Week 31:Frogs, Smoothies, and Missionary Work

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a good Christmas! 

Day to Day

The Frog(s): So something that I have noticed lately are there a lot of wild toads, at least in my area. My companion is kind of scared of them. It´s pretty funny because he always calls me crazy when I try to grab one. I have successfully picked up and held 2 frogs this week. 

Christmas Eve Dinner: On Christmas Eve,my companion and I, the assistants to the mission president, and the mission secretaries all went to President and Sister Marsh´s house to celebrate Christmas Eve! We ate some delicious food, watched the new church video about the birth of the Savior, and we played charades! We also each got a "Champion" brand shirt, because President Marsh used to own that company! It was so fun!

Avocado Smoothie: So for the first time a few days ago, I tried an avocado smoothie. Don´t knock it till you try it! It is like my favorite thing now! Put half an avocado, like 2 or 3 spoons of sugar, and like 3 cups of milk into a blender. Blend and enjoy! Also try mixing other fruits in there. My favorite is with banana. I tried it because one of the Elders I´m living with told me if I eat healthier and exercise with him every day, I can look like Captain America when I go home from my mission, so I´m trying it.

"Are They Speaking English?": So one day this week, we were walking by some houses and my companion stopped and said, "I think they are speaking English!" I listened, and they were! Also, it was British English! So I was like, "Oh I need to talk to them YESTERDAY" and I knocked on the door. Another person answered. I introduced ourselves as missionaries and he said he wasn't interested and started to close the door. "Wait wait! Are there other people that live here, too?" I said while pointing to the window where I heard the speaking. "Yeah they live with me." He responded. "Are they speaking English?" I said. "Yeah." He responded. "Oh cool! Can I talk to them real quick?" "No." He responded as he closed the door in my face. I will admit, I was kind of angry afterwards and I was tempted to knock on the window where the speaking was coming from. I wrote down the address, and I might go back and try again sometime.

Spiritual Highlights

This week we had the opportunity to teach a 14-year-old boy who has been staying with one of the families in my ward. He isn't a member, but he is showing a lot of interest in the Gospel. We set a baptism date with him yesterday!  It was really hard to find people to talk to this week because of the holidays. Many people weren't at home and many people didn't want to receive us. But, as we followed the spirit and kept working, we were blessed with a few people to talk to!

This week was Christmas. While it was hard to be away from family, it was also a really cool experience. I was able to feel the love and spirit of Christ so strongly! I know that Because of Jesus Christ, all things are possible. He loves us. He knows us. I know sometimes life is really hard, but I can testify that if you trust Him, things will work out for your good! I hope you all have a GREAT 2020!!!

Elder Tolen

Week 30: Merry Christmas!

Hello, everyone! This email will be a little shorter because I don't want to interrupt your Christmas!

Day To Day:

Transfers: This week we had transfers! I am staying in my area (Planalto), but I got a new companion! His name is Elder Correia. He is 20, and he will turn 21 on December 26. He has 1 year and 5 months on the mission. He is really cool!

"Hey. What´s your name?": It was kind of funny. This week, my companion and I came across a park that a lot of older people use to exercise. While my companion and I were goofing off on the machines, a family came and started using them as well. I felt slightly embarrassed, but I decided to full send it. I looked at the mom and was like, "Hey.... What´s your name?" She told me her name. "Cool cool... My name is Elder Tolen." Then she was like "Cool.. and your name?" She said to my companion. Then I made a contact with her and invited her to church and we talked to her and her family for a little while. It was definitely a fun way to make a contact!

Spiritual Experiences:

Everyone, this week is Christmas. I want to invite you all to watch a new video that the church released. It is really, really awesome. Here´s the link. https://youtu.be/yXWoKi5x3lw

I testify to you all the Jesus lives. About 2000 years ago, he was born. He lived a perfect life. He suffered and died for all of us. Because of Him, we can be healed. We can be perfected. We can have our burdens lifted. Make this Christmas special by making it about Him. He knows you. He loves you. And He will carry you.

Elder Tolen

Week 29: Music and Monkeys

Hello, everyone!! How are you doing? What are you all doing to make this Christmas special? I wanna hear your plans! Send me an email!

So there are a pretty good amount of things that have happened, and I'm bad at organizing, so this email will probably be really random!

Day To Day:

Music opportunities: Our English class had a Christmas activity. It was really good. We watched a video about the birth of Jesus Christ and then everyone sang "Silent Night" in English together. We were planning to have the activity in the chapel and I would play the opening hymn on my horn and my companion would play piano with me, but we had to move into a different room that didn't have piano, so I had to play the opening hymn all alone. But it was okay.  One of the assistants and I played a French Horn/Cello duet. We played an arrangement of "Silent Night" that I wrote. We played at the ward Christmas dinner. We played it and another hymn from the hymnbook as prelude music. After the meeting part, while people were eating, I kept playing my horn. Eventually, a lady who is a daughter of some members in my ward came up to me and said she wanted to play piano with me. So we played together on some primary songs. The bishop walked by and at one point later he asked us to play the prelude music before church the next day, so we did. Also at zone conference, the assistant and I played our duet. I think we did better at the ward. Also at zone conference, my zone sang "Away In A Manger". I sang the first verse in English as a solo, and then everyone came in on the second verse in Portuguese (I didn't know the words so I just hummed) and then I joined in with my horn on the third verse. I´m grateful for the many music opportunities I've been receiving!

The Monkeys: We met a lady who feeds wild monkeys every day. It's really cool. She goes up to specific areas and whistles, and a bunch of little monkeys just appear. It isn't something I have really ever seen before.

VIP Club: I feel like a VIP because my mission president invited me and my companion, the AP´s, and the secretaries to his house on Christmas Eve. I´m really excited to go there. 

BOM?: A while ago, my companion and I were messing around and we kept saying "Bom?" (which means, "good?") in a really nasally tone. It's like a way people greet each other sometimes. I was outside doing laundry and he startled me through the window right in front of me by popping up and saying, "Bom?". A few minutes later, I noticed one of the bathroom lights turn on. For some reason I assumed it was my companion. So, I went over there, popped up in the window, and said "BOMM??" Imagine my embarrassment when I saw the startled face of one of the assistants, and not my companion, standing there! 

Cool and Spiritual Things:

Christmas Zone conference: At the Zone conference, we had some surprises for President and Sister Marsh. At the end, Elder Gochnour got up to bear his testimony and received a phone call (from Elder Gomes, the other assistant) and Gochnour said, "What? A video? Hmm okay." Then he opens a video that has a bunch of the missionaries listing reasons they love President and Sister Marsh. By the way, the conference happened over 2 days. The first day had half the missionaries, and the second day had the other half. I was there on the second day, so President and Sister Marsh already knew about that surprise, but we had others. After the video, Gochnour bore his testimony and while doing so, he said, "We have learned how to have peace in Christ." Then we started a flash mob singing "Peace in Christ." It was really funny, because when Gochnour said "Peace in Christ," Elder Barragan (being from Mexico) let out a classic Mexican cheer/scream (startling President and Sister Marsh) and then got up and played the introduction on his guitar for the song. After the song, we all sat down and another video started. It was a video montage that had pictures of President and Sister Marsh showing how their mission came to be, and it includes a video of them opening their call. Part way through the video, "Called To Serve" started playing. When it finished, we all stood up and sang the third verse (which was written for the Brazil Campinas Mission). They gave all the missionaries a gift. The gift was a wooden box with a burned engraving of the mission logo. Inside the box was a metal keychain of the mission logo. The lunch they gave us was also really good. It really felt like Christmas! The Conference was very spiritual. 

I want to invite you all (like I kind of mentioned in my introduction) to make this Christmas special. I know that you can all have an amazing spiritual experience this Christmas. Here are some of my ideas. Read the entire book of Luke. It isn't very long. If you do so, you will feel the Spirit of Christ with you. Pray every day that this Christmas will bring miracles. Have faith and act on it. Grow your faith through prayer and study of the scriptures. Make this Christmas about giving to others. Help others feel the joy that you feel. I promise that as you do these things and as you try to make this Christmas stand out, you will see so many blessings. I love you all and hope you have a great week! Email me some of your ideas on how you will make Christmas special!

Elder Tolen

Elder Tolen and Santa	Christmas party with Santa
Musician Tolen	Mission Key Chain
Mission Logo engraved on wood box	Mission treats

Week 27: The Miracle of Music!

Hello, everybody! How are you all doing? I wanna hear about what´s going on in your lives! Shoot me an email!

Day to Day:

Fransisca: So, everyone. Lemme tell you a story. I may have told part of this story before, but there is new information now. A while ago, President Marsh picked us up and we all drove together to zone conference, because we live very close to him. While driving, President Marsh said, "French Horn is 'trompa' in Portuguese, right, Elder Tolen? Because in December, we will have our mission zone conference and talent show for Christmas..."

Ever since, I have been looking for a horn without any luck. We even went to a music shop downtown, but they would have to order one in and it would cost me around $1,000 dollars. But, last week, while we were helping some members, one of the members said, "Let's go search online and see if we can find a horn." I had basically given up on finding one, but I agreed, and we looked. On a website kind of like Ebay, we found a horn at a good price. And, I ended up buying it! So, I currently have a French Horn in my possession! It has a pretty good sound. It is a single horn (which means it only has 3 rotors) with a removable bell. The brand says "Eastman," but, my horn teacher said Eastman has never made a single (3 rotor) horn with a removable bell. She said there are a lot of pirated horns our there, so it may say "Eastman," but it is entirely possible that it isn't. She said it is probably a Brazilian brand. I named the horn Fransisca. 

Performance Opportunities: Another story. So, a few days ago, before our English class, I was playing hymns in the chapel on my horn and my companion was playing with me on piano. A lady came up to me whom I haven't met before. She said she was from another ward. And she said, "I was talking to President Marsh a while ago, but he wasn't sure if you were gonna be able to get a horn or not, but now that I see you have one, would you be willing to play at the stake Christmas program on Sunday?" I accepted. On Saturday, there was a rehearsal and on Sunday was the performance. I played 2 verses of "Angels We Have Heard On High" with another Elder playing with me on piano. I also played with the choir and piano (and congregation on first verse) on "Silent Night." I felt kind of special. People treated me like I was a guest artist or something. For example, the piano player was confirming with me: "So, I will play the introduction and then you will come in on the verse?" I said yes, and he called to the director and told her. She looked at me and said "You can play wherever you want to play!" The only thing she requested was that I play loud. After the show, I received multiple compliments from people, including President and Sister Marsh. It was really fun! 

One of the Elders we live with also bought a cello, so I´m writing a duet for us to play at the mission Christmas conference. With all of these Christmas performances, it feels like I'm back home again!  

6 Months!: So, can you all believe that I have already reached my 6 month mark on the mission? Time is going so fast! I can´t believe it! I'm already 25 percent done with my mission. How strange!

Spiritual Stuff:

"You´re American.":The highlight of this week is just a pretty cool experience my companion and I had. One day, while we were walking, a lady passed us and said, "Voces tem um livro?" (Do you guys have a book?) "Sim!" We responded. "Eu posso ter um?" (Can I have one?) After I gave her a Book of Mormon, she looked and me, pointed at me and said "... You´re American." I said "Yes. You speak English!" Then we conversed for a little bit and got her information. She told us she read the Book of Mormon a while ago, but she's a teacher and sometimes the kids talk about Book of Mormon stories and she wants to understand. She was a very sweet lady, and it was a cool experience!

Testimony: I want to testify to all of you about miracles. They are real. I mean, the Lord provided a French Horn for me in Brazil, for one example! I promise you all if you have faith, if you pray, if you are obedient, if you fast, if you study the scriptures, you can experience life changing miracles. I know this to be true! Keep going and trust in God! 

I love you all so much! Send me emails! I wanna talk to you guys! 

-Love, Elder Tolen

The "new" French horn!	Unboxing the new horn
Elder Tolen &Sister Sampson (from CTM district)	Something tasty...
Wild Monkeys	Monkeys enjoying their lunch
Monkeys...	Toads in the cracks and crevices!

Week 26: Notice the Blessings

Hello, everyone! Let me tell you a little bit about what´s been going on!

Day To Day Experiences: 

It´s Dog: Sometimes it's funny to see products/markets/restaurants with names in English, because sometimes, the translation isn't exactly perfect. For example, I saw a hot dog restaurant named, "It's Dog." It is dog.

The Oncoming Car: One night while we were walking, I noticed a car coming towards us. As it got closer, I noticed it crossing the yellow line and heading in my direction. I quickly moved out of the way as the car slowed to a stop and I heard laughing from inside. It was some of the members from my ward. It ended up being a funny situation. I love the members here in this area!

The Dog: Another night, while we were walking, I looked up at a high wall and saw a dog happily sitting on top just smiling and looking around. No, I have no idea how he got up there.

The Exploding Shower: So, here in Brazil, most of the showers are different. There aren't  big water heaters in the house. Instead, the shower head has metal coils inside that heat up the water. But eventually they can burn out. While I was in the shower, I heard a little explosion-like sound and saw a flash of light. I looked up and saw the wire had broken because it burned and the water got cold really quick. But later that day, my companion was able to fix it. Fun times! [mom editorial: Is it a good idea to shower with exposed electrical wires? Um...]

If You Have Something, You Can Leave It There: One day while we were knocking on doors (clapping our hands in front of people's houses), a guy walked out of one of the houses we knocked at and said, "If you have something just leave it there," and then he left... So, we wrote a message in the Book of Mormon and left in in front of his house.

You Are Acting Like A Child: One day, while we were at home, I was coloring in a Book of Mormon themed coloring book my mom sent me, and me and my companion were bickering a little bit. At one point I said, "You are acting like a child." And then I went back to my coloring book. I realized the irony instantly.

The News Story: At an investigator's house, the TV was on and the news was playing. At one point, it was giving news about different countries. It went something like, "In Brazil, someone died. In Venezuela, someone died. The pope visited Japan. In Columbia, someone died. It the United States.. a.. dog was flagged for driving a car..." It showed a video clip of of this car just driving in circles. #ProudToBeAnAmerican

Spiritual Experiences/ Miracles: 

Can You Guys Come By Tomorrow?: A few weeks ago on P-day, while we were praying before we left our house, I prayed that we would be able to help people that day even though it was P-day. A few people talked to us while we were walking to the Lan House, and one of the people is a guy that has told us he doesn't have time or he isn't interested or something. He asked if we can come by the next day and talk to him. The next day, when we went to his house, he told us, "I was reading about Joseph Smith, and I´m really interested! That´s why I talked to you guys!" 

Free Uber: One day we were in an Uber, and I talked to the driver a little bit about the Book of Mormon, and when we arrived I gave him one. I then gave him the money for our ride. He looked at the money, and then gave it back to me with a smile and said, "Thank you for the gift."

Giga Tasty: A few weeks ago on a different P-day, my companion and I went to McDonald's for lunch. There was a guy outside asking for some food. I said "Come with us!" And I had the opportunity to buy him a meal. I bought him a burger called "Giga Tasty." It was a cool opportunity. I love opportunities like that. I always feel the spirit. 

Of Course He Can!: One Sunday morning, we went to pick up a recent convert to go to church. Her grandson also came out and she said to me, "He also wants to come to church today. Is that okay?" I said "Of course!" And we had another person at church. It was awesome.

The Pizza Miracle: One night, I was hungry, but I didn't have time to go to the store and buy food. But, the moment the other elders who live in our house walked into the house with 2 big pizzas, I noticed it as a blessing. Count your many blessings!

Zzzz: One night, in my prayers I asked that I would be able to fall asleep quickly and get a full night's rest. I actually drifted off while I was praying, and then I fell asleep almost instantly when my head hit the pillow.

Look What Happened!: This morning, before we left our house, I prayed again that we would be able to help people today on P-day. As soon as I ended our prayer and we left, our neighbor came up to us and started talking about his interest in our English class. He then told us, "Before you guys moved in, I prayed that a person of God would move into that house. And look what happened!" Then he started talking to us about the power of prayer.

Ministering of Angels: It has become my goal to have faith enough and worthiness enough to experience a grand miracle, like receiving the ministering of angels, or seeing a vision, or something grand like that. I have been studying a lot about it, and I know miracles like that are still possible in our day! During interviews with my mission president, I asked him to give me a blessing to help with that. After the blessing, during this week, I have noticed multiple miracles. At first, Satan was attacking me really hard in all and every way he could, but when I made the right decisions and resisted temptations, I noticed blessings! I can testify to you all that miracles are real. If you turn to God and resist the temptations of the adversary, you will see them in your life! I know this to be true!

I want to share this video with you all. Please watch it. It is awesome! 

https://youtu.be/3sK3wJAxGfs

 Elder Tolen

The English doesn't always translate...	Some investigators with Elders Tolen and Do Carmo
Tamarind fruit fresh off the tree	Tamarind fruit looks like a bacon cocoon...
Um...sausage sandwich?	Sushi handrolls!
Eating well	Delicious homemade meal
The Christmas Package arrived!	And so did the October package!
Modeling a new tie	When your companion buys too small shorts...
Beautiful church in Campinas	Elder Do Carmo enjoying some Subway

Week 24: Transfers and Miracles

Hello, everyone! Again, this week was pretty normal.

Transfers: Transfers will be this week, and I will be staying in my area with my current companion! I´m excited to see what miracles we experience this transfer! 

Dinner: One night this week, we went over to a members house for dinner. They are from Oregon. It was very interesting to have a whole meal with a member in English! The weirdest part was leaving a message in English. It was really fun!

Miracles: Today, while my companion and I were praying before we left, I prayed that we would be able to help people even though it´s p day. While we were walking to the Lan House, 4 people stopped us to talk to us on the street! I can testify that Heavenly Father hears our prayers. I can testify that he will answer in His own way and in His own time. I can testify to you all that miracles (great and small) are all possible. If we trust in God and Jesus Christ and follow the spirit, we can experience miracles! 

Sorry that this email is short. Hopefully next week will be more full of stories! 

I love you all!!

Week 22: Experiences and Highlights

Hello everyone! I was unable to send an email out last week, so this email will have a little bit more in it!

Chapter 1: Funny/Fun Experiences: 

     

"Oppa!... Oi?": One day, we approached a house and clapped our hands through the fence (almost every house has a wall in front of it so we have to clap instead of knocking on the door) and we heard a very faint, "Yeah?" After looking around for a second we finally spotted the woman on the other side of the closed glass door. I said, "Oppa!... Somos missionarios da Igreja De Jesus Cristo Dos Santos Dos Ultimos Dias!" She replied, "Ahh mrrmmrmrmrrmrmrmr" (through the closed door, so that is literally what I heard but we could tell she was saying no).   "..oi?" I said. "MRRMMRRRMRMMMMMMRRMMRMR " That's when we said bye and left because we knew she was saying no through the closed door, even though we couldn't hear her at all.

"Joseph Thomas": In my area, there is a guy who is always drunk and I can never understand what he is saying to me, but the one thing I do know is that to him I am Joseph (at one point I was Joseph Thomas) who is from Argentina and who speaks German, so that's why I never understand what he's saying. 

"What's My Name?": There's a little girl in my area and whenever she sees me she says, "What's my name?" in English. I always say, "Haha I don´t know! What's your name?" Then she giggles and leaves. I've tried to teach her to say, "What's your name?" But she still asks "What's my name?" every time.

"Do You Have Snacks?": During a district meeting, one of the other elders put his head on my shoulder. I was slightly confused, but then just thought, "He´s just a super nice guy." Then he said something that explained everything. "Hey. Do you have snacks?" Sadly I didn't have snacks to give, but it was really funny.

"Just Dance": There was a Halloween party a few days ago, and my companion and I played Just Dance for a few minutes. It was probably the best I've ever danced in my whole life (which doesn't mean it was good). It was actually really fun! 

Chapter 2: The Brazil Experience: 

     

"Leave Them Alone. They're from the church.": Another elder told me this story. So, apparently there are gang factions here in Brazil, and they actually protect the missionaries. One night, this elder and his companion were walking and in front of them, a guy started approaching. When he got close, another guy appeared and said, "Leave them alone. They're from the church." Then the guy approaching them turned around and left. 

"The greeting": The typical greeting in Brazil is a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I've always just shaken hands with everyone. But for the first time recently, when we were leaving a house, a woman pulled me in for a hug and kissed my cheek. Naturally, I have to return the greeting, too. It would be weird and probably rude to just stand there. I always forget that she tries to greet us like that whenever we go over to her house. Honestly I´m surprised this is the first time I've been hugged and kissed. I've been here 5 months .

Chapter 3: The Everyday Experiences:

     

"Family Home Evening": Last week, I was given the opportunity to sing at a family home evening activity. I sang "Nearer My God To Thee" along with the Lyceum Philharmonic's recording of the song. I sang in Portuguese and English. I´m grateful for the opportunities I've had to perform!

"New Home": A week or two ago, we moved to a new house. It is awesome! Rumor has it that it's the biggest house in the mission. It's a fun time!

"When it rains, jump in the puddles (with caution)": A few weeks ago, it was really rainy. I was having fun and jumped in a couple of puddles just to goof off with my companion a little bit, but the next day, my shoes were filled with mold. They are clean now, but it was an unexpected sight...

"The Sacrament talk": On Sunday, I had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament meeting! I was nervous, but I think it went okay. I talked about missionary work and how members can help with the marvelous work. The biggest point I made was to not have fear. Don't have fear to bear your testimony. Don't have fear to talk about Jesus Christ. Don't have fear to keep your standards and share your beliefs!

"Divisions": This week, we went on divisions [splits] for 24 hours. My divisions companion was American and has 4 weeks in the field! So, I was kind of a trainer for a day. It was interesting to see the improvements I have made since my first few weeks in the field. I was able to lead lessons and talk to people. Portuguese is getting easier. We went and visited a few people who work at a haircut place because I taught them while my companion was getting a haircut a week or so ago. It was a little difficult without my companion because they had some Bible knowledge! But, when you don't know what to say, just bear your testimony. This is important because the spirit can teach people things that we can't!  I can testify that the promise the Lord gives us in Ether 12:27 is true!

     

Chapter 4: The Spiritual Highlights: 

"Maria": This week, we were given the opportunity to baptize one of our investigators. My companion baptized her and I confirmed her during Sacrament meeting the next day. I was nervous, but I can testify that if we trust in the Lord, everything works out!

"The 12 step meeting": We have an investigator who has a lot of difficulties with addiction. During one of our lessons, I felt prompted to invite her to the church's addiction recovery meeting. She accepted, and she went! She really liked it. Last time we talked to her, she said she was 3 days sober! Now we are trying to help her come to church. Please pray for her!

"Ministering Angels": Something I have learned recently is that we have the potential to be ministered to by angels. Not just other people, but literal angels from Heaven. It has become my goal to be ministered to by an angel. I encourage you all to go study about this topic, because it is really interesting. 

Everyone, I know that times can get tough. I know that. But don't give up the fight! Turn to the Lord, our Savior, and our Brother. He loves you and He can perform MIRACLES in your life! I have a strong testimony of that. Take time every single day to study the scriptures, to pray, and to meditate. Invite Christ to be a part of your life. I promise that you won't regret it.

I love you all so much! Have a great week!

Elder Tolen

Baptism!	Splits with Elder ____
Splits again!	Splits

Week 20: Opportunities and Answers

Hello, my dear people! How are you all doing?

This week was pretty normal. I have pinkeye at the moment so I can’t go out for a day or two, but besides that, it’s all good and normal!

Chapter 1: “French Horn is ‘trompa’ in Portuguese, right?": This week, while we were driving to a zone conference (we were in the mission president's car because he lives super close to us), he said to me, “Elder Tolen. French Horn is "trompa" in Portuguese, right? Because on December 1st, we will have our mission talent show. I think there are some music places in you area where you might be able to get a French Horn if you wanted to....” I got really excited. I haven’t played a horn in months. I’ve only buzzed on my mouthpiece a few times. I will happily accept an invitation to play horn again. I will have to let you all know what happens!

Chapter 2: “Good mornin-oops.. boa noite!”: One night, while we were walking, my companion saw someone walking by and said “Good morni- oops.. boa noite!” And then the person responded “Good morning! Boa noite!” Boa noite is good night in Portuguese. It was really funny.

Chapter 3: "I didn’t feel like walking down the stairs": One day after our lunch break, we were walking down a large set of stairs and there was a railing down the middle. As a joke, I sat on it as if I was going to slide down. My companion said, “I dare you,” so I was like, “Okay! I will!” I didn’t feel like walking down any more stairs, anyways. Long story short, let’s just say I didn’t make it far and I just might have gracefully ended up underneath the railing instead of at the end of it. But it was funny so it’s okay!

Chapter 4: "More opportunities": This last week, I have been praying for opportunities to learn and to grow. I have been asking for help with my stress and anxiety. And at church on Sunday, I got asked to pass the sacrament, say the closing prayer in Sacrament Meeting, and help for a few minutes in one of the children's Sunday school classes. I have had a few opportunities to talk to our Uber driver. I have had opportunities to sing and to share my love of music with others. I have had opportunities to embarrass myself and get up off the stairs that I “gracefully” “walked” down and try again, and I can testify to all of you, that the Lord will always lift us above our trials and difficulties if we just have faith in him. 

I have already shared this with a few of you, but I encourage all of you to go read Doctrine and Covenants section 122, and Ether chapter 12. I promise that as you prayerfully read those two chapters, you will feel God’s love for you. I testify that He loves you. He wants to help you and He will help you. Just turn to Him and He will bless you so much. You will start to notice His hands working in your life. 

Elder Tolen

Gorgeous view of Campinas	Shoe soles mildewed after getting caught in a rainstorm
Elder Tolen's favorite Brazilian food: pastels	Like giant, delicious hot pockets!
A note of encouragement from a ward member	Note from a ward member
Elder Tolen found a mulberry tree: just like home!	Also, Domino's pizza. Just like home!
And McDonalds...	...Just like...well...you know!

Week 19: Elder Pacheco

Chapter 1: Transfers: This week, I was transferred to a new area, and I love it! My area is called Planalto and my companion is Elder Do Carmo. It is a lot of fun. We get along really well. My area is in the city, which is different from my last area. We live in an apartment with the mission AP's, but I think we are moving to a new house in the next week or so.

Chapter 2: Honda Civic: I told my companion that I drive a Honda Civic at home, so he started a game where every time we see a Honda Civic on the streets, we point it out. Whoever sees it first and points it out gets a point. But, if one of us says, "Honda Civic" and we're wrong, then the other person gets a point. I´m winning at the moment. :)

Chapter 3: Music Opportunities: In this area, I've had a lot of cool musical experiences. For example, did you know that Nathan Pacheco served in my mission and he served in my current area? One of the members in my ward was talking about how she remembered when Elder Pacheco came over for lunch and stuff. I told her that I have had the opportunity to perform with him with Lyceum Philharmonic. I also sang at a baptism on Saturday with my companion and the AP's. That was a great experience!

Chapter 4: English Class and the Homework Assignment: So, in this area we are teaching an English class, and I told our students that listening to music in English and watching TV shows and movies in English will help a lot. So, I gave them all a homework assignment to go to my YouTube account and listen to my song "Carry Through," and translate it. Really subtle advertising, huh? 

Chapter 5: Our Grandma: One of the members in my ward we call our "grandma" because she loves us and takes care of us. We love to go over there and hang out with that family. It´s really fun. She remembers "Elder Pacheco" and experiences from when he was here.

Chapter 6: "I Visited Utah": The other day, we were walking with a member who was going to buy us lunch. I admit I was a little distracted, but my ears perked when I heard her say, "I visited Utah." I was like "Oh, cool! What part?" to which she responded, "Pleasant Grove." I got really excited because that´s where I live! Apparently, her son lives there, and she goes and visits him every year. So, when I get home, we are planning to meet up when she comes to visit and we will all get lunch together. What a small world!

Chapter 7: General Conference: This weekend we had the opportunity to hear from the apostles and Prophet of the Lord. I know that the things they say are true and that we still continue to receive revelation to this day and "We will continue to receive revelation until.... the great Jehovah shall say 'the work is finished.'" I exhort all of you to listen to and heed what the prophets say. What they say is true!

Elder Tolen

Elder Tolen and his new companion, Elder Do Carmo	Mom loves getting unexpected photos from members during the week!
A beautiful view of the temple in Elder Tolen's new area!	Elder Do Carmo gets creative with leaving calling cards!
So...which is it?	"Elder Do Carmo, can I eat this fruit I found on a tree?" "Yes." [takes bite] "I mean no!" Just kidding. yes.
Elder Tolen and Elder Do Carmo enjoy a refreshing drink	And some delicious lunch!
Rockin' the Brazil tie!	Newly hatched cicadas crawling up this tree...
Lunchtime	Elder Tolen singing at a baptism with Elder Do Carmo, Elder Gochnour, and Elder Lees