Dear Family and Friends,
I had another amazing week. Portuguese is still coming along
nice and steady. I'm just trying to learn new words and correct my pronunciation
all the time. I just don't know where to start talking to you about.
I did get to see conference. It was awesome. I sat next to
the president the entire time so I stayed wide awake. Me and my companion had
the only seats that you had lots of leg room. I learned lots. Its kind of funny
listening to talks in this new perspective. Some talks are aimed directly at
Missionaries, but some have nothing to do with us. It was great to hear the
prophet and apostles in English too. That was quite a blessing. It was also
probably the most relaxing weekend we are going to have the entire time here.
Basically if we weren't in conference, we had personal time/study. I
enjoyed every minute.
On Monday, we had our first day with 2 investigators. The
first lesson was amazing and we taught this guy about the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. The second one was weird. It was our first time with this investigator
so we spent about 15 minutes just talking, but as soon as we started the
lesson, she said that she had to go. Apparently, the guys before us took too
long. Fortunately, we haven't had two lessons everyday this week. Every time we
plan on two lessons, the investigator ( our teacher ) was either sick or in
training classes. So, we did about one every day again.
As, a companionship goal we stopped writing our scripts for
the lesson and just write points that we want to cover. Our last lesson was
much slower, but if felt good afterwards to know that we had been like fighting
with Portuguese and come out victorious. I am surprised with how much I am
learning about just giving a lesson and making it more acceptable to the
investigator. We learned a process the other day on how to give a commitment
for example. Instead of just asking the investigator to read the book of Mormon
or start following a new law, we begin by explaining the law, then testifying about
it, promising blessings, and then extending the commitment. It really makes
investigators understand why this law is necessary and totally worth it.
My companion and I are still doing great together. He is
really a hard worker and is constantly pushing our limits. This Wednesday, I
went all day without any English. It was such a challenge and so cool
afterwards. Even though I didn't feel like I had tremendously learned a whole
lot, I became allot more comfortable speaking in Portuguese. My goal is to go
tomorrow and Sunday without English! It is so awesome to watch as our whole
district learns so fast. We completed a district goal to only speak
Portuguese while in our classroom. We almost made it the whole day but by the
time it came to planning time we were so exhausted that we all just broke down
together. I mean, we had been in there over 9 hours already.
Did you guys get the information about Missionary Ties? I
think it is a great idea. IDK what their prices are but I got a free cookie out
of it. Walking the streets was pretty fun last Friday too. I bought hangers and
some body wash for the other Elder Jacobson. There was actually someone that
spoke English in that store who helped us find things. It was really funny that
some things were really cheap and other were the same as the US. Ties are like
$4, and soccer jerseys are like $10. But, the hangers and body wash were the
same price. It was funny to see how many street vender's were there just for
the missionaries. There was even a sign with a drawing of two missionaries
written in English pointing to a souvenir shop.
Well, I miss you all plenty. I hope everything is going well
with Daniel, Aubrey, and Brealynn. I hope the ward is doing fine too.
As for me, I am having a blast even though I am constantly
tired. I have a roommate that has trouble sleeping and keeps a light on and
another one that just loves to sing his heart out every night. Oh, and someone's
alarm always goes off 30 min. early every morning. The meals are still amazing,
a little repetitive but always good. I have gained about 5 pounds now. But, my
pants still fit.
It was great to hear from you guys. I hope to hear from you
all again next week. If I can find postage, Ill send a letter.
LOVE,
Elder Jacobson (Andrew)
PS - I also forgot
to say that my new hobby is to go the the laundry room and read my
scriptures really loud in portuguese. I think it is really helping my
pronunciation. Anyhoo, Love you again
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