Hi everyone.
My second week in the field went much faster than the first, which may have been the longest week of my life. I think I'm starting to get the hang of things out here. It is still really difficult to communicate with people, but my companion is a really strong speaker, so he hops in when I struggle.
I have been trying to pretend like I have confidence. It's easier when I'm around members because they understand better why I'm out here. I don't have to worry as much about saying things correctly because they will be friendly and understanding either way. The Church is small out here -- we only have a branch, and we hold our meetings in a house -- but the members are strong. I think the branch president is a cool guy. I say "I think" because I can't always understand him. Man, it would be nice to know how to speak Portuguese.
My companion and I are working hard. He is consistently diligent and ?I try to follow his example. We spend a lot of our time walking. We work primarily in two neighborhoods that are on opposite sides of the city. There are times when I wish we had a car, but I don't mind walking most of the time.
We have had investigators at church for both of the Sundays that I have been here. It feels really good to see people keep their commitments. Most of them get lazy or change their mind when we try to bring them with us on Sunday morning. People have some weird ideas about religion out here. Most of them just go to the church that's closest to their house. Many of them think that God is in every church. It's hard to explain why they need to come to this church instead of that one, and it's REALLY hard to explain it in Portuguese.
But I am glad that I'm here! I am learning a lot and growing up a little. I try to remind myself to keep a positive attitude all the time. It gets tough, though. I notice that my mind usually wanders when my companion is having a normal conversation with someone. I am definitely getting better at understanding people. But I space out when nothing makes any sense and I think about home and music and stuff.
But I'm aware of it, and I'm fixing it. I memorized in Portuguese Joseph Smith's account of the First Vision this week. I took a part of it each day and repeated it in my mind while we walked. And whenever I thought about what all of you were doing at that moment, or what my friends at BYU might be doing, or any of that, I made myself repeat my daily portion of the First Vision. I memorized it, so I guess it worked.
Sorry for rambling on; I usually have a few notes of what to write about, but I didn't do that this week.
Mococa is a nice place, and I am happy. I feel exhausted at the end of the day, but I'm not sure if it's from working hard or walking a lot. I am trying to figure out the difference between the two. I am learning how to stretch myself and take responsibility. It isn't easy. But I am growing and having fun and being Brazilian. The gospel is true. I am thankful that I can serve the Lord for this time. I love all of you very much, and I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving.
okay bye
booga
Monday, November 30, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Elder Wiggins's New Address
Update from Jeff's dad:
Elder Wiggins would love to receive letters and packages in the mail. With his birthday coming up on December 6th and Christmas soon after that, we can brighten his days by sending some love and sunshine from family and friends back home. Here is the address to send all letters and packages to him, probably through the end of his two-year mission:
Elder Jefferson Robert Wiggins
Rua Cerqueira Cesar, 481, Sala 606
14010-130 Ribeirao Preto SP
Brazil
Elder Wiggins would love to receive letters and packages in the mail. With his birthday coming up on December 6th and Christmas soon after that, we can brighten his days by sending some love and sunshine from family and friends back home. Here is the address to send all letters and packages to him, probably through the end of his two-year mission:
Elder Jefferson Robert Wiggins
Rua Cerqueira Cesar, 481, Sala 606
14010-130 Ribeirao Preto SP
Brazil
Maybe there's no harm in a wasted summer with no drama; we're gonna stay in
Okay, hi, family!
I am sitting in a cramped internet café in Brazil sending an email to all of you. That's a little weird, huh? This email is probably going to be long and maybe uninteresting, but the ending might be great! It probably won't be, but who knows? Let's read on...
I only left the MTC last Tuesday, but it feels much longer than that. Those of us who were headed to Ribeirão Preto had to leave at 4 AM to take a bus to the airport. We had a one hour flight from São Paulo (the city) to Ribeirão Preto. I was already pretty nervous about leaving the MTC because everyone in my district except for my companion was going Maceió. Just traveling to the mission was a little scary because I was already surrounded by new people.
We were greeted at the airport by President and Sister Vieira and the assistants, all of whom were very kind and welcoming. We loaded up our bags, took some pictures, and headed to the mission office. We ate, they gave us some paperwork and talked about entering the mission and all that. OH, before I forget. Jana: Elder Ellis says he knows you and that he used to surf with Nate a lot. He's going to be the new financial secretary, so that's cool.
Anyway. We went to the mission home (which is in a beautiful place overlooking the city) and ate lunch. Then we watched a slide show about the mission that reminded me of the slide show Andrew and I watched in our Intro to the English Major class (think cheesey (cheesy? cheez-ee?) music and nostalgia that you don't share with the people in the video). That was a bit weird.
(Sorry for rushing through all this and leaving the story flavorless; I don't have much time.)
After we finished, they shepherded all the new missionaries into the kitchen while our trainers quietly entered the living room. We reentered while they belted out "Chamados a Servir" (Called to Serve). We took our seats and President Vieira called us up one at a time to met our trainers. After the new missionary announced his companion's name, all the trainers freaked out and fell all over themselves with excitement. It was pretty awkward.
My trainer's name is Elder Goodsell. He's from Virginia, and he's been really great so far. He isn't the type to be overly enthusiastic, but he is sincere and diligent, and he is helping me to adjust to being a real-live missionary.
Mococa is a nice little town. It kind of reminds me of the areas you see in California that are near the beach. There is definitely a summer-y feeling around here, and I often think that it'd be nice to go swimming. Sometimes I half expect to stumble upon the ocean even though we're surrounded by land for hundreds of miles on all sides. Most of the buildings are dirty and the streets cracked and broken, but I don't mind it much anymore. Most of the houses are small and made of brick. Our apartment is kind of a dump, but I've gotten used to it. I might recommend that we clean it because it looks like no one has for a few years.
The people seem very nice. They might be really mean, though. I'm not sure. You know, because I don't speak Portuguese. It's incredibly difficult to communicate with people. I thought I did all right in the MTC, but I'm struggling to even teach parts of the first lesson now. Thankfully, Elder Goodsell speaks really well, so he's able to help me out when I need it.
I'll try to talk more about the details in the coming weeks. I just wanted to get the facts out. Just know that I'm doing well and trying my hardest.
Oh, fun story (because you asked, Andrew): Yesterday Elder Goodsell and I contacted a woman who was sitting with a girl who looked maybe fifteen years old. We were talking about the church and all that and the teenage girl left. Something you should know: it is really common for women down here to show off. You know. Like, it's hot, they wear tank tops, right? Anyway, the teenage girl wasn't trying to hide anything. She left and came back holding a baby. I didn't notice it at first, but she started breastfeeding her. So, yeah. I made it four or five days before I saw any of that. I wish I had made it longer. And I didn't expect it from a girl who looked like she could go to Arroyo Seco.
FOR MOM AND DAD: What should I do about my retainer? I would bet that there are zero competent dentists around here. (please could you send me a new one please maybe please?)
Also, FOR WHOEVER: If you want to write me letters or send me packages, PLEASE just SEND THEM TO THE MISSION OFFICE. Everything: letters, packages, wedding invitations, money, AMERICAN CANDY (please?). Send it to the mission office. And Dad, could you update my address on Facebook and all that?
I'm out of time, so I'm sorry about any typos and I'm sorry I can't send any individual emails this week. But I lovelovelovelovelove receiving them from you and hearing about what is happening in your lives. Thank you for your prayers and your support. I love all of you.
elder wiggins
I am sitting in a cramped internet café in Brazil sending an email to all of you. That's a little weird, huh? This email is probably going to be long and maybe uninteresting, but the ending might be great! It probably won't be, but who knows? Let's read on...
I only left the MTC last Tuesday, but it feels much longer than that. Those of us who were headed to Ribeirão Preto had to leave at 4 AM to take a bus to the airport. We had a one hour flight from São Paulo (the city) to Ribeirão Preto. I was already pretty nervous about leaving the MTC because everyone in my district except for my companion was going Maceió. Just traveling to the mission was a little scary because I was already surrounded by new people.
We were greeted at the airport by President and Sister Vieira and the assistants, all of whom were very kind and welcoming. We loaded up our bags, took some pictures, and headed to the mission office. We ate, they gave us some paperwork and talked about entering the mission and all that. OH, before I forget. Jana: Elder Ellis says he knows you and that he used to surf with Nate a lot. He's going to be the new financial secretary, so that's cool.
Anyway. We went to the mission home (which is in a beautiful place overlooking the city) and ate lunch. Then we watched a slide show about the mission that reminded me of the slide show Andrew and I watched in our Intro to the English Major class (think cheesey (cheesy? cheez-ee?) music and nostalgia that you don't share with the people in the video). That was a bit weird.
(Sorry for rushing through all this and leaving the story flavorless; I don't have much time.)
After we finished, they shepherded all the new missionaries into the kitchen while our trainers quietly entered the living room. We reentered while they belted out "Chamados a Servir" (Called to Serve). We took our seats and President Vieira called us up one at a time to met our trainers. After the new missionary announced his companion's name, all the trainers freaked out and fell all over themselves with excitement. It was pretty awkward.
My trainer's name is Elder Goodsell. He's from Virginia, and he's been really great so far. He isn't the type to be overly enthusiastic, but he is sincere and diligent, and he is helping me to adjust to being a real-live missionary.
Mococa is a nice little town. It kind of reminds me of the areas you see in California that are near the beach. There is definitely a summer-y feeling around here, and I often think that it'd be nice to go swimming. Sometimes I half expect to stumble upon the ocean even though we're surrounded by land for hundreds of miles on all sides. Most of the buildings are dirty and the streets cracked and broken, but I don't mind it much anymore. Most of the houses are small and made of brick. Our apartment is kind of a dump, but I've gotten used to it. I might recommend that we clean it because it looks like no one has for a few years.
The people seem very nice. They might be really mean, though. I'm not sure. You know, because I don't speak Portuguese. It's incredibly difficult to communicate with people. I thought I did all right in the MTC, but I'm struggling to even teach parts of the first lesson now. Thankfully, Elder Goodsell speaks really well, so he's able to help me out when I need it.
I'll try to talk more about the details in the coming weeks. I just wanted to get the facts out. Just know that I'm doing well and trying my hardest.
Oh, fun story (because you asked, Andrew): Yesterday Elder Goodsell and I contacted a woman who was sitting with a girl who looked maybe fifteen years old. We were talking about the church and all that and the teenage girl left. Something you should know: it is really common for women down here to show off. You know. Like, it's hot, they wear tank tops, right? Anyway, the teenage girl wasn't trying to hide anything. She left and came back holding a baby. I didn't notice it at first, but she started breastfeeding her. So, yeah. I made it four or five days before I saw any of that. I wish I had made it longer. And I didn't expect it from a girl who looked like she could go to Arroyo Seco.
FOR MOM AND DAD: What should I do about my retainer? I would bet that there are zero competent dentists around here. (please could you send me a new one please maybe please?)
Also, FOR WHOEVER: If you want to write me letters or send me packages, PLEASE just SEND THEM TO THE MISSION OFFICE. Everything: letters, packages, wedding invitations, money, AMERICAN CANDY (please?). Send it to the mission office. And Dad, could you update my address on Facebook and all that?
I'm out of time, so I'm sorry about any typos and I'm sorry I can't send any individual emails this week. But I lovelovelovelovelove receiving them from you and hearing about what is happening in your lives. Thank you for your prayers and your support. I love all of you.
elder wiggins
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
I cherish with fondness the day (before) I met you
Okay, first. Congratulations, Brady and Annalisa! Ellie is adorable. I loved looking at all the pictures of your cute little family (I think picture attachments are allowed here, Annalisa). I was really surprised to find out that she was born because I read an email from Mom before I even knew that Ellie was born, and she mentioned that all of you talked on Skype and that it was good to see Ellie. I didn't even know that Ellie was a person yet. I can't wait to meet her. It's too bad she will practically be a teenager by then. Anyway, congratulations, and happy early birthday, Brady!
Missionaries usually go proselyting twice while they're here at the MTC. You might remember that I wasn't able to go the first time because Elder Scott came and spoke to us (no complaints there, by the way). For the first time, we proselyte around the MTC, within the same boundaries we have on p-day. For the second time, we drive as a district to downtown São Paulo and spend three hours trying to give away two copies of the Book of Mormon and talking to as many people as possible. Having not gone the first time, I was pretty terrified to go proselyting at all, and being surrounded by an ocean of people who don't speak English didn't help. But Elder Woodhouse and I did our best, and we ended up having a great experience. We spoke to a lot of people, including an atheist, two Catholic men, and an Indian artist who spoke about as much Portuguese as we did. While we were talking to the Indian man, a woman hastily approached us and made it clear that she wanted a Book of Mormon and that she was in a hurry. She almost left without getting one because we couldn't really understand her, but we gave it to her and showed her the phone number she could call to talk to the missionaries. Still don't really know what that's about.
Those two Catholic men that I mentioned seemed pretty receptive to our message, though. We found them in a park and tried to talk to them. I can only communicate basic phrases in Portuguese, but that's all it really takes to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon. So we talked to them and tried to understand what they were saying (that part of the language is coming along pretty slowly). One of the men said he already had a Book of Mormon (might have been lying, who knows), but the other didn't really know about the Church and he said he hadn't been a practicing Catholic for years. He seemed really grateful to receive the Book of Mormon, and I hope he reads it. But even if nothing comes of our day of proselyting, I grew a lot. I'm constantly becoming more confident of my testimony, and I found that it was pretty easy to talk to people once we had started a conversation. Elder Woodhouse is friendly and outgoing, so we were able to talk to people without too much trouble.
My afternoon instructor, Irmão Ribeiro (Hee-BAY-roo, kind of like the name of my mission), took a candid photo of Elder Woodhouse and I making our very first street contact EVER, and it turned out amazing. It looks like something out of Preach My Gospel or something. He showed it to us yesterday, but it said there was a file error on his camera and the colors were all messed up. I hope it isn't ruined, because I want to show it to all of you.
So that was the best part of the week. Want to hear the worst part? I ALMOST TALKED TO YOU (that is, Mom, Dad, or Sam) ON THE PHONE ON SATURDAY. The wire on my retainer broke the day before, so I went to the doctor (a senior missionary who is notorious for prescribing sniffing salt water as the solution to all medical problems) to see if I could set up an appointment with the dentist. He said I should come back on Monday so we could figure out a time to meet with one. I mentioned that I wanted to tell my parents about my retainer before I spent a ton of money replacing it. He asked if I could send emails all day, every day. I thought he was being sarcastic, but he honestly didn't seem to understand that I can't email people whenever I want. I told him that Tuesday is my p-day. He asked for my phone number. I hesitated and gave it to him. As he was dialing, I quietly freaked out to my companion, who was waiting in the adjacent room. The doctor finished dialing (ON SPEAKER PHONE) and told me to explain what had happened while the phone rang. Thankfully, no one answered. I don't even know what I would have said if any of you had picked up. But in case you were wondering why you have a missed call FROM FREAKING BRAZIL, that's why. Because my retainer broke. So, not a huge deal. Thanks for not picking up the phone.
So, this is my last week at the MTC. Time is strange here; I feel like I've lived here forever, but I can still vividly remember saying goodbye to everyone and packing my bags to leave California. It doesn't seem that long ago. Anyway, I'm really excited to go to Ribeirão Preto and start doing some real work. The MTC has been great, but I'm ready to leave.
Oh, the MTC. Listen to this: there are more missionaries waiting in Provo to receive their visas than there are missionaries (American and Brazilian) at this MTC. Once my group leaves next week, there will be twenty or thirty American missionaries in the entire MTC, and it looks like there won't be any incoming Americans for the rest of the month. I'm not sure what is going on with the visas, but I am so grateful that I didn't have to deal with that. I'm sure that I am in Brazil for a reason.
A quick story to end everything. When I woke up yesterday, there were pieces of some kind of animal on my bedroom floor. I though it was a bird. Turns out a huge moth (I mean, huge. Like, I really did think it was a bird) flew into our fan and was cut clean in half. I have a few pictures of it, but they didn't turn out very good. That's the first experience I've had with crazy Brazilian wildlife, but I'm sure it won't be the last!
I love all of you very much.
elder wiggins
Missionaries usually go proselyting twice while they're here at the MTC. You might remember that I wasn't able to go the first time because Elder Scott came and spoke to us (no complaints there, by the way). For the first time, we proselyte around the MTC, within the same boundaries we have on p-day. For the second time, we drive as a district to downtown São Paulo and spend three hours trying to give away two copies of the Book of Mormon and talking to as many people as possible. Having not gone the first time, I was pretty terrified to go proselyting at all, and being surrounded by an ocean of people who don't speak English didn't help. But Elder Woodhouse and I did our best, and we ended up having a great experience. We spoke to a lot of people, including an atheist, two Catholic men, and an Indian artist who spoke about as much Portuguese as we did. While we were talking to the Indian man, a woman hastily approached us and made it clear that she wanted a Book of Mormon and that she was in a hurry. She almost left without getting one because we couldn't really understand her, but we gave it to her and showed her the phone number she could call to talk to the missionaries. Still don't really know what that's about.
Those two Catholic men that I mentioned seemed pretty receptive to our message, though. We found them in a park and tried to talk to them. I can only communicate basic phrases in Portuguese, but that's all it really takes to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon. So we talked to them and tried to understand what they were saying (that part of the language is coming along pretty slowly). One of the men said he already had a Book of Mormon (might have been lying, who knows), but the other didn't really know about the Church and he said he hadn't been a practicing Catholic for years. He seemed really grateful to receive the Book of Mormon, and I hope he reads it. But even if nothing comes of our day of proselyting, I grew a lot. I'm constantly becoming more confident of my testimony, and I found that it was pretty easy to talk to people once we had started a conversation. Elder Woodhouse is friendly and outgoing, so we were able to talk to people without too much trouble.
My afternoon instructor, Irmão Ribeiro (Hee-BAY-roo, kind of like the name of my mission), took a candid photo of Elder Woodhouse and I making our very first street contact EVER, and it turned out amazing. It looks like something out of Preach My Gospel or something. He showed it to us yesterday, but it said there was a file error on his camera and the colors were all messed up. I hope it isn't ruined, because I want to show it to all of you.
So that was the best part of the week. Want to hear the worst part? I ALMOST TALKED TO YOU (that is, Mom, Dad, or Sam) ON THE PHONE ON SATURDAY. The wire on my retainer broke the day before, so I went to the doctor (a senior missionary who is notorious for prescribing sniffing salt water as the solution to all medical problems) to see if I could set up an appointment with the dentist. He said I should come back on Monday so we could figure out a time to meet with one. I mentioned that I wanted to tell my parents about my retainer before I spent a ton of money replacing it. He asked if I could send emails all day, every day. I thought he was being sarcastic, but he honestly didn't seem to understand that I can't email people whenever I want. I told him that Tuesday is my p-day. He asked for my phone number. I hesitated and gave it to him. As he was dialing, I quietly freaked out to my companion, who was waiting in the adjacent room. The doctor finished dialing (ON SPEAKER PHONE) and told me to explain what had happened while the phone rang. Thankfully, no one answered. I don't even know what I would have said if any of you had picked up. But in case you were wondering why you have a missed call FROM FREAKING BRAZIL, that's why. Because my retainer broke. So, not a huge deal. Thanks for not picking up the phone.
So, this is my last week at the MTC. Time is strange here; I feel like I've lived here forever, but I can still vividly remember saying goodbye to everyone and packing my bags to leave California. It doesn't seem that long ago. Anyway, I'm really excited to go to Ribeirão Preto and start doing some real work. The MTC has been great, but I'm ready to leave.
Oh, the MTC. Listen to this: there are more missionaries waiting in Provo to receive their visas than there are missionaries (American and Brazilian) at this MTC. Once my group leaves next week, there will be twenty or thirty American missionaries in the entire MTC, and it looks like there won't be any incoming Americans for the rest of the month. I'm not sure what is going on with the visas, but I am so grateful that I didn't have to deal with that. I'm sure that I am in Brazil for a reason.
A quick story to end everything. When I woke up yesterday, there were pieces of some kind of animal on my bedroom floor. I though it was a bird. Turns out a huge moth (I mean, huge. Like, I really did think it was a bird) flew into our fan and was cut clean in half. I have a few pictures of it, but they didn't turn out very good. That's the first experience I've had with crazy Brazilian wildlife, but I'm sure it won't be the last!
I love all of you very much.
elder wiggins
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