of our tables. We had just finished our day and he decided that he wanted to give me a hug. I geuss he wanted to save time by climbing over the table until it whobbled a little, fell to the ground and shattered. I think we were all stunned at first but after, I couldn´t stop laughing. He´s fine. but a little embarrassed when we talk about it with our investigators or members of the ward.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">As for investigators, we are doing a little reorganization for the people we teach. We are trying to get all of them to progress but sometimes it takes a little longer than we want. I geuss it goes all to being patient and following things on the Lord´s time. I think I have learned a lot of patience on the mission thats for sure. We are teaching a few couples that seem like that have a lot of potential. They are very willing and welcoming to us. Some of them already have the building blocks to strong testimonies which is what makes it all worth it. I just love it when you see the ''fire of the gospel''' start to burn. You see that excitement literally in their eyes and it makes us all happy. There are some lessons that we come out of and just feel so happy. Its excellent. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I geuss thats my focus today and for the rest of the year, not just a physical fire that happened this week, but a spiritual one as well. I can literally see how the gospel makes all of us be better. How we put of the ''natural things'' and truly invest ourselves in the work of God. I am seeing how this year will be a lot different than the first. Seriously, it will turn a lot of things around for me and I know by the time it starts to end thats when everything will click. Stages of Missionary life never seem to suprise me, as long as you keep that fire burning it all becomes natural. I love this work, I love the Gospel, and I love the special plan all of us have. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I hope you all have an excellent week, Love you all so much!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Elder N. Anderson <o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-28586738331813019662012-04-01T18:40:00.001-07:002012-04-01T18:40:58.837-07:00Happy "Hump" Day!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Photos: <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">´´Hump Day´´ :) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Baptism this weekend. Val and Bruno (Mother and Son) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Baptism this weekend of Gleubeino <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">A nice salute <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">ROOT BEER!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">This is it! right? One year over, 365 days terminated, 52 of 104 weeks completed, the big hump! WOW! I can only think ´´Onde está o tempo!?´´ I kinda feel old now that I think about it, Old in the sense that its all down hill from here even though I still feel like I just arrived yesterday. The fact that I am passing one year this week, just means I still have one more year to keep moving, to keep pushing, until that time I get on the airplane. I´m not ´´trunky´´ as some would say just happy and excited for whats next in line. March 2nd 2011 seems like it was yesterday, but March 2013 seems so far away still :) Alright enough of this, lets get busy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">So this week seemed pretty busy for us. I stil find myself super busy working in the office. It actually seems pretty time comsuming now that I think about. I have a cell phone that rings constantly asking directions for a street or getting information for a reference. I have become a master on Googlemaps as well as LDS maps. I find myself memorizing neighborhoods, ward boundaries, and so forth to the point when someone calls in, I usually have a pretty good idea of where this reference will go. Elder Howland, Elder Loureiro and I are finding more time to sleep at night and finding more random things to make after we get home at night. Yesterday we made some rootbeer, yes thats right home made! It was pretty good actually. I think my sense of taste of root beer has basically been lost, So I am still counting on someone having a Henry Wienharts waiting for me at the airport :) We have also found Bar-B-Que sauce down here at one store. Another thing I haven´t seen in awhile so we use it on almost anything. I got creative last night and put in on scrambled eggs. Its an ´´aquired´´ taste but It wasn´t so bad when I finished up. When I saw it at the store it was one of the ´´double take´´ moments, ya know? when you look at something twice just to make sure its the right thing. It was pretty cheap actually and american for sure. The label on the back was in all english, accept for the portuguese nutrition sticker covering the english. There seems to be alot of those around here. I have really missed alot of things since being here. Speaking of food actually, we went out to each a couple times this week for lunch. There is a member that owns a restaurant close to the office who gives discounts to the missionaries. Its ´´buffet´´ style place that keeps the missionaries full for sure. I came out of the restaurant a little larger. I figured ´´ How often do you eat at an all you can eat?´´ am I right? We all looked like bowling balls coming down the street. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">As for the work, we did our best of getting out of the office everyday by 6pm. When everyone is on board it makes things alot more easier. We did a division this week with some other Elders. Elder Loureiro and I worked with an Elder who has a little bit under 7 months on the mission. Elder McNeal from the nonother.. Beaverton, Oregon. I actually was good buddies with his cousin in the MTC. It was fun working with him and finishing teaching a kid that was baptized this weekend. Our focus was on Val and Bruno, a mother and son that have been investigating the church for a while. Elder Howland and Elder Loureiro have been teaching here for a while so it was nice coming in to the area and helping them as best as I could. Last monday, we called Val, and her last comment on the phone was, I want to talk about this baptism thing this week with you three. We held the baptism on Friday night with a lot of ward members. It was pretty cool, just seeing that smile on someone face everytime, makes it all worth it. Gleubeino(14 year old) was a reference that we recevied this week. He was going to another ward but never had the chance to be baptized. The other missionaries that were in the ward, thought he was a member already. We taught him this whole week and on Thursday we was asking when he could get baptized. We had the green light for Sunday and the font was already filled, so the service was held Sunday night. We did have miner complications trying to drain the font. Unfortuntly the pump that drains the font was ´´broken´´ so we first tried to siphon the water out. After a few ´´winded´´ missionaries, we did the bucket method of filling the buckets and throwing out the water. That lasted for about 10 minutes when a member went outside to check the pump and gave a few ´´kicks´´and the water was drained before we knew it. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">We, my companions and I, have become pretty notorious here in the mission. President likes to call us the ´´trio´´ and usually we try to keep things happy and exciting here in the office. We even decided to call up the assistants and go suprise President today for his birthday. Sister Souza was already in on the whole thing. We walked in to their house and went straight for his office with a cake singing happy birthday. We ended up staying for lunch, because who wants to turn down a free meal. President seemed pretty happy which was fun. He was suprised for sure which made things nice. Being at the their home, reminded me alot of going to visit Grandpa and Grandma McCunce in Chile. They have ´´mission home´´ look to their apartment. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">So as for me, I feel confident and saying that I love this work. I love what I am doing and how I see the difference it is making in my life. I feel lke I say that alot but its true. This last year has meant alot to me. I can´t thank you all enough, for your support and for the prayers. I know that this work is true. I know that God is our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is his son. I am so grateful for this wonderful oppurtunity to be a missionary. To be apart of the miracles that take place in the lives of others. There is nothing that I would rather be doing. It is difficult, but the reward is greater. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">365 days, thats nothing :) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I love you all, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Elder N. Anderson <o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-21293988943086235242012-04-01T18:39:00.002-07:002012-04-01T18:39:20.472-07:00Transferred!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Pictures:</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Fortaleza ( I didn´t know we had this view until yesterday!) </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>This is my first donut in 11 months, I havent seen them since the Provo MTC</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Rain Storm friday night, I didn´t want my tie to get wet</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Just your classic hop across a giant puddle </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>OI! Tudo bem!?</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Companions: Elder Howland (Murray, Utah) Elder Loureiro (São Paulo, SP)</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b>Area: Aldeota ( I sent a picture of them a few weeks back.)</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">So this week, was a little bit more different than the other weeks this transfer. However, as usual I will start from it all beginning with last Monday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Usually I try and get out of the office by 6 so we can get to a few appointments to end the night. However, I got a call from São Paulo on Monday asking for a few updates on feedbacks for referrals, and a report on how ´´pass-along cards´´ worked in the Mission. I was kinda stressing a little bit in the beginning because I was trying to figure how to get everyhting to this lady. She said that she would give me a week since I was new and still learning how to get the reports in. UInfortunatly, the last reference secertary didn´t leave me with too much information about these things. So I was working from scratch, oh well. In the end, I was working in the office for the rest of the night up until about 8:15. We were getting ready for Zone Conferences this week and trying to do last minute things just so I didn´t have to think about the references stuff until I went back to the office during the week. The Executive Seceretery told me that there was a chance that I could be trasfered this week because there was another Elder returning to the mission. Usually when someone comes in half-way through the transfer if makes things a little confusing and gives President a headhache, but usually in this case, the Reference Seceretary gets transfered to the office and stays in a ´´trio´´ (Tri-companionship) with the other seceretaries. Anyways, I wasn´t too sure if I would be transfered or not, I just put it in the back of my mind and just tryed to stay focused. We raced home that night, to get a movie to the rental place on time. We got of the bus at an earlier stop and I told Elder Reynolds that we would probably be running to the place. It closed at 9 and by this time it was 8:45 with a 20 minutes walk ahead of us. Here in Fortaleza, you can never be too sure because there is the case of people closing early. We took off running down the Avenue, running as fast as we could with our backpacks in hand. On the otherside of the street there was a girl racing against us. She just kept running as did we but in the end she finally just gave it in. My companion just kept saying, just pay the fine and we can walk, I geuss those ´´Anderson genes´´ got the best of me and said no, I´m not spending my money on it. We just kept running and running until finally we got there and the rental place was opened! I was sweating my little eye brows off, but I got the movie in haha. I´m pretty sure the guy at the rental shop just shook his head and wondered what happened to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"> Tuesday was normal for us. We had our normal hours of study and then working. We went to go see a few people that went to church and some that were planning on going but didn´t make it. It was a long day of visits, however around 6:30 the assistents called and told us what was going on. There was indeed an Elder arriving in the mission and President did what we all expected. <b> I was transfered.</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"> I was kind of a bummed, I liked working with Elder Reynolds a lot but its ok. I geuss thats just how the mission goes some times. We went home early, right after the phone call, so I could pack and get things together. We needed to be at the office at 4:00pm on Wednesday. It was interesting how much stuff I didn´t unpack when we got the transfer call the first time. So packing was easy, just doing laundry and cleaning out my desk. Wednesay I went and said goodbye to a few people and gave a quick tour of the area to Elder Reynolds. He told me he felt a little lost, but I gave him a map, the list of the members and told him, If you need anything, just call me. By 3:00 we were in the taxi heading downtown. We got to the office and President decided to give me the nickname as the ´´Joker´´ because I always seem to move around at the most random times in the tranfers. President and I had a good laugh together about that. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I have already known Elder Howland and Elder Loureiro (other secreteries) for awhile, I was excited to come here and be able to work a lot more and at a little bit more relaxed pace. We live in the mission home and have a really good area. I actually always wanted to come and work in this area (just a little thing in the back of mind, thinking it would be a good area to work in) and I end up here. We all get along really well the assistents nicknamed us the ´´Time de Sonhos´´ which actually means, <b>The</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"> <b>Dream Team</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">. We did a division with the assistents this week and Elder Prieto (Assistent) said that this area has a lot to look forward too this transfer. Its fun teaching in three, we all have a good time and have had a lot of success. Its like every companionship thats new, You bring the best of what you have to offer and then use it. Usually its two only bring the best, but now its three. We may have lost a little sleep this week but its always fun to tell stories and get to know eachother better. We work in the office from 8am to 6pm every day and teach from 6 to 9:30. The schedule is different but it works out. Especially now that I avoid the hottest part of the day in the air condioning haha. Maybe it will give my skin a break. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thursday through Saturday was working in between Zone Conferences and office work. The Brasil area Medical Doctor was here for conference. Him and his wife( Elder and Sister Call) are from Pleasent Grove, Utah and were really nice. They gave good advice about being prepared always, physically, mentally, and spiritually. I was getting to know the new area and lots of investigators all the nights which worked out well. The difference that I see in this area than others is that this one is a lot more city life. I live in the downtown part of Fortaleza with tones of buildings all around. The ward is a little bit more different. There are a lot of members active and have a lot of things to say to the missinoaries always. The only way I can really describe it is that its more ´´classy´´. There are a lot of families and a lot of people to meet . I feel like the schedule is a lot more busy as well. Members are usually gone working during the day and homes have now become 18 stories ´´high rises´´ Which is good for us since we plug along here in the office all day. We are kinda of President´s ´´go-to´´ group. We had a nice walk in the rain Friday night and a hot Saturday afternoon. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">As for <b>Carinaval</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;"> we didn´t have too much excitement. Just some people running down the street and ran men dressed up like women. I´m still confused on why its celebrated. But from what I hear and have put together its basically like Mardi Gras. Just a huge party for a few days. In Fortaleza, its big but everyone usually just travels. In Brazil, its the country the celebrates it the most. Rio de Janeiro has the biggest celebration in the world. But here in Fortaleza, we usually just keep our heads down walking down the street :) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">The things that I have learned here in the mission are more than what I would have expected. I feel like I am growing everyday and there are the new adventure always around the corner. I love this work. I love the gospel and I am so grateful to be here. The blessings are endless everyday and I feel like as I continue to move forward, I see the gospel as something real in my life. Something more real that I can give, learn from, and be to everyone. The Church is true. I know that God lives and Christ is our Savior. I know that these two years will make the difference in my life. Just by seeing how it has made the difference in the first. Yup thats right its right around the corner. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Thanks for all your support everyone. Write me :) <b>I love you </b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">all and hope you have a good week. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Love, <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Elder N. Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></div><!--EndFragment-->ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-12681627146964306032012-02-19T18:16:00.001-08:002012-02-19T18:16:16.580-08:00Happy Valentines Day!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictures:</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A nice Pday with BK and High School Musical 3 Pictures:</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A nice Pday with BK and High School Musical 3 </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cruizing along with Sister Souza </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fortaleza, Ceará, BRASSSIILLLL</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A little sunrise action</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hey All!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuda bem? I geuss this week was pretty normal for the most part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little bit more relaxed than others which was nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are all doing well though. So lets start from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week, we were a lot more focused in getting alot of stuff done in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Reynolds and I are getting along great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have had a lot of laughs and a lot of wierd connections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some one, who knows some one... (you know how that is in the church).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We been going hard trying to get all of our goals met while working in the office at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some times days seemed more crammed than others but we have a good time having full days of work and coming home just exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some nights when we came home and Elder Reynolds said that he was going to use use the bathroom and I just kinda fell asleep at my desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were others in which we finished planning and I just<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>went straight to my bed to wait for the shower and woke up at midnight wondering why I was still in my tie and church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I geuss that is the only way I can really describe how much work we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are trying to teach a tone of people every week to have some ´´sucess´´ at bringing them to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We invite everyone as usual and I feel like all of our efforts are working and never wasted. Since being in the area for as along as I have, I always give that stories to Elder Reynolds about members, investigators, or random people we see on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seems to be alot of laughing between us both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left our house a few times this week ´´pumping ourselves up´´ singing Mulan songs and then singing songs that we remembered from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brazilians seem to love rather tall Americans walking down the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is always the occiasionally ´´Hello, Good Night, and How are you´´ (the few phrases know how to say). As for investigators, theres is a few that seem like that have been waiting for the gospel for a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a man named Ricardo that just invited us into his this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped us when we were talking to his neighbor and basically said that he wanted to hear what we had to stay since he has always had the will to go visit the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me and Elder Reynolds had a really good vibe from this guy and it was all because he wanted to see what we had to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like the way that a lot of people start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>´´Hey, your men of God. Tell me why this is happening..´´ there always seem to be good a discussion afterwards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The festivities for ´´Carnival´´ have begun here in Fortaleza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were some nights that entire streets were closed down because people were having parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actual holiday isn´t until the 21st of this month but it seems like there will be a lot of people partying up until that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a lot of plans for this week but it seems like most people are fleeing the city and going more inland. Carnival can get more crazy has it gets close to the holiday so we have to be a lot more careful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There seems like a lot of people especially our investigators that are leaving so we will have to make do with everything as they leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The actual idea of Carnival is a mystery to most people still, its a holiday but most of the people I have asked they don´t really know why we celebrate it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some say thats it because the African-americans were freed and we celebrate because of that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily we dont have to leave our area or hide out in our houses like some missionaries here and in other missions around the world. Life seems pretty good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working hard everyday and trying to keep my eyes up when I study in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love this work though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the fact that I wake up every morning and go out to teach people about Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no other work more time consuming or rewarding that I have ever done in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that this work is true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That God loves each of us and he has a plan for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus Christ is our savior and the only way that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father some day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a great day to all of you! </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love, </span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-4609937707837069882012-02-19T18:14:00.001-08:002012-02-19T18:14:49.627-08:00And so it begins...2/6<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">OI Bom Dia to all! So this week has absolutely be hecktic (I think thats how you spell it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I´ll have to start from the beginning to really describe it all so lets start after I sent my email to all you all last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about 5 o´clock last Monday afternoon and we were just fininshing up a few things in the office before heading back to the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My first of assignment of the new transfer was being called as Reference Sec. of the Mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was staying in the area for my 5th trasfer with my new companion Elder Reynolds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything was set for the transfer until we recieved and email that another missionary was arriving in the mission on Wednesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This usually throws everyone through a loop because right after the transfer is set they have to move a bunch of things around to make room for the new missionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President gave us a call and told us that there would be some changes in the transfer for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Reynolds was going to train in Expedicionarios and I was coming to the office to work full-time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I explained it a little bit but the plan was that I would work in the office part time and in the area the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But things got switched and everything changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked to President on the phone about the area and he said that we needed to go the area, introduce Elder Reynolds to the members and show the entire area to him until Wednesday afternoon and then be at the office to get Elder Reynolds new comp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me and Elder Reynolds were kinda bumbed because we really wanted to be comps and were looking forward to a good transfer together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We raced home, walked into the house and then went to go meet members and investigators.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to say goodbye to a lot of people which was kinda sad. Tuesday I started the strenious packing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was doing laundry, throwing things into the suit cases and already to go at about 3 o´clock on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan was to go meet and say goodbye to more investigators, members, and show<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the area a little bit more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My suit cases were at the door just waiting for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did a pretty good about packing fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were walking down the street our phone started ringing and geuss who it was... President. His exact words were, there seems to be a mix up and there will not be a transfer after all. I was a little shocked as well as Elder Reynolds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President said that I would still continue as Seceretary and continue to work with Elder Reynolds in Expedicionarios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was an interesting few days after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just continue to work and try to pretend like nothing happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I still find myself trying to find things in my packed suit cases.My old companion, Elder Graff got sick a few weeks ago and ended up having to go home for surgery this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little sad since he only have one more transfer left but I talked to him and said that he just had this feeling that he had to go home before anything got worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got permission to go to the airport to say goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Graff trained Elder Reynolds and we were comps for a transfer so it was cool to go say goodbye to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems weird that he went home just because it was something that happened so fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between making alot of trips to the office this week we had a good week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Reynolds and I working really well together, I see things in him that remind me of Elder Graff and it just seems like we started off as good friends right from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are having a good time getting to know each other and finding alot of great people to teach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were rally excited to stick together this transfer and look forward to coming to the office more often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as for the seceretary position, so I am the Reference Seceretary of the mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anyone has a reference or referral (as we say in the states) they usually pass it to me and I will put it in the computer and find out were it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President wants a new program of passing references so it was busy trying to get new things going this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gotten references for other missions in Brasil as well as references for the Rome Italy Mission and California Los Angeles Mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its pretty fun when you get to call and pass those ´´international´´ ones along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like sticking around in the office, getting to know President better and helping out with the alot of the Mission stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am working a lot closer with President Souza and figuring out a lot things on Microsoft Excel, lds.org, googlemaps, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a nice Air Conditionar right next to me which keeps things a little cooler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mission office is a sky rise building that has a great few of Fortaleza. Today,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we helped clean up the mission home and made some good mexican food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I yiyiyi its been a long time :) Things will definatly be staying busy every week, there might be a little less walking but we keep pushing forward in are own area and in the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are all having a good week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church is so true where ever you are, the work of the Lord will always continue to go forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are all having a good week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Congrats on the news to Alicia with the Baby and Emily having a BOY! YEAH!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember Uncle Nick in the name choosing :)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a good week to all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-54655416395012119952012-02-05T18:55:00.003-08:002012-02-05T18:55:55.495-08:00Elder N. Anderson's "New" New Assignment<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson's "New" New Assignment</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just read this email from Nick that he sent about an hour ago (he has been on the computer “on and off” all morning or day depending what time zone you are in) looks like a new assignment to the new assignment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Elder will be the “Mission Secretary” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will have to pull out the maps to see where all these places are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looks like he will be in the office working under the President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great experience for our Bubba!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love too you all!</span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dad</span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From: Nicholas Anderson [mailto:nanders5@myldsmail.net] </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sent: Monday, January 30, 2012 12:59 PM</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To: Bryce Anderson</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Subject: Re: Still there</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hey dad, change of plans, let the family know..<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be transfered, I will be coming here to Aldeota to stay here as a full-time secertary of the mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are a little crazy but I will be explaining it all this next week. There is a house here for the Sec. right on the same street as the avenue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its full of bunk beds and really crazy sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets pretty crazy sometimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyways. I love you Dad. Have a good week! Love you!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nick</span></div><br />
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</div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-66708054359961219322012-02-05T18:55:00.001-08:002012-02-05T18:55:17.513-08:005 Transfers in the area<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictures:</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder Loureiro, Elder Howland, Elder N. Anderson ... Seceretaries of the Mission</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My new Companion, Elder Reynolds from Toppenish, Washington (close to Yakima) </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look who turned 20, yes I made my own cake </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Montese Zone, this last transfer</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Video of my Companion, yeah thats right MY companion a movie star!.. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">https://www.lds.org/youth/video/six-brothers?lang=eng</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So lets start with it all, that I am staying the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, when I finish this next transfer (March 12) I will have passed 7 months in the area (Good night nurse). I am actually pretty content with it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn´t sad that I was leaving nor that I was staying nor did I have to pack my suit cases which is always nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually a little shocked with the phone call and had to have our zone leader read it again and again to me of what was going to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But its all good I will start with it all...Elder Nabas and I worked hard this week finding new people and working with Cristano some more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking alot walking down a lot of the streets, ´´I can´t believe that I will leave´´.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was probably only jinxing myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Nabas was telling most members and investigators that I was leaving so the goodbyes started early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was funny week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We taught alot of good people and I made new friends with a drunk man that knows my name, where I am from, and my birthday,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he seemed to memorize things alot faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Up until Thursday during the week it was pretty uneventful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thursday nights usually means the night when President Souza calls the missionaries to let them know that they will train or have another leadership oppurtunity in the mission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren´t expecting anything to big or anything just playing it by ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was still in the zone of leaving the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we were walking down to our weekly ward activity we had our cell phone and the call came in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Nabas was talking and just kept saying ´´Uh huh, ok, great, thanks President´´ it was funny because he looked like he was about to fall over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I heard ´´Tchau´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I figured it was over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Elder Nabas passed the phone to me ´´He wants to talk to you Elder.´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was laughing a little bit and had to look at the phone about 3 times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked with President for about 1 minute and all I heard was ´´Hello Elder N. Anderson, how are you, are you happy, are you doing well?. . .Elder, I would like to call you as Seceretary of References of the Mission.´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started laughing a little bit and President just says ´´Elder why are you laughing?´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I kinda froze and just said that I laugh when I am happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President had a nice laugh and said goodbye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From that point Elder Nabas was called to open an Area and train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was called as Seceratary and I would stay in Expedicionários.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will probably have a more busy schedule than I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will work in the area about 4 days a week and in the office 2 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am pretty excited, I worked with Elder Howland (SLC, Utah) in the same district a few transfers back and Elder Loureiro is from my group (Fluent English Speaker from São Paulo).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My new companion as well is Elder Reynolds from Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been out for 6 months and we met a few transfers back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was actually trained by Elder Graff my first companion here in Expedicionários.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were good friends from the get go when I met him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it makes things more exciting for the transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for my birthday I had a suprise party waiting for at a members house and another party at another members house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of cake and lots of funny people wishing me a happy birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was also lots of cake and lots of funny little things that made the day good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a lot more busy and alot more work this transfer, but I am excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking about a few more goals that I have for this transfer and how things will definatly be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This transfer I will be expecting my one year mark (YEAH!), carnival, and a lot of laughs along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have recently learned the importance of sincere prayer and always doing something better to help yourself grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you all, have a good week. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-48383545113799995032012-02-05T18:54:00.003-08:002012-02-05T18:54:36.229-08:00Jan. 22, 2012 With Pictures<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jan. 22, 2012 With Pictures</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictures:</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Just a another goofy smile.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder H. Silva, another Elder in My district getting ready for his baptism. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baptism of Cristiano, Sunday Jan. 22 2012</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hello to all!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I attached some pictures for you all to see from our baptism last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week was one that I will look back on after the mission and think ´´Whoa, I can´t believe that happend.´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a long, hard working week that was well worth a journal entry ;) Starting this last week, we planned on visiting Cristiano everyday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a boyfriend of a member who just started coming back to church at the beginning of the new year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is 25 and had a few questions about the church, up until he he went last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talked about getting a response from going to church and he said he had one, when we went to talk with him on Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked him what he thought and he said there was something different about the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He said he had a feeling of being comfortable the minute he walked in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left a few things for him to read in the Book of Mormon and he read them all on Tuesday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rest of the week was teaching and preparing him for baptism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked him what he thought about a baptism this week and his response was excellent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>´´I know I can´t learn everything, but I am willing to do this, because I know its true.´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was a good experience teaching him and learning more about him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this was the only miracle of this transfer then I would be satisfied with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I talked with our Zone Leader´s and they said that he just flew through the interview.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew everything and we prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sunday we announced the baptism and we had a lot of people excited to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be confirmed this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is always something special about doing the ordinance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first reaction when you lift them out of the water and the huge smile that comes across their face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think Cristano had a good smile because the water was nice and brisk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for me, I am doing really good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a little rainy this week during the mornings which made the afternoons nice, hot, and humid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sweating machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look back on this week and see how it was all worth it to work with Cristiano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little time that I knew him but the fact that he trusted us right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the last week of the transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thats right 5 of 6 weeks came and gone already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will probably be transfered. I am 98% that I will leave and head to another area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure if I will stay here in Fortaleza or head to another city more on the coast or interior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will get the phone call on Friday night and head to the transfer a week from today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my 5th month in the area and President made it sound like I would be leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for age, yes thats right the big 20! this SATURDAY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking if 40 means ´´over the hill´´ then what does 20 mean, half way up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked my companion and he said ´´Whats over the hill?´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I geuss its only a phrase in english. haha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have told a few people that its my birthday but I am not planning on doing anything to big, probably just light some fireworks or something ;)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen the difference that the mission has made in one year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How the first 20 years were all about growing, and these two (practically one) are to use everything I have ever learned to change the lives of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful for this year and I geuss just another to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that this work is true, that lives are blessed everyday from the missionaries that leave their normal lives to bless those of others. </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Hope you are all doing well, have a good day! </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love, </span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-72318894718783657432012-02-05T18:54:00.001-08:002012-02-05T18:54:06.266-08:00100 Percent Better<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was thinking about a lot of things since last Monday about how I wanted this last week to be a lot better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to plans and goals to make it that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting how everything for us changed compeletly<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was 100 percent better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Tuesday we another division with a few Elders in our district.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I worked with Elder Conseção an Elder that has been out for a little over a year and is from Belém (Bethlehem in Portuguese haha)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He kinda looks like a Native American and everyone calls him an Indian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a lot of fun asking him a lot of questions about his city and what its like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds like this city is completely different than here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have learned that culture in Brasil is crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every city or region of the country is different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kinda like that U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For most of the week it was normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Nabas and I were deteremind to have a better week of teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We taught a lot of people our age which made it nice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always feel like it its cool to teach people our age because I can relate to them more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We taught 3 14-year old boys that had tons of questions about being a missionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made it even better when I asked one of the kids ´´who was Jesus Christ?´´ his response ´´That guy who killed himself for us´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not exactly the response that I was looking for or had ever heard in my life but I had a good laugh when we left the house. Sometimes it seems easier to teach kids around the same age or younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what they are thinking because I was that age at one time also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were running behind (portuguese phrase)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a baptism that didn´t go throught unfortunatly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The people went out of town on Friday which was kind of a bummer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week was way better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Filled with funny little experience that make the mission fun, hard,and rewarding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday I had another interview with President.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I sat down in the chair, he was just looking at me for what I thought was 10 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had a good chat about how for me the mission will probably be a lot different for me after this transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will most likely leave this area and not exactly sure where I will go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was trying to look for little hints from President but couldn´t tell. Sometimes its harder in portuguese haha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President had a good amount of questions about family, liking the mission, and how it is all going to make the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>difference in my life and those that are in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came away from the interview a excited and ready for another adventure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to just finish the next two weeks strong and do my best, in the end thats what matters most right?I saw<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a newspaper with the weather reports.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turns out that its raining everywhere else in Brasil with flooding except the southern most parts and NorthEast aka Fortaleza, go figure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is still plenty hot everyday and I still sweat a good ton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am ready for the ´´rainy season´´. I can see how the mission has made the difference in my life as of now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see how there has been a lot of change and how I feel like now I am ready to face more oppurtunities with a head held up high.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful for this place, the people and every experiece I have had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am grateful to know that we have a savior, named Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One who SACRIFICED his life willingly for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that God lives and he loves all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you are doing well this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have a good week, Love you all!</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-20122507878304725092012-01-09T21:12:00.001-08:002012-01-09T21:12:53.653-08:00Hello to all<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So I was thinking this week about New Years Eve and I didnt mention anything about it in my email last week. So I´ll start with New Years last Saturday Night. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here in Fortaleza there isn´t anything to different than the USA for New Years. There are tons of people and everyone seems to be having a party. There are however alot more ´´tipsy´´ people out walking on the streets. This all started at about 3pm Saturday afternoon. Our teaching schedule was all crazy because of this. People were still out of town, going to a party or getting ready for the night. It was better for us to go visit members and less actives. There was a ´´festa´´ Saturday night at another Church building and we got the OK to go to that. It started at 7:30 and there was games food and of coarse my american friend that is in our stake. He of coarse came ready for the new year by bringing ´´Uno´´. This game is actually pretty popular down here. There was a lot of people playing up until 9:30 when the missionaries had to be home. We went home and planned our next day then headed to bed. I stayed awake up until I hit my pillow. However I did wake up at 12:00 said HAPPY NEW YEAR, and then fell back asleep. There was a lot of people yelling and lots of fireworks. I think it was the first time in my life that I was actually annoided with fireworks. Then again I was waking up evrey hour after midnight to people setting them off until 5am. New Years day was pretty normal. There was a little less people in church and even less people on the streets, it was almost like a ghost town. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> This week we continued to work with our progressing investigators and find some news. We did some ´´divisions´´ with other Elders so it was cool to work with some other missionaries. Two days that we did these divisions, I had one day with a missionary thats learning to speak english that I have know since August and the second day I worked with another Elder that spoke english fluenty. However, my english was a little rusty so that day was basically in Portuguese. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">For the most part, everything was back to normal here. People are home finally and the excitment of the holidays has gone done. This week will be normal. We did have the chance to talk with an Evangelical man on Saturday afternoon for about 2 and half hours. It was half ´´bible bash´´. He said the most random things about God, Jesus and the Bible and there were times when he would say random english words look at me and smile. I´m pretty sure he tried to get his wife in for ´´reenforcement´´ but all she did was come out with Garána (Pop). Elder Nabas said he was not planning on drinking it until he saw me do, just to make sure there wasn´t anything in it. I looked at him with the most confused look when he told me this and all I said was ´´thanks´´. We left that house laughing for awhile and it was definatly an experience that I said ´´I am totally writing this in my journal.´´</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I don´t get scared talking about doctrine or anything like that in Portuguese like I did when I first got here. My testimony is firm and I know that the things I teach are true.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love you guys, hope your have a good week, Até semana que vem!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elder N. Anderson </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-5804951467789999302011-12-31T19:09:00.001-08:002011-12-31T19:09:54.161-08:00Happy New Year with picturesHey 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 :)<br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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Until 2012 WHOOOP! <br />
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Love,<br />
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Elder N. Anderson <br />
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Pictures:<br />
Feliz Natal! <br />
Christmas Morning! <br />
Our Christmas Tree :)<br />
With All this pregnant talk! Hope you all know that this missionary just had his first baby! <br />
Feliz Natal e Ano Novo!ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-76263767442414727922011-12-31T19:07:00.001-08:002011-12-31T19:07:34.616-08:00FELIZ 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.<br />
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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 <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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I love you all, Feliz Natal! <br />
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Love, <br />
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Elder N. AndersonELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-61789228720343479262011-12-13T17:10:00.003-08:002011-12-13T17:10:13.168-08:00Week 5 Hey Everyone! How is everyone doing? <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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!!<br />
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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 :)<br />
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Love,<br />
Elder N. AndersonELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-44340070590723066772011-12-11T17:50:00.001-08:002011-12-11T17:50:25.175-08:00Christmas 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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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.<br />
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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´´. <br />
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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. <br />
Hope you all are healthy and well. Love you, I pray for you and hope that you all send a little christmas cheer. <br />
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Remember: ´´The best way to spred Christmas cheer is to sing loud for all to hear´´ (name that movie)<br />
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Love you, <br />
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Elder N. AndersonELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-31505254275021989262011-12-04T19:11:00.000-08:002011-12-04T19:11:18.636-08:00Elder Nick November 28thSo 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! <br />
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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. <br />
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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. <br />
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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...<br />
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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. <br />
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I love you all and pray for daily. Happy December this week. :)<br />
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Love, <br />
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Elder N. AndersonELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-71923285383379644602011-11-27T17:17:00.000-08:002011-11-27T17:17:42.523-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Hellllllloooooo! How is everyone? Get ready for some big old turkey dinner! For the record, thanksgiving is <i>not </i></span><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">celebrated in Brasil. Dang! I hope everyone got to see the pictures sent last week. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Pictures are now realesed on the church website for the Fortaleza Temple. The temple land was dedicated last Tuesday by Elder Bednar. <a href="http://lds.org/temples"><span style="color: #0b11c6;">http://lds.org/temples</span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">I am grateful for...<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">the people here in Fortaleza<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">the fact that I don´t have to walk in the rain every day<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">bug repellant<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">the Gospel of Jesus Christ<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">My call as a Missionary<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">My Parents <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">My Family and Friends cheering me on back home. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">´´In the season of Gratitude, let us all remember what we are grateful for.´´<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">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!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Love you all!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: 13.0pt;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div><!--EndFragment-->ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-4818071562231249092011-11-20T16:46:00.001-08:002011-11-20T16:46:25.099-08:00Conference with Elder Bednar and the City<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><img alt="mail.jpg" src="webkit-fake-url://F5B74E60-A097-4579-B17F-6B4E6008DCC8/mail.jpg" /></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-21750537331757068962011-11-20T16:40:00.001-08:002011-11-20T16:40:51.086-08:00One day late!<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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)</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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) </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">He is truly someone called of God and has the power to testify and ´´Pierce your soul´´. I am a really grateful. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hope you all have a good week and you can see all the pictures! Love you all! Tuda Bem!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love,</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elder N. Anderson</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Picture Two Elders</div><div><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-27458484458238087292011-11-20T16:37:00.001-08:002011-11-20T16:37:41.972-08:00Bigger family!?<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Tudabem Familia e Amigos!? Como Estão!? Another week and transfer down here in Missão Brasil Fortaleza! </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. <strong>Next week I will be emailing earlier (Morning) because of the fireside with Elder Bednar so if you email you have until sunday evening.</strong> 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!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">´´Do and be your very best to gain what will be the best in eternity!´´</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I love you all! Have a good week!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love,</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elder N. Anderson :)</div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-40429118567488923972011-11-06T19:16:00.001-08:002011-11-06T19:16:37.024-08:00Oct. 31st Sleeping with a hanger under my pillow<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy Halloween!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Familia e Amigos,,, como Estão!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously like there is so sort of spirit that lives inside or ´´visits´´ us during the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not really sure if I believe it or not but he did have some pretty convincing stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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´´.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder Cavalerio also snores like a lawn mower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I woke up 6 out of the 7 nights this week to him honking!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couple nights I threw hangers at him to get him to stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence me sleeping with a hanger under my pillow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:) We are working with a couple that got married this last week named, Nilde and Joseberto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are super nice and really interested in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a wedding gift we gave them a picture of Christ that they have hung in their home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nilde, according to my comp, is crazy about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we teach she sometimes stops Elder Nabas in the middle of the lesson just to ask random questions about the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She says to do just to hear my accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes its really funny! ´´So we would like to talk about the baptism of Christ tonight´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>´´Wait!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do you say my name in English´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something along those lines.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are gearing up to baptize Nilde and Joseberto this week as well as Luzia, Camilia and Iara.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are entering into the 6 and final week of the transfer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not really sure what will happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday we will get the call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will either stay or go, Elder Nabas will most likely stay for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping to stay a couple more but I guess we will have to wait and see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I told the brazilians (my roomates)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that we would celebrate Halloween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They werent really sure what to do so we went to the store to buy abombora´s..Pumpkins!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They bought stuff to make cookings and asked me to make some,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cake mix cookies of coarse :)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So will probably be doing that later tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They dont celebrate halloween here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually they dont celebrate thanksgiving as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do I know?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>well they were pulling out Christmas decorations this week in our house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes we have our christmas calender and stockings hung.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dont know why, I was knodding my head as they were hanging up the stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is going swell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Minha vida esta melhor porcausa da missão Realmente amo esta lugar e tudo que esto aprendendo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love you all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have a good week everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Until November :)</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">love, </span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anderson</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-82805054245648907562011-11-06T19:15:00.001-08:002011-11-06T19:15:41.245-08:00Oct. 24th Another Nasalily Week<span style="font-family: Calibri;">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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well it happened again this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I woke Friday, Saturday and Sunday sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blah!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don´t think there is anything worse then being a sick missionary!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I´m pretty sure I had the flu but it is all passed now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, Elder Cavalheiro, an Elder that I live with is sick now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>oops :)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Sunday at Church, a member of the ward complimented me on my portugues saying that I sounded like a brazilian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Goodness...This week was excellent other than being a little under the weather.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to have a crazy week of teaching and just go at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did excellent teaching whoever, whenever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now we are focusing on a 14 yearold girl named, Iara (EE-ar-a)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and a couple named Nilde and Joséberto, they will be getting married tomorrow, we´re pretty excited! I just seems like a normal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything that I am doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day I have my routine of working out, getting things ready for the day, breakfast, study and then teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still come home exhausted and there are some nights where I wake up and I have huge cramps in my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is interesting how I have dedicated my feet to the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knows if they will ever be the same after these 2 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are coming as well to dedicate the Temple plot, which will begin construction this December.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone is really excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially my ´´roommate´´ Elder Cavalheir.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His exact words ´´I hope he burns me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something along the lines of Jeffery R. Holland but Elder Bednar style´´.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever that means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had an interesting experience with an Evangelical Lady this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minute we began teaching she pulled out her Bible and was reading word for the scriptures and what not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we were finishing up we both felt that all we could do is invite her to be baptized just not mark a date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She accepted and said she really enjoyed the discussion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She ended with that ´´We need a lot more people like you two in this world, your on the right path.´´<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she had nothing to come back at us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our message was direct and she said that what the most enjoyable part.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I have noticed to be the hardest part of it all is getting people to go to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is seriously like pulling teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They either don´t feell ´´Prepared´´ or dont wake up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our chapel is progressing well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The finishing date is set for December 15th.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully I am still here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life just seems to be going well tambem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like I am in the ´´Power Band of the Mission´´ :)</span> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love you All!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep Praying for those missionaries!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Falou</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Love,</span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Elder N. Anderson</span></div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-29249365266475122052011-10-23T16:16:00.000-07:002011-10-23T16:16:19.186-07:00October 17th A short one<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hey Everyone!</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 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. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> 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´´</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> I love you all and Continue to pray for you all. Have a wonderful week. </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Love,</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Elder N. Anderson</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">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 :)</div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8410337844271670301.post-61277115091211701332011-10-10T15:38:00.001-07:002011-10-10T15:38:48.810-07:00Week number "No Sei"So there was a nice little cockroache crawling on my leg about 5 minutes ago. Yummy! <div><br />
</div><div>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!</div><div><br />
</div><div>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!´´</div><div><br />
</div><div>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. </div><div><br />
</div><div>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. </div><div><br />
</div><div>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. </div><div><br />
</div><div>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.´´</div><div><br />
</div><div>Love you all, have a good week!</div><div>Elder N. Anderson </div>ELDER NICKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02593781737367223326noreply@blogger.com0