Elder Tolen's Adventures in Campinas, Brazil: 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