Wow, what a week! I got a new companion and guess what: He is american! Elder Chase Thurgood is from Fort Collins, Colorado and he is a stud. He has only been out one more transfer than me, but he went to the Brazil MTC so his speaking is a lot better than mine. It is actually inspiring to have an American companion because when you feel like you can't learn this freaking language, you see him and know that you can! We don't speak a lot of English together because we both have to practice! But it is so funny because Elder Rocha is training an American from VA!! So now, there are 3 Americans and only one Brazilian :D But Rocha is now taking studying English seriously and he is making incredible progress already! All missionaries are blessed with the gift of tongues. In fact, there is a promise for ALL that if you read the Book of Mormon in a different language, you will pick up that language super fast. That is the gift of tongues! It is working for Rocha and it is working for me.
But other than that it is just work work work. It is a little scary to "lead" an area. Technically, Thurgood is the senior comp but I am the one who knows the area soooo at first there was quite a bit of wandering around in the favelas... SO FUN. We get asked if we are the police a ton by the kids and that is so funny!
Having 3 Americans here has actually rejuvinated the ward. They are all focusing on creating a branch in Perequê. So we are working even more there and also working on reactivations. We are promised by our Area Authority that for every reactivation, we will get one baptism. Missionary work is 2 sided but only has one word: Baptivisms. We need to baptivate here (baptize and reactivate)! I am so excited for this coming transfer!
By the way: Elder Thurgood's parents went to Sky View the same time as dad did and they even went to USU. Elder Thurgood is going to play football there after the mish. How cool is that?! So, do you guys know any Thurgoods? (Dad here: Actually, I do know some Thurgoods.....Ronnie and Carnan Thurgood....and yes, they are the parents of Elder Thurgood. Small world, isn't it)
I was really sad to say bye to Elder Lopes. He is a boss...
...obedience blesses everyone. It is something that is so simple. It breaks my heart when we have investigators that don't make the effort to get to church. It is so easy! One less-active is too ashamed to come because he smokes and he doesn't feel worthy enough to come back. We told him that is why he needs to come! Church strengthens us! It was the most spiritual lesson I have ever had. Thurgood said the same thing. He didn't come yesterday. It makes me want to cry. I know now what it really means to love the people you serve.
Austin: GET DAT PAPAH MONAY!!! Now, Don't blow it all on the ladies ;) That acoustic song is so awesome! I really love it too. Keep up the good work! Your success has been because of your awesome choices so don't quit now!
Cam - Nice to know that every thing is going great with you! You don't really have a lot to say huh? :P
Lexi - Good luck with the puppy sis :D I am super excited to get your bracelets! I know that the kids here with love them! Stay beautiful!
Have a great week!
Elder Johnson
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