Oct. 30, 2017

Cam,

This week went by pretty fast.  Dad came home Monday.  It is nice to have him home.  I think Vitor is happy to not be the only boy.  After I took Vitor to the gym and got home President Craynor and his wife were here with a girl from the singles ward to talk to Vitor.  The girl came here from Brazil when she was nine. She was really cute.  We talked with them but it is too bad he missed them.

Annie didn't have to work at all this week.  She cheered at volleyball Tuesday night.  Before this Halle played her last game.  She has improved so much and is a good little volleyball player.  She plays a lot and is pretty fiesty...  They won like 11 and lost only 3.  So pretty dang good season.  Neves went to the nat and then walked over to the high school to watch volleyball and I just picked him and Halle up there.

Grammy and Grandpa got a new car.  There car wouldn't really fit in the garage and they have hated that since the day they got it.  They got the Ford Edge.  I haven't see it but I am sure it is nice.  Marty and Tracy sold their van and are buying the old one from them.  Grandpa spoke in church today on family history.  I tried to say I would like to come watch him but he didn't seem to excited for that.  Grammy is doing great in her primary class.  There is like 3 of them to take turns so she still gets to go to relief society.  She is doing better with her boot/cast on her foot.

Grandpa Leon and Marge when to Bodree Ottley's homecoming in Elba, ID.  He went to Africa.  It seemed like a really awesome mission.  Dad really wanted to go but hadn't been to teach his class in like a month, so he thought he better go.  Brenda, Hollie, and Evie came up Friday night to go over to Logan with Marge and Leon to a wedding for that kid from Manilla that they knew. They got up first thing Saturday to go home but stopped her first.  Evie is a cutie.  They didn't get to meet Vitor because dad took him to the front runner Friday afternoon to go to Nate's house.  They went to a Halloween party and then he spent the night and hung out and worked on his song Saturday.  i picked him up at the Ogden Station at 10pm Saturday night.  I don't mind doing that.  It is good for him to have some social life.

Today was the primary program.  They are so cute.  Vitor went to the singles ward.  Hunter Morgan has sure been good and kind to Vitor.  Dad dropped him off there on his way in to church.  Andrew wasn't there today.  He said it makes his mind tired to hear all that English but I know he is learning more than he thinks.  He has improved a ton since the night we got him off the plane.

Laurie Merrill from USU Brigham gave me some contact information of some people at USU that can help us with getting Vitor into school.  He doesn't need to take the ACT.  He just has to take the TOESFL.  He is going to take it November 18th in Logan.  We did some studying the other night and it is more understanding of English than anything.  He is very smart.  It will take some studying but he can do it!

Annie went to a party in Davis that is a fundraiser for the cheerleaders.  Saturday night she helped HOSA do the haunted house and then had another party.

Halle went to the corn maze with Courtney Small, Anika Quayle, Jose Cheyenne, Blake Brumbaugh, and Carson Lancaster.  Saturday she went to a party that Ashtyn had in the barn. It sounded and looked really fun.  Halle said Marianne and Bailey decorated and cleaned all day Friday.  Kenny came in a mask and on stilts the night of the party.

Can you ask Kendra to come get Vitor sometime? I have told him about her and how he would like her and have fun. I told him I would but she won't give me the time of day.  ) :

I LOVE you!  I sent some pictures last week and on my phone it showed some didn't go through so I will send again.  Sorry if you've already seen.  I miss you and love you a ton!

Cam:  Sounds like a good week.  Guadalupe called you and talked to you?

Mom:  YES! First she sent a message and then she called on "What's Ap"...  Good thing I had Vitor here.  She loves you and her family too.  They are a cute family.  The boy wanted to see us and then got really shy.  I told her you were once shy and she didn't believe it.  ha!

Cam:  She is a very nice lady.  We had dinner and cake for my companion's birthday there.  It was good. Did Neves hang out with anybody this week?

Mom:  He went with Nate Friday afternoon until 10pm Saturday night.  Dad took him to the Front Runner and I picked him up.  They went to a Halloween party, his brother's soccer game, out to eat, and recorded music.  It is good for him to go there and have some fun!  I don't mind driving him to Ogden.  There is even one in Pleasant View that runs sometimes.    Nicole is home visiting.  Her and Vitor and Maddie Parrish are going to lunch.  She is such a kind girl.  Just love her.

Cam:  Ya,  they told me.  She is pretty great... Thanks for helping Vitor.  I love him.

Mom:  I took him to the Nat the other day and he said thank you for all you do. Even when I was in Brazil you still did so much for me.  After my mom died when I was 11 I lived with my grandma.  She is a good woman but I just lived there and was on my own at 14.  For example, I've been here almost a month and my brothers or family don't say, "are you o.k., are you there safe?"  I told him he has gained family and that we love him.  I told him dad thought you were called to Brazil for Neves.  He needed you...  He said he was sad to stay in Brazil but can now see the blessings that came from it. Needless to say I cried!  I love you're big heart Cameron!

Cam:  Yeah, he is a great guy!  Can you send 4 flower ties for a friend and 1 for me and then some paisley ones?

Mom:  Yes, I need to have to the guy in SLC on November 22nd.  Did you get your package?

Cam:  It is in Maceio, I will get tomorrow.  Did you send a flash drive?

Mom:  You will have to wait to open on your birthday and see for yourself.

Cam:  ha!  OK

Mom:  I am so proud you've made this hard journey!  You should feel so good and proud of yourself!

Cam:  I love you!  I've gotta go...

Mom:  What!?  so soon...  I love you to Bubba!!!

October 23, 2017

Hello Everyone!! This past couple weeks have been great. I am here in Estnacia with Elder Nasciemtno, I am training him. We have just been working and looking for the people that the Lord has prepared to enter in this path.

Bubba,

It was a very busy week...  On Monday night Janica Ellsworth's mom and dad brought me the boys to keep for two nights. Anyways the Ferry's had a pumpkin patch this year with a little maze, huge sling shot shooting, digging in the corn and just that sorta thing.  We took the boys over there.  They had a good time.  We came home and blew up the air mattress in the living room for them because they were scared to sleep upstairs.  Annie and Halle missed school Tuesday to watch Oliver while the boys went to school and Neves watched Olie while Halle went to volleyball and Annie cheer. Wednesday I stayed home to get ready for camping, tend Oliver, go to Halle's volleball game and take the team lunch, and etc.  Vitor was cute at the volleyball game and took pictures of Halle and the team since he has helped them out a bit.  I have been dropping him off at the Nat to workout and Annie went with him once.  Tanner Clark works there and I taught him so now I won't have to run in every time, I can just drop him off.  The boys went with their grandpa from the volleyball tournament on Wednesday.

Wednesday on the way home from volleyball dad, me, and Vitor ate chick filet.  I dropped him off at the nat and met dad and Halle at the game.  Dad watched Annie do halftime Thriller and then took Halle and Sammy and left to go back hunting.  Neves was going to walk over after working out.  I left when dad did and Neves was just getting there, so we got in my car and went home.  He was real quite.  I knew he was upset but I didn't know why.  So, I went home and cleaned and gave him a bit and then asked if he was sad.  He said not sad but tired of sitting at home and not working or having friends.  I feel bad because I should've stayed at the game.  We set some goals and talked about the rest of the week and what he could do.  He is a good boy but this culture is very different than what he is use to.  Andrew said he would take him to church Sunday at the singles ward.

Thursday I got up and started getting ready to go hunting.  Neves was snoring and wouldn't even wake when I knocked or yelled his name.  He  had stayed up until 5am studying for the ACT.  I finally got ready to just got to the store and he woke up.  I told him I'd be back.  Coco rode up with us. It was beautiful weather Thursday.  They went hunting and I stayed at camp.  They saw a moose but Neves didn't see it.  He sure liked driving the 4-wheeler and shooting Coco's bb gun.  They went hunting that night and Jimmy saw some elk and had text dad to bring Halle but he didn't get the text.  He was super upset.

Friday we ate breakfast and then all of us went on a four wheeler ride.  Me, dad, and Coco  and Neves, Halle, and Sammy.  It was fun.  then grandpa john, Luke, and Mark showed up.  Dad went to help Luke sight in his gun.  He let Neves shoot.  On the third shot he was almost right on target.  He was super proud.  We made smores and the usual.

Saturday Dad, Mark, and Luke went hunting.  We convinced grandpa John to stay where it was warm.  Neves experienced it snowing.  It was cute but he doesn't like the cold.  After breakfast Marge and Leon came.  I feel bad because we were leaving. It was cold and we were ready to leave.  Coco stayed to ride home with them.  We came home and washed clothes, showered and then a lot of Annie's friends came over.

Today we went to Kyle Smith's homecoming.  He did a good job.  Then, I took Vitor and dropped him off with Andrew to go to the singles ward.  He didn't stay for their sacrament at the end of the block.  He said all the boys were weird and only one cute girl.  There is a single adult  party at the Hardy Barn tonight at 5:00.  I don't know if he will go or not.

I love you Cameron and I talked to Tristan today and we both just said how crazy and exciting it is to be planning and thinking of you coming home!  I can't wait.  Do me a favor though and do a group email today.  I feel as though I don't know anything about this transfer and what you are doing and it drives me crazy.  When are the next transfers?  How is it being district leader and a trainer? Oh man, I miss my Bubba and can't wait until next fall when we can all go camping.
 I LOVE YOU!
MOM

Cam: yeah Neves talk to me and said that he needs some friends to hang out with and some girls to hang out with ha!ha!ha!ha!. He said it is hard being at home and can't drive and stuff.

Mom:  I know what you are doing is hard.  Harder than I can ever imagine. Neves has shared some things from the mission with us and it is sometimes hard to hear.  I am proud of you for doing things that are hard.  How are you.

Cam:  I am good.

Mom: I love the Brazil peeps. I’ve made lots of friends. They’ve changed my Bubba for the better than he already was and that is hard cuz he was perfect!

Cam:  They are the best.  Did you see the video I sent you with next years ym/yw theme being sung by the American and Brazilian?

Mom: I love you.

Cam:  Ya, it is really cool.  When can we come back here?

Mom:  When do you want to?  Talk to dad.

Cam:  He said we can anytime, will you look and see when a good time would be that we would be off school?

Mom:  Yes, I will.  Do you want me to send you some shoes for Christmas?

Cam:  Yes.  Murphy and Johnson shoes size 10.5 black.  I love you mom, gotta go.  Talk to you next week.

Mom:  I love you Cam!

October 16th

Elder Jensen,

I sure miss you.  I am getting excited to talk to you on Christmas.  Last Christmas was a little too hard on me.  I had a heartache after and I hated it.  I am hoping with it being on the down hill side, I will be better at saying, "see you later".  I love seeing and talking to you, it's just the goodbye that stinks. I am sure glad I have you to miss though.  I am so glad you are where you are at, even though I can't wait until it is over.

Neves is very happy here and he doesn't seem homesick at all.  I ask him if he is sad at all and he says no.  I say are you sure, you can tell me if you are.  He says I miss my friends a little but not enough to go back, I LOVE it here. Elder Heaton came up Friday night.  They ate pizza and hung out here for a few hours and then went back to Elder Heaton's house.  Neves said they went to dinner and just went home.  Saturday they went back to his friend Nate's house to record music in his music studio that he has in the house.  Then, they went to the Weber State football game. He got some money for his birthday and bought a few things at Shopko.  I want to take him Ogden or Layton so he can see what there really is.  He helped Grandpa Leon, a few days.  He was sooo funny telling us about the cows and the chickens.  He said, "I have no courage and tell myself I can do this and then turn around and grandpa left me alone."  HA!  We carved pumpkins.  The Ellsworths were here one night and they thought he was pretty cool.  The one day I had come home and he had emptied the dishwasher and folded the clothes in the dryer.  He is a good boy and I just home he can find his future here or he will be sad as will we.

Grammy had her foot operated on.  It is the one that is deformed because of her polio when she was young.  She seems to be doing o.k. but she can't drive or get around too easy.

Halle had a volleyball tournament all day over in Logan.  She left at 6:30am.  Annie had Sadie's dance.  I didn't get to see either one of them.  I went to Janica and Mike's wedding ceremony.  There was some awesome stories told and it is great to be reminded that we have a heavenly father that loves us enough to teach us and answer our blessings how they fit best for us.

Grandpa John, Mark and Luke are supposed to go hunting but it is supposed to rain and snow.  Dad will just get the trailer out if it does.  He says it is colder than ever this year.  I planning on going to go up on Fall Break which is this weekend.

Luke is working at Smith's as a bagger.  Annie is working at Maddox busing tables.  I hope Annie doesn't take on more than she can do.  Second trimester is the worst when it comes to cheerleaders being so busy.  I guess she can just give it a try.

The Ellsworth boys will be coming tomorrow night and stay until Wednesday.  Halle has a volleyball game that afternoon so I will meet their grandpa with them.

Andrew, Neves and I went to the girl's volleyball last week too.  He loved it and Andrew told him to look at their rear ends to see if he likes any of them.  He was frustrated a few times with how the girls wouldn't attack the ball.  I think they were so fierce but some of the things he says I think they do play a little different.

You haven't told me much about being a district leader, investigators, or etc.  I am really wanting to pray for you and think about what you're doing so fill me in.  I love you son!  I love you to the moon!!! Be safe!

Mom

Cameron:  I am glad everything is going good.

Mom:  How are things for you?

Cameron:  Things are good.

Mom:  What is going on?

Cameron: Nothing much.  It is just the same old.  Is it fall break this week?

Mom:  Yes, but I don't know for sure if we will go up or not.  Dad said it's colder than it's ever been.

Cameron:  How did Neves like the River Ward?

Mom:  He liked it but was a little disappointed that there wasn't anyone his age.  He wants to try the YSA ward next week.  He talked with Joel and David Nelson.

Cameron:  So, I have been talking to Briar about Utah State and I want to live with him.  He is going to stay home for the first semester too.

Mom: That sounds great!  It will give both of you some time to get in the groove of things.  Plus your mom will love having you home.  I think we are going to get Neves a student visa before anything else.  I talked with the BYU coach and he has to be a student to try out.  I think we will just do the USU extension for now and try on other things also because he just missed tryouts until next year.  He wants to try football.  I miss you Bubba!

Cameron:  Don't wait long to get him studying because who knows how hard it will be and how much time so start soon. I need him there when I get home.

Mom:  Who are your investigators?  How's church there?  Neves was surprised at our church building.  Adia Migliori is taking him to the singles ward not this Sunday but the next one after that.

He came home after being with Heaton and said I like my friends and their families but I'm always happy to come back home here.  It's HOME!  What a sweetheart!  He told us you shouldn't iron without any clothes on... ha!  Did you have an accident?  Love his stories.

Mom:  We have a few that I hoping we can get baptized in the next couple weeks...  good for Neves.  ha!ha! yeah!

Cameron:  Leonardo 25, Ludimila 25 Joyce 35, Deisiune 33, and David 8. If you send something with Cody can you send me a pair of Johnston and Murphy shoes, size 10.5. Gotta go, I love you!

Mom:  I love you son!

October 9, 2017

Cameron,

Well, I sure wish you would've been here this week.  Let's just say I would think what would Cameron say or do a lot this week.  Neves flew into Vegas because it was a lot cheaper and then flew from Vegas to SLC.  He flew to Rio first and he was there overnight.  He stayed at a friend's house.  Then he got on the plane and flew to Vegas.  There he went to his missionary father's house and stayed the night with him and his family.  He got to see the strip at night.  The next day, they had all day so they went to M&M world, the Coke Factory, and he went on the Stratosphere roller coaster.  Crazy!  He was in Vegas the day after they had some CRAZY guy shoot out his hotel window at Mandolin Bay and injure or kill about 200...  I was freaking out.  I told him he had friends everywhere and he said because he is a nice guy!HA

Me, Annie, and Halle got to the airport on Wednesday night at 8:15ish.  His plane ticket said 9:12 he would land.  We kept just wandering and hanging out.  I went to read the flight info and it was only like 8:55 and it said ARRIVED.  Halle and Annie had made welcome signs for us to hold. On the car they put a happy birthday poster.  He came down the escalator and I told him we would be there. We could see his legs and then he was ducking down so he could see us.  The smile on his face was priceless!  We hollered and hugged him and he loved every minute of it.  He flew in on his birthday and he said it was the best birthday ever.He talked a lot on the ride home.  His mom died when he was 11 and he lived on his own at the age of 14.  I can't believe on his own like that and he still kept the faith in the gospel.  

He was worried when we went to the bank and I put my money in the tube to be sucked into the tellers.  Bryan Nelson asked him the weirdest thing so far and he said that was...ha!  He learned what a dishwasher was.  I told him what drawer he could have and scooted your clothes over a bit, showed toliet paper, food, everything I could think of.  He said he wanted to shower.  We said we were going to bed because it was like midnight.  I heard the water and didn't think much of it.  Well, he didn't ever shower because he didn't know how...  Ha!  The next morning he asked Halle to show him.  

Thursday he was left home all alone.  So, Annie went with Mallorie and Hallee Warr to eat lunch at home.  He had Annie bring him to my school and spent the afternoon there.  Then we went and took my old phone and got him service for $15 a month.  We went to Utah State Extension and got some pointers. Grammy came and met him.  Marge and Leon were in Denver.  

On Friday he stayed home all day.  He makes himself at home.  You didn't tell me he drank juice and that he likes to make on his own.  HA!  Good thing we had strawberries but I need to get a filter.  He can't get over dad's elk upstairs and he goes and pets it.  We got pizza for pizza night.  We went to the game.  I told him it was going to be very cold.  I got some of your thermals out and explained to him and gave him wool socks.  He told me I was scaring him and he had seen Halle and she didn't wear any of that.  So we go to the game and as soon as the sun went down he thought he was dying.  Grandpa John gave him hand and foot warmers that he loved.  I had brought an extra blanket.  I had also grabbed him a coat.  He said next time I will listen to you mom.  So funny!  We lost the game but he met Andrew, Josiah, Mckenna Bryce, Chad, Latisha, the Warrs (Dan Warr served in Brazil and got his number to take him to lunch or something.  Adia said she would take him to the singles ward but he told me he didn't want to go to the singles.  I laughed and said it is up to him.

After the game we went to watch Marcus dance at Amber's and came home and got his stuff together to go hunting the next day.  I had him prepared and so did dad so it was ok.  He was scared he'd see a bear there and really was scared to death.  The whole time he thought I was going and the next morning Seth showed up because he went too and I said ok I love you all and I'll see you tomorrow.  He looked like he had been punched and said, "mom you not going"??? I said nope and he said I stay home too then.  I told him he'd be fine and then he asked but who drive...  HA!  I told him Annie was good and he grabbed Halle and hugged her and said I trust Halle.  He took so many pictures and videos for Instagram.  He thought it was beautiful.  He hunted in the afternoon but he didn't on Sunday.  

I made soup for when they got home and I made him a birthday cake.  We had the Dayleys, both grandparents, Val, Mark, Luke, Shad, Tyson, and his friend Nate from Herriman.  He has gone to spend the night there.  It was fun talking to him.  Shad and Tyson are awesome and can't wait to see you.  Tyson said he was going to North Carolina to work this summer.  Do you want to live with him?  He said he'd find a place and let me know if you are interested.  He knows a lot more places than I do.

Annie and Halle are good.  Halle loves volleyball so much.  Vitor is going to go and volunteer help her coach Kim.  That will be good for him.  Chad said he would chat with him this week since he had so much to do this week.

I love you Cameron!  Have you got your package?  What should I put in your Christmas one?  What has gone on this week with you?  I am missing you so tell me a lot of details. We love having Neves tell us stories about you.  It makes our heart happy.  We miss you and we have Neves because of your encouragement and love.  Thank you for being my son and I LOVE you!

Send some pictures of the place your living.  I haven't seen it yet and I like to.

LOVE YOU TO THE MOON

mom, momma, mommy, mom

P.S. Howard eat your banana

Cameron:  I am so happy, you have no idea.  I love the pictures.  Tell him to e-mail me.

Mom: He is in Herriman with his friend Nate.  He will be back today.  We did it for you Bubba but we are easy falling in love with Neves.  I'll do all I can to keep him here.  How was your week?

Cameron:  Oh, that is cool for him.  Are you liking him?  Is he hard to have around?

Mom:  He is so easy!!!  He acts like he has lived here forever.  We love him to tell us about you and Brazil.  He's funny too!  He may freeze to death living here. Can you believe we finally have the fourth sibling we all have wanted?  He sure does love you!  Like you have no idea how much.

Cameron:  I can't believe it and I love him too. Does dad like him?

Mom:  Dad loves him.  He didn't meet him until the girls took him hunting.  He said Brian loves him too and they loved hearing about missionary stuff because of their boys.  He let him drive the four wheeler.  He wanted Halle to ride with him.  He really depends on your sisters a lot.  He is going to help Halle's volleyball coach.

Cameron: ha!  Good for him!  Ayala is leaving today to another area.  That makes me sad.

Mom: So it is transfers?

Cameron:  Ya, I am staying with Nascimento.  He is from Cape Verde where Tyson Served.  He knows him!

Mom:  Really?  Small world.  Are you glad to stay?  Tell me about the people etc.  Neves talks to Karla a lot.  Tyson and Shad were nice to make it out to meet Neves.  Tyson could talk to Neves.  Tyson said you could live at USU with him

Cameron:  I think I might live at home and go to the extension for a while.  What do you think about that?

Mom:  I LOVE that idea.  I know you won't want to for long because of the social life and everything but I'll take you while I can.

Cameron:  Is it o.k. if I buy me some new shoes here?

Mom:  Sure!  I love you Cameron.

Cameron:  I love you mom.  I will talk to you next week.

Mom:  I love you and be careful!!!

October 2, 2017

Mom:  Well, we have Neves a plane ticket. He flies to Rio and will spend the night there with a friend  (his father from the mission) and then fly on to Vegas. He is staying with a friend from the mission there over night and the next day until he gets on the plane to come to SLC.  He is excited about seeing his friend and seeing a little of Vegas.  We will get him at 9:30 on Wednesday night.

Cam: I am so happy mom, thank you so much.

Mom: I would do anything for you Bubba.  I think you are changing some body's life.  He is very humble and appreciative.  So where did you watch conference?

Cam:  Did you buy all of his pass?

Mom:  Some of my very kind friends gave us money to help.  I think we will use that to start him off with some money and a few things though.  Dad just told me to buy his ticket.  We are his family now and we will need to step up and help him but teach him how to help himself also.  I hope this works out!

Cameron: We watched conference at the church.  My baptism last week watched every session but Sacerdcia cause Socerdoocia ends at 11:00 at night and he lives far and had to go home alone.  So, I told him to go home so he would be safe. So, are you excited, nervous, or what for Neves?

Mom:  Did you enjoy it?  I sure did.  It was one of my favorite conferences.  I told Neves there was a singles ward and he laughed because he thought that was only a movie!  I told him not in Utah!!!  ha!

Cameron:  ha!  That is so funny!

Mom:  I worry about him having a big cultural shock!  He asked if he could take the bus places.  Yikes!  Do you think he will be homesick?  Pray that everything goes well and he passes through immigration etc.  He has come to far for it not to happen now.  Thanks for this opportunity Bubba! I am sure he will change our lives for the better.  Are you excited to finally have a brother?  When you get home we will do family pictures.

Cameron:  It will be a cultural shock but he will adapt. What size of shoe are you?

Mom: I am an eight and a half.  What's new there?  I still want to hear about you and know what you are doing...

Cameron:  I like my companion a lot, he is funny.  Elder Ayala that lives with us that is from Uruguay is coming to Utah in March 2019.  I am so excited.  I like him a lot!

Mom:  Why is he coming to Utah?

Cameron:  He has family in Farmington. Next year I want to go to conference as a family.

Mom:  That sounds great!  Next year, I will have my whole family here and I would love nothing more than to spend time with them and enjoy conference.

Cameron:  When can we come back to Brazil?

Mom:  I don't know, when do you want to?

Cameron:  We will have to plan it.  I love you.  Have a good week.  I love you and thank you.

Mom:  I love you son!  I am proud to be your mom!!!


Group e-mail
Hello Everyone,

I hope that you all had a great week being spiritually feed by the servants of the lord. I loved every minute of conference. I know that they are called of God and everything that they talked about will help our lives if you apply it. I really enjoyed President Dieter F. Uchtdrorf's talk to start conference. He talked about how the lord has prepared the way for us. He also told us how the lord will use us to help others come unto Christ. So as members we need to share the truth that we have and love and help others come to Christ.  I loved how they talked a lot about the Book of Mormon and how we need to study it everyday. I testify that it will help our lives so much if we follow what they said and read every day.

September 25, 2017

Cameron:  Good morning.

Mom: Before I forget, what do you want in your birthday package?

Cameron: Ties, the horse shoe tooth floss, candy, jerky. Just stuff.  I don't need anything, I am fine.

Mom: How are your shoes holding up?

Cameron:  I think I will buy shoes here in a little bit.

Mom:  We are buying Neves a ticket a.s.a.p. He is great with the idea of working at the dairy. He said he can't be picky, he just needs to earn money.  Aunt Karen is here and her, grammy, Annie, and I went to the General Women's Conference at Grammy's ward. It was so good!

Dad and I went to Elba, ID for Sharlene's funeral.  That is grandpa's sister.  Brenda and Claire rode with us.  It was a very long day.  Colby and Candace came and Bubbs and family.  Steve and Ann, Todd, Greg & Paige, Mitch and Allison, Cheryl, Reese and Dion.  Granpa Leon said the opening prayer and Marge said the closing.  They were pretty emotional.

Annie got put in as 2nd councilor in Laurels today.  Gracie is the president.  Halle got put in Mia Maids as 1st councilor.  Addie Bingham is the president.  Dad was there for them to be set apart.

Andrew came over tonight and said I can't wait for  Cameron to be home.  I said me too!  I told him I need his help with Neves.

Betty Claybaugh, Kort's grandma died.  So sad!

I love you Cam! So much!  Thank yo for making me a proud mom!!!

Cameron: I love you!

Mom:  On facebook Valmir added he was married and lots of pictures showing him at church.

Cameron: Yeah, he got a calling.  I am way happy. Are you excited for Neves?

Mom: Excited and nervous.

Cameron:  Why nervous?

Mom:  We are going to have a new boy/man living with us that needs a job, $, to get into school, can't drive...  It's a lot!  Don't get me wrong...  I am ready and willing!


Mom: How are you? Tell me about things.  When are transfers again?  I got the new I phone 8.  Mine had swam in the toliet and was cracked.  It gave a good life.

Cameron: I am Great! Transfers are the 10th of October.

Mom: That is the first time you have told me great.  Did you see the dessert Dr. Olsen gave us? It is called mousse de maracuja!

Cameron: That was so nice of him.  It is fun to be a trainer here in Estancia, Sergipe. We are opening up the area which is a lot of work but I love it!!! This last week we had 3 baptisms which was so great. The first for meu filho!!! I am also a district leader for 4 other missionaries, 2 sisters, and the zone leaders which is great. 

Mom:  Wow!  Tell me about your gym you created to lift weights.

Cameron:  ha! It is so ghetto, but it is good.

Mom: Tell me about the people you baptized.

Cameron:  There were three.  I baptized 2 of the 3.  There is Bruno 17, Edgar 15, and Irlaina 8.  They are brothers and sister.  The mom is divorced and still deciding if she wants to be baptized.  We found them knocking on doors the first week we were here.

I love you, I have to go.

Mom:  I love you to Cam!

Cameron:  

This week was great! So, this week we were coming home and it was pouring rain. There was a kitten in the street crying so we took it home. We gave it a bath fed it. ha!ha!ha!ha!ha! the next day we let it go because we couldn't keep it and no one we could find would take it. Later in the day I saw it and a kid had it so I was happy.  

We had 3 baptisms this week which was awesome. We found them our second week in this area. They are happy and know this is the right thing to do. 

This week with it being General Conference everyone has a great opportunity to watch it and pay attention.  If you do this, it will bless your life!

September 18, 2017

Cameron's E-mail

Good morning everyone!! This week was really good. We worked hard and a lot. Friday we had conferences with the mission president that went really well. The spirit was so strong and great. We talked about how we can help the people here receive the light of Christ and follow his example. I learned a lot and love this gospel!

Dear Elder Jensen,

I guess you probably already know but NEVES got a visa!!!  You need to pat yourself on the back because you asked me to please help him SO I messaged him and asked him what needed to be done.  He was just waiting for money to go to the embassy. I just figured he’d ask.  That just shows you that he is a humble kid.  I told him we would pay.  I wanted to know how to get the money to him safely and securely.  He told me to fill out the application for him and make the payment.  Let’s just say I worked by rear off filling out papers on this cute boy that I didn’t even know his birthday.  Now I know it is October 4, 1995.  Anyways, about 8-10 hours of work got us the application filled out and it never asked for a payment.  So, then he/we thought it is because I still needed to make an appointment.  So, I made him an appointment and still didn’t ask for a payment.  I text him and showed him pictures of the screens, I googled for hours…  He tells me what his friend that did it had to do.  I finally out of just looking around find a place to pay.  WELL…  Dad’s or my debit card wouldn’t go through. UGH!  It was after bank hours so I told Vitor and he said he felt bad and didn’t want to be a problem and it had to be paid so many days before his appointment.  I told him I would call the bank the next day.  I got a hold of the bank and they said the transactions weren’t even hitting the bank.  I asked if an actual credit card would be better.  They said oh no, they’re all the same.  But, couldn’t tell me what to do except get a hold of them.  I had tried to call them too.  I called dad from school and just got the credit card just for giggles and it declined but it was different and as soon as I did it I got a fraud e-mail.  So, I knew it was hitting the bank.  I called again and they looked and said it was because of the international lock.  They took it off and BINGO it went through… I have never been so relieved.  I asked everyone to pray and to keep Neves in their thoughts.  He was going to Recife for volleyball with his team and wasn’t going to have to pay travel and that’s why he really needed it then.  I was so nervous they would say no again.  I don’t know if we could keep paying if nothing was going to change.  So, Friday I sent him a message asking if everything was o.k.  because his appointment was at 7am and another at 9am.  He left me a voice recording telling me they said YES!  He was crying and said thank you, thank you, I love you!  I knew then why you felt so strongly about this.  Thank you Cameron for reminding me what is important in life and that serving and helping others brings more joy than anything materialistic or $$$.  This boy’s life is going to be forever changed by meeting you.  I am so thankful to be your mom and be able to do something for Vitor.  I am not sure when he is coming but I think it will be soon.  Chad said he could come milk cows. It may be a little tricky with his visa and language but…  I will work with him and his English.  I will research and educate myself on how to help him.  I guess my master’s degree in English Language Learning will be put to use…  I think there are classes in the community he can attend too.  That would be good for him.  I will have him go to church with us for a bit and after the culture shock and/or homesickness is gone I will get him to the single’s ward.  I will ask someone to take him that we know.  Maybe Tyson would come home a weekend and do that for me.  Do you think I should have him stay in your room or make him a little place upstairs? I hope this makes you happy and I will do what I can to help him become successful and able to attend college.  Hopefully finding a way for him to stay in Utah.

 It was Homecoming week.  We got slaughtered.  We played Bountiful. Annie got true bee’d but I will let her tell you about it.  I don’t know about all that but I guess she is a good and old enough girl to make these choices.  We took the Ellsworth boys to watch her powderpuff.  She had a good catch and some good plays.  She went to the dance with Ronnie Smith.  They went hiking to the “Wind Caves” for their day date.  Then, they went to pictures, Maddox, and the dance at city hall.  She looked beautiful!

I hope you send BUG an e-mail today.  She is feeling very sad that you hadn't e-mailed her.  She had two volleyball games this week.  She lost to Bear River but it was sooo stickin close!  They beat Ridgeline!!!  She went to the State Fair with FFA and had a lot of fun. I had her volleyball team over Monday for a pasta party.  They are all such cute girlies and it was a lot of fun!

Grammy had surgery Friday on Grandpa John’s birthday.  She has struggled with allergies and breathing and dry mouth.  I guess she had polyps on her sinuses they took off through her nose.  She said it hurt when they took the packing out but today she looked darn good.

We went to Val’s and cooked hamburgers for grandpa John’s birthday.  I made a yummy peach dessert that everyone loved.  It was just us, Val, Mark, Luke, Cody, Krystal, and Luke besides grandpa and grandma.  It was fun.  Dad came in uniform because he was working. 

Dad got called to a hit elk out west today.  It was Jeff Adams out there that called it in.  They were happy dad took the call.  He told Jeff they could have the meat.  Jenny said, “your husband is in trouble.  The day I get my son to come to church, Jeff calls and tells him to get out there for this elk”. HA! I think Jeff and Justin were very happy.  Jenny? Not so much…

Janica Ellsworth is engaged to her brother-in-law Mike Ellsworth.  It sounds weird but it is actually a beautiful love story.  They had a hard time even accepting their feelings but Eric was up there with his hand in this pushing them together.  Who else would be better to raise your kids than your brother.  My thought is that in heaven there isn’t jealousy.  It is about love and we all know he would want his wife and children to be taken care of and loved while here on earth.  Mike struggles because he never has married and set his goal for the temple.  Everyone has told him that Heavenly Father would never punish a man for marrying a widow and loving and caring for her and her family.  It will work out somehow.  It is hard to wrap our worldly brains around but I have faith!  The boys will probably stay here and we will get them to school for a few days and then it is UEA.  I may take them hunting/camping but I don’t know yet.  I told Janica and she was all for it but she needs to make sure that’s what the boys want plus she has a lot of family that may want to help also.

I love you Cameron and I am so proud of you! Tell me about your week and investigators etc.  I want to see some pictures of your house when you get a chance.

Love you to the moon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MOM

Cameron:  Good morning.

Mom: Did you talk to Neves?!

Cameron: Yes I did! I am so happy!!! I am so happy for Neves when will he come?

Mom: I don't know when he will come.  He has been in Recife for volleyball and I haven't talked with him again.  He cried and said thank you soooo much and I love you!  It made me cry and smile!  I will have to see what we can find him for employment.  I probably could get him on as a reading aide in Spanish. Ha!  We will find something...  I don't know if he has to wait for school to end or what but whenever he is ready we will get a ticket.  Where should I have him sleep to be most comfortable? Upstairs or in your room?

Cameron: Just ask him.  He speaks good English. With him hearing it all the time and having to speak he will learn quickly.

Mom: Ya, he does pretty good.  He was excited to tell you the news and I told him to get a hold of you.  He said, "you want me to hold him?" ha! Have you had baptisms or have any scheduled?

Cam: We are working on some baptisms!

Mom: It is so nice to hear you happy and not homesick.  Don't get me wrong, I want you to miss us... HA!  BUT, live a missionary life while you can.  The worldly life is just that.  ENJOY living and thinking about good things!