The world that you need is wrapped in gold, silver sleeves

Can I just say something really fast? I love all you so much. Seriously. Reading words of encouragement from people who know who I am, who know what I'm like when I can actually communicate, who know my first name, really lifts my spirits.

So, I didn't really do anything special for my birthday. I told a few members at church yesterday that it was my birthday and they congratulated me and pat me on the back. But we spent the rest of the day trying to make contacts in the pouring rain. My companion and I had a meeting with the ward mission leader at the church at 7:30, so we walked (or swam) for a half hour or so through the rain. I've never felt so wet in my life. That might sound gloomy when you read it. I've never felt so wet in my life! Pardon my French, but what the ***, Brazil! This is such a bizarre experience. I am trying to follow the counsel of Elder Wirthlin and learn to laugh when it's tempting to feel crestfallen (Do you remember his talk, "Come what may, and love it"? I think it was the last one he gave in Conference before he passed away. It's one of my favorites.)

My companion and I forgot that yesterday was Fast Sunday, so we started our fast after lunch yesterday. We're going to break it after this, and I think I'll take the opportunity to buy myself a little birthday treat.

Speaking of treats, I tried açaí for the first time this week. It's supposed to have the most antioxidants of any fruit in the world or something. It's super good.

Dad, you asked me to talk a little bit about the church here. The branch is pretty small even though there are enough members here to fill two wards. A lot of the people are inactive. Every Sunday we walk to our investigators house to bring them to church with us. I think that's one of the hardest parts about it out here: very few people own cars, so they have to walk for miles every Sunday to attend church. And if they don't have a strong testimony that this is the only true church of Christ on the earth, why would they make the trek?

The active members are great, though. We eat lunch in a member's house every day, which is awesome. Beans, rice, chicken, salad. Stuff like that. They feed us a ton, and I do my best to express gratitude for it. Also: I have never eaten so much (or, consequently, weighed as much) as I have here in Brazil. After lunch, one of us elders leaves a message for the family. I have been chosen to do it pretty often, which is tough. I'm still struggling with the language, so it's difficult to give a substantial message. But I always bear my testimony and I hope people can at least understand that.

Mococa is a beautiful place. We had a conference this week where Elder Godoy, a member of the Area Seventy, spoke to us. I don't have much to say about the conference itself other than it helped to remind me of my purpose here. But we took a three or four hour bus ride to Ribeirão Preto, and the countryside that we traveled through is just gorgeous. Flat green plains with trees every once in a while for as far as you can see, and the sky! Man, the sunset at the end of the day is something I always look forward to. It's breathtaking.

The city itself isn't quite as beautiful, but I don't mind. The houses, roads, and sidewalks are slowly decaying, but the people don't seem to notice or care. So I try not to, either. The people live in really humble circumstances and many of them still work for hours and hours every day to support themselves. You can learn a lot from their dedication.

Others spend most of their time in bars. I think there are an equal number of bars and churches here. You can't really blame people for being a little disillusioned or confused by the things they have been taught about religion, but it doesn't make the work any easier.

We have been teaching two little girls who were really excited about being baptized, but backed out at the last minute. Their mother and some of their siblings are inactive members, and their house isn't that great of an environment. We lost the support of their mother, and now they say they want to learn more in the gospel before they get baptized. Any tips on how I can help them?

Also, their mother's name is Beth, but it is pronounced "Betch." I still feel a little guilty when I say her name.

This email has been a little profane. Sorry about that. Also sorry about the rambling. But I don't have much time!

Thank you, all of you, for writing me and wishing me a happy birthday. I love you so much and think about you every day (though I am still trying to be focused!).

Until next week,

booga