Dear Family,
I think the title deserves some explanation. We have been
finding lots of really good people to teach but everyone is occupied with
traveling to the beach. It is just such a cultural thing here to visit the
beach at any holiday. What seems like just a week to our investigators seems
like forever to us. I bet the all other missionaries understand that. But, dont
really know how i want to characterize this week. It alrealdy seems like a
month since i skyped the family. But, what a good experience. I found out after
I finished, that my companion had been struggling a lot with connections and
was very frustrated. Luckily, I finished and he used the Laptop to finish his
call with good connection. Just another 5 months and i will be calling again.
OH, Boy. But, there is a lot of work before that day.
I took a good amount of Christmas pictures to send the
family. The one in this email is to crop into the family photo. If that ever
works out I would love to see the finished result. I also built my nativity set
and the Christmas tree. It felt awfully special. I have not even really started
eating the food yet because our fridge is finally not overflowing with chicken,
rice, soda, and cupcakes. (a very healthy combination, right). I have managed to
lose 2 pounds and stop feeling overly full after lunch by cutting down on
portions. It is impressive how many beans and grains of rice we are able to
cram down under pressure. We have also been walking faster. Yesterday we walked
what we calculate as 5 miles in 45min. typically the walk takes an hour and 10
min but we were flying and even ran a small section despite how awkward we
felt. All to get home 5 min late.
So, we have a new member of the house that i told you about.
He is Brazilian, but speaks fluent English, and is almost done with the
mission. He is such a good missionary but is very firm about some of his
methods. I went on divisions and learned plenty. He has really inspired me to
improve. But, some of his costumes such as telling someone boldly on the street
that they are sinning because they are not married may be kind of hard to copy.
It was really funny during our transfer. He also boldly told a 30 year old lady
not to throw trash on the ground. Its not like he is wrong in any way just really
bold. Which is undoubtedly a good attribute sometimes. I really learned to just
be friends with people that you talk to but be bold about the message that we
are bringing. I hear that most Brazilians don't respond to soft pleads to
change. you just have to say it (sometimes what appears to be a awkward and
rude way) right to their face. It apparently doesn't offend.
So, I have to confess that the photos are not actually from
Christmas. I took them this morning. But that doesn't change much right? I
hope you enjoy all the same. I really enjoyed the apple ornaments. I did decide
though that I cant keep everything with me so I left the box labeled as a
Christmas box that needs to stay in our house and be used every year for
Christmas. I am going to keep the ornaments though. and maybe the little tree
if i make room. But your presents will bless the missionaries that live there
for years to come.
I don't really have much more to write. So, I will start
sending all these photos. I hope you enjoy.
Love,
Elder Jacobson (Andrew)
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