Broken down like a war economy - Dec. 25, 2009

Feliz natal, everyone!

I know I already talked to all of you today, but I still wanted to tell all of you that I love you. I enjoyed the time we had on the phone together, although it was short. It was a good reminder that you're all still there, that there are some people in this world who know what I'm really like, and that Jana forgave me for eating John's Snickers bar (sorry). I don't have much to say to all of you that I didn't already, so I think I'll just send some photos for Mom and Dad's new frame.

Merry Christmas! Feliz Natal!

Oh, only thing. Dad: I don't know if anyone reads the blog, but I think that would be a great way to get some people's addresses. They (assuming there is a "they") could just post their address in the comments and you could forward them to me. I want to stay in touch with people from back home. Gimme yr addresses!

Okay, that's all. I hope you enjoy your delicious Christmas dinner and feel just a tiny bit guilty that I might not have a real meal tonight! Just kidding. What?

okay bye

booga

All the clouds have silver linings - Dec. 14, 2009

SUP.

I had my first baptism yesterday! Hooray! Carol, one of those two girls who I mentioned last week, came to church with us and decided to be baptized later that day. Unfortunately, I wasn't there to see it; in fact, I didn't even know she was baptized until after I came home for the night.

The zone leaders are staying with us for a few days, so we're doing divisions until they leave. I spent my whole day making contacts with another elder and a member, and none of us had a cell phone at the time. We came home before my actual companion, who showed me a picture of him and the girl in baptismal attire and congratulated me on my first baptism. Fart.

I'm not really upset about it, but I wish I could have at least been there for it. Oh well. It's more important that she chose to be baptized than that I wasn't there to witness it.

Other than that, my week was pretty normal. Kind of. It's hard to compress my week into one email because the days are so long and packed with events. But, a few things of note:

We had interviews with my mission president on Tuesday in Pirassununga. We took a bus to the chapel there, where I stumbled through my interview. It was rough. He doesn't speak a whole lot of English, so he just asked me some simple questions. I felt discouraged, though, because I don't have any missionary friends here yet (we met up with our zone, and I didn't know anyone) and I couldn't even communicate with my mission president, who is supposed to strengthen and counsel me.

Then we took a bus back home. Thing is, we had to stop and switch buses in a town called Aguaí. The bus that we were supposed to take was coming from São Paulo, which was experiencing heavy rainfall at the time. Our bus couldn't make it, and a new one wouldn't show up until 6 that night. So we spent five hours or so making contacts with people. We didn't have any of our proselyting stuff (copies of the Book of Mormon, pamphlets, etc.) because of interviews. It was almost impossible to make any meaningful contacts because of that. The rain didn't help, either. People don't want to listen to you when it rains, and it rained a lot this week.

My companion ate a salgado (unhealthy stuff inside a pocket of fried bread dough) a few nights ago and became really sick the next day. He did nothing but sleep and puke all day. I gave him a blessing (my first ever!), but it looked like we just had to wait it out. I studied all day (almost read Our Search for Happiness cover to cover) while he recovered.

Oh! Something I forgot to mention last week: I'm kind of the ward (/branch) organist. I played in sacrament meeting last week, and it looks like I will be for the rest of my time here in Mococa. It's terrifying to accompany people right now, but I want to help these people in whatever way I can. And even though I'm not great at playing the piano, I think I may be better at that than Portuguese.

Anyway, all is well here. I appreciate your prayers and love all of you very much.

luv

booga

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

And our ashes will fly in the aeroplane over the sea

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

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

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 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