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
|
|
||||
|
|
