Week 18: I Never Freeze!

Chapter 1: "I Never Freeze": One day, as we were making contacts, we sat down at a bus terminal on the side of the freeway. Eventually, I got the courage to talk to the lady next to us. "Do you know if the bus for Barao Geraldo will pass here, or on the other side of the freeway?" I said, gesturing to the bus stop on the other side of the freeway. Keep in mind, I already knew the answer to the question I asked her. I was just trying to find an excuse to talk to her. I felt like it was a good idea at the time. My companion started asking questions about the bus as well. Afterwards, I was like, "Thanks so much! Have you ever talked to missionaries like us before?" Also, keep in mind that after we were done talking to her about the bus, my companion started walking away, and the whole time I was trying to make the contact, he just stood there with his back turned towards us. I asked her if we could write down her address to talk to her more on another day (before this I had told her that missionaries like to share messages with people about God, Jesus Christ, our purpose on Earth, and things like that). She told me she lives in a different area, which can sometimes be a way that people say they aren't interested. I turned to my companion and said "Do we have missionaries in that area?"  I was honestly a little disappointed when he just said, "I don´t know."  Then, I froze. For like 10 seconds, I was literally just like "Uhhhh..... ok.... ok.... ummm..." Finally I was like "Ok, we will go wait for the bus for Barao Geraldo over on the other side. Bye bye!" I wasn't really angry at my companion, but I felt embarrassed. I also thought it was kind of funny. I felt okay, because I knew I was working, and I was trying.
Chapter 2: A Squeegee in One Hand; A Dog in the Other: One day this week, when we arrived at the member's house who was scheduled to give us lunch, she was cleaning her front entrance area. She had soapy water, a broom to sweep and scrub, and a squeegee to push the excess water out the front gate. We helped her, and the whole time I was trying to squeegee, the family dog (a little dog named Thor, a chihuahua I think) kept playing with, chasing, biting, and grabbing onto the squeegee. It was very difficult to work with him doing this, so finally, I just picked him up in one arm, and squeegeed with the other.

Chapter 3: English Class (Part 3): This week, the English class went really well. I'm really happy to see myself improving in confidence, in Portuguese, in my testimony, and in other aspects as well. At one point in the class, I think I asked the class members what they were doing during the week to practice English, and multiple people said they've been listening to a lot of classic rock. I think they all mentioned Queen and they were like, "Queen is great!" I guess I´m also converting people to Queen.

Chapter 4: The Book of Mormon Can Help: The day after the English class, we taught Celson, who attends the English class, until he told us on Sunday that he´s going to attend a different, more advanced class, because he already speaks English pretty well. He isn't a member of the church, and we taught him at the church building because his wife doesn't really like/support other churches. He talked to us about these kinds of problems with his wife. It's a problem because he is interested in the church. I gave him a Book of Mormon, and told him that it can help with all of the problems he has. I marked 3. Nephi:11 for him to read. I told him to read with his wife, too. On Sunday he told us that he hasn't shown his wife yet, but that he has started reading it and doesn't have any doubts or concerns. 

Chapter 5: Service Project: One day this week, we had a service project in another area at a school. It involved a lot of building and taking apart scaffolding and painting. The scaffolding was to paint higher. I didn't end up painting higher, but I wanted to climb. So, I sometimes would climb a little bit to hand the other missionaries things and stuff like that. At one point during the service project, one of the elders was using one of the poles that you attach a paint roller to the end, but he was using it as a golf club and was hitting a plastic cup. At one point he swung it a little too hard and the pole extended, split, and one of the halves flew over the wall. It was really funny. 

These are just a few stories from this week! There were too many things to write about all of them, but these are some highlights! Keep praying and keep believing! I know that if you have faith, Heavenly Father will hear your prayers, and He will help you!

-Elder Tolen

That time Elder Tolen forgot his nametag on an MTC temple trip, so he was Elder Smith for the day!	District lunch of Yakisoba noodles
District Photo	District p-day gathering
Elder Tolen and Elder Lee at a service project	Delectable mac and cheese with tuna!
A parting note from Elder Tolen to his replacement before transfers	Just a local dragon walking down the road...
Wild capybara out for an adventure	When you can buy 100 cheese bread balls, you do.

Week 17: The Hungry Caterpillar (in My Salad)

Hello, everyone!

Chapter 1: The Hungry Caterpillar (in My Salad): This week, we ate lunch at the same member's house twice in a row because the person who was supposed to give us lunch on the second day forgot. She felt really bad about it. But on the second day, while I was eating some salad, I looked down to see a cute little green caterpillar just chilling there on one of my pieces of lettuce. I lightly poked it with my fork to see if it was still alive, and it wiggled a little bit. One of the members had just gone out and purchased the lettuce for us. He apologized, and his wife talked about how we need to be careful. I just thought it was funny, and ate more salad.

Chapter 2: English Connect (Part 2): On Wednesday, we taught our weekly English class. It went really well! I'm happy to see all the excited and curious hearts of all the people who truly want to learn. While they were practicing with each other at one point of the class, I walked over to the piano and lightly played "Bohemian Rhapsody" for a second. A couple members called me over after I did this and said they watched the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody" just the day before in English with Portuguese subtitles. They also said they've been listening to Queen (I recommended it last week).

Chapter 3: Tommy jr and Timmy jr: This week, we found a dead baby bird in our front yard area under the tree, so I buried him and we named him Tommy Jr. I made him a little gravestone, too, and played "Amazing Grace" on my French horn mouthpiece. A couple days later, we found another bird. I buried him and named him Timmy jr.

Chapter 4: Drunk Driver: This week, while we were making a long walk, someone in their car called out to us and offered us a ride. My companion just got right in (I've been trying to teach him to be more careful) and of course I had to follow him. Everything was okay, and we made it to our destination okay, but while we were in the car, I couldn't help but notice the beer can in his cup holder. The driver noticed me eyeing the drink and was like, "Haha no worries! I am drunk!" and I was like, "Haha okay! *thumbs up*" I thought he said he wasn't drunk, but afterwards my companion said he said he was drunk. He was also using a phone a few times during the drive. My companion was like, "Relax. It's more normal in Brazil." I was like,  "It doesn't mean it's okay!" I honestly don´t like when he tells me to relax. #IJustDon'tWannaDie. There has been more than one occasion when he tells me to relax when I'm just trying to keep us safe. But you know.

Chapter 5: Drunk guy: One night while we were walking back to our house, a drunk guy started walking with us. I've seen this guy before, and every time I see him, he is very drunk. He was super loopy and every once in a while he would cry and say, "I want to change my life!" So, we gave him a word of wisdom pamphlet that also had our phone number on it and told him that if he reads it, it can change his life. After we said bye to him, we walked in a different direction from our house (which was right across the street) because we didn't want him to know where we live, and while we were walking, he rode past us on his bike more than once and said in English, "GET OUT MY HOME" and then would laugh. Eventually he turned a corner and didn't come back again, and we went home.

Chapter 6: Faith: This week, while I was doing personal study, I was reading in Ether chapter 12, which talks a lot about faith:

6: And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.

18: And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith; wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.

27: And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.  

I know that if we have faith, we can do anything! Heavenly Father loves us and will help us if we have faith! If you don´t have a lot of faith right now, work with the faith you do have. I love the parable of the mustard seed. If you plant that tiny, tiny seed and take care of it, it will grow into something grand!

-Elder Tolen

Brazilian moon	Brazilian moon
Little dog who belongs to a member	Thumbs up from Elder Tolen
RIP, baby birds!	Something tasty
Birthday boy Will during p-day call	New little Myles during p-day call
Yakisoba lunch for p-day	District P-Day with Yakisoba noodle lunch

Week 16: Finding Light in the Darkness

Hello, all of you beautiful people! How are you? 

Chapter 1: The Baby: This week on September 11, my nephew William turned 1! SO crazy how time flies!

Chapter 2: The Baby (Part 2):This week, on September 9, my sister Izzy had her baby! I'm so excited that Myles has joined our family! If you get the chance, tell Izzy and Landon congratulations. They are amazing! She was in labor when I called my family last Monday, and so I was anxious to know how things had gone. Fortunately, we had interviews with President Marsh on Friday, and while I was talking to Sister Marsh she told me to jump onto Hangouts and ask my family to send some photos and updates. So I got to see pictures of the baby later in the week, and that was awesome.

Chapter 3: Splits: This week, for 24 hours, I went on splits with one of our Zone Leaders, Elder Gale. He is from Utah as well. It was fun and interesting to have a different companion for 24 hours! At one point, we went to a REALLY good ice cream shop. He said that this ice cream place has ice cream really similar to how it is in America. I think he was right! I also stayed up late that night talking with his housemates who are also both Americans! It was really interesting to see how people are different in different areas. For example, my current area is a more poor area (called favelas) and it is easier to have success as a missionary. But in Elder Gale´s are ( a more wealthy area), I think literally everyone said no to us that whole day. I´m excited to see what other experiences the mission brings me!

Chapter 4: The English Teacher: On Wednesday, I taught my first English Connect class! There were 10 people there (12 if you include me and Elder Mileski), and about half the people there weren't members of the church... yet . I will be teaching every Wednesday until I'm transferred to a new area!

Chapter 5: The (Possible) Return to Haiti: This week, I felt that we should go to Marvens´ house. He wasn't there, but his cousin said he appeared like a week or so ago, and he was really drunk again. They took him to the health center nearby, and after this, she said he left and disappeared again. She said if he appears again, they want to send him back to Haiti. It´s probably safer for him there. He has more family there, he knows the place better, and he speaks the native language. 

Chapter 6: "She Wants to Marry an American:" This week, a missionary returned from her mission in my ward here in my area. One of the members told me, "She wants to marry an American." My companion was like "That's you, Tolen!" Nothing happened. She gave a talk on Sunday during Sacrament Meeting, and didn't even talk to me.

Spiritual thought time! Right now, in the Book of Mormon, I´m in the book of Ether. I read the story of the brother of Jared, and how the Lord told him to build vessels for his people to cross the ocean. I read about how the brother of Jared asked the Lord to touch the stones with his finger, so that they would give light to the vessels, and because of his faith, the brother of Jared saw the finger of the Lord touch the rocks and give them light. Then, because of his faith, the Lord appeared to him. I really like chapter 6 verse 3: "And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness." What a cool verse! The Lord can give us light so that we don´t have to "cross the great waters in darkness!" Let Him give you light. I know if you let Him, He can guide you through all of your difficulties! 

I exhort you all to read the Book of Mormon. I know that we can find answers to all of our problems in that book. If you read it, you will be blessed! I love you all!

Com amor, 

Elder Tolen

A message for nephew Will	A message for new nephew Myles
Almost the same as the US...?	Historic watchtower in Campinas
View of Campinas from the watchtower	Way off in the distance you can see the Campinas temple!
Splits with ZL (Elder Gale)	Sunset in Campinas

Week 15: 100 Days on the Mission!

Hello everyone! How are you all doing? Well, I hope! I´m always praying for you guys!

Chapter 1: Day 100: This week, on September 5, I reached 100 days on the mission! It´s crazy how fast time is going!

Chapter 2: Answers to prayers: This week, I had a day that was harder for me. In my journal, at the bottom of the pages, there are scriptures written. On this day, I wrote "Today felt harder for me. But, I know that when I have difficulties, I grow a lot and Heavenly Father blesses me if I make the right choices." Then, I looked at the bottom of the page to see Ether 12:27. I recommend you go read it .

On another day, my companion and I were making a long walk, and it was a very hot day. I prayed, and asked for a breeze to cool us down so that we could have more energy for the rest of the day. Then, a question popped in my head. "Do you believe that I can do this?" "Yes!" I replied. Then, just a few seconds later, a guy in his car was pulled over and he called out to us. "Are you guys going to the bus terminal?" "No, we are walking to Mirasol"  (the name of the neighborhood), we answered. He then gave us a ride the rest of the way towards the neighborhood. And, for the rest of the walk after he dropped us off, there was a breeze. One of the things I heard in my head while this was happening was, "Blessed be ye because of your faith in My work." Another thing I heard was, "I can always bless you with something better." I know that Heavenly Father hears our prayers, and if we ask Him in faith, He will bless us!

Chapter 3: Are You Guys Americans?: Also this week, on the same day of chapter 2, while my companion and I were taking a little break and sitting at a table at a park, a couple kids approached us and asked if we were Americans. "I am, and my companion is from Curitiba." And more and more kids gathered to talk to us and ask questions about America. At one point one of them asked me "Do you have a YouTube channel?" ".. Yes I do," I responded. "What kind of videos do you make?" "Music," I said. "What´s your YouTube channel?" he asked. "Just search 'Joey Tolen'," I said. "Could you write it down for me?" He said. "Yeah for me too!" "Me too!" "Me too!" I interrupted all of the excited kids and said "Okay okay okay. Who all wants my YouTube?" Every single hand raised. So, I wrote down my YouTube like 10 times and gave it to everyone. That was a really fun experience. It was fun to make so many new little friends!

Chapter 4: The Spider In The Bed: One day, I saw a little spider crawling around on the wall next to my bed. "Okay just stay away from my bed," I said. Then later I lifted up my blanket and there he was, under my blanket. I got him to hop off the bed and he was under the bed. "Okay that´s fine. Stay there. Just don´t go in the bed!" Later that night, before bed, I looked for him and couldn't find him, so I assumed he was gone. So, I went to bed. The next morning, as I was making my bed, I flipped my pillow over to find the little spider under the pillow. "Nooooooo...were you there all night? I mean thanks for not biting me but were you just in my bed all night?" So at this point, I took him outside and haven´t seen him since.

Chapter 5: The Mysterious [Pecking] Noise: One morning, while I was studying, I heard some noises in the kitchen. "Hmm... What is that mysterious ticking noise?" I thought. Just kidding, it was more like pecking and flapping but hats off to anyone who understood the reference. I looked at the kitchen and saw that the window was open. "Uh Oh," I thought. I slowly starting walking towards the kitchen, and as I entered, a bird flew out the kitchen window. So yes, there was a random bird in our house, but you know, that´s normal I guess .

Chapter 6: "Thank You": Today, as we were on the bus waiting to leave for another area (every P-day we go to another area to hang out with other missionaries and use the computers there), a lady asked us to hold some snacks so that she could advertise them to us. And as she was taking them from us after, she was like "Obrigada." "Obrigada." "Obrigada." And then she arrived to me. "Thank you." I guess it´s pretty obvious that I´m American .

I love you all, and I know that if you trust in God and have faith, He will help you. I know that times can be tough, but don´t let the enemy win the battle! Think about how amazing it is that you are a child of GOD. With this knowledge, we can do all things!

Elder Tolen

Finally a care package arrives!	Trying out the 3D printed tie brother Ben made!
Long awaited Kraft Mac & Cheese (with tuna)!	Elder Tolen's new YouTube subscribers
These monkeys are everywhere	Elder and Sister Costa (Seventy) visited the area
Somebody is goofing around in the back...	Area photo with Elder & Sister Costa + Pres. and Sis. Marsh
Elder Tolen and a ward member (Rafael)	Elders Tolen & Mileski with Rafael and a new member!

Week 14: Letting Go of the Boat

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

Chapter 1: Come Listen To A Prophet´s Voice: This week, President Nelson came to Brazil and I had the opportunity to hear him. On Friday, he spoke to all the missionaries, and gave us all a blessing of health and joy, and he also blessed our families with health. And yesterday, he spoke to all members in Brazil. We also had the opportunity to hear from Elder and Sister Cook, and from the area president and his wife. I testify that they are all called of God.

Chapter 2: The Prodigal Son Makes a Quick Visit: This week, we encountered Marvens again! We talked to him for a second and I asked him if he was going to stay this time or if he was going to go away again. He said he was staying and invited us to go to his house and talk to him the next day. But the next day, we found out that he left again.

Chapter 3: The Guest Of Honor Who Never Came To The Party: Yesterday, we had a baptism scheduled for one of our investigators named John. John is from Haiti and kind of speaks English and doesn't speak Portuguese. Anyway, we had him scheduled for baptism yesterday morning, but, he never showed up . He sent messages to one of our ward members that said something like, "It´s raining. A lot." After this, me and the member of the ward went on splits and drove to John´s house, but John wasn´t there.

Chapter 4: The Girl and the Mint: Yesterday, before the devotional started, a lady sitting behind me asked if I was saving the two seats next to me. I said "no," so she put her umbrella there to save two seats and said something like, "We have two more ladies coming." I was like cool, cool and assumed it would be like two more older ladies or something and I sat watching people enter the chapel and forgot about it. I watched an older lady walk in with a younger, very pretty lady. And of course those were the women who the seats were for. Even less shocking, the young, pretty one sat right next to me. I felt awkward, and it didn't help that my companion kept laughing at me and saying that he knew what I was thinking. So I just took my mints out of my bag and ate one, and started handing them out to the other missionaries, and I tried to ignore the pretty woman who HAD to sit by me! Any of you who have served a mission know exactly what I was feeling in that moment!

Chapter 5: The Book of Mormon: Recently, I have started to really study the Book of Mormon. And I love it! I am currently in 3rd Nephi. I testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and I know that as we study, we will see the Lord´s hand in our lives. I have a question for you all. What is your favorite scripture story and why? I´d love to read your responses!

Chapter 6: Walking On Water: So, last week, as I was talking to my family, I told them about how I´m still having a hard time adjusting and being away from them. My mom used an analogy that I really love. She told the story of when Peter stepped off the boat and walked on the water towards Jesus. My dad also pointed out that when Peter got scared, he didn't reach for the boat. He reached for the Lord. They told me to "let go of the boat." When I did that this week and looked towards the Lord for help, I walked on water! Me and my companion had more success! The days went by faster! I had more joy! 

My dear friends, I know how hard life can be. I know that sometimes we feel like we can´t do it. I know that sometimes we feel alone. But I can testify to you all, that if you let go of the boat and look towards the Lord, you can walk on water! You can experience miracles! You can see the Lords hand in your lives.  I love you all!

Elder Tolen

Feasting on Ice Cream!	Feasting on the Word of God!
This Cow Has Different Ideas about Feasting	Somewhere over the Rainbow!