Hello Everyone,

This week has been fine just a normal week, not much happened. We just taught people as usual. Today is transfers and my companion (Elder Perez) and I are both staying. This will be 3 transfers together in Viçosa. We have a lot planned and coming up for this transfer. Yesterday we were walking in the street and there was a baby goat and my comp didn't think I'd pick it up... So, I ran between the parents and picked it up. Sadly I didn't think about it and didn't get a picture of it. Have a good week 

 our district wrecking the dab ha!ha!

the fanciest house here in our city with their guard dog out in front 

our church building

Mom: So, is Leticia going to get married and baptized?  Maybe her asking the president to stay played a role in you staying…

Cam: yeah she is going to

Mom: How are your investigators and how are they doing?

Cam: Lettisia will get married and baptized this month and the same with Reinaldo then his granddaughter Ariele. Valmir and Edivania need to pray.

Mom: Renaldo  will get baptized? So his granddaughter is Ariele?  Who are Valmir and Edivania?

Cam: Valmir and Edivania are new ones from last week they have come to church the last 2 weeks.

Mom: Do they come to church on their own? Does Reinaldo raise his granddaughter Ariele or where are her parents in all this?

Mom: No, we invited them. The mom works in Maceio 15 days then has 3 days of so she stays with him and his wife and her kids.

Cam: We taught her but she lives in Maceio and the one is baptized and the rest are too young.

(Cameron's letter to his missionary friends)

Hey Guys,

I am in the Viçosa branch that is 2 hours from the main city. It is more of country living out of town or the city. The branch has about 50 that frequent so we are helping in-actives and helping others to accept to make it a ward. The branch is great. They all help a lot with the missionary work in the area. My companion (Elder Perez) and I from El Salvador opened the area and this is our third transfer together.  We have a lot planned for this transfer. Here in Brazil no one marries they just live together. So, that is a big struggle and it costs a lot to marry. We have 2 marriages lined up with 2 baptisms and 2 coming back to church. Which is great. We are working with another younger family to get them married. The husband is more willing and accepting. He wants to get married but the wife still is waiting for her answer. She says, “´somos nas maos de deus se ele quiser vamos casar”, when we ask if they want to get married. That means, “We are in the hands of god if he wants we will marry”. So we challenged here to pray and she did but says she hasn’t received her answer yet. We have only been teaching them for a week. The branch president went with us and talked to them encouraging them and testifying about marriage and an answer. The husband hasn’t prayed yet so we have been teaching the importance of prayer and an answer. They have both came to church for the past 2 weeks and have enjoyed it, which is great. They both have been reading o livro de mórmon and the scriptures we leave with them to read.  

Monday, April 17, 2017

Hello Everyone and Happy Easter,

I hope that you all had a great Easter and a remembered the true meaning of Easter and enjoyed time with family!! This week was good.  This last week it rained everyday for most of the day. That is great. It was really dry here, but now it is starting to turn greener. We had a good work week and have a good group of people that we are teaching and helping. We were able to get 7 investigators and 2 in-actives to church yesterday which was so great. We are really excited to help them and see where things go with them. Here in Brazil the week of Easter is Semana Santa or the holy week. On Thursday everything starts shutting down, all but the grocery stores. They have a tradition to only eat fish and white rice and no meat for the week to remember Christ's death. So a funny story about that: a member asked if in the US we have this celebration and I told him that we didn't.  He responded by saying, "só doido brazil tem esta tradição" which is, only stupid Brazil has this tradition. He went off because he doesn't like fish. It was hilarious. I guess you had to be there, haha.  We were able to spend time with a family in the branch and eat with them for Easter and it was great. There was great food and a great dessert so I loved it.  I would encourage you all to read in the Bible in the book of John 3:16 a great scripture I found for the past week.

 With all the rain the river isn't all the way dry, it has some water in it and is flowing.

Junior opening his mission call.

Mom: Hey Cam, I may not be able to e-mail you as much today. You are a third of the way done with your mission Cam.  That seems so crazy...

Cam:  Ya, I got your letter that said you may not be able to e-mail the whole time.  It sounds like you had an eventful week. 

Mom:  I surely did.  I am glad Mine and Annie's flat tire situation didn't turn out any worse than it could have. Tell me a lot about this week so I don't get as sad not being able to e-mail you very much.

Cam:  President and Sister Gomes came to our branch.  I am going to the doctor this week.  I talked to one over the phone.  It was an American one.  But they don't have what I need here to buy.  

Edinaldo was called as 2nd counselor of the branch.  He has only been a member for two years.  He is so great.  He always helps us.  I am so happy when he got called.  Junior got his call and he was called to Manaus, Brazil which is the Amazon.  It was a great meeting they had for him opening it.  Everyone said something about him.  I just said how great he will be and then talked to his parents because they were crying.  They aren't members and I just told them of all the blessings they will have and I ended up crying.  Everyone was crying talking about him.  Everyone loves him.  It was so great his parents could feel the spirit and cry. 

Mom:  Cameron that is so awesome!  You were meant to be there and you will do great work!  I love you so much...

Cam:  I love you mom and have a good time with the Elders.  Have a good week. I love you!

*Cameron told his dad that Leticia asked the mission president if they would be able to baptize her in May.  So, hopefully she gets married.  He asked for some money to be transferred to his account so he could help out Junior (some $ for his mission)

Monday, April 3, 2017

Hey Son,

Well, it was a pretty busy week.  The girls had a piano recital on Monday and then we just went and bought some ice cream after to eat.  Tuesday Annie had a dentist appointment after school and they cleaned Marge's house.  Then we drove over to Logan to HuHot to eat.  The last time we ate there was with you before Annie cheered at the USU field. Wednesday I had a Booster Club cheer meeting.  The girls went to young women's. The missionaries talked to the Laurels about being missionaries and getting referrals.  Thursday night we went to watch Cameron Earnest do Mr. Box Elder.  He was sooo funny! The curly haired kid that was in footloose won. Kilpatck or something. Yang was Mr. Congenitality.  We then went to open the mission call.  Cameron was like a little kid.  I've never seen him so excited or scared.  He is going to Milwaukee, Wisconsin mission which I'm sure he already e-mailed you.  He was happy.  I can't imagine being Amber and having two go.  Austin Bingham did his Friday night.  He is going to Mexico.  I can't remember the name but dad will. Saturday Halle had a volleyball tournament at Box Elder.  It was nice to have it here.  Grammy and Grandpa watched a few games.  Nicole's team played.  I hollered at her but she was busy and just waved.  A little while later she called and had ran to Wal-Mart and wondered if I needed a drink.  I said no but would she like to go get a drink or go to dinner after. She said yep!  I left and ran to Latisha's for Alyssa's shower. She is due in 2 weeks.  They sold their town home so next weekend they are moving in with Latisha.  Latisha was clearing out Chance's closet and he had written all the dogs names that had died. She said she sat and cried and sent Alyssa and Chad a picture.  They want to buy a house but until they find one, they will stay there.  Anyway, Nicole called me and said she would just grab Bug but Brett was there and she wanted to shower so Craynors brought her home.  So, Nicole forgot she had to give Bug's coach Jessica a ride home.  She went home called and said she was going to shower.  I suggested we go to Zupas in Ogden so she could help me get you some ties.  I went and got her in Mantua so she didn't have to leave her car at our house overnight because we took her up Ogden Canyon to a reception her dad's band was at when we were done.  SOOOO, we chatted driving and it was good to catch up with her.  Then, I bought the girls, her, and I dinner at Zupas.  Then, we went to Dillards and she helped Annie look for a dress for Purple and White.  It was nice to have her help.  Annie didn't find one but it was fun to try them on.  Then we went to the tie shop.  Nicole picked out two flowered ones and then one that isn't bright but she liked and wanted you to have.  I know you said paisley but they didn't really have bright paisley ones.  I haven't sent the package yet so Ill go look at one more store before I mail.  Annie tried dresses on at a few more places.  LEX is engaged.  It happened like Friday I think.  She is happy and Jenny said he treats her good and they get a long.  I am happy for her.  Bug, Annie, Mallorie, Marianne, and Ashtyn are headed to St. George for spring break.  We only get two days off.  We are going to stay in the villa and just play around.  Elder Heaton text me and had me set up "Whats App" for Neves.  Then Connor gave my number to Neves so he will be getting a hold of me.  Connor seems like a good kid.  I wish he could've finished serving his mission.  SO MORE NEWS... Kassie facetimed us at 9 am this morning and she is going on a mission.  She said ever since she has watched you, she has thought about it.  She still checked out Utah State because she was praying to see what was right.  She is very emotional and excited... She is about done with papers and is putting May as available date.  So many people leaving it will be like last summer.  It is so hard but such a good thing especially for all of your future families and lives.  Bayleigh Merrill's papers are in.  She said it may be a little longer because of conference.  Also they asked Grandpa John and Grammy to be over the geneaology.  They have to take a class and stuff.  I think grandpa will love it.  MARKS DAD DIED....  It is a relief but Mark is still sad. The missionaries asked me to cook them dinner and bring to them since dad wasn't going to be here. Then they showed up later with Tyler Cordner and jumped on the tramp.  They wanted to watch conference too but dad worked.  Gosh!  I can't wait to talk to you on Mother's Day!!!!  Should I make sure to have a skype again?  Will you go to the church again?  I LOVE you!!!  Let me know when you are here.

LOVE YOU,

MOM

Mom: What do you think of Cameron?  Send me a picture of the cute sister missionary so I can see what my grandchildren will look like.

Cam:  LOL, funny! I am excited for him.

Mom: I was serious. I am going to be the best grandma ever... they'll be beautiful regardless. Bayleigh will get her call this week or next. Jackson had to read something and then the stake president will submit his papers.

Cam: That is good for them.

Mom: What do you think of Kassie? She face timed us yesterday morning. Hollie was due yesterday and no baby...

Cam: Good for Kassie. So, what will they do with Hollie?

Mom: They will let her go a week over and then I guess start her if nothing has happened. I thought that's why we were getting FaceTime. Leon was a little in shock. He is proud of Kassie but he misses you a lot.  I think we all know now it is so stinking hard but can be done. I've noticed she's had her scriptures out every time she's stayed at our house. I talked with Elder Heaton last night. He has me hooked up to talk to Neves. He will give Neves my info to call me. When I watched a show after conference about helping refugees I cried and thought we need to help Neves get a better life.  I've almost made it a school year and only one more til your home. Have you talked to Bott? I'm Excited for him to be home. I'm proud of you. Who else is close to baptism? Is it normal to wait in between baptism and confirmation like you are on Alice?

Cam: No, I haven't talked to Bott in a while.  You confirm in sacrament and we didn't have sacrament Sunday.

Mom: Oh, that makes sense. Did you get a package from Tracey and them? Nicole said she sent a letter and you haven't said anything..,

Cam: I don't know it is probably in the office. I haven't got it yet. I will see this week.

Mom:  I told Nicole that. I can't remember when Tracey sent hers but it should be there. O.K., I'm sending ties, jersey, hats, Clorox sticks... anything else? What do you think of Austin going to Mexico?

Cam: Can you send the one that is like a deodorant stick?  I don't use the ones that are like pens.

Mom: Ok. That's good to know. What about Austin's call?

Cam: Good for him!

Mom: It will be good. Tell me about your investigators.

Cam:  We need new ones.

Mom: So, you don't have one for the 15th?

Cam:  Yes, if she gets married.

Mom:  Do you think they will? Do you like where your at? Are you helping your friend build his house? That would be a great service and experience.

Cam:  I don't know but I hope they will.  I do.  I have offered a lot.

Mom: Just go and start helping. What else? Who is your favorite family?

Cam: Edinaldo or Lucienes family. I have to go mom.  I love you.

Mom: I love you son...  

Monday, April 10, 2017

Mom: Hey Bubba... Well, I sent your package Wednesday.  I sent some Girl Scout Cookies (dad actually got), Cadbury Eggs, 3 hats, Jazz jersey, Spray n Wash stick, tie tac, a bunch of ties...  Anyway I hope you feel the LOVE from it not the tangible items.  

We only had 3 days of school last week due to Spring Break.  So, Thursday morning Annie, Halle, Mallorie, Ashtyn, and I went to Farmington Station shopping.  Then Marianne came and met us at the Provo Mall as soon as she had the barn decorated for a wedding. We stopped at Brenda's to leave my car and drop off a raspberry start.  

When we were in St. George we stayed actually at Toquerville.  It is their grandma's trailer. It is about a thirty minute drive in to St. George. 

While we were down south we went to Zion's and took a hike, went to the Dixie Rock, went to Sand Hollow and the girls cliff jumped.  It was pretty fun.  Marianne was very nice to be our tour guide and take us around to all the places and let us stay in their trailer.  Kendra had Annie, Jaiden, and Mal spend one night and they went to some caves and swimming at Jaiden's hotel pool.  Jackson Earnest, Zito, and Tate Braegger went to the tunnel/caves with them. Jaiden let Halle and Ashtyn come swim with them on Saturday night at her hotel.  She is such a cute and nice girl. We met Kate at Kneader's Restaurant and she is still goofy as ever.  Kassie had her interview with her stake president!  I think Jackson did today too... We stopped at Britton and Hayley's house and said hi to them. Hayley is getting a cute belly.

So I was right.  Grandpa is going to become a high priest!!!!  In May is their stake conference and they will say his name then.  I am just so happy to have my parents doing what they are doing.  I wish and hope that for all my family and friends. Mark is glad his dad isn't in pain but Val said it has been pretty tough for him.  I took him up some cheesecake and then went in with Grammy and Marti to get a plant thing for their house. I was in St. George and didn't get to the viewing but dad went.

Friday/Saturday at like 1:00 Holly had her baby.  Evelyn Ray Shepherd.  Evelyn is after  her Grandma Christensen and Ray is after Cody's grandpa.  We stopped on our way home and saw her.  She is so darling.  I didn't want to set her down.  

Taylor Baton got called to the Phillipines.  The same mission as Brody Wells.  Aimee said Brody asks if you're doing better all the time and that he prays for you.  They are such a nice family.  

I talked to Neves.  I downloaded the Whats App and on the way to St. George a little ding came.  It was Neves texting me through this app.  He is going to try to see if he can do sports first.  I sent him some school information he didn't have.  He cracks me up.  He calls me mom and it is just funny what he says.

Do you know it is going to be a year since you got your mission call.  Isn't that AWESOME?! I am sooo excited for May 14th.  Let me know what they tell you about skyping or face-timing that day so I can do what I need to.

Remember to send a picture of the cute sister that is from Sao Paulo for us to look at.  What is her name again?

I love you and make sure to tell me how your week was, what investigators, how your trip to Maceio was, how your meeting was.  

I LOVE you more than you know and pray for you always.

Cam: I am here.  How was St. George?

Mom: It was really fun.  It was nice to make Kendra happier.  I miss you.  How are you? What did you do this week?

Cam: We had a zone conference in Maceio so I stayed the night then had lunch with the bishop in Colina Ward.  His daughter-in-law sent pictures to my instagram and someone replied.

Mom: Ya, it was Annie.  We were all in the car and saw them.  How was Maceio?  Did you see anyone else? Where did you eat lunch?  What was that bishops name again?

Cam: His name is Bishop Davvi. Yeah, I saw Carla and them. It was fun to see my favorite kids.

Mom: Was Carla and the boys happy to see you?  I love when people send a picture or instagram.  It is better than Christmas.  The missionaries are getting transfers and I think they will move.  Elder Iloa is so cute and I will miss him.  I had asparagus and he said, "you don't eat that, it's just a decoration."  He was dead serious. Ha! The one missionary that did splits with Heslop the other night knew Kort.  Tyler goes with them like 15 hours a week! Aren't you glad that the goodbye with Carla and the boys was see you later...  I can't wait to see you later and it is closer and closer.  

Cam:  Good for Tyler.  The boys were really excited.  

Mom: Dad and I sure miss you. We love you and our family.  Dad is busy with the cows and misses your help. The girls have done a great job filliing in but I know he misses those moments and time he spends with you too. Did you get the pictures of cows I sent you?

Cam: Yes I did. I miss dad a lot. I forgot to tell you Sister Gomes told me to take laxatives so I am on laxatives for the past couple days.  It helped for the first few days but not so much now.

Mom:  Drink a lot of cranberry or grape juice too.  Also of course water!  Your dad misses you.  So does your mom!!!!!!!!!!!

Cam:  I miss you too. I do drink a ton of water already. 

Mom: I know and thank you. Did you get anywhere with investigators or any new ones? Macie got in a wreck but everyone is O.K.


Cam:  I am glad she is O.K.  I knocked on a door and was able to teach Cicero that is 19. The problem is he likes to play soccer on Sundays.

Mom:  Keep the faith and prayers.  I LOVE you more than you know Cam!  Thanks for choosing me to be your mom.  I hope I can be the mom you deserve and please know I will do anything to help and support you.

Cam:  I love you.  Have a good week mom and thanks for all you do.

Mom:  I love you Bubba! Remember I pray for you always.

Hello Everyone,

This week was good. We had zone conference in the big city of Maceio.  So we left the night before to stay at a house closer.  I went and visited some of the old families from my first ward which was great. We got to eat with the bishop and talk.  The rest of the week we just worked. Things are slowly coming along here in Viçosa. I hope you have a good week and a good Easter and remember the meaning of Easter.
  

photos

with missionaries at the zone conference

my favorite little boys from my first area

and above part of my area ​ 

March 26, 2017


Mom:  I am excited to talk to you today. Caleb Jensen got his mission call to Spain. Cameron Earnest should get his this week.  Amber put the map up and started putting up people's guesses of where they thought he was going.  I put Maceio, Brazil. Dad told them to put Texas for you.

Cam:  Hi mom, I am here.  I am excited for Cameron to get his mission call too!  That's awesome for Caleb.  What mission is he going to?

Mom:  I can't remember but ask dad.  He will be able to tell you.  How are your investigators doing?

Cam:  They are fine.

Mom:  What does fine mean? Do they want to progress?

Cam:  Some of them do.  We should have a baptism on Saturday.

Mom: Really, who is it?

Cam:  Her name is Alice.  She is 15.

Mom:  That is so awesome.  We will pray for you, your companion, and Alice! Are you excited for conference?  Where are you going to watch it?

Cam:  We watch it in the church and the ward members come there to watch it too.

Mom:  Halle, Sammie, Grammy, Grandma Marge and I went to the Women's Conference. Grandpa John served the sacrament yesterday.

Cam:  That sounds fun and good for grandpa.

Mom:  Grandpa Leon went to the pound and got a pregnant cat and brought it home.  He told Marge the pound guy said that she would have it in a few days.  Grandpa didn't believe him but like two days after getting her she started to have babies on Grandma's swing.  He wanted it and the babies out at the farm.  But, he took it out there and just told Marge she wouldn't survive at the farm.  He can be a softy!

Cam:  Oh grandpa!  How was Grandma Marge with that?

Mom:  I think she is just use to him.  Dad and Annie had to load a cow and go to the vet Saturday.  It gave birth to twins babies at the vet and they died.  They were dead before she gave birth.  Annie had a good lesson Saturday.  They started an IV on a goat.  They also did a semen sample on a bull.

Cam: When you send the next package will you send me some bright ties? Maybe like blue gray, or coral yellow. They have some in the tie shop in the mall.

Mom:  OK,  let me know if Perez needs anything.  How are your clothes and garments holding up? So do you want Clorox sticks again?

Cam:  They are OK and if you can just send Perez one of my Jazz shirts, that's all he wants. I have some Clorox sticks but you better send some just to be safe. After this you don't need to send a ton of packages, I am really OK.

Mom:  OK,  a Jazz shirt it is.  Marge sent a TON of candy today.  I figured I would send one now, summer, birthday, and Christmas. Dad and I both talked to Neves.

Cam:  What did Neves have to say?  I did get an e-mail from him telling me he was staying at a friends.  What else did he have to say?

Mom:  He said he had hired someone to help him with his visa.  He didn't know how to say it in English but it sounds like a lawyer to me.  He said he is working on his knee and that he didn't need surgery at this point if  he does what he is supposed to.  He told me not to worry and that he love us (his family)... Ha! How is Nicole? Did you know that Nicole quit her first job at the health care home.  I guess she was a cook...  She is helping someone out that is 85, and needs help to get around etc. You probably knew that.  We have a volleyball tournament here in Brigham this week.  I am going to see if she wants to go out to lunch.  The girls have a piano recital tonight.  Do you realize we get to talk again on the 14th of May?  Bug has put it on the wipe board on the fridge.  The elders are coming to young women's Wednesday.  They asked Annie to share what blessings come from having a missionary.  

Cam: I'm glad Neves is getting some help.  I have talked to Nicole and she said she likes this job a lot more! Yeah!!! take her to lunch...

Mom: So, do you talk to Nicole as more than friends?  You haven't answered when I have asked.  That's OK.  You know I lover her and would taker her but just remember to focus on the work and if it's meant to be it will be.   I will keep in contact with her because I love you and her both. What are you guys doing today?  It's raining here again.  Annie drives bobby around everywhere. She took my car to Zupas with all the to be junior cheerleaders.You are looking more like a man than a little boy, are you gaining weight?

Cam: I think I am the same because the clothes seem to still fit the same.  I love you, have a good week, talk to you soon, love you!

Mom: I love you son!  Have a great week!

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you all had a great week.  This week was good but normal.  We spent it working, teaching, and sweating to death.  We are planning on a baptism this week. Her name is Alice and she is 15.  If everything goes as planned we will baptize her Saturday.  This Saturday and Sunday we have the opportunity to hear from prophets and apostles of God. I encourage all of you to watch or listen. I promise that they will talk about things that we can all do to help ourselves.

photos 

This is my good friend Edinaldo a member of the church. He is building his house. His family is the best. 

This is a picture of the street from a member's house.