Well, this week was the complete opposite of last week... Last week was full of miracles, faith, and baptism... this week not so much... We worked so hard, walked so much, and taught almost nothing... I dont know what it is was, or is... We´re working, trying, praying, but having very little success.. It´s been a hard week...
But it´s made me think a lot. Life isnt easy, especially on the mission. Some times it´s really hard. Even in the Book of Mormon, there are many examples of prophets who were afflicted because of the people... I feel that way right now. We´re working hard, doing all we can, but Im pretty weighed down in afflictions... But, I know life isnt going to be happy and easy all the time, even if we are doing what´s right. But when we do what´s right we qualify ourselves for that "never-ending happiness". And that´s what´s important. Maybe we´ll have times in life that are less happy than others, but while we endure to the end, we can live happily ever after.
But, just one experience to show a little of our trials... We found a woman, who accepted to be baptized on my birthday.(yay!) But we went back 2 days later, and she told us that "her" pastor talked with her and said she couldnt get baptized in our church because her name was already in that church... hmmm.... How is her name in that church if she´s never been baptized? And who is he to take away her agency, Satan?... But, things were just this way this week. It´s been tough, but we´ll get through it. We´ll come out of this stronger and more faithful.
Happy Halloween! I love you all.
Monday, December 19, 2011
October 24, 2011 Letter
Well,
This week has been great. Training has been a new experience, but its really helping me grow a lot. His name is Elder L.(Lucas) Ribeiro. He´s from Curitiba, the same stake as President Lanius. He´s a great Elder, who´s willing to follow all the rules and always do what we should do.
This week we had an amazing experience. When he got here I was thinking of who we could baptize this week. President Lanius told us we need to baptize every week. It´s a steep goal, but not impossible. But we only had one man at church last week, ...... So, we decided to fast and pray for him. So we did. It turned out really good. The next day we went to his house and he was so happy! He told us that his day had been amazing! Everything was just going good for him. So we took that opportunity and invited him to be baptized. He said Yes! It was amazing! We´ve spent the week talking a lot with him, and yesterday was his baptism. He´s a great man, who I really think will stay strong in the church. But, the lesson I learned is the power of faith and prayer and fasting. There´s a scripture, Matt. 19, that talks about how things are impossible with men, but with God, all things are possible. It´s so true. Everything. All we need to do is have faith and turn to Him, put our trust in Him, and He´ll take care of the rest.
But this week has been great. I love training. It´s really helping me become a better missionary and a better person. Im learning a lot everyday. Sometimes I feel like Im being trained over again. Someone with the energy and spirit of a new missionary. It´s really motivating to be a better person. I love the mission. It´s amazing. I love you all, I´ll talk to you next week.
This week has been great. Training has been a new experience, but its really helping me grow a lot. His name is Elder L.(Lucas) Ribeiro. He´s from Curitiba, the same stake as President Lanius. He´s a great Elder, who´s willing to follow all the rules and always do what we should do.
This week we had an amazing experience. When he got here I was thinking of who we could baptize this week. President Lanius told us we need to baptize every week. It´s a steep goal, but not impossible. But we only had one man at church last week, ...... So, we decided to fast and pray for him. So we did. It turned out really good. The next day we went to his house and he was so happy! He told us that his day had been amazing! Everything was just going good for him. So we took that opportunity and invited him to be baptized. He said Yes! It was amazing! We´ve spent the week talking a lot with him, and yesterday was his baptism. He´s a great man, who I really think will stay strong in the church. But, the lesson I learned is the power of faith and prayer and fasting. There´s a scripture, Matt. 19, that talks about how things are impossible with men, but with God, all things are possible. It´s so true. Everything. All we need to do is have faith and turn to Him, put our trust in Him, and He´ll take care of the rest.
But this week has been great. I love training. It´s really helping me become a better missionary and a better person. Im learning a lot everyday. Sometimes I feel like Im being trained over again. Someone with the energy and spirit of a new missionary. It´s really motivating to be a better person. I love the mission. It´s amazing. I love you all, I´ll talk to you next week.
Monday, October 17, 2011
October 17, 2011 Letter
Well, how is everybody doing? Things this week have been pretty good. Me and Elder L. Santos are getting along great and things are going good. But, there are a few things, or news items, that maybe you guys would like to know.
First, we had a Mission Tour with Elder Mazzagardi. He spoke to us for quite a while... It was pretty intense. He talked about a lot of things, but lets just say I think the mission here is going to get better. I know that i feel more motivated to do the best i can to be the missionary, and person the Lord know that I can be, that He wants me to be.
We taught two men that are pretty cool. One named Ailton, who stopped us on the street. We invited him to church, and he went! Turns out he was taught by missionaries quite a while ago. He really is elect. The members here in the branch love him. He really just needs to be baptized. The second man is Nanau. We found him on the street as well. He stopped us and asked if the church has any black, or dark members because he´s never seen any. We answered that there are darker people in the church... and marked a day to visit. When we taught him, it was really cool. He was really interested, and asked a lot of questions, like, "What did God tell Joseph Smith? How can I know this is true? Now what?" He really is a cool guy. WE invited him to come to church next Sunday, and i really hope he does.
Well, that's just a bit of the week. But know that I love you all. This church is so true. Read the Book of Mormon. Its amazing.
Elder Tracy
First, we had a Mission Tour with Elder Mazzagardi. He spoke to us for quite a while... It was pretty intense. He talked about a lot of things, but lets just say I think the mission here is going to get better. I know that i feel more motivated to do the best i can to be the missionary, and person the Lord know that I can be, that He wants me to be.
We taught two men that are pretty cool. One named Ailton, who stopped us on the street. We invited him to church, and he went! Turns out he was taught by missionaries quite a while ago. He really is elect. The members here in the branch love him. He really just needs to be baptized. The second man is Nanau. We found him on the street as well. He stopped us and asked if the church has any black, or dark members because he´s never seen any. We answered that there are darker people in the church... and marked a day to visit. When we taught him, it was really cool. He was really interested, and asked a lot of questions, like, "What did God tell Joseph Smith? How can I know this is true? Now what?" He really is a cool guy. WE invited him to come to church next Sunday, and i really hope he does.
Well, that's just a bit of the week. But know that I love you all. This church is so true. Read the Book of Mormon. Its amazing.
Elder Tracy
Monday, October 10, 2011
October 10, 2011 Letter
Well, this week was a good one. Busy, but good. We had some good experiences, and some good learning experiences... Our area is kinda far from everything. Its an hour from district meeting, and i feel kinda in solitary here. Goiana is a lot different than in Recife. Recife is buildings, lots of people, lots of the hustle and bustle of city life. Here is the exact opposite. Here has a nice calm quiet lifestyle. But, the city is huge. Also, has lots of other cities that are in our area. But, we probably wont spend very much time in those areas...
Ok, well some of the experiences this week. We did a lot of contacts... I don't know why, because Elder L. Santos already has 4 months here, but we seem not to have any investigators. hmm... But, we talked with a lot of people. That's not the hard part. The hard part is talking to them again. It seems like they dont want anything to do with us... Hmm... Strange... But, gives us lots of room for improvement.
We did happen to have a baptism. His name is Ygor. He´s 16. He accepted everything we taught. Then I found out he´d already been taught by 8 elders. But he accepted everything. Even the earring. We talked about it and he took it out right then and said he´d never use it again. It was pretty cool.
Also, we did a division with the Zone Leaders. I went with E. Meyers. Turns out that he has family that lives in Mapleton... So ask Grandma Olsen. I'm sure she knows them. Maybe... But E. Meyers is an awesome missionary. I really look up to him a lot. We talked about some problems here and how to overcome them. He really helped me a lot.
Well, life here in Goiana is good. Different, but good. I'm learning a lot, including learning how to sleep on the ground, take showers with a 2 liter bottle of water, and even had an opportunity to lead the branch choir. Life is good. It really is. I love being a missionary. I love you all. Until next time.... Elder Tracy
Ok, well some of the experiences this week. We did a lot of contacts... I don't know why, because Elder L. Santos already has 4 months here, but we seem not to have any investigators. hmm... But, we talked with a lot of people. That's not the hard part. The hard part is talking to them again. It seems like they dont want anything to do with us... Hmm... Strange... But, gives us lots of room for improvement.
We did happen to have a baptism. His name is Ygor. He´s 16. He accepted everything we taught. Then I found out he´d already been taught by 8 elders. But he accepted everything. Even the earring. We talked about it and he took it out right then and said he´d never use it again. It was pretty cool.
Also, we did a division with the Zone Leaders. I went with E. Meyers. Turns out that he has family that lives in Mapleton... So ask Grandma Olsen. I'm sure she knows them. Maybe... But E. Meyers is an awesome missionary. I really look up to him a lot. We talked about some problems here and how to overcome them. He really helped me a lot.
Well, life here in Goiana is good. Different, but good. I'm learning a lot, including learning how to sleep on the ground, take showers with a 2 liter bottle of water, and even had an opportunity to lead the branch choir. Life is good. It really is. I love being a missionary. I love you all. Until next time.... Elder Tracy
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
October 3, 2011 Letter
Well, it´s been quite the week. Last Monday night we got a call saying we would recieve another companion. So Tuesday, after district meeting we went to the office to get him. His name is Elder Pincerno. I guess he was having some "real" difficulties with his other companion... But, he´s doing good now.
Another exciting thing was Rusivel. He´s really an amazing person. We talked with him and everything with the Zone Leaders, and they kinda did an interview with him. Elder Labrum, one of the Zone Leaders in Agua Fria, told him to pray hard and to listen, because he would get his answer during conference. Well, Rusivel went to conference, but only one session. But it was good for me. As conference went along, I wasn´t only listening to the talks for me, but I was intently listening to help Rusivel. I dont know if you guys remember the first session, the second speaker, the lady that talked about inspiration and such. Well I feel that talk was pesonally for Rusivel. But the problem is, he wasnt there. But I know that the Lord answers our prayers. But, we have to do our part, being ready to get an answer at anytime.
Conference was great! I love conference! It was kinda a different experience in Portuguese, but it was good. They finally were able to hook up a tv, and me and some other elders watched in beloved english. Its so much easier! No having to try to understand! It was great! Also, I love the Prophet! He´s such a funny man! So loving, and happy! A lot of people are saying he´s crazy, but I know he just really loves us. But conference was a party. Kinda different having sessions at 1 and 5 in the afternoon, and having priesthood rebroadcasted at 8 in the morning Sunday, but it was great. I love conference and have so much that I need to improve. Now is a better time than any to start.
Some other exciting news is that last night, at 10:20, Elder Hocker called and said that me and Elder Barbosa were transferred.... So, we spent a good part of the night packing our bags. This morning we went and visited Joaquina and Rusivel. They´re really the only people that I´m really going to miss here. I´m really sad that I wont be there to help Rusivel. But, the good news is that President Lanius authorized, at least E. Barbosa that he could visit for the baptism. Im hoping that promise applies to me too... But anyways, the transfer. Yep, my new area is Goiana. (Goy-awn-uh) It´s the area farthest north in Pernambuco. It was a long hour and a half ride in a little tiny car, with 4 of us, and 5 pieces of luggage... But, we´re here now. It´s great. My companions name is Elder L. Santos...( I think, IM still learning) But things are good.
Well, thats about it.... for now. Hope you´re all well. Love you all.
Another exciting thing was Rusivel. He´s really an amazing person. We talked with him and everything with the Zone Leaders, and they kinda did an interview with him. Elder Labrum, one of the Zone Leaders in Agua Fria, told him to pray hard and to listen, because he would get his answer during conference. Well, Rusivel went to conference, but only one session. But it was good for me. As conference went along, I wasn´t only listening to the talks for me, but I was intently listening to help Rusivel. I dont know if you guys remember the first session, the second speaker, the lady that talked about inspiration and such. Well I feel that talk was pesonally for Rusivel. But the problem is, he wasnt there. But I know that the Lord answers our prayers. But, we have to do our part, being ready to get an answer at anytime.
Conference was great! I love conference! It was kinda a different experience in Portuguese, but it was good. They finally were able to hook up a tv, and me and some other elders watched in beloved english. Its so much easier! No having to try to understand! It was great! Also, I love the Prophet! He´s such a funny man! So loving, and happy! A lot of people are saying he´s crazy, but I know he just really loves us. But conference was a party. Kinda different having sessions at 1 and 5 in the afternoon, and having priesthood rebroadcasted at 8 in the morning Sunday, but it was great. I love conference and have so much that I need to improve. Now is a better time than any to start.
Some other exciting news is that last night, at 10:20, Elder Hocker called and said that me and Elder Barbosa were transferred.... So, we spent a good part of the night packing our bags. This morning we went and visited Joaquina and Rusivel. They´re really the only people that I´m really going to miss here. I´m really sad that I wont be there to help Rusivel. But, the good news is that President Lanius authorized, at least E. Barbosa that he could visit for the baptism. Im hoping that promise applies to me too... But anyways, the transfer. Yep, my new area is Goiana. (Goy-awn-uh) It´s the area farthest north in Pernambuco. It was a long hour and a half ride in a little tiny car, with 4 of us, and 5 pieces of luggage... But, we´re here now. It´s great. My companions name is Elder L. Santos...( I think, IM still learning) But things are good.
Well, thats about it.... for now. Hope you´re all well. Love you all.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
September 26, 2011 Letter
Hey,
So, another week here in Torreão. This week was kinda slow. Not much is happening here. We´re "kicking" all of our investigators that really don't want anything... The sad part is we´re left with 2. Ugh... Gives us a lot of room to improve though. We talked with President Lanius and he told us to work with the less actives to first, get them re involved with the ward, and second to find new people to teach. So we´ve been trying that, but with very very little success. But, we just need to keep on going. That's all we can do.
Really, the only person we have is a man named Rusivel. His wife is a member, and he´s amazing. But, we´ve been struggling with him. Ever since he and his wife had dengue 2 weeks ago, there has been almost no improvement. We´ve remarked his baptism 3 times. He´s waiting to get an answer. I think he wants a huge answer like an angel or something. He´s already had spiritual experiences. He loves how people serve in the church, he already has a desire to share the gospel with one of his friends. But, there´s something there... We just need to find out what it is, and figure out how to help him.
Well, that's it. Not a very exciting week. But, a good learning experience.... But it would really be nice to have a happy week where things turn out good every once and a while...
Love ya,
Elder Tracy
So, another week here in Torreão. This week was kinda slow. Not much is happening here. We´re "kicking" all of our investigators that really don't want anything... The sad part is we´re left with 2. Ugh... Gives us a lot of room to improve though. We talked with President Lanius and he told us to work with the less actives to first, get them re involved with the ward, and second to find new people to teach. So we´ve been trying that, but with very very little success. But, we just need to keep on going. That's all we can do.
Really, the only person we have is a man named Rusivel. His wife is a member, and he´s amazing. But, we´ve been struggling with him. Ever since he and his wife had dengue 2 weeks ago, there has been almost no improvement. We´ve remarked his baptism 3 times. He´s waiting to get an answer. I think he wants a huge answer like an angel or something. He´s already had spiritual experiences. He loves how people serve in the church, he already has a desire to share the gospel with one of his friends. But, there´s something there... We just need to find out what it is, and figure out how to help him.
Well, that's it. Not a very exciting week. But, a good learning experience.... But it would really be nice to have a happy week where things turn out good every once and a while...
Love ya,
Elder Tracy
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
September 19, 2011 Letter
Hey,
Well, these past 5 days have been great. There are a couple things in particular that were amazing.
First, Wednesday I was finally able to go to the temple. It was amazing. I love the temple. It was a little difficult in a different language and all, but really, it was amazing. I absolutely love the temple.
Second, Thursday we had interviews with Elder Costa and with President Lanius. It was great. Elder Costa is such a great guy. He´s super spiritual. He really just talked with me. Asked about my family, areas, companions, and some things I can do to improve. He also told me he has a house in Draper, in case you´re interested... And I had my first interview with President Lanius. It was great. He´s so loving. He talked about the "new" rules, area, problems. It was really just a good talk. It was great. Afterwards he just gave me a hug. It wasnt like a normal hug, it was really caring... I don't know how to explain it... It was just.. different. I know that he really loves each one of us and wants the best for us. It was a great day.
Next, we´re being blessed. The Lord is really putting people in our paths. We´ve had some cool contacts on the street, at the store, meeting new people, friends of referals who are actually more interested than the referals... It´s just been a real eye opener for me of how the Lord works. Now, we just have to do our part and help them.
Finally, Léo finally was able to get confirmed. After suffering through 4 weeks of his mom and grandpa working against him to not be able to go, he was finally able to go to church! It was great. Also, Kaline was there too, and a miracle, her mom came. Her mom, Cicera, kinda doesn't want Kaline to get baptized... But, she came to church, liked it, and hopefully that opens doors for her. It should be great.
Well, that's just a bit. But know that life is great. Im great. The church is awesome and true. I love it. The End... for now...
Elder Tracy
Well, these past 5 days have been great. There are a couple things in particular that were amazing.
First, Wednesday I was finally able to go to the temple. It was amazing. I love the temple. It was a little difficult in a different language and all, but really, it was amazing. I absolutely love the temple.
Second, Thursday we had interviews with Elder Costa and with President Lanius. It was great. Elder Costa is such a great guy. He´s super spiritual. He really just talked with me. Asked about my family, areas, companions, and some things I can do to improve. He also told me he has a house in Draper, in case you´re interested... And I had my first interview with President Lanius. It was great. He´s so loving. He talked about the "new" rules, area, problems. It was really just a good talk. It was great. Afterwards he just gave me a hug. It wasnt like a normal hug, it was really caring... I don't know how to explain it... It was just.. different. I know that he really loves each one of us and wants the best for us. It was a great day.
Next, we´re being blessed. The Lord is really putting people in our paths. We´ve had some cool contacts on the street, at the store, meeting new people, friends of referals who are actually more interested than the referals... It´s just been a real eye opener for me of how the Lord works. Now, we just have to do our part and help them.
Finally, Léo finally was able to get confirmed. After suffering through 4 weeks of his mom and grandpa working against him to not be able to go, he was finally able to go to church! It was great. Also, Kaline was there too, and a miracle, her mom came. Her mom, Cicera, kinda doesn't want Kaline to get baptized... But, she came to church, liked it, and hopefully that opens doors for her. It should be great.
Well, that's just a bit. But know that life is great. Im great. The church is awesome and true. I love it. The End... for now...
Elder Tracy
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