Week 9: Noticing Miracles

Oi, gente! Tudo bem?

This week was great! I experienced many miracles! Let me tell you a few things. A couple days ago, we invited Marvens (our English speaking investigator) to come to church with us again today (he came with us last week). He said no, because he was gonna go to church with his cousin (not LDS). But, yesterday after Sacrament Meeting, I looked up to see Marvens! He was smiling and waving at me. I talked to him after the meeting and he said that he was at his cousin's church, but he left early because at our church he feels good.

Also yesterday, I had my first baptism! I had the opportunity to perform the baptism. It was awesome. I've been better able to talk to people and share my story and use my past experiences to help people. I know that I am here for a reason. Some days are certainly harder than others, but I´m really starting to feel like I better belong. I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers. He loves us. He knows us. If we trust Him, and if we trust in Christ and the Spirit, we can do all things!

McDonalds even in Brazil!	Thumbs up for nuggets!
Investigator's son showing his art skills	Elder Tolen's first baptism (and in Portuguese!)

Week 8: Work, Work, Work!

Oi, minha familia e meu amigos! Tudo bem?

This week has been crazy! Work, work work! It was a pretty normal week. I don`t have a lot to say. Some interesting things I've noticed: In Brazil, you will see people on motorcycles doing wheelies ALL THE TIME. It is kind of spooky. Also, lunch is the biggest meal of the day. I get stuffed, and then they bring dessert. Also, people of all ages love to fly kites here!

On Saturday we have a baptism meeting! I'm excited for that, but a little nervous because I will be baptizing in Portuguese! I have invited the English speaker I have been talking to to be baptized. He isn't sure yet, but he wants to. I love you all! I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and that He loves us so much! Through Jesus Christ, we can do anything!

Elder Tolen and Elder Almeida	At least there is still Ramen!
And homemade cheeseburgers...	Tracting in tennis shoes because the blisters are so raw!

Week 7: Miracles Do Happen

Hey, everyone!

I arrived in Campinas last week! It´s been pretty good, but super super busy! It is stressful, and exhausting. But, I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves all of us and he will help us through difficult times!

A couple days ago I had a pretty cool experience. We were proselyting and we encountered an English speaker! Finally it was my chance to truly teach and bear my testimony! But, he wasn't  interested. I felt pretty sad after, so I said a prayer asking for another chance. Then, literally the next person we encountered said he didn't speak Portuguese well. I hesitantly asked, "Do you speak English?" To which he replied "Yes", so I taught him. I invited him to read the introduction to the Book of Mormon, and 1 Nephi chapter 1, to pray about it and pray about our message, and to read the restoration pamphlet, and then if the spirit bore witness to him, to be baptized. He said yes to all of my invitations. He even said he would come to church! Now I didn't see him there, but I´ll ask him about it when I see him again.

I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers and He blesses us and helps us through our difficult times. Another example of this: My feet are really sore right now from all the walking and yesterday we had a long walk ahead of us. Suddenly, my companion and I heard a car horn. We looked and saw that it was a member offering us a ride! Miracles do happen.

I love you all!

Elder Tolen

Week 6: Transfer to the Mission Field!

Hey, everyone! I'm just emailing to let you all know I made it to Campinas! President and Sister Marsh are awesome! Sister Marsh told me that when I messaged them a few months ago she stalked my account so she already knew I'm a musician! I'm nervous to be out in the field, but I will get used to it. We ate some good food here at the mission home (you’ll probably see plenty of pictures posted on the Campinas mission Facebook page). I love you all! I miss you all! Stay safe! I know that the Lord will sustain all of us through our trials.

Sorry I haven't had time to respond to personal emails yet! I should hopefully have time to email, and time to call next week (I think on Monday). I'm not sure what time yet, but I guess we will find out!

President Marsh said allergies like mine are pretty common to this place, so peanuts shouldn't be too common, but I still need to be careful.

I miss you all! I love you all! Thanks for all your love and support!

Elder Tolen

New Arrivals to the Mission Home	Newly Arrived!
Delicious Lunch!	Rice and Beans and Chicken!
New Arrivals at the Mission Home	Meeting the Trainers
First Companion!	First Companion
Introductions	First Area
New Missionaries and Their Trainers	Away They Go!

Week 5: It Will All Work Out!

Ola Meu amigos e minha famila! Tudo bem?

This week was pretty normal. We had devotionals, classes, and we taught some TRCs (mock lessons). I taught the Priesthood lesson on Sunday, so that's something.

I go out to the field next week on Tuesday! I'm so excited. I know that I was called to Campinas Brazil for a reason and I'm so excited to serve the people there. I know that the Lord will help me and sustain me. Eu amo voces! Obrigado por suas amor!

"Don't worry-I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future."  -Gordon B. Hinckley

Elder Tolen