I received a good stack of mail at district meeting on Tuesday. I received two packages, one from Jana, and one from the Parrys in our home ward. THANK YOU, Jana!! You said that the package wasn't that big of a deal or something, but receiving a bunch of delicious American candy and a nice letter of encouragement helps so much out here. I really can't thank you enough for doing that. The package I received from the Parrys was a huge box packed with Christmas candy. That was so thoughtful of them. I also received a nice Christmas card from the young women back home. I noticed that they sent it to the MTC, though. Is my address in the ward bulletin up to date? Just wondering. Oh, and Mom: tell them (and everyone in the world) that the official language of Brazil is Portuguese, not Spanish. That was a bit awkward.
Unfortunately, I didn't receive my Christmas package yet; however, I did get a nice letter from the Brazilian Department of Agriculture saying that I had to pay a fat tariff of R$ 97 (that's about fifty dollars) to receive my package. I should get it at interviews in two weeks. I heard that if you put pictures of Jesus on packages sent from the States, the Brazilian postal workers won't open it. So, I guess you could try that if any of you ever send me anything. People down here love pictures of Mary, doves, and the Crucifixion, so you could mix it up a little. Be creative.
We have been teaching an eleven-year-old kid named Guilherme for the past few weeks. He really likes going to the activities each Friday night. We had our district leader come by this last Friday to conduct a baptismal interview, and he passed. An hour or so later, Guilherme came to the activity at the church and told us he couldn't be baptized. His grandma, a nice old lady who thinks my companion and I have beautiful eyes (we get that a lot), doesn't think that he is ready to be baptized. It was discouraging to hear that, but we aren't giving up. She came with us to church yesterday and enjoyed it. She already knew some of the irmãs (sisters) in the branch, so they would be able to help her with any questions she might have. We are going to go back to their house this week and teach her so that she can be baptized at the same time as Guilherme. If things work out right, this could be huge. They only live two streets away from the church, they have friends who are members, and they could help one another out to stay firm in the Church. I really hope this one turns out right. I'm tired of disappointment.
We taught the Word of Wisdom to Bruno, and he said that he doesn't have the desire to stop smoking or drinking. Carnaval, a Brazilian holiday where everyone parties for a week straight, is going on right now. He basically told us that he wouldn't be at church this week because of Carnaval. So, we'll see what happens. Hopefully someone gives him some bad weed or something and he seeks out our help.
It has been difficult this week to keep myself motivated and to want to work. I appreciate the support that you guys always give me, and I am really grateful for the sustaining power of the Spirit. This work would be impossible without it. I am grateful to be here and for all the things I'm learning every day. The Church is true. I love you.
--elder vings (no one can pronounce my name)
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