The Windows of Heaven are Opening up!

Whose got the blessings?! Well my dear family I am very happy to report
that I couldn't be more satisfied with the work that is happening in the
timing of the Lord here in Santo Antônio. This week in accordance to a
challenge from the zone leaders to mark 3 baptismal date, my companion and
I marked 4 and found some wonderful people who are really ready to receive
the restored gospel. Yesterday alone we found two couples that are just
starting up families- really cool. Quick stories with yesterday, we went to
the homes of two less active families both of which have been to the temple,
but whom haven't been going to church because of the hurt feelings, or lack
of enthusiasm about the ward, but my companion was able to share a great
testimony especially because of the experience he had returning from the
mission for 8 months and many people in the church judging him, but never
giving up his testimony that the church is true. Both of these families are
going to church Sunday. One family we blessed their sick child before we
left- the woman of this household has a rock hard faith in the Gospel,
great example for the family. The other family we spent a bunch of time
with the father who served a mission in Sao Paulo, looking at pictures from
the mission and everything, played a little football americano with his son
and sang them a Christmas song. The blessings of attending church are soo
apparent- these people are soo sad and are missing out on the sacrament.
COME HOME MY PEOPLE!

Speaking of Church, it was absolutely amazing Sunday. A recent convert
Junior, received the Priesthood, I can't express the special feeling of the
spirit and body as I had the opportunity to place my hand on his head as he
was conferred upon the power of God the responsibilities that are in
accordance. He is a great man, and will marry and serve many people
including his future children. He will baptize his nephew this next week.

Oh one other experience that happened yesterday, we were entered a
neighborhood we had never worked before and I 10 steps into the street we
found a man stricken with pain for the loss of his wife several years ago,
I felt prompted to invite him to be baptized and he accepted, we will be
returning to his house this week, it is really incredible how God places
people in our path who we must talk to. Another example that happened
yesterday, I had wanted to find this guy Mateus for the longest time, but
he was never home. we was the first contact a made in Brasilia, and we were
passing by his house so I thought to knock. And low and behold who answered
the door Mateus! but it wasn't the same Mateus that I had talked with on
the bus that day. But no matter this Mateus skates with our ward missionary
leader and was looking to be baptized, but wasn't sure were. He has 15
years, but you wouldn't believe it he is an elite.

Well, all I can say is that I hope I can stay here one more transfer to
baptize a lot, but it sure is great to see the blessing after the trial of
our faith.

Well got to go

Elder Anderson

Hello Loved Ones!

Wow, what wonderful emails, 

Andrew, good to hear from you, how wonderful that you have found a friend to enjoy and share the joy of the Gospel with, with your beloved wife in whom you mentioned you love quite a bit. Remember the talk by Elder Bednar from Conference, this part is what is most beautiful about the Gospel, sharing the Gospel with a friend so their family can enjoy the blessings of the gospel. Our ward had a baptism this weekend because of this very thing. A family sharing with another family the remedy that they have-the restored Gospel. How wonderful to have a friend which really is basic to the Gospel as my stake President spoke this weekend the working together as friends in the spirit of love and understanding is how our father in Heaven would have us do. Thanks Andrew

Isaac, hey man your the one that was asking for fasting tips man, callin me a tubber. no just joking, how is your fasting by the way? are you applying some of those ideas? Fasting for a purpose? It isn't easy, that is for sure, I'm trying to apply the principle of fasting more effectively in my week. 

Which reminds me, Mother! Thank you for the scripture in Exodus and also the scripture about fasting a while back, I could feel your love and concern from a mile a way. . .or many miles. . . away. Oh ya and I knew it I knew it I'm going to be an Uncle! oh by the way I prefer Uncle Louie, or Lewis, Uncle Hayden doesn't have the ring to it. Just so you know. Oh and I'm sorry, but I haven't received the package yet, it may be at the mission office by now,  I'm not sure when I will obtain it, but I'm sure I will enjoy it, or some one will. Oh and your idea about the food thing around the world is amazingly awesome, you guys are so creative. Not to mention the Christmas Card, just like your mother, mother, :) I too and baking, sweltering what ever word has more sweat in it that is what I would pick. But I don't think that goes well with baking...  Oh and my missionary friends and I are also singing spreading Gospel Cheer at this blessed time, it is really cool, we all sing pretty well. HAHA we have a mission Christmas party, training, dinner, day and we prepared a number singing feliz navidad and merry Christmas, it really was golden afterwards we threw candy to everyone. 

Hey Did Matt Moody serve a mission in Chile or not? if he did he baptized the parents of my companion- please get the scoop. Cool connection.

Clark, hahaha sim mande, mande meu amigo, possou assistir sim. Que legal, obrigado. Você aprendeu como fazer arroz na missão frita em olho e alho? Muito bom o arroz aqui espero que poder mostrar a mai porque arroz salgado eu acho e muito melhor. Oh and did you receive my letter yet? I hope it arrives in time. Love you man oh and how is Hilary? eh? Possibilities, returned missionary? Go my son the time is now hahah love you man. 

Well, my time is short, my face is fat, my waste is wider, I'm still tall, and I'm growing in many many ways haha joking, I'm learning how to joke more with my Chilean companion the other Brazilian and Englishman- sorta ( he was lived there for five years after is birth, but it is cool to say anyway)

We will talk more on Thursday, but so you know my testimony was strengthened a whole lot this week on my purpose to find families to baptize on the mission because that is really where we experience the most joy, applying the principles of the gospel in our families, the most growth, and learning, and eternal joy, we could ever have, my companion and I have this focus and we are working with the friends and family or our ward members, helping them fulfill their purpose as servants in the kingdom of God. 

Much Love, 

Elder Anderson

Story Time

Hello Dear Family, well first thing i have to say mother is "it is not fat. . . it is just poofy." hahah name that movie. what a great one. well the truth is uma senhora told me i have gained weight this week so i guess that seals the deal doesn't it. . . well at least i'm not starving right! oh and the people are quite friendly the majority that is some turn their heads or walk faster but that is understandable, i really am kind of a giant here especially on the bus, zack wouldn't make it here i think public transportation would be the end of him, but it is just kind of funny really. Many opportunities to share the Gospel we will put it that way. But, it is the truth, today we went shopping and I can feel these people are looking and wondering, and I really just need to open my mouth and give one of those "He is the Gift Cards"- courage to follow the promptings of the spirit- do it now- don't procrastinate. 

Well I had wondered why people shoot fireworks during the day here, my companion tells me it is drug trafiking, so that makes a lot of sense now. But, we are quite safe here, just have to avoid certain locations in the night time. Our area is quite large, but we are going to get to know more areas in search of the lords elite.

Dad the Christmas letter was absolutely wonderful, inspired in deed. thank you for the pictures. Mother I love you way to go serving all of these people, such a nice experience for you to hold the little baby thinking of Jesus, He is the Gift. Many people here think more of the mother who bore him and it blurs the purpose of the Savior a bit, Christ is the Redeemer, He is the Savior, who rose from the dead and loosed the bands of death,   

So I guess there was a special conference for all of Brazil, but our ward kind of missed the majority of it because we didn't have power, but I got to talk to the Bishop a lot, He is such a swell guy, I'm excited to work with him more. 

We are helping the sister of a recent convert prepare for baptism and it is wonderful to see the example of these young women for their parents and this week we were able to teach with the mother present and I feel that one day they will accept the restored gospel- the gospel blesses familes- I know it. I was able to share some photos of you my beautiful familiy serval times this week and bear testimony of the gospel path for families and how baptism is the gate in which we enter to receive these blessing together as a family. I really feel the power of the priesthood as a preach the gospel with boldness and clarity and with love for those I meet. This is when I feel the gift of tongues when I realize this purpose. 

Which brings us to the next story, The language, yes mother it has been a struggle and this week I realized how much I have yet to learn and that only in the spirit of humility and hard work, can I become fluent in this language. I have rededicated my effort to learn new words and study grammer so I can really embrace the language and so I can talk with Clark at Christmas :)

Oh so I talked with this 88 year old man for a while this week whom every one thinks is crazy and just listened to his stories of life and I really felt the spirit and how important it is that we learn from the past of our ancestors and take care of them in their old age. This guy to me is the like the centinal of his family, the only one who really knows what is going on- I took some time to study my family history because of this experience and going to look to help the recent converts to get started and prepare to serve in the temple. 

Well the next time I talk to you there will only be a few days left until Christmas I will get you more details about skype then. Oh and Clark I sent you a letter should arive in a week. Dad I was wondering how is work? 

I can't send more pictures today, just the one. Love you guys

Merry Christmas,

Elder Anderson

Dearest Family I Am Near You

Hello dearest family, welcome to the Elder Anderson report of the Santo Antônio do Descoberto, Brasil, Brasilia mission!

Elder Arias is my new companion from Chile, his parents were baptized by a Matt Moody from Utah, I'm quite certain that it is the same we know, PLEASE confirm this, he served in Chile right? Elder Arias loves soccer and sings really well, he is an amazing missionary, we had an amazing week. 

People I'm teaching- Elisioneide e Reimundo, this is the couple Elder Mattos and I were teaching but weren't able to return for a long time, but Elder Arias and I were very pleased to find them reading The Book of Mormon all of this time and with a testimony of it's truthfulness, this family is by far the most prepared and most leadership type family that I have yet encountered and it makes me happy to know that my first week in the mission because of talking to a 11 year old boy about his special name Gabriel that the Woman next to him would be able to meet with us and have a date for baptism the 10th of January after they marry and they determined that even before we arrived. 

We also committed 2 other senhoras to baptism whom I have previously known and one of them Solande, all of here children are members less active, she serves the community by coaching soccer teams for various ages, she is amazing, and what's more is that Elder Arias and I invited some of the children to return to church and they accepted, it was wonderful to see the joy on the face of a less active as she saw her children return from primary with smiling happy faces. 

My companion is wonderful at contacting in the street with pamphlets setting return appointments and preaching to the gospel. we made 30 contacts this week with 15 return appointments. we carried the district in novos this week. 

Speaking of my companion it is his birthday today so we threw eggs and flour ate him when he woke up. strange huh? a custom in brazil, we took a video, some of the eggs were a little frozen, but oh well, 

Lifestyle, with each passing month on my mission the apartment has gotten cleaner and cleaner until last week Elder Schinigoski of Parana, Elder Brown de Great Britain, well he was born there, my companion and I went at it, cleaned the floors just about everything. It is pretty awesome. Order, Cleanliness, all do Senhor. 

Hey I have Clark for Christmas right, I will make his present today and send it this week. And that day I said I could send a box to you guys I think I was day dreaming it is really expensive, but maybe I can use my card? no worries Clark it will be a great letter! I promise.

Speaking of my card is everything good, isn't more expensive to use to make purchases, well I used it a few times one time at the bank to get some dough to help out the zone t-shirts, good thing that worked out. 

Oh our ward is getting more excited every day, the Bishop is returning to work in Brasilia, the leadership is really picking things up this hole in the ground town is really fulfilling the promises of the lords church. And geographically it really is a hole in the ground by the way, kinda cool, like a valley you know. 

Well, I never felt so much like a missionary in one week I think, this transfer will be wonderful, my companion has already taught me so much. 

Did I mention it rains here a lot!? ya it does, but it is really cool. 

I like playing the organ in church. I've been thinking more about my musical talents and how I would like to develop them more and share them with others. . . there are so many wonderful things to learn on the mission, in school, in the family, in life. . . make a goal, say a prayer, and hie ho away we go, off to never land. I love this Gospel, a Gospel of progression, Eternal Progression, we have an almighty God we created us, he loves us, and wants us to be like him, he sent his son to die for us that we may live again free of sin and pain and death. Families can be together forever, I know this. I want to study my genealogy more, the Book of Mormon is true and the key stone of our religion and whoever will test this book of sincere intent shall receive a witness through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is true. I testify of it as a representative of Jesus Christ and say unto every one, of my family, friends, seek this Jesus, and share his LOVE, through obedience to the commandments of the Father we can have joy in this life and the next. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Merry Christmas family, Clark I approve this one, yes you may, top my friend top, returned missionary, de ouro cara, de ouro, não posso esperar até falamos em portuguese cara no natál vai ser chique, te amo!

Só Isso vou enviar photos,

TCHAU

Elder Anderson

Juntos todos Juntos!

Hello my lovelies for lack of time I'm putting the answers to Brother Ence's questions here with you because I think you guys would like to know too.

What could I share with the young men? My companion was transferred today no it wasn't an emergency it is all cool, and now I have a new companion from Chile who has 10 months on the mission, I can already tell that we are going to be able to a lot of work together, where as my other companion had many problems with health and had 2 more months on the mission than me. This just shows me that God has things he wants us to learn on the mission, not just working our brains out. With my first companion, I learned a lot about humility, patience, and things that i may not have learned otherwise had it not been for the difficult circumstances we had at times. And now, I feel that there is a change and I will be able to learn more yet and serve more people and lead people to the path that leads to Eternal Life. One thing that my other Companion taught me is to be a friend, a came to earth to walk the path together, not alone, and we should strengthen each other with our time, service, and our example, and when I think about Jesus I think of him as an example and did his example shine before men, YES! BE AN EXAMPLE MY YOUNG MEN! 

HEY I want to hear from my young men! TELL them to write to me and tell me how they are doing please Brother Ence?

Okay my dear family first of all I have pictures of the transfer, but this computer is a bit odd so we'll see about that, 

Mother I just about cried with your letter, yes I love you, and no my Thanksgiving wasn't very special, actually I forgot until the afternoon, I recall thinking some thankful thoughts, yes I know it is shameful. glad to hear you are working on a box for me! Happy 50th my dear one, Dad way to be smooth with the surprise, nice!

Dad you are a rock and yes I'm trying to manage my email time for you my parents. 

But this week I learned more about patience as Elder Mattos was sick again this transfer he had a urine infection, water virus, and a cold, but we were able to find some new investigators and Elder Brown and I did a service project while the others stayed at home, we did Capinando, basically taking out the grass, Cutting it down, hoeing it out, all for this school's beauty it was pretty awesome, and I got some pretty awesome blisters. Afterwards we ate a churasca and torta de maça,and yes that means apple pie! It was amazing! oh I also ate sugar cane this week, super tasty. 

Two of the most special moments that have occurred on my mission have been after a companionship inventory and when my companion said the prayer before we left the house this morning. I don't think that hug appropriately names it because of the incredible spirit of companionship and support that I felt, but I know that we suffered together and we laughed together and we worked together and prayed together and I believe we are better because of it.

Love you family,

Elder Anderson   

p.s. sorry this computer won't let me send the pics from the transfer.

oh and did i mention that 70 percent of the members of the church in Brazil are non members, that is a major part of our work to, strengthening the stakes! 

The Winds Have Changed

My dear family, my Mission President has declared that each missionary should have one hour to email their families so i'm in a bit of a transition here because I am now accustomed to more time than that, please forgive me. Many changes are happening here in the Brasilia mission, and not just rules, the Lord is preparing is vineyard for the final gathering of His fruits- Jacob 5

Mother Dear HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Have you received my letter yet? I love you very much I'm glad you and dad were able to support our family in the temple. Thank you so much for the scripture, I'm determined to become a man of God and share JOY with each one a meet, joy that comes from repentance and the living the Gospel. Those emails you sent listing the books you read me as a kid, are some of my greatest memories, I have the greatest mom ever. 

This week I shared a message about the stripling warriors and how they were taught by their mothers that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. I bore my testimony of the love that these young men had for their parents, because I have this same love for my mother and my father and I know that God will deliver me and many others if I remain faithful and obedient. 

OHHHH my I LOOOOOOOVed the Package, I could not imagine better I have written a letter for the Rosdahls to thank them, but the photos of family, the drawings, and letters are absolutely wonderful. The dog's drawing however did some damage to one of the collages. . .chloe. haha

Wow Clark 100 percent that is sweeet parabéns!

Austin can't wait to hear you banjo playing!

Where is Chase L going serve his mission?

Okay well, I don't have pictures yet, but 2 weeks ago Elder Mattos and I baptized and young women into the church and I am so happy to see the changes she is making and the friends that are helping her. Oh the love and gratitude I feel for a member to takes the time to befriend an investigator or recent convert. 

oh I felt the spirit strongly when Andrew Reported, "our neighbors are accepting the gospel". Every member is a missionary, and God will help his children if they ask him. I'm so proud of my family. 

This weekend we helped with an activity that I suggested relating to stories from the book of mormon, we had a water balloon fight-stripling warriors, buried swords-the people of Ammon, and some other activities. It was wonderful, glad to see how the Book of Mormon can apply to each one of us. 

Elder Mattos and I also helped with a birthday party at the church, the day before we made salgados and some desserts, it was good to practice my culinary skills and get to know some less actives. 

Well, my time is short, so I will let some photos do the talking, 1 my zone, 2 the party 3 Syndey's gift!- which doesn't fit i'll send it next-  Love you Guys, Elder Anderson

"Time to Make the Best of Time..."

Dear Family, Name that TUUUUUNE or BAAAND i know iknow hahaha

I say this because P-day is over and I'm sending email. yes i know, but my companion was robbed today, yes it is true, by a crook no, heavens no, BY THE BANK. But trust me he isn't the only one many other missionaries had the same thing happen to them, but we weren't smart enough or have the gusto to find a different bank, I was apprehensive and i think i still have my money, i think. the mission money that is.

Well, what amazing letters father whoa I hope to eat the fruit of your labors when I return and enjoy the yard, thank you for your testimony this week the leadership of our ward including the missionaries had a training that was absolutely wonderful and helped my realize the importance of the phrase Elder Utchorf i think said "Unite and Serve" how important this is and oh dearest mother of mine how important I realize is the application of the atonement realizing that no one save our Savior is perfect and we all have to repent and love one another. These are the teachings of our living prophet. I definitely feel a change in my heart, a desire to repent, and I really do Love my job by the way. 

OH and by the way I looked really quickly at my blog but my companion said I cant go to other sites. 

But my time is up i am sorry, but today's pday was hardly a pday, but I love you all, God loves us, I mentioned that we have a new companionship here? The work is progressing, 

Love you All

ELder Anderson

Blessings/additional Roomates/Fasting and Prayer

Big, Big, Big points for the mumzy today, what a great recap of your lives, all of you, I know everything. No just kidding, but I did hear some wonderful things,

Isaac, wow well when you are rich and famous and discover that there is life on the moon or something lets have family parties at you house. haha I picked a piece of petrified wood of the ground the other day and though of you, maybe i'll try and send it to you guys, would you guys like a package, that might be cool. . . which reminds me of a story Elder Sales told last week about a rock peddler man that pick up a stone in the street that was just really dirty, but he took it and cleaned it and it turned out to be really beautiful. I like this analogy because they may be someone in the street that may seem unlikely to accept the gospel, but really we are all children of God

Which brings me to a cultural experience from the week. I gave some purified water to a homeless man, who mentioned he was thirsty. The water was purified because Elder Mattos fell quite sickly this week again the the doctors said it was due to the water quality of our area, so we are supposed to drink it any more. But, I gave it to him and I felt god about it and I feel like he appreciated the gesture. I thought of the scripture, when you have done it unto the one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Mathew 25

This week I was able to give Elder Mattos some priesthood blessings because everything he would eat he couldn't keep it was pretty awful at first, but now mostly just has diarrhea and must be more careful with what he eats or he ends up really weak afterwards, we end up in the house, again. But, he is tough, and we will make it through especially because we are receiving new Elders in our area! and they are going to live in our apartment. . . yah it will be packed, but should be fun and beneficial i hope. 

Okay so last week I was speaking with the bishop over the phone and I told him I would fast for him because he and his family have been having doubts about his calling and are really discouraged. Anyway really sad, but I told him I would fast for him and yesterday he announced in church that he is now able to work in Brasilia which is much closer to home and he won't have to be gone from home for weeks. He mentioned me and how thankful he was for our prayers and fast and man it caught me by surprise when he said my name, but I am soo happy he will be able to be more involved in the ward now and hopefully we can have more meetings with him the the other leaders of the ward!

Dad what a wonderful testimony, I agree that living in gratitude is the best attitude indeed.

By the way I'm not supposed to give my address to people so that is a no can do, so my package i guess will be sent to the mission home. yah? 

Well Clarissa by desert blossom congrats on your book! Are you happy with how it turned out? Andrew, are you still clean shaven? do you have a mustache? haha I met a cool elder who reminded me of you this week and then i remembered another Elder Clark who obviously reminded me of Clark and I really my companion elder Mattos, reminds me of Nolan a lot. 

God is merciful and I'm thankful for his tender mercies. 

Mom I have to say that you are one of the more cheery blessed souls I know and I think it has to do with your desire to serve others and show your appreciation and love for them. Even if it has to do with carrot hats. oh and please record the out house poem for me that will be awesome. 

Okay well I hope you all feel included, this week I participated in my first helping hands activity! I wore a yellow vest and everything. It was great and wow you really can see the strength of the members here, the sacrifices they make and the desire they have to serve with valiance. 

I've been studying the book of Mormon in the Isaiah chapters and I really feel the prophecies are being fulfilled and Brazil, South America, all of the tribes that were lost are now being gathered, the spirit of Elijah is upon us and wow what a time to live. We are living in the Restoration of the fullness of times, how incredible.

I can't express my love for you all, our baptism that was scheduled for this week was postponed until next, but I feel the work is progressing, and it is important that we keep track of everything so the spirit can effectively guide us. 

Hey, I want some photos from Halloween please

Oh and mother as far as a package goes I would say garments but a member of our ward is going to the temple this week and he is going to bring me some, I don't know why I didn't bring more pairs. But, I really don't know yet, I'm surviving doing well, I made rice this week Brazilian style, it turned out pretty good. 

Austin dude, basketball man, don't worry about the big fellas man, just keep working your tail off. I remember getting beat up a little bit too because I didn't let them have it easy, but hey, do your best, be smart, and always courteous in your behavior, remember the reason for the game never forget your name and who you represent. word. oh and please record the banjo guitar action that will be soo cool.

Clark, turns out summer in my area actually has more rain then anything else, my companion said that your area has more sun, so i may be keeping more weight, but I did do some walking in the rain the very day I received your past email, and my companion and I were drenched- I think I will walk with my umbrella, but man was it funny. Oh and this Ambassador girl tell her I want some hook ups when I get home because I'm interested in trying out. just need to work on some dance moves. . .

Well, Tchau Familia

Elder Anderson

PS-oh and mom send me the address of the blog and then I can see your progress, i'm sure it is marvelous.  

Missionary Work Blesses the Giver AND Receiver

Firstly, i would like to appoligize for last week, I discovered that any type of real time chatting is not allowed- dad you were right, I felt a little odd too, but I my companion has been doing it ever since he as been out here and I was so excited to talk to you guys. Well, until Christmas yah!

Well, I feel bad for last week's letter and I want to improve the information that is most important with you all and I feel that has to do with what I'm learning and the progress of my area and things of that nature so here goes. 

Yesterday I gave a blessing in Portuguese to some one I didn't know before hand, he can't speak, but I blessed him that his mind and body would be capable to receive the revelations the Lord wants to give him. Elder Seth Neleman and Elder Sales visited our area yesterday and because Elder Seth wasn't feeling well,it was my oportunity to make some visits with Elder Sales. Elder Sales is finishing his mission and I hope to become reaquainted with him after the mission as he will be attending BYU . He has a an immense faith and testimony and shared some powerful doctrine and testimony with me that he has received through prayer and scripture study and fast. He is a great Example for me. 

His example includes a topic I studied this morning in regards to the Word of Wisdom. My heavens, I was in pain yesterday after the meal, because I ate too much. It was the most uncomortable I can recall, the time after a wonderful meal which because of my foolishness turned painful and affected my ability to administer in my sacred calling. The Word of Wisdom really is a Word of Wisdom and I realized that in Elder Sales também. 

He taught me this super cool way to eat mango too, you kinda work it over in you hands until is is soft, then you bite one end, and he says it is like the milk from a cow, you suck the goodness from the mango and you don't get stuff in your teeth! 

I have a goal to become more familiar with the food here in brazil and make one new meal every week so far i have made cuz cuz, kind of a corn meal chow, it is really cheap, but I'm going to try stroganouf brazilian style this week, because my companion is pro and making it. 

Oh speaking of my companion, he was called to be the district leader, It was kind of stressful for him at first, but I really can see how the lord is shaping him into an incredible servant. I just keep trying to be humble, obedient, and I really do believe that the Lord will do His work. 

We have two baptisms marked for this Sunday, two neices of a investigator and of a member preparing for a mission, they all attended church yesterday which by the way was incredible, that gospel prinicples class, sacrament meeting, in which I bore testimony and played the organ, but not too loudy :) 

Mother you asked who we are teaching, I think the couple most insipiring resulted from a contact a made the first day in my area. We were on the bus and I starting talking with a young boy whose name was Gabriel. I asked him if he knew the significance of his name, which he did not and I told him that Gabriel anounced the coming of our Savior. Turns out the woman sitting next to him whom I could tell was touched by what I had spoken wanted to learn more. My companion wrote down her information and when we arrived at her house weeks later, she told us that when she saw us on the bus she knew she needed to learn from us. Her finance and she are wonderful and I do hope will commit to a baptismal date this week. 

Fun fact: the streets don't have names here they barrios or large regions in the city and they have blocks, or quadras, and houses, or lotes, for example quadra 54 lote 23 barrio Centro, it really makes things fairly simple. 

Oh by the way don't do contacting at night in dangerous areas okay, just wanted to make that clear. I didn't realize how far we were from home. I think my companion was more worried than I was- that was the problem. But, I only did one and that was it- that was all it took. 

Well, my dear ones. my companion has a birthday coming up and has asked that I by him a captian America lego guy or a harry potter wand. I think I'm going to buy the Lego guy and write something smart about his American companion. It should be nice. He really is a big baby like me, but he has got a tougher shell.  

Well enough about me, what about you!?

Mother I sent your letter, please tell, me which letter's have you received that I have sent, did you receive Isaac's, Grandma and Grandpa's, the family one? Did you like them? I hope you could read them. . . 

Austin I hope you liked my advice, I'm not quite sure why I decided to say all that, but i think it was good stuff, I'm trying to apply it. Clark great email, thanks for the recap, Andrew and Clarissa are you still alive? I certainly hope you are well and joyful as usual. Isaac, find any cool rocks lately, Mom how was halloween?! Dad were you the spinach guy, please say yes. Well, I'm going to push send.  Love you all

Elder Anderson

Investigators

Homemade S'mores

Hi family, 

This Sunday I played the piano for our ward's primary presentation. I felt the Spirit testify of Eternal families and the temple as the place that we should always to preparing to enter. 

IMPORTANT, I sent a lot of other emails in response to emails I received so don't miss those. 

Oh Transfers were today and Elder Mattos and I are going to stay, hoorah! I really do feel like there are going to be miracles here and honestly there has been so much good that I have seen while I have been in this area and I hope that I can continue to see the good- right Clark marriage counselor man :) 

Well, I really love you all, I was reminded today/ last night in Moses 1:39 that is is His work and His Glory and that things that are required of His workers are Faith, Hope, Charity, and LOVE with an eye single to the glory of God (D&C 4:5). I also found D&C 78:18 the importance of gratitude I really feel these elements are key to the work and keeping myself from pride. This is HIS work, He will hasten it, our job is to be obedient and FACE THE PROPHET ancient and modern they speak the words of eternal life, the words of our master JESUS CHRIST and as Elder Utchdorf said the words of the prophets will act as a mirror for ourselves to see ourselves as God see´s us. 

And now I step down from the pulpit. Well, as you can see I am an enthusiastic young chap and some times some of the people I contact get a little more than they bargained for, but I am working on that with my companion. 

Real quick about my companion, I will be with him for some more time so let me tell you a bit about him. He began training me directly after his training which is almost unheard of, he has a great love for people and loves to make people happy and has the skills to make wonderful food and organize great activities. He loves to joke, he jokes like there is no tomorrow, brincadeira, brincadeira, all day long, that is my companion. Oh and he is very smart, has a sharp memory, teaches with great technique, and I'm learning a lot from him. One more thing, He loves music and loves to sing, he doesn't always keep tune, but he sings. Oh and he loves meat, alot. But, there are very few who don't here. 

I'm excited to have some buddies in my Zone Elder Patterson and Seth *( Neeleman) it should be great.

I can't send photos today, but I've got a great one for mom. I ate with Elder Mattos today at a place called Giraffas, nough said, I took a picture, moms favorite animal. 

okay I love you all, this week I hope Elder Mattos and I will work our tails of to get pesquisidors progregindo and families baptised. And boy am I excited to be obedient, loving, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverant. . . lost and always hungry. 

Com Amor

Elder Anderson

Information about Mom's question about investigators.

Monica was a long term investigator with a smoking problem and was the first investigator of Elder Mattos to attend Church, she is such and Angel and has such great faith, I really hope we can help her family join in on the blessings, and same with the other Danilo. Danilo had attended church a few times with a cousin, but I initiated the contact with him and talked about the priesthood with him because all of the others his age we helping witht the sacrament and we talked about baptism and walha he is a member of the church. He has a good Spirit and I think his family has softened a bit too so we will see what we can do there.

Yes I am feeling better, I think it was a week of Diarrhea, but I am well, and Sister Lundgren is starting a bit of a sanitation hygene revolution so, we should be good there. 

Go Uncle Jim and Aunt Anelle! that is Awesome! 

Love you Mom thanks for the great stories of service.

Work of Souls

Hi family, Dad thanks for the great email, i responded in a small way, but don't over look it. Mother I'm glad to hear your are spoiling Isaac, but I'm a little jealous, I don't think the pizza would last all the way to Brazil. How are the developments on a box for me? Not that I'm in want; I fasted this past weekend and was reminded of the special spirit and blessings that are given when we fast. My companion was unable to join me because we was suffering from a urinal infection and was suffering some discomfort but he is better now and we managed to push through the week and are invigorated to be more obedient and baptize more people. Speaking of which Elder Mattos and I had our first baptisms yesterday and we hope to have many more, I will send a photo. 

Mom I'm going to start a letter for you today, your birthday is next you know. Oh I feel really bad right now, but I'm not sure I remember the day of Clarissa's birth. Please tell me and Clarissa please forgive me, but I would feel even worse if I didn't send you something on your special day.

This week our zone had a wonderful meeting with Our President and Assistants. I do believe that our mission is going to be baptizing many more people in the near future. I'm applying a more effective study technique of studying by topic during personal study and my companion and I are starting to do more practicing, planning, and more the area booking. Here is a little something I sent to Sydney about her questioning the language improvements:

My mission President told me this week that my Portuguese is incredible. I had an interview with him this week and he was very complimentary. I feel The Gift of Tongues when I fulfill my purpose as a missionary; testifying, teaching, inviting, loving, contacting, etc.. . The Holy Ghost helps me communicate my love for others and the love the Savior has for them so that they can learn to follow him. This is not to say that I do not speak poorly at times when I'm flustered or discouraged, because that happens too.

My companion and I have not yet scheduled time to study the language during the day so I take every opportunity to practice the language I can. I have several goals I apply during the day that I hope will help me improve my ability to communicate, teach, and understand. I want to help my companion learn English and I know he wants to learn so we are going to start and it may commence with a English class at the Chapel for all to participate.

It seems this computer won't allow me to send pictures so we will have to wait for that.

 This week we had an awesome lesson with a family in our ward that is preparing to go to the temple. I described to them Mom's ring and the significance of how honoring our promises with God allows our families to be reunited eternally, The Spirit was strong as my companion and I bore witness of the sacred nature of the temple.I know this Gospel blesses families and I love you my family and want to be with you forever. 

Até Mais e Com Amor

Elder Anderson

Wow, I love you guys!

Oh dear family, you guys are sooo beautiful, wow. I love you all. Dad sent me a photo of you guys and you just glow. Well my dear family I'm glad to hear Isaac is growing in spirit and in body LOVE YOU ISAAC! Austin you are tall and beautiful, I'm sorry to hear about the Brother that passed away, that is very sad. Clark, how are the ladies, I hear the job selecting is going well, love you man, your music is great. Andrew you look like a new born child without you beard and Clarissa you are incredible o goodness you guys look amazing my beautiful mother and father, wow, sharp. 

Well this week.. . . it rained like crazy in Santo Antônio, holy moly, i always joke, they are the waters of baptism and I believe we have to firm dates for this weekend YA I hope I get to Baptise Danilo, he is the awesome youth I talked to on Sunday, I really feel the spirit from him, especially when he prayers, really cool. 

Oh folks, have I had problems with my bowels this week. I remember Clark saying that he had Diarrhea all the time, but I really hope this clears out, I'm going to make some more heath changes, but i bought and have been eating more fruits and vegetables- soooo good. 

Wasn't conference amazing? I especially was touched by the question Elder Utchdorf repeated over and over, "Lord, is it I" I know that as I keep the commandments, and accomplish goals, and live like Jesus Christ, I can be a good influence and will be able to see myself as God sees me, and that is what is important. 

I'm a lot happier when i talk with people all sorts of people. I remember the counsel in my patriarchal blessing that I should take prompt action to establish righteousness and goodness and if I lead out in faith, wisdom, and courage, many will follow. I want to qualify for the blessings promised in my blessing. 

Well my family other people are needing to use the computer, I had a zone activity today some Brazilian elders cook a churrascaia, muito carna, we played soccer, basketball, the works. It was awesome. 

Well I have some photos hear for you, oh one other thing this week I got to go to Aguas Lindas for a day and invited a family to be baptised and the mother said the "with all her heart" she wanted to and I feel the family is bound for glory, haha we did a service project, making a swimming pool the tile and stuff in between and my legs got burnt pretty bad, haha I had a huge bag for this weekend and man has it been annoying to carry it all around this city, I'm going to buy a back bag and pack light from now on. 

Mom thanks for the beautiful email, I at times miss the beautiful sights, smells, and land that I'm know, but I know that I have work to do here and I will be obedient and serve God and the people of Brazil. 

Okay I have to stop, Love you all

TChau!

p.s the photos, one is with a fruit Jaka it is huge and no you dont eat that part, the photo with the sun is my favorite part of my area, a bunch of mormons live there it is a farm and man I ate a ton of Galhinada there one time. oh and the other is with my mission president at a ward activity. 

LOVE YOU