A week in the hospital and a trip to the three frontiers

September 29, 2014

I know that my letters are really empty and dry as of late, I would like to say that it's really hard to find something new to say every single week, especially when the days blur, the things I do feel all the same every single day, and there really isn't a lot to say. it's not that I have lots of people to write, I just don't have anything to write.

The news this week is that my companion was in the hospital for 4 days. The story?

Well he started getting all swollen in the face Monday, and it was bad enough that we went to the hospital, where they prescribed him a horrible medicine that didn't have any effect. The next day he started vomiting too, and we were going to go on a 9 hour trip to Londrina from here. At that point they told him that he would not be able to go because of his sickness, and we went to the hospital, and they interned him. There we stayed while the rest went to the conference. It was a little sad for me.

The next few days were dull, full of nothing, and no food (they were charging 5 dollars for a really crappy bowl of soup, seeing as I didn't have money, I didn't buy it.). I was lucky because I made some bread the day before that sustained me for 2 days.

On Thursday I was able to get out and do a division with Elder Rizzo (new elder from Argentina that replaced Elder Zabala) and did some work.

Friday Elder Helms got out of the hospital and we were able to do some work, but nobody went to church. it was a really lame week with all of that.

Today was a bit better, we went to the 3 frontiers, where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. That was kind of cool, we did a bit of shopping there, I bought this really weird instrument (Elder Zabala thought it was a weird buy) called a berimbau. It's used to play music for capaueira.

Sorry that I really don't have much to say right now, its almost a little bit easier to tell you all in just a couple of weeks. Don't worry I keep a lot of pictures.

Miss you all.

Elder Anderson

A smile goes a long way and goodbye Elder Zabala.

September 22, 2014

Did you feel any angels stepping in and helping you this week?

This week they were there, but I didn't recognize it this week. maybe once, there are times that I help someone without even knowing that I'm doing it. For example, I like to joke a lot, and I didn't know what was going on, but I made one of my sisters laugh when she was sad, even though I didn't know anything was wrong. that was something that was significant yesterday, being inspired to know what to say or do.

Did you find some new people to teach?

More or less, we are teaching in a really poor government home area.

What was most significant thing you did for yourself this week?
Not sure

What was the most significant thing you did for someone else this week.

See above

What do you find helps keep a smile on your face throughout the day?

I won't lie, sometimes the fact that I am almost home makes me smile, and others makes me really nervous. it just depends on the day.

Well this week Elder Zabala was transferred to Porto Meira, the other side of the city, so we will see each other a little less. It was great working with him. It's been 9 months together with him :P

Other than that, we baptized this week, a teenager with the age of 17, that has been going to church for 3 months now. We were able to teach him and baptize him on Thursday :)

Miracles!

Elder Anderson

My clothes are becoming celetialized.

September 15, 2014

What are three things you love about your area and why.

Its diverse, there's a bit of everything, the people are receptive and the food is awesome!

Did you have any breakthroughs with investigators this week?

We have an investigator going to church for 3 months now. He finally accepted baptism and will be baptized on Thursday! :) his name is L, he is the boyfriend of the bishops daughter.

How are your clothes holding up?

Well, I was able to whitify my clothes a bit, and all of my pants have holes in someplace, and have this strong odor emitting from them... my sock have all been celestialized with holes, they seem to go missing, so I had to buy a few pairs a few weeks ago. I'm gonna throw away all of my shirts and pants and underware before I come home. I need to get new everything. It's getting bad :P

Though I still have shoes that work. That's a good thing.

Any funny or spiritual stories you have to relate this week?

Not really, but I I felt that I had a testimony really strong of the atonement this week.

Are you working on any specific goals this week?

I'm establishing my goals for how I want to transition off of my mission. Trunky :P

This week was great, I got to see a sister that I met in the MTC that lives here in foz, we had interviews, we now have a baptism on Thursday, and everything seems to be working out! After this week though I don't know what I will do, we have to find some new people to teach and to baptize, or we won't be able to follow through with more baptisms.

That's about all that happened, I am now down to 9 weeks, and getting trunky.

Elder Anderson

Starting to think about home.

September 8, 2014

How goes the Lord's work this week?

It goes well, though we had a bit of a stop this week.

Are you getting along any better with the ward council?

mmmm

Is your companion a hard worker?
Yeah, He's awesome!

How much do you think you are walking in this area?

No idea at all.

What is your favorite P-day activity (besides sleep).

Drink terere.

What type of foods do you miss the most from home? 

Mexican food! Tacos!

How often to you have to cook for yourselves in this area?

Pretty often, every other day.

What would you suggest we do to help a family that is on the verge of inactivity?

Invite them to your house for family home evening. Do something, the best way to transmit a message of love is to do something. Barbecue!

Wow, the time just flies. I'm on the verge of going home, more or less and I start to think more and more about home. its a really sad thought sometimes, but also a really cool thought.

But, I have to say this is one of the most meaningful things I have ever done in my life, or will do. I have changed my attitude so much because I have been here. Though sometimes I feel more impatient then I was before.

Elder Anderson

My district.

September 1, 2014

How are things in Brazil this week?

Awesome!

Do you have Elders and Sisters in your district?

Eight including me. 4 sisters, 4 elders, 4 Americans (though Elder Martinez has Hispanic parents and speaks Spanish as well), 2 Argentinians, and 2 Brazilians

How many Brazilian companions have you had on your mission?

None still.

Is that unusual?

Very.

Do you know what your release date is yet?

I will be home by the day 19 of November, if not the night of 18.

Any idea when you will find out?

Not really, the last transfer.

In what ways were you spiritually impacted this week?

Well, we had a baptism of 3 people, a whole family! that was really spiritually uplifting.

Also, one thing that I learned today that was really interesting was how to run a ward council meeting and how not to run one.

The meeting was disorganized and was a bunch of ranting about the missionary work. I will say that this is one of the most succesfull areas that I have passed, but the members were complaining. I didn't understand.

Afterwords me and the other missionaries were making comments about the meeting, and we noted a few things.

1st an organization like this needs sub organization. for example all of the organizations make the plans and go to the bishop in this meeting to seek authorization rather than ideas or bash on the work of another organization. rather than so burn, propose an alternative to build up. before you burn, seek to understand the situation.

What steps are you taking to make sure you finish your mission with as much enthusiasm as you started. This is the time that endure to the end - well comes in to play.

Don't worry, I'm just as excited as ever :P BRING ON THE BAPTISMS! PEGA FOGO PEGA!

Elder Anderson

What a typical day is like.

August 25, 2014

Our schedule is: 

Get up at 6:29 (some days it's really hard to wake up from the prayer after, that's why I set an alarm).

The thing that helps me stay awake and motivated to do exercises is if I make my bed, if not, it's all downhill.

Then we leave after 10:30 a.m.

We come back 9-9:30 at night.

Sleep 10:30 p.m. every night.

That's basically our schedule, we wake up, work and sleep. If I get home and go into a coma for the first week, I hope you understand why :P

Well the other news, I'm with Elder Helms one more time, here in Itaipu A, Elder Zabala will be here still, and I'm still the District leader here. I get 2 new missionaries here, one in Medianeira, and one in our own home, Elder Morocho will leave, and will come Elder Martinez! (another American! We're gonna all speak Spanish! Yay!)

Anyway, that's all I've got to say, not a really eventful week.

Miss you all! write soon!

Elder Anderson

About the falls and wild monkeys.

August 18, 2014

How were the falls?

Beautifull. At first it wasn't so cool, at least didn't look stunning because we were really far away from the first falls. Then we started walking around them, the water falls go on for a couple of kilometers, that's what really amazed me. But the best párt, we went down in the middle of a few of them, the biggest of them all. WOW! that's all I have to say! I got some great pictures!

Did you have fun? Was it amazing?

Yes and yes.

Did you get moved and your old place cleaned up?

Almost, we have a few things to get inside the house still, but we are getting there.

Who is in your new apartment?

Elder Zabala, Morocho, Helms and me.

How are you getting on with your companion?

Yes!

Who has been your favorite elder to work with during your mission?

E. Christensen

How far away from the mission home are you?

9 hours

Who were you able to teach this week?

L! He is a guy that we talked to on the street last week, and we were able to teach him this week! He is a really good guy, 19 years old and will be baptized on Sunday! it's really nice to meet elect like him!

That's about the sum of our week, just one more funny story:

So we were walking along and decided to take a shortcut to one of our investigators. it cuts through this grove of trees, but something that we found out really fast, the place has WILD MONKEYS!!!!! Biggest discovery ever, wild monkeys exist still! and they live in the city. I've never seen a monkey in the wild, and most missionaries haven't either. It's really awesome!

That's about it, but I love you all! 94!

Elder Anderson

Moving, baptisms, and going to Igacu Falls

August 11, 2014

Did you get moved?

Yes, finally, though we are putting the final touches on our old and new house

How is the work going this week?

The work was the best that it has ever been! Medianeira (my first city here) baptized 6 people! And better yet, I did the baptisms! Then the next day, we baptized HELENA!!! :) that was also really awesome! I was glad to be apart of all of the baptisms. as a reward, we are authorized to go to the falls!

What is the weather like in your new area?

Hot. muggy, and there are a lot of little bugs here that are annoying

How is the member support?

Depends on the member, depends on the day. Usually the Irmas love us and will make us food whenever we ask. I try not to take too much advantage, just when I'm hungry. the best part is they feel more blessed through doing this, it's weird how that works.

How often do you eat in member's homes?

Once a day, they have a calender going on. We eat with someone different every day of the month.

Is the food very different in your new area than your last?

The main difference is they use black beans here, and other places they use brown beans (called white beans? And they eat more Churrasco, or barbacue in english (not the same as ours, they don't use gas, they do it over a fire. its awesome! )

How is it different than "Mexican" food?

Forget tacos, forget burritos, forget enchiladas, forget anything Mexican with pepper. They eat rice with beans on top, but not re-fried beans, they just boil the beans for an hour and season it. It's always rice, beans, salad, and meat. Sometimes a fruit, and always soda or juice.

What characteristics do you admire about your companion?

He is really obedient. That's one of my favorite things!

This week was a blessing, we baptized 10 people in Foz, and 7 were in our district. for that, president is letting anyone that baptized this week go to the waterfalls, and the next week anyone that baptizes this week! I'm really happy for that. Unfortunately, Elder Zabala will go next week and not this, but that's OK. we'll live.

I'll take some cool pics, but here's a few for you guys of the baptisms!

Prayer and pancakes.

August 4, 2014

Did you get moved into your new place?

Not yet, this week we will go.


How many do you have living there?

Just us 4.

Are you in a pretty decent neighborhood.

Condo, it's really nice!

In what ways do you feel the Lord has protected you during your mission?

Well the lord protects me with his angels. I have seen it several times, and sometimes I feel his presence or see his hand in our work!

What things did you pray for this week?

I prayed for baptisms. for help for my district, for help in the ward. and I feel like I am getting the confidence of more and more people! Is this what success is?

Has the way you say your prayers changed over the course of your mission and in what way?

Things I've asked have changed a little. The way I ask also changed. Sometimes I really need to get better, I'm not a really patient person when it comes to prayers. I really need to be more sincere about my prayers sometimes.

Do you have very many pretty girls trying to get your attention?:)

Not really, it's mostly all Elder Zabala, though I'm starting to do some weight lifting, my arms are a bit bigger, my pecs are the biggest they have ever been, and if I can keep it up for a month, I will start taking whey before I get home. maybe that will help ;)

I think the biggest problem is I'm really really, really white. Like ridiculously white. I'm just covering it up with my redness.

Some things that happened this week: we had a fireside that we ran. It turned out really, really cool! Everyone loved it. and more than that, we made pancakes for more than 40 people prepared by who? ME! :P everyone loved it, and it turned out to be a success. They told me it was good enough to marry now.

Elder Anderson

Water trouble, baptism and PIZZA!

July 28, 2014

So there was a similar theme in my week, all week. That theme was water.

Monday- our water exploded.

So the pictures I sent show the tank of water that filters everything that goes down the drain, so the rest of the drain doesn't get clogged. well it got filled, and there was no way to pull it out because it was covered in fat and grease and eveything that's nasty, and the handle was broken, so I got down to digging, and digging and digging. That was the nastiest thing I have done in a long time. In the end, it's all clean now.

Tuesday, still was cleaning it out, and started to rain

Wednesday, still rained

Thursday, Rained

Friday, baptism of the other elders, Elder Zabala and Morocho

Saturday, baptismal interview.

Sunday, baptism! I GOT WET! that was awesome.

We baptized a kid that has been going to church for a month, so it was kind of nice to see him there in the water.

Well here's something crazy. Here in this area, we have been finding tons of pizza. like crazy amounts of pizzerias here, I think we have about 20 in our areas together, maybe more or less! It's awesome!

The other cool thing, we have alfajore here in our area! I haven't found it yet, but I have been getting hints about where to look! I'm super excited for that!

Other than that, nothing really new, just the fact that we will move to a new house this week in a condo, that will be really small but mildly fantastic :P

Miss you all write soon!

Elder Anderson

Great birthday surprises and transferring to Foz.

July 14, 2014

First I will make a list of things that I received for my birthday :)

1st and best of all! TABASCO SAUCE!!! I had no idea that I missed that stuff so much :P

2nd tacos (same Irmao in the ward made them for us, then my companion became sick. Didn't do anything to me). There were tacos, real tacos and guacamole (I didn't even eat the stuff before the mission and now I eat a ton!).

3rd. pens that are really really good!

4th tons of candy

(thanks to the Bristol Heights Ward Young Women that sent me a package of candy) (p.s. Mom, I paid 20 dollars to get their package).

5th freaking fabulous star glasses (my companion was making fun of me because of their gayness...)

6th the dart guns. holy freak that was a fun gift. We have had constant battles in our apartment.

7th a tie. It's a pretty cool tie too, thanks Irmao Leopoldo again!

8th cologne. I don't know what she's trying to say. thanks Irma Juliana!

9th. cake. gotta have cake

10th, beef jerky.

Now, I was thinking about getting a Brazil jacket that's really nice, and I could use it at home, but I would like to ask the advice of you Mom, it's about 100 reais or 40 dollars. Should I get it? it's something that I'm thinking of getting as a remembrance of my mission.

Next up, we had conference which I got to see a ton of missionaries that I know and don't know. It's surprising to see how many you don't know. You get here knowing nobody, and go home the same way. Go figure.

The other news, I am going to foz!!!!! Waterfalls! Cataratas!!! Yayayayayaya!

I will be in an area called Itaipu with Elder Helms. I don't know him and so I will have to get to know him a bit. but the cool part, he has been baptizing 5 weeks seguidas. So he should be good.

I will miss a lot of people here in Semiramis, its been a long time since I have been here, and will defiantly keep in touch with all of them!

Anyway, that's my life this week, thanks for all the prayers! See you in a bit :P

Elder Anderson

Birthday, great divisions, and celebrating Independence Day.

July 7, 2014

Well thanks for the birthday wishes, and the letters and everything, it was great reading them! I will print them off here today to read them again!

As for the news here, this week started out really stressful and ended stressful.

But the middle was great!

Let me explain.

So in the first part of the week, I was really stressed out with my companion because he stopped wanting to talk to me. I didn't know what to do and so I tried to give him some space while I did divisions with other missionarys (the division was because of the other missionarys, not him.)

(Side story, Elder Zabala, the other missionary in my district that has been here forever as well, fell in a hole and got 12 stitches. it was bad.)

So, I did a division with his companion and we worked quite a bit, found a few people that we were going to bring to church, and some of them didn't (all). Elder Gomez is great, but I don't understand him so much. He's from Chile, and he doesn't speak really well yet. but he will get over that after time.

Next, we worked again, me and Elder Maldonado, and did a division the next day, this time it was my time to learn! I went with guess who?

ELDER POORE!!!

(For those of you who don't know, Elder Poore is from Rigby, Idaho, and was in the MTC with me for 9 weeks, and then went to Iowa for his temp mission and then came here with me. He will go home with me and all, and he is my zone leader).

So we did the division, and I don't know what the other elder did, Elder Rosa, but Elder Maldonado is better now. me and Elder Poore went to ala 2 and we did another division, me with Elder Morocho, a 4 foot 6 missionary that is from Peru that I also don't understand. He got here with Elder Monk. That was a good day too.

But that night, I went with Elder Poore, and we ate pizza and the next morning gave the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the states, and sang some national anthems and such. it was really cool. Did some good work there as well

The last couple of days were great, but I'm still stressed out cause I want to baptize. That's the only thing I want to do for my birthday :P

This week will be good too because we have conference, my birthday and transfers.

Anyway, that was my week, now to get my birthday package and to have a party!

Miss ya'll!

Elder Anderson

Ten things I've learned over the last 21 years!

June 30, 2014

Ten things I've learned in my 21 years on the Earth:

1. theres always just a little more that you can do.

2. Just put in a little elbow grease, and it will work out.

3. There is not such a thing as too much dancing.

4. Make a plan.

5. Make a plan b, c and z as well.

6. Think about others, but make up your own mind.

7. The coolest things are really cheap.

8. A week without exercise makes one weak.

9. Making your bed makes a difference.

10. Don't worry about how your food looks, it all goes to the same place.

Well, I won't say that the week got better, but at least I have some things to share.

1st off, I did 2 divisions, had a great experience and missed my area. When I got back, things were going well for a bit, and now they just all blew out the door. Because of that, we only had 1 person at church this week, and still no baptisms.

2nd, I burned bread, and the house still smells like burnt bread after 4 days...

But the best part, the ex wife of one of our baptisms was baptized this week by some other elders. it was awesome! I did the interview.

About the interview, it went really well, it was inspired, it was something that I really felt the spirit and the desire the woman had to follow Christ. she had a really cool story. Apparently, I already had invited her to church twice, and then she went in a different place. she went 3 times there before the missionaries went to her house. They taught her, she received a response and made the decision to be baptized. now her friend will also be baptized on Friday. it was really cool to talk to her about her daughters!

Anyway, that's about all I have to say, just a few questions that my Mom had about the church we attended last week,

1st I felt welcome, but it was weird, I just don't feel comfortable there. its different than what I am used to.

2nd. I missed the trombone a ton. I almost grabbed one to play it.

Anyway, I have maybe 2 more weeks here, we'll see what happens here.

Miss ya'll!

Elder Anderson

Frustration and the Rubix Cube.

June 23, 2014

Well, this week went a little like this:

Frustration, frustration and happiness.

I don't even know what to say right now, its really annoying. Basically, we brought 3 people to church, and we are moving along really slowly. That's really all I want to say this week.

I guess I will include one funny story. We have a guy that we teach, he sells oranges. (a lot of oranges too). We brought him to church on the condition that we would go to his church. So we went, and found that they sing a lot, they have a live band, and they have a lot of people that go there. The best part, they have a trombonist! (2 actuallly if you count the director) I got to talk to them and meet a guy that plays sax as well, that was really cool. The saxophonist will go to church with us this week!

And, I learned how to do a rubix cube. in 3 minutes.

Elder Anderson

World Cup Week.

June 16, 2014

Are any of the elders you work with fotball (soccer) fans?

Of Argentina yes. we have one brazilian that is a fan of brazil, but the rest are all from argentina and chile.

Will it be difficult to get any work done this week?

Just a bit, during the week no, but on Tuesday this week and Monday next, it will be a bit harder.

Who are you teaching now?

Nobody. we had a bad week, and so that means that we start over and do everything again. We have to find, teach and bring them to church, which is a long, week-long process, and if we do it right, we will come out on top.

Any specific stories this week where you felt the spirit guiding you in your efforts?

of course, but I'm blanking this moment. nothing specific.

I wish that I had more to say, though I have one thing that I liked about this week:

Wednesday we had a training for the leaders, aka, lz, e ld. it was a really cool experience, because i learned a bit more about my job, and how to work a bit better. There was some really spiritual moments there and I really enjoyed it! I hope that I get to go again. the rest of the week was hard for me.

Love you all and I keep you in my prayers!



Elder Anderson

Celestializing My Shoes.

June 9, 2014

How was your week this week? Slow again?

A little, it seemed slow, looked really good at the end, and then ended out ok. but this week is looking better and better. we just have to work a little harder. I'm not sure what's stopping our investigator. He still smokes and drinks coffee, but wants to stop and be baptized.

Do you keep in contact with any of your former converts or companions?

Just converts.

Have you met Elders in the field that you feel you will stay in contact with once you get home.

Yes, tons!

Who do you feel you have impacted the most on your mission?

That I can't say. Of my companions, all, in some way or another, but one elder that made a difference to me was elder Zachary Hoskin, who was one of my zone leaders in Bauru. he went home one year ago and is at byu-i, but he was a really spiritual missionary!

Do you ever get to go to the temple?

Nope

Are there certain mission rules you have a hard time following?

Not really, just a daily basis, sometimes there is an accident that I have where I accidentally break a rule, but it's not a normal occurrence, it's something I strive to do right. Live all the rules, not imaginary rules, but the rules that have been established, and are to be kept all the time. and personal rules I have a few too.

What are some things you could do that would help you focus on the things you are accomplishing throughout the day so you don't get discouraged when things don't work out the way you hoped?

I pray, I fast, I write things down so I don't forget them. There are a ton of things you can do, but I find the thing that helps the most in my mission is the day I get on my knees and start a fast.

This week, we are working with the same three investigators.

We found out that one of the investigators works with dead bodies. Yeah, the ones that they have at schools, hospitals and places like that. Bodies to study and learn.

But, it's weird when he starts talking about how they have to saw parts of the body, open it up. He described how he has to saw the head off. he said at first it was really weird, and now he feels weird cause it feels normal... He wants to get out of there as soon as possible he said.

Though worse still, he teaches little kids P. E. he is so awesome! love this guy, though it's hard to get in touch with him, because he is never home.

Our other investigator is almost ready to baptized, just a little more push, pray for us!

Last bit of news, my 5th pair of shoes gave up the ghost (huge horrific holes and gapping mouthes in my shoes, people kept looking at them like I was crazy), so I decided to go shoe shopping.

I first looked at the shoe store. 50-150 dollars or more for shoes (the equivalent, its in reais here which is 100-300 reais) and I freaked out.

I then looked in the thrift shop, found some good shoes for 25 reais, or about 12 dollars! Lucky day.

A sister in the ward wanted my shoes (a little weird I know) but I gave them to her, and she will bronze them and celestialize them ( she wants to make some sort of memorial of missionaries and how they should work or something). really cool!

Miss you all!

Elder Anderson

New Investigators!

June 2, 2014

Well until now, I have'nt gotten any news on transfers, maybe that means I will stay one more...

This week we are working with 3 people.

One man, we found him a few weeks ago, and he has been struggling to get a testimony, but finally he is starting to react to our lessons. he stopped drinking, alcohol and coffee, and is now starting to think about baptism. He thinks that he has a response, and is now willing to follow it. So we are looking to a baptism this week! Bring It on!

And the other 2 are married, and want to go to the states one day, London, and see the world. They are really cool and liked the church, though thought it was different. maybe they will be interested! we'll talk to them later. So batiza!

Anyway, this week was rather boring, we talked to a few people, did a division with Elder Gomez from Chile (BRASIWWWWWWW) and taught a bit. I think this week is looking to be a good week for us. let's go baby!

Elder Anderson

Great Food this Week!

May 26, 2014
How was your week?

Could have been better, we didn't have anyone at church this week

Sunshine or rain?

More rain than anything.

Happy or sad? Baptisms or no shows?

No shows, we didn't have very much success, and we will keep running behind people to get them to the goal.

Do the people usually treat you petty well?
Depends, its about half half, if we talk to someone in the street, sometimes they are good and others they just blow us off. I guess we do strike fear in the hearts of people.

Best thing you ate this week?

Well, there was a number of things, between a cow roasted, and a lasagna that was awesome and a pudding that was cooked in a wood stove (the lasagna was too) and a spaghetti that had this delicious white sauce, some tea, some terere, some pancakes, fried torta, and a cake. it was a good week on the side of food.

Weirdest thing you saw that you can tell me about?

Brazil. All of it.

Favorite passage of scripture?

Blessed art thou Elder Anderson for the integrity of thine heart...

Inspiration and Success

May 19, 2014

So since the last time I talked to you, my companion and I sat down and did some dirty work. We got down and started talking to people.

What made it different this week? 2 fera (Monday) Elder Rabbit of the saints (Coelho dos Santos) asked me what he could do to accompany people so they didn't fall, and so they went to church.

I thought and thought and here was the revelation I got. We all tried it out.

Before, we would do contacts and talk to the people on Friday or Saturday. If we talked to them Monday, we wouldn't see them for 5 more days at the least.

Now, we talk to them the next day, 2 days after and maybe another 2 days after. In the end it worked out really well, everyone in our district had new people at church, and everyone has someone to baptize this week. It’s a really good week.

Something funny that happened this week, me and my companion ate almost every single night. Here we only get lunch, and every now and then we have a snack for dinner (lunch is their dinner). It seemed as if the lord was blessing us. Every time we stepped in a house they just happened to have cake and food for us. I think the lord likes us or something, we really got to bond to some of the families we taught, and we are hoping to see them accept the gospel here soon.

I'm going to get fat here. So far I haven’t gained, but usually if I gain anything I freak out and eat less.

Oh and first time in a long time I ate chili this week. I love peppers, but here everyone here are wimps. The plus side, the brother that made it for us likes them too.




Elder Anderson

P-day and praying for Patricia.

April 15, 2014

Best question ever. What am I doing for p-day.

First thing I will eat some fried chicken and ramen (our money hasn’t fallen yet, it’s all I have). Maybe I will drink terere, but only 2 liters today if that.

Then I will play some chess with my companion, listen to some talks, and I will make a leather case for my bible (Like I said, I have become a cobbler)

And then we will pray for our investigator. Satan is working hard against her, and I am scared she will give in. I know that the lord is blessing her, and will give her way to salvation. Pray for us that Patricia can be baptized tomorrow! I believe in her!

Anyway, Patricia is a niece of a member, who invited her to conference the other day, and loved it! She has been receiving our lessons, and has readily accepted the gospel, and is getting ready to be baptized. The problem? Members, her aunt, and others are all distracting her from what I know she has felt, and I know that she will make it there when I saw her withstand something that any other investigator would fall under. I am so glad that the lord is preparing us and helping her to achieve her righteous desire.

Please pray for us that we may be given a way to work with the members of this ward that they may stop impeding our investigators and start helping them instead.

Love you all

Elder Anderson

Conference and learning to make leather scripture covers.

April 7, 2014

How did you enjoy conference?

Unfortunately I was too stressed to enjoy it yet. But I will download and listen to it on the phone ( I got a memory card to put in it :P )

Did you have any investigators show up?

6!

Did you watch in Portuguese or English?

Portuguese

What talks did you get the most out of?

Bednar, but I don't remember what. It’s all written down :P

Any themes that stood out to you?

Obedience!

So short answers, but I'm going as fast as I can here. This week we focused on getting people to conference, and we had some really good success in getting people there. Some are possibilities for this week, and some are longer run (like our 2 rapper friends Ricardo and Raphael) and we are really working hard to get them all there someday! I am starting to see some challenges that we will have to overcome, but seem steadily easier and easier as we get closer to the end.

Anyway that’s all the time I have for now. I loved conference, and today we will be learning how to make leather scripture covers (A skill I will take with me to the states :P )

Elder Anderson

Rainy day Sundays keep the investigators away.

March 31, 2014

How are things this week?

So far so good, we worked harder, we had a little more success, and we are getting closer to finding a baptism!

What things were easy?

Finding the people.

What things were hard?

Getting up every day.

Or getting them up on a rainy Sunday. We will better prepare some of them for next week! Yay conference!

Is it starting to cool off in Brazil yet?

Yeah, it’s not quite jacket weather, but it’s getting down there at night, and with the rain it helps a little too.

Are you beginning to enter your winter months?

Not quite.

Who was the coolest person you met this week?

Erik. Erik is the friend of Raphael, who I will explain below. Erik is in the circus, and that’s what he does for work. He also picks up a few other jobs along the way, but that is his main source of income for now. He is about 23 and is looking ahead to a long full life. He flaked out on church this week because of rain, but next week, we will have a little more success because of conference! Yay!

Who do you feel like you impacted the most (sometimes the person you impact the most is yourself).

Not sure, maybe myself

What did you learn about charity this week?

Just trying to be charitable and patience are related. But charity also requires action like faith.

Now for the good part. Our 2 rappers!!!

Raphael and Ricardo, our black rapper friends. Raphael we me a while ago, 2 weeks or so, and he was all excited about church and flaked out the first week due to a tooth ache. This week he almost fell again, but we got him to go, and now he's given up cigarettes! Yeah! We will try and help him be baptized this week!

Ricardo is the other, unfortunately he didn't come this week, but he promised us to go next week. I'm sure that he will be baptized with Raphael and Erik!

Our family that we are working with is also really cool. One is Jean; he is the son of an inactive, and the brother of 2 inactives. They all want to go to church, and we will get him to give up the cigarettes too and his whole family as well. Also his sister Bruna and her husband will also go to church. Neither of them has been baptized before (Bruna and Jean). We are really excited about them too. unfortunately the rain stopped them from coming.

Next week we have a work to do due to conference. We will try and get tons of people to go, we are going to make some official sign up list to make it more official to people! I'm super excited!

Talk to you all soon!

Elder Anderson

"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"

March 24, 2014

How much longer will you be with your current companion?

At least 5 more weeks, then after that...

What things do you think you have effectively taught him?

We have been really good about inviting people, to do things. There are still many things that we can get better at that will help people. I think one thing we are trying to work on a lot is having more charity for people. Love and all of that. I think that will help us out a bit.

What has he taught you?

Just keep positive and focused. Sometimes I tend to get really unfocused, and I think I could do better with that.

What do you do when you get really tired and it's hard to keep going?

Well I sat in my couch this morning and I decided not to fight and actually did exercises. Then I had diariah this morning after :P blessings of the mission...

Funny stories this week.

1. We had a guy tell us that he wants to go to the moon. I asked him if it was good there. He said to me they say it is...

2. Bar full of men. Not one woman. Music of “Girls Just Wants to Have Fun” blaring. (This world needs help).

Anyway we didn't have very much success this week, but we had a very good potential come to church and we will pass by him tomorrow after the conference. Wish us luck.

Elder Anderson

Hoping for a first baptism for Elder Monk.

March 17, 2014

So I didn't even realize that it was Saint Patrick’s Day. That is the weirdest thing. I don't even realize the days that are our regular holidays...

Potatoes? More or less. They have them but they must be a different brand, because they look different. Though on the flip side I have learned how to make hash browns. I learned watching another missionary, picked it up and do it every now and then.

Yes I am still red, though it will get a little bit better during the winter season. I am sure I will get back and be as red as a tomato :P or maybe somehow I will get a little tan!

This week we have been teaching a few people. First was one that disappointed me and we gave up on her. Her name was Arari (like ard-ard-ee). She was so close I felt, but we just couldn't find the problem. It’s hard to find the solution without the problem.

Second is LUILTON!!!!!!!!!

So this guy is from Lagoas, do Nordeste (north) and he is super cool, and just a party animal (we will help with that a bit... (Every other pic was him drinking in his camera))

Anyway it’s been 4 weeks since we found him, and finally we were able to get a hold of him and bring him to church. We went with his cousin, with whom he lives (he was studying to be a catholic priest... but he gave up).

Anyway, he is super cool, and is so willing to learn and we will help him out this week.

Next up is 3 kids we brought (and their family). Tatielli (12) Gulherme (15) and Junior (14). All really intelligent kids from Minas Gerais, the land of the cheese. They are a really cool family and we will work with them and see what we can do to help them: P it will be a good experience to help them, and hopefully baptize them!

This week was a long hard week but paid off in the end with the best fruits of any other week we had, and I think we will be able to baptize this week! First baptism for Elder Monk!

Elder Anderson

Some successes and some disappointments

March 10, 2014

Did you eat anything weird this week?

Just one thing, it’s a dish from the north. It was this corn Jello stuff. My companion didn't like it, but I thought it was fantastic. It would be so cool to serve up there among the Indians!

Did you have any situations where you followed the spirit and something miraculous happened?

This week? Not really. I'm sure I did, but that I remember no.

How are you feet hanging in there? Are you still using the medicine?

They are in perfect condition, and I stopped using the medicine in Marilia, though I pulled it out once or twice in Ourinhos.

This week there wasn't a lot to say, we have been working hard, and we had a couple of successes, and a couple of disappointments. One of which was the fact that we got a really good investigator for a few days that already went to church, and then she cut us after 3 or 4 days. It’s something really heart wrenching to see someone that doesn't want to experience change or the joy of the gospel. Other than her, we lost a lot of time on other things and we hope that this week we will have a little more success.

Other important things that have happened? ummm. Last week of transfers and so we have to work really hard this week.

I'm sorry there isn't a whole lot to say this week, maybe in the next week we will have some really good stories to tell.

Good luck on the move Mom!





Elder Anderson

I'm working as hard as I can, and I'm tired all the time.

Mar 3

What rocked your world this week?
What rocked my world? I'm not sure right now. Maybe church, because our investigators felt the strong spirit there!

Meet any new and interesting people?

Leticia and Estefania,

Leticia is a drug addict that is trying to get over her addiction. We got there right as she was starting and we seem to show up when she needs us the most. Unfortunately she fell after 7 days, but went to church Sunday and loved it and now has a vision for the future! It will be a longer road for her to baptism, but she will make it!

Estafania is a lady we met that went to church. That is very hyper. I don't know her really well yet, but she loved the church and wants to go back next week!

Both are just some of the sweetest people!

Have any epiphanies regarding the work you are doing?

Epiphanies? Not really. I'm working on something new, but I haven't really decided to focus my study on anything in particular yet.

How is being the lead companion going? Does it stress you out?

Good and yes!

What are three positive characteristics your companion has?

He speaks really well,

He does contacts well,

And he wants to get better!

Are you still as tired as you were?

Yes. It doesn't ever go away. The older you get, the more tired you get. It’s a universal thing among the missionaries here. They say if you are tired you didn't work smart, but I say the opposite. If you are not tired, you didn’t give it everything you had.

This week was long, hard and stressful. We worked hard, and it gave up some results, some are people that might be baptized in a few weeks and others are people that will be baptized this week. It will be a good month. Here we want to break our record in the mission with 231 baptisms in the month, which means I HAVE TO WORK HARD AS I CAN! It will be great!

Anyway that’s all I got to say for now, it’s been raining a bit here, and we are excited!

Elder Anderson

Addiction, marriage (or the lack thereof), and the trouble Satan causes.

February 24, 2014

So my week has been thus. Crazy! As always.

But to start we started running behind a few people. First off is Tayla.

Tayla is a 15 year old girl that smokes and drinks and has been since she was 11. Wow. anyway we have almost helped her to stop, and she has a response to her prayers and everything and now she will move to a different ward and get baptized. Dang. Oh well, she will still be in the same building.

Next is Amanda. Dang, we were so close. The story is this.

First a few weeks ago we had left her due to her mom being a little mean to us and let fires calm a little. We ended up seeing her at the family home evening of her neighbor (who lives in front of her) and we taught her the plan of salvation, and she loved it. We ended up passing again and teaching her the 3rd lesson and inviting her to go to an interview.

The interview was a hassle to get her there, but when she finally got there she had a very spiritual experience, and decided she wants to be baptized. We would do it the next day!

Then comes the bummer. We walked out and there was a marriage that was going on, and she asked us if she needed to be married...

Dang.

So now we will go get them married in the next few weeks because it takes 15 days here. We are aiming for the week of transfers.

This week though we have to baptize a man that went to church with 19 years. So young man, but we hope that everything works out well.

As for being tired all the time, the problem is we don't have time to make real food ever, so we end up eating a bunch of junk food all the time. I hate it; I wish I had more time.

Glad to hear about the good stuff happening there, it will be so weird to return to Idaho Falls...

Elder Anderson

Of juggling, whey protein, and training!

February 17

Of juggling, whey protein, and training!

How is your new area?

It’s small, but it feels big since we are going around a lot of it.

Did you have to find a place to live, or was that already set up for you?

The place was already ready for us, it’s an old apartment that the ground is concrete, and it’s a pretty good size for the 2 of us.

Do you have a nice place to live?

It’s ok. Not the worst I’ve lived in, but also not the best. We have a bit of cleaning to do still.

How is the new ward and mission leader?

The ward is good and very supportive, and I've met some really cool people that I like thus far, the ward mission leader is an older guy, retired, though sounds like he will work again here in a bit. He’s a cool guy, but I really wish he was behind more ward missionaries, that would be really good.

Are you teaching anyone?

A few people, but the first is the one that went to church, Tayla. She is 15 years old, and we met her the other day just passing by her in the road as she was getting to her house. She almost didn't go Sunday when we passed by her, but we had a miracle. And I think that she has some possibility. First obstacle we have to pass is her addiction, she smokes. That’s so weird to me, 15 year olds smoking and addicted. Second problem is her dad is investigating and wanting to get baptized in another church that is very prominent here (known as the Jehovah Witnesses), but he won't stop her from doing what she wants.

Next news, I have learned how to juggle, not extremely well, but to the point where I can keep going, and do at least one new trick (I learned by watching Elder Christensen :P). That’s just a little something that is funny that I’ve been working on with the leftover limes we have.

One more thing, I wake up broken every day. Like demolished and destroyed. I go around every day and just feel really tired in the morning. Yesterday was the 2nd time I have ever tried whey protein (it was really nasty too). Then they put milk powder in the second half of the cup... this morning I felt like sunshine and daisy’s. And I ran for the first time in about 8 months. I am seriously considering buying a jug of powder. Mom, may I?

Elder Anderson

Training Elder Monk and some crazy experiences this week!

February 10, 2014

Well this week has been a really short and a fast week, but a really crazy week.

First this week we were transferred, both me and Elder Christensen: me to Semiramis, Londrina (which I found out on Monday) and Elder Christensen didn't know where. On Monday night I got a call to go to Centro for training for new trainers and learned that I would train. So that next morning, we went there, and we had the same training that I received when I got here on the mission.

Anyway my new trainee is Elder Monk! He is from Virginia, and is a hard worker and will someday be Assistant. Yeah!

So what he has already experienced this week, and were some really funny moments for us both.

1. We had a moment with two guys that were really doped up on drugs (we got the address of one, we will probably pass him, cause he was telling us that he wanted to be saved, and the other we just left him. he was singing Aerosmith apparently, though I didn't understand him

2. We had a guy named John Lennon at church. we talked to him at about 10, and he did a mini tour, left, (we got someone else after him to go to sacrament) and then she left, and he came back and (he was extremely drunk.) and ended up going to his house, letting him change, and we watched the last talk.

Later that day we went to his house, there was a fight between him and his dad? Or something. I'm a little sorry that he had to witness that.

3. Almost had a baptism, then the mom was thrown in the equation.

Anyway, everything so far is hectic from the having to open the area, but it will work out in the end. Baptisms this week of John Lennon and Amanda and this other lady (who also was really cool)

More stories next week!

Elder Anderson

Transferred, getting trained to train:)

February 3

What's the news from Brazil?

Was transferred (don't have any time to write, it’s a miracle I’m on right now).

Might train.

We were teaching a baptism, but our area just closed, so who knows what will happen. Thankfully she is dating a missionary (he is home due to epilepsy for 1 more month)

Are there any principles of the gospel you have gained a greater testimony of lately?

There are so many things that I can tell you that I'm learning, including grace, and the nature of God (I'm finishing up the lectures on faith and a bunch of supplemental readings! So good!)

That’s all the time and the juiciest info I can get you guys right now.

Elder Anderson

Fastest Baptism ever and transfers coming up.

January 27

Well I wouldn't say I'm the most diligent in writing my journal, though I at least keep a basic record of everything important, I wouldn't say things important happen every day, some days I just get home completely exhausted.

But the biggest part about this week is the blessings of the lord that we are seeing in our missions here. First is the blessing of a BAPTISM!!!

Irma Rita!

So we met her the other day after going and checking out a reference that we received a while back from a member. Rita went to church and didn't seem like she wanted anything to do with anything, and so we just forgot about her. But Thursday we went and checked it out to see if we would pursue it or just leave her. But while she seemed reluctant at first, she committed to be baptized. So we immediately called the zone leaders they came the next day and she was baptized that night.

(Fastest baptism that I or my companion have ever had with the oldest person we have ever taught. 74.)

Just a little about her. She is 74, has 7 living children, she had 8 and one more that was a miscarriage, with a total of 9. Wow. I don't know how many grandchildren she has, but she has at least one great grandchild, and a good portion of her family are baptized members of the church. I can barely understand what she says, and her and her husband Jose are always fighting when we are there. At least I think they are fighting.

But that’s all about her. The next news is that transfers are next week, maybe I stay here, or maybe I go. I don't know, we are working on getting a house all ready for 4 elders, so maybe I stay one more here...

Other than that, we are going to try and baptize the girlfriend of a missionary that is at home for a short time because he developed epilepsy on the mission. Wow. (I've met at least 3 missionaries that developed epilepsy...)

That’s my week. We walked a lot, out of the blue baptized, and we are going to be walking a lot more. I think I will sleep all day today.

Elder Anderson

Sundays are the toughest day of the week!

January 20

So this week was a long, long week. It seems like every day I was more and more tired. Though, the last day is always the hardest. We wake up earlier, we have more work and we are rushed for the next 6 hours, Sunday is definitely not a day of rest for a missionary.

I think the most disappointing thing for me here in the mission is when I work hard all week, we have good results and good potential investigators, and on the last day, everything falls and nobody comes to church.

That wasn't this week.

A woman and her husband and 2 kids came to church this week, of all of the people we talked to. We had some good success with them, and we will have to try really hard to baptize them.

The biggest issue with them is we have to help them to receive a response while having to help them get married, seeing as they have been living together the last 14 years. So, this will be a great thing if it all works out. I just don't know if I will be here to finish the marriage or not. We kind of have to just try. The problem though is they don't have money, so I think me and my faithful companion will team up with some members of the ward and try and help them pay for the marriage license. That way it’s not really expensive for us.

Other than that, we have some really cool people to work with; a guy in a wheelchair that already went to church and his wife, and another man and his family (0rlando)

We’ll work with them a little and see what we can do. We will try to work miracles this week!!!

Working wonders!

Elder Anderson

Teaching Ruan, baptizing Kauan, and realizing that numbers make a difference.

January 13, 2014

Questions and answers from Mom:

Is your favorite Book of Mormon prophet still Samuel?

Heck yes. Favorite missionary is Alma, favorite angel is Moroni, and the coolest dreamer of dreams is Lehi and Nephi.

Oh, and you can put the most faithful person as Nephi right before the coming of Christ, who his testimony was so strong nobody could disbelieve his words and were angry at him for it :P

Do you have a favorite companion so far?

Hmmm, they were all great. I like to think my most obedient companion so far is Elder Christensen, the best looking was Elder Doan, funniest was Elder Altamirano, and all the rest are really amazing and inspiring missionaries (I think all my companions except for 1 are now zone leaders :P )

How many companions have you had so far?

8

How many of those have been native Brazilians?

0

Are there any Brazilian customs you would like to adopt when you get home?

Eating with fork and knife at the same time, it is surprisingly efficient. Though I'm not sure if I like the large lunch thing they have going on here, or rice and beans every day (though I will eat them a lot more)

Customs? Like kissing people when you say hi to them? (I think that would be really weird in the states, not to mention, I don't do it here as a missionary). Really I don't plan on adopting many things from here in my home country, as much as I love it here.

Would you ever consider changing to BYUI?:)

As of right now? I haven't had that idea once :P

Who are you currently teaching?

Ruan (huah) though he doesn't know it yet. We just had a really hard week, and need to boost up our teaching pool because we only had him at church. We only teach people that go to church.

What do they like most about the gospel?

The people that we have taught usually like the message of the restoration, that’s the most life changing of them all.

What are they having a hard time with?

Ruan has problems with his mom letting him baptize. he has been going to church for 6 months, has to catch the bus when he goes making it hard for him to go, but he does so enough for a 12 year old (I don't think my mom would ever let me ride the bus as a 12 year old). We will talk to them this week and see if we can get his baptism worked out for this week :) pray for us!

As for that, we just baptized for the 3rd time in a row, a lad of 9 years named Kauan, who is the child of a less active coming back to activity. The mom is actively accepting it though the dad is a little mule (someone who doesn’t like commitment) and so we were pleased that Kauan baptized this week. We’ll keep passing them and try to help them out to keep active and going to church. This is a really good thing for them.

The rest of this week was just traveling, meetings, interviews, and ended up being a really hard week where our numbers were very low.

The thing I have learned about numbers here on the mission. Numbers matter. Baptism is the most important thing we do (since confirmation is the job of the Bishop) and to baptize someone we have to meet certain expectations. to reach those expectations, we find that the numbers say a lot, the averages tell us about how many people we have to talk to to find someone new that will go to church, and that number tells us how many people we will be able to baptize, which means one more person that is able to enter into the kingdom of God. When I got here, I thought numbers don't matter, but really, they tell us everything.

This week will be another week of miracles; I know the Lord will bless us. Glad to hear from you all! Write soon!

Elder Anderson

Some of the things I've learned so far (1/2 way through my mission)

January 6, 2014

My Mother had to give a update on me and my mission during Sacrament meeting and these are the her questions and my answers:

What is the most beneficial thing the members can be doing to help the missionary effort along?

To help the missionary effort? I don't know if I can answer that all in one thing, but I know the best thing that will help a member know how to help is to study Preach My Gospel every day. If you study this set of scriptures (PMG) every day, you will understand the things that you can do to invite and help a friend accept the gospel!

How is the church different in your mission in Brazil than our area in Boise?

The church is a lot smaller and the members are all recent converts to the church from the last 20 years or less and have a strong belief in God.

In what ways has your testimony grown since you've been on your mission?

I have a firm conviction in things small as well as big. Things such as fasting have more importance to me now than they did before. Opening my mouth and inviting people really does make a difference.

What experiences have contributed to your growth?

Working with people that are new in the church, reading my scriptures and just talking to people and sharing the gospel helps me grow every day.

What is your most used missionary tool and why?

1. The Book of Mormon, all things can be answered there.

2. Preach My Gospel, I learn something new every time I open it.

I love the Bible, but I don't like using it, because it induces Bible bashing.

Have you lost your fear (or did you ever have it) of sharing the gospel?

You never lose the fear, you just develop more courage to overcome the fear. What helps is just to open your mouth and talk to people. If you need to, as silly as it is, practice talking to someone to help you overcome the fear.

Why do you feel it's important to share the gospel?

Because we need to baptize everyone! Every major change in the life of someone will come after baptism, and the longer they wait to be baptized, the longer it takes for them to feel of the saviors love more abundantly. I have a testimony of this.

What is the most significant thing you would like to improve on this year in regards to your testimony and or the gospel?

I want to have the faith to work miracles.

That’s all I have for right now, but I just want you to know that I love you, and this week was good. We just baptized the mom of Junio ( last week’s baptism) who is just the sweetest lady (think Black Momma :) ) I love their family!

Baptized Junio, and was nearly killed by a cockroach

December 30, 2013

Well, this week just a few highlights:

First I talked with my lovely family; it was great hearing from them!!! I'll have the privilege of speaking to them again here once more on my mission, then that’s it! Yeah!!!

Second, and also really important, we baptized this week!!! His name is Junio, and we met him a week and a half ago. It’s really weird, it was the most normal baptism I have ever had, but the more and more we think about it, he is really elect. He is 16 years old, and in his free time, he flies kites (Brazilian style for those of you who know about pipa battles :P) and we are really excited to teach his mom this week and try and help her baptize!!!

Next, Gulherme and Vitor were both ordained priests this week, Gulherme did the baptism, and Vitor was a witness (not exactly one of our most bright ideas ever, but we'll go with it.) and Vitor just turned 21, so happy birthday to him.

We also found a guy that we thought was elect, but in the end we found out he is an ex transvestite, that is Still (he said he already stopped) using drugs, and lied to us and cheated us. He was one of the best liars I've ever met, I'll give him that. Not a good thing, but whatever. We might try and talk to the wife again (she told us that he was lying.)

Also this week is New Year’s, we'll see how that goes... love holidays...

Short funny story, we were planning last night, and I just about died. I may or may not have screamed like a girl, and somehow managed to stun it long enough to kill it, but there was a cockroach ON MY LEG!!! Nastiest thing I have ever seen. He nearly killed me. My companion just stood there and laughed. Some companion I have...

I'm gonna learn how to make a kite...

And I have had more lasagna then I have ever had in my life... in this area.