Tuesday, November 15, 2016
November 14, 2016
My e-mail was to catch Cameron up on what is happening with everyone. I try to take a lot of pictures through the week because that's what he always asks for... It was Alan Bown's farewell yesterday, Bryant Tingey got lost in Italy, filled him in on missionary friends, and the other friends I've talked to or seen. It is Val's 50th on the 21st and we went to Maddox to celebrate. Hadlee had drawn him some pictures that he will get in the mail and his dad is loving teaching primary (I think 😂!)
I also count by weeks to mark off months of his mission and the 15th of November is twelve weeks. That's 3 months to me. He said it isn't until the 22nd but I like my system better 😜!
E-mailing between us:
Cameron: (he wrote this to everyone) This week was a tough week but things will get better. Brazil is good and just hot as can be. We don't have any investigators that are progressing. Hopefully this week we can find some new ones and have some progress. Tomorrow is a holiday like the 4th of July. The church is having a bar-b-que and stuff to celebrate. It should be pretty fun!
*Most of today's conversation was trying to help Cameron uncover his strength, courage, and faith that the adversary is working on. He has been homesick all a long but it was different today. I had known all week that something was off. I couldn't put my finger on it but my mother's instinct and the Holy Ghost had me praying more than usual (I didn't think that was possible). I'm thankful Heavenly Father doesn't have overage charges...
Mom: I told Elder Heaton's dad on Facebook that his son had made you brownies for your birthday. He said they had sent the mix to him a few months prior and they were happy to hear that he had gifted them to you. I am so excited for you to get your Christmas package. It is full of LOVE from a lot of people! There are enough things for you to gift or share. I sent Elder Neves his own. Don't let any of the a Elders go without. We love them all for loving and serving The Lord with you!
Cameron, remember obedience brings safety. I need you safe! Heavenly Father will be with you if you do what you're supposed to do. I can't imagine how hard it is to be a missionary and I know you have a good head on your shoulders and know the right things. Pray, read your scriptures, write in your journal and stay close to those things that bring you peace. I will wake up at 4:00am worrying about you and everything is intensified during my sleeping hours. I go in your room so I don't wake dad and read the scriptures. It calms me, diverts my mind, and makes me feel close to you. The point is when one is struggling it is the most important time to stay on the right path and do those things that keep you close to Heavenly Father. We are so blessed to have these things. Another reason for you to be sharing the gospel. There are people who are living life without these promises and blessings. How great is it that you can give them this love and hope!?
I want you to write 5 positive things in your journal and read them once a day, if not more. Focus on these. I have such a strong testimony Cameron and I am telling you that you need to be there. Those Brazilians need you! It may get harder before it's easier. 6 months! Remember what Shad and Tyson said . We are halfway there. Two years will pass regardless but these two years will be some of the most significant in your life. You future wife and kids are going to gain from this sacrifice as well as yourself, our family (major changes already), and the people that are waiting for your message. It's hard! But worth it! I LOVE you and you can do hard things!
Cameron: I Love you so much mom. I know I can do hard things. Thanks for finding a way to e-mail me at school. I know it's hard. Thank you for all you do for me and our family. I've got to go, love you and have a good week. Love you mom!
Mom:I love you most!!!
My e-mail was to catch Cameron up on what is happening with everyone. I try to take a lot of pictures through the week because that's what he always asks for... It was Alan Bown's farewell yesterday, Bryant Tingey got lost in Italy, filled him in on missionary friends, and the other friends I've talked to or seen. It is Val's 50th on the 21st and we went to Maddox to celebrate. Hadlee had drawn him some pictures that he will get in the mail and his dad is loving teaching primary (I think 😂!)
I also count by weeks to mark off months of his mission and the 15th of November is twelve weeks. That's 3 months to me. He said it isn't until the 22nd but I like my system better 😜!
E-mailing between us:
Cameron: (he wrote this to everyone) This week was a tough week but things will get better. Brazil is good and just hot as can be. We don't have any investigators that are progressing. Hopefully this week we can find some new ones and have some progress. Tomorrow is a holiday like the 4th of July. The church is having a bar-b-que and stuff to celebrate. It should be pretty fun!
*Most of today's conversation was trying to help Cameron uncover his strength, courage, and faith that the adversary is working on. He has been homesick all a long but it was different today. I had known all week that something was off. I couldn't put my finger on it but my mother's instinct and the Holy Ghost had me praying more than usual (I didn't think that was possible). I'm thankful Heavenly Father doesn't have overage charges...
Mom: I told Elder Heaton's dad on Facebook that his son had made you brownies for your birthday. He said they had sent the mix to him a few months prior and they were happy to hear that he had gifted them to you. I am so excited for you to get your Christmas package. It is full of LOVE from a lot of people! There are enough things for you to gift or share. I sent Elder Neves his own. Don't let any of the a Elders go without. We love them all for loving and serving The Lord with you!
Cameron, remember obedience brings safety. I need you safe! Heavenly Father will be with you if you do what you're supposed to do. I can't imagine how hard it is to be a missionary and I know you have a good head on your shoulders and know the right things. Pray, read your scriptures, write in your journal and stay close to those things that bring you peace. I will wake up at 4:00am worrying about you and everything is intensified during my sleeping hours. I go in your room so I don't wake dad and read the scriptures. It calms me, diverts my mind, and makes me feel close to you. The point is when one is struggling it is the most important time to stay on the right path and do those things that keep you close to Heavenly Father. We are so blessed to have these things. Another reason for you to be sharing the gospel. There are people who are living life without these promises and blessings. How great is it that you can give them this love and hope!?
I want you to write 5 positive things in your journal and read them once a day, if not more. Focus on these. I have such a strong testimony Cameron and I am telling you that you need to be there. Those Brazilians need you! It may get harder before it's easier. 6 months! Remember what Shad and Tyson said . We are halfway there. Two years will pass regardless but these two years will be some of the most significant in your life. You future wife and kids are going to gain from this sacrifice as well as yourself, our family (major changes already), and the people that are waiting for your message. It's hard! But worth it! I LOVE you and you can do hard things!
Cameron: I Love you so much mom. I know I can do hard things. Thanks for finding a way to e-mail me at school. I know it's hard. Thank you for all you do for me and our family. I've got to go, love you and have a good week. Love you mom!
Mom:I love you most!!!
Thursday, November 10, 2016
November 7th, 2016
Yesterday was Elder Jensen's birthday. It was hard to have him in Brazil. They still had his name in the ward announcements and Halle took a picture of it to send to him. I had dinner along with cake and ice cream at my house with both sets of grandparents. I had everyone make a Happy Birthday sign and I took their picture with it to send today. I also videoed all of them singing Happy Birthday to him and I sent it.
We set our clocks back Saturday night so now Cameron is 4 hours ahead of us. So, that will be sorta of nice. I can be home and e-mail him for awhile before going to work.
e-mail sent 11/5/16
Bubba,
It's Friday and I get to have the day off and go to temple with Bailey. Latisha and Joanna and I are going together. I know you won't get this til Monday but I just miss you and wanted to talk to you. I hope you have a Happy Birthday! I love you and 19 years ago my life changed and my name became mom. The best thing ever (besides marrying your dad)! You have been my buddy for life! I got through dad being gone to the academy, miscarriages, deaths of grandparents, hurt heart all with your support and love! You make me proud and as much as I ache for you I love that you are where you're at. Your life will forever be impacted and the gospel will be so much more meaningful to you and your family. I love those people in the Colina Ward that love you and I can see you genuinely love them! I friended Karla on Instagram. Here children are beautiful! I'll think of you today in the temple as I do every second of everyday! Ben Brotherson got called to Brazil somewhere. I have his little brother. His visa didn't come and he was supposed to leave to São Paulo on Halloween. He is in Provo. Yesterday Bryce cried because he missed his brother. I went to console him and cried too❗️I know imagine that... I just had to tell him it is hard and we can do hard things but that it was ok to miss him and cry... Box Elder won and are at Maple something by Spanish Fork today. Annie misses half a day. The volleyball team went on too so she cheers for them tomorrow. Bummer she doesn't get to go to the wedding. I'm sending your package to Arizona this week. This is the one LDS Express delivers and you will get for sure. If you think of anything else you want in it need tell me. Let me know if and when you get any of the other packages. Btw, I'm still having a family b-day party for you. I have to do the mom thing still. I'm thinking if you and love you son!
Love,
Mom
emails on 11/7/16
Cameron: Hello mom I have a quick question before we start e-mailing. In my Christmas package will you send brown shoe polish, some 1 dollar bills, and Elder Neves wants a beanie like the kids wear these days with the ball on top.
Mom: Of course I will! Let me know if you think of anything else you want or need. I am sending the gifts you asked for to give to Karla and her family. Make sure I am not missing anyone. I have sent some extra little things like Pez candy dispensers and Grandma Marge sent some CTR rings for you to give to the children.
Karla's parents=watches=2
Karla =1
Twins=football=2
Caeou=2
7 gifts or am I missing someone?
So, how was your birthday? Did you get our birthday wishes we sent you in my e-mail? We had a celebration for your birthday. You were missed and we tried to still do what we would normally do. I hope you feel the love from the pictures and e-mail I sent.
Cameron:My birthday was good! Elder Heaton made me brownies.
Mom: Brother Heaton?! That's the one I that his dad told me to tell you to tell him hi on Facebook!!! Where is he from again? How much longer does he have? Did you see our celebration for you? How were you on your birthday? I tried to send the video and pictures so you felt our love! Bore my testimony for you too.
Cameron:He is from Riverton, Utah. That is where Chandler (Colton's girlfriend) is from. He has 8 months left. I like him a lot him and I are good friends. I did get your e-mail and pictures. Thank you mom. It helped a lot. I did ok and I yeah I got the video too. Thank you. I am glad you guys celebrated because I didn't so I'm glad someone did.
Mom: See? You told me you were ok... You can say your homesick or sad if you need to. I know you've made a commitment and know that's where you belong. I am glad the e-mail helped you. Where did you eat yesterday? Who are you teaching now? Any baptisms? Mark is having Val a 50th b-day party this Saturday. Then the 19th we are going to watch JD play ball. Logan's farewell is the 20th too. His collar bone is healing. Latisha said you talked to Chance ❗️❗️❗️
Cameron: Yes we did have a baptism. I sent pictures of it to you. That all sounds like fun and yes I did talk with chance. It was good to talk to him.
Mom:What's the lady's name you baptized? Is that her husband and kids? That's so cool to see that! I love it Cam!!!! Have you got packages or letters?
Cameron:Her name is Valquiria. That is her boyfriend in the picture and his kids. He is a member already. I got packages from both grandparents and some letters too.
Mom:I'm sooo glad you got those packages and especially for your b-day! I wonder where my two packages are?! Hopefully you get them sometime! When do you change companions?
Cameron:When did you send the packages? Transfers are next week but Neves and I will stay together cause he is my trainer for 2 transfers.
Mom:One of the packages I sent before both grandmas. The other one at the same time they did. I hope you get them! I send peanut butter and Swedish Fish!!! I'm excited you'll get the one I am preparing right now for sure! Ok since you will still be with him I'll put Neves name on the gifts. I had left blank just in case. You never told me where you ate yesterday.
Cameron: I ate at some members' house. So you will get Neves a Beanie?
Mom: Of course I will. Were the members nice? Did they know it was your b-day? How far are you from the mission home and how do they get the things to you?
Cameron: Yeah the members are nice. Some of the members knew it was my birthday. I am like 20 minutes from the mission home. The zone leaders get them for us.
Mom: Maybe you'll get my package soon. What's been your favorite thing about your mission?
Cam: My favorite thing is getting to meet new people and teach them.
Yesterday was Elder Jensen's birthday. It was hard to have him in Brazil. They still had his name in the ward announcements and Halle took a picture of it to send to him. I had dinner along with cake and ice cream at my house with both sets of grandparents. I had everyone make a Happy Birthday sign and I took their picture with it to send today. I also videoed all of them singing Happy Birthday to him and I sent it.
We set our clocks back Saturday night so now Cameron is 4 hours ahead of us. So, that will be sorta of nice. I can be home and e-mail him for awhile before going to work.
e-mail sent 11/5/16
Bubba,
It's Friday and I get to have the day off and go to temple with Bailey. Latisha and Joanna and I are going together. I know you won't get this til Monday but I just miss you and wanted to talk to you. I hope you have a Happy Birthday! I love you and 19 years ago my life changed and my name became mom. The best thing ever (besides marrying your dad)! You have been my buddy for life! I got through dad being gone to the academy, miscarriages, deaths of grandparents, hurt heart all with your support and love! You make me proud and as much as I ache for you I love that you are where you're at. Your life will forever be impacted and the gospel will be so much more meaningful to you and your family. I love those people in the Colina Ward that love you and I can see you genuinely love them! I friended Karla on Instagram. Here children are beautiful! I'll think of you today in the temple as I do every second of everyday! Ben Brotherson got called to Brazil somewhere. I have his little brother. His visa didn't come and he was supposed to leave to São Paulo on Halloween. He is in Provo. Yesterday Bryce cried because he missed his brother. I went to console him and cried too❗️I know imagine that... I just had to tell him it is hard and we can do hard things but that it was ok to miss him and cry... Box Elder won and are at Maple something by Spanish Fork today. Annie misses half a day. The volleyball team went on too so she cheers for them tomorrow. Bummer she doesn't get to go to the wedding. I'm sending your package to Arizona this week. This is the one LDS Express delivers and you will get for sure. If you think of anything else you want in it need tell me. Let me know if and when you get any of the other packages. Btw, I'm still having a family b-day party for you. I have to do the mom thing still. I'm thinking if you and love you son!
Love,
Mom
emails on 11/7/16
Cameron: Hello mom I have a quick question before we start e-mailing. In my Christmas package will you send brown shoe polish, some 1 dollar bills, and Elder Neves wants a beanie like the kids wear these days with the ball on top.
Mom: Of course I will! Let me know if you think of anything else you want or need. I am sending the gifts you asked for to give to Karla and her family. Make sure I am not missing anyone. I have sent some extra little things like Pez candy dispensers and Grandma Marge sent some CTR rings for you to give to the children.
Karla's parents=watches=2
Karla =1
Twins=football=2
Caeou=2
7 gifts or am I missing someone?
So, how was your birthday? Did you get our birthday wishes we sent you in my e-mail? We had a celebration for your birthday. You were missed and we tried to still do what we would normally do. I hope you feel the love from the pictures and e-mail I sent.
Cameron:My birthday was good! Elder Heaton made me brownies.
Cameron:He is from Riverton, Utah. That is where Chandler (Colton's girlfriend) is from. He has 8 months left. I like him a lot him and I are good friends. I did get your e-mail and pictures. Thank you mom. It helped a lot. I did ok and I yeah I got the video too. Thank you. I am glad you guys celebrated because I didn't so I'm glad someone did.
Mom: See? You told me you were ok... You can say your homesick or sad if you need to. I know you've made a commitment and know that's where you belong. I am glad the e-mail helped you. Where did you eat yesterday? Who are you teaching now? Any baptisms? Mark is having Val a 50th b-day party this Saturday. Then the 19th we are going to watch JD play ball. Logan's farewell is the 20th too. His collar bone is healing. Latisha said you talked to Chance ❗️❗️❗️
Cameron: Yes we did have a baptism. I sent pictures of it to you. That all sounds like fun and yes I did talk with chance. It was good to talk to him.
Mom:What's the lady's name you baptized? Is that her husband and kids? That's so cool to see that! I love it Cam!!!! Have you got packages or letters?
Cameron:Her name is Valquiria. That is her boyfriend in the picture and his kids. He is a member already. I got packages from both grandparents and some letters too.
Mom:I'm sooo glad you got those packages and especially for your b-day! I wonder where my two packages are?! Hopefully you get them sometime! When do you change companions?
Cameron:When did you send the packages? Transfers are next week but Neves and I will stay together cause he is my trainer for 2 transfers.
Mom:One of the packages I sent before both grandmas. The other one at the same time they did. I hope you get them! I send peanut butter and Swedish Fish!!! I'm excited you'll get the one I am preparing right now for sure! Ok since you will still be with him I'll put Neves name on the gifts. I had left blank just in case. You never told me where you ate yesterday.
Cameron: I ate at some members' house. So you will get Neves a Beanie?
Mom: Of course I will. Were the members nice? Did they know it was your b-day? How far are you from the mission home and how do they get the things to you?
Cameron: Yeah the members are nice. Some of the members knew it was my birthday. I am like 20 minutes from the mission home. The zone leaders get them for us.
Mom: Maybe you'll get my package soon. What's been your favorite thing about your mission?
Cam: My favorite thing is getting to meet new people and teach them.
Mom:How is the language? Are you doing better?
Cam:I'm doing better, I think
Mom: Do you speak English to anyone?
Cam:I can talk to Neves and some other people in English. There is a guy I met that is an English teacher and I have talked to him a little but he is in another ward. I met another guy who knows James Olsen and he knows English too.
Mom: What's the guy's name that knows James Olsen?
Cameron: Cristiano
Mom: Cristiano what? I just want to tell Marci Olsen his name. What's wrong with Elder Neves and his knee? When he talked to the president about working in the office until it was time to go home he just said he could go home early? How is your president? He's on my poop list. Ha! Crazy mom here though. I can stand Neves some lotion or something for his knee if I need to. How's your health?
Cam: I don't know his last name. Neves knee just hurts and it's hard for him to walk, He wanted to go to the office to finish his mission but President just said no you cant do that but you can go home. We are all mad with President. I don't like him or his wife at all. They don't do anything to help us like they said they would. Neves already has lotion for his knee.
Mom: I think they need to be done. I didn't hear you got to Maceio from Sao Paulo safe. So I called and just get yep he's here. So then I find an e-mail address and send a nice e-mail and just get a picture back no words. I felt like you were being held for ransom. Nicole's president called Lori and sent pictures. All the other presidents I've heard at least send an e-mail.Is it in January when they get replaced? How long have they been there? Do they try and be nice? Is sister Gomez compassionate at all?
Cameron: The president's wife isn't compassionate. I thought shed be nice but she isn't. I think it may be June when they get replaced but I don't know for sure.
Mom:Not until June? I'm going to really be a mama bear... What ward do you go to every week? Is there just one or how many? What's the guy's name in the bishopric that you like? How many members are there?
Cameron: I just go to the Colina Ward. The guy in the bishopric that I am real close to is Allisoon.
Members that are like active are 75.
Mom: Do visit any of the inactives?
Cameron: Yeah, we try to visit them as much as we can.
Mom: Do you know I love you and I'm so proud of you?
Cameron: Yes, I do know. I love you! I gotta go now. I love you! Have a good week and I will talk to you soon.
Mom: Dang, I hate this part. Talk to you soon, love you!
CAMERON'S GROUP E-MAIL HE SENT:
Hello everyone, another week. This week was good. We had a baptism of Valquiria and she was the best investigator. She quite coffe and was good with everything we taught. She asked me to baptize her and it was such an awesome experience. The rest of our investigators aren't really progressing. Because all the rest have parents that won't let them be baptized so we are stuck. But we still teach them and pray that the parents will let them be baptized. Hope you all have a good week!!!
Monday, October 31, 2016
October 31, 2016
The best Halloween morning ever. Ok, maybe when he was little and excited about his costumes but to see his e-mail this morning as I pulled into school made my heart pretty full and put a smile on my face.
Cameron: Hey mom! How are you? Happy Halloween!!! This week was good. We had a bar-b-que with Carla and her family, It was really fun! Then yesterday was was the mom's birthday. They invited us over for cake and to celebrate with them. It was a lot of fun! OH YA and yesterday during the sacrament hymn a member of the bishopric came down off the stand an asked me if I could talk. Here I thought he and I were friends, just kidding we are and I really like him. I was sooo nervous. I didn't have anything prepared and to not know Portuguese very well... I was also the first speaker. I am so excited about Nicole. When does she leave?
Mom: I know he wouldn't have asked you to speak unless he thought you were capable. I'm sure you did great and be thankful for the gift of tongues. Cameron, remember I packed a bunch of cards and letters for you. There is one for Halloween. Do they celebrate Halloween there? I dressed up for school as Rafael the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. You mentioned it rained a lot. Do you need a better jacket? The Craynors are crazy and buzy getting ready for the wedding in the barn. I'm not a lot of help but this time of year with conferences etc. is hard for me to stay afloat. I will take lots of pictures to send you. I told Cameron Green you asked how he was. I gave the mission homes address so anyone could write you. Nicole Leaves tomorrow! Keep her in your prayers.
Cameron:They don't really celebrate Halloween here. Rafael? That sounds fun! I don't think we will do much today except get caught up on things. I just use my umbrella. It is way too hot for a jacket. I am excited for Nicole and I am glad things can and will work out for her. Who is the new missionary there and what is he like?
Mom: I can't remember the new missionary's name but he is so funny. He hasn't been a member too long. He had lived in a lot of places. He went to Colorado to school and was working as a CNA while trying to get his EMT. He had a steady girlfriend and his whole world came crashing down. He never really said how or why. He worked graves with a 65 year old lady that was a non-active member of the church. She could tell he was lost and gave him bits and pieces here and there. One night she asked if he would want to come over the next day and talk to her brother, who was an Elder Quorum's President. So, this Elder agreed. When he went there were missionaries there. They explained what the do and he thought what dummies would do this for two years of there life. He said look at me now, I am one of those dummies. But, he was baptized. He said he was living of the world not in the world. He is sooo much happier. He did suggest that missionaries be more specific on teachings like prayer and fasting. He was a picture of a girl praying, kneeling beside her bed and a Book of Mormon sitting there. He thought that is how you had to pray. He didn't know until in the MTC that you can pray anywhere. He thought when they said no water when fasting, that meant no brushing teeth or showering! Oh, he is hilarious but sure has a testimony of the gospel. He was sooo awesome to hear. He had no idea what it was like to live with Christ being the center of all things and how this would bring such joy and purpose to his life. Pretty Awesome!!! I'll find out his name and how old he is. He has been out for like 13 months.
What are the bar-b-ques like in Brazil? What about family birthdays, are they like ours? Have you got any of my packages yet? I let Cuda out with dad home but hiding inside. I knew he would be ok and that dad would help if he needed to. I would never do it without dad being home.
Cameron: They have bar-b-que chicken, sausage, and of course rice and beans at their cookouts. There are other things that we don't have in the U.S. too. They have cake and the family get together like we do. Families are everything! I haven't received any of your packages yet... I hope they come because I want to give the footballs I asked for to the kids. I am not going to tell them because I don't want to get their hopes up. That is pretty brave you would let Cuda out!
Mom: I am sending you one through LDS Express that you will for sure get. So, is there something you want or need? This is a package you will for sure get. I was wondering if you could write a little each day or something and take a picture of it so I can know a little bit more about your week. I love you!
Cameron: I love you too mom! I will do something more to tell you about my week. I sent you some pictures. The one that has the shirt with his name is Fernando and we are teaching him. His parents are divorced and his dad won't let him be baptized. I would like if you could get me somethings to give Carla and her family. Not big or expensive. The mom of Carla really wants a U.S. watch and something for her husband, Then Carla is 24, Davi is 19 likes soccer, the twins are like 12 and they can have a football and then Caua is 5 years old. I would like a basketball to play with all the kids with. Send any balls and a pump if you can! If you can send me some of my old Box Elder BEES shirts too. Thanks mom!
Mom: Annie used you as an example yesterday to give an example of putting others first. We ask you what you want and you tell us floss and deodorant for companions/friends that want it. Balls and etc. that you think the families would like. I am so proud of you and I am proud of the young man that you are! I have sent double on all the things I have sent you. I don't write your companion's name so if it changes it's ok. I haven't gone over board... It's more of a package of LOVE!
So, in addition to the e-mail I sent earlier... It has rained a lot! It is still pretty warm like September though. There was snow up where dad hunted in the mountains but down here it really has been warm. The rain comes hard but doesn't last. Charlie finds everything and anything to play fetch with. Grandma Marge still works way too much but she gets tired of sitting home and Grandpa has the farm and mortuary. Your grandparents are very proud and it's fun to hear them brag or ask questions about you! Annie's phone screen shattered today and she can't use it. Your sisters love you and are just as excited to hear from you and e-mail you as we are!
Cameron's e-mail to everyone:
The best Halloween morning ever. Ok, maybe when he was little and excited about his costumes but to see his e-mail this morning as I pulled into school made my heart pretty full and put a smile on my face.
Cameron: Hey mom! How are you? Happy Halloween!!! This week was good. We had a bar-b-que with Carla and her family, It was really fun! Then yesterday was was the mom's birthday. They invited us over for cake and to celebrate with them. It was a lot of fun! OH YA and yesterday during the sacrament hymn a member of the bishopric came down off the stand an asked me if I could talk. Here I thought he and I were friends, just kidding we are and I really like him. I was sooo nervous. I didn't have anything prepared and to not know Portuguese very well... I was also the first speaker. I am so excited about Nicole. When does she leave?
Mom: I know he wouldn't have asked you to speak unless he thought you were capable. I'm sure you did great and be thankful for the gift of tongues. Cameron, remember I packed a bunch of cards and letters for you. There is one for Halloween. Do they celebrate Halloween there? I dressed up for school as Rafael the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. You mentioned it rained a lot. Do you need a better jacket? The Craynors are crazy and buzy getting ready for the wedding in the barn. I'm not a lot of help but this time of year with conferences etc. is hard for me to stay afloat. I will take lots of pictures to send you. I told Cameron Green you asked how he was. I gave the mission homes address so anyone could write you. Nicole Leaves tomorrow! Keep her in your prayers.
Cameron:They don't really celebrate Halloween here. Rafael? That sounds fun! I don't think we will do much today except get caught up on things. I just use my umbrella. It is way too hot for a jacket. I am excited for Nicole and I am glad things can and will work out for her. Who is the new missionary there and what is he like?
Mom: I can't remember the new missionary's name but he is so funny. He hasn't been a member too long. He had lived in a lot of places. He went to Colorado to school and was working as a CNA while trying to get his EMT. He had a steady girlfriend and his whole world came crashing down. He never really said how or why. He worked graves with a 65 year old lady that was a non-active member of the church. She could tell he was lost and gave him bits and pieces here and there. One night she asked if he would want to come over the next day and talk to her brother, who was an Elder Quorum's President. So, this Elder agreed. When he went there were missionaries there. They explained what the do and he thought what dummies would do this for two years of there life. He said look at me now, I am one of those dummies. But, he was baptized. He said he was living of the world not in the world. He is sooo much happier. He did suggest that missionaries be more specific on teachings like prayer and fasting. He was a picture of a girl praying, kneeling beside her bed and a Book of Mormon sitting there. He thought that is how you had to pray. He didn't know until in the MTC that you can pray anywhere. He thought when they said no water when fasting, that meant no brushing teeth or showering! Oh, he is hilarious but sure has a testimony of the gospel. He was sooo awesome to hear. He had no idea what it was like to live with Christ being the center of all things and how this would bring such joy and purpose to his life. Pretty Awesome!!! I'll find out his name and how old he is. He has been out for like 13 months.
What are the bar-b-ques like in Brazil? What about family birthdays, are they like ours? Have you got any of my packages yet? I let Cuda out with dad home but hiding inside. I knew he would be ok and that dad would help if he needed to. I would never do it without dad being home.
Cameron: They have bar-b-que chicken, sausage, and of course rice and beans at their cookouts. There are other things that we don't have in the U.S. too. They have cake and the family get together like we do. Families are everything! I haven't received any of your packages yet... I hope they come because I want to give the footballs I asked for to the kids. I am not going to tell them because I don't want to get their hopes up. That is pretty brave you would let Cuda out!
Mom: I am sending you one through LDS Express that you will for sure get. So, is there something you want or need? This is a package you will for sure get. I was wondering if you could write a little each day or something and take a picture of it so I can know a little bit more about your week. I love you!
Cameron: I love you too mom! I will do something more to tell you about my week. I sent you some pictures. The one that has the shirt with his name is Fernando and we are teaching him. His parents are divorced and his dad won't let him be baptized. I would like if you could get me somethings to give Carla and her family. Not big or expensive. The mom of Carla really wants a U.S. watch and something for her husband, Then Carla is 24, Davi is 19 likes soccer, the twins are like 12 and they can have a football and then Caua is 5 years old. I would like a basketball to play with all the kids with. Send any balls and a pump if you can! If you can send me some of my old Box Elder BEES shirts too. Thanks mom!
Mom: Annie used you as an example yesterday to give an example of putting others first. We ask you what you want and you tell us floss and deodorant for companions/friends that want it. Balls and etc. that you think the families would like. I am so proud of you and I am proud of the young man that you are! I have sent double on all the things I have sent you. I don't write your companion's name so if it changes it's ok. I haven't gone over board... It's more of a package of LOVE!
So, in addition to the e-mail I sent earlier... It has rained a lot! It is still pretty warm like September though. There was snow up where dad hunted in the mountains but down here it really has been warm. The rain comes hard but doesn't last. Charlie finds everything and anything to play fetch with. Grandma Marge still works way too much but she gets tired of sitting home and Grandpa has the farm and mortuary. Your grandparents are very proud and it's fun to hear them brag or ask questions about you! Annie's phone screen shattered today and she can't use it. Your sisters love you and are just as excited to hear from you and e-mail you as we are!
Cameron's e-mail to everyone:
Hello everyone! Everything is good here, hotter than ever and getting hotter. How is it back home with the cold weather? The food here is good and I haven't gotten sick so that is a plus. My ward is awesome. I had to talk in church yesterday and had no idea until the sacrament hymn when a member of the bishopric came down and asked me. It went ok. I think... We have 2 new investigators. They are Valquiria and Dani and we are hoping to baptize them this Saturday if everything works out. Brazil is good! It is full of soccer, beans, and rice. I took a picture and sent it of the bar-b-que we were at. It was a lot of fun! There is a member who does graffiti painting. I took a picture in his house that I have sent. There are 2 soccer teams here CSA and CBR and in the picture I sent I am pointing to the CRB jersey at an investigators house. There is also a picture of Elder Neves (my companion) eating. We had subway when we went to the center to a job fair, to talk with people about the church. I hope you all have a good week!
Love,
Elder Jensen
Monday, October 24, 2016
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