Week 32~ There can be Miracles, when you Believe: VWU

We have pictures this week. Elder Vester is doing really well. I told him this morning that he made my week and he came back with "you made my life" it just melted my heart, such a sweet kid, just got to love him,

******************************************************************

Wow.

This week has flown past; I can't even begin to say how fast it was. I'm so exhausted, you guys don't even know. But, with work, diligence, obedience and Faith, I've been so amazingly blessed this week.

<3 My 3 new converts. (The ones in the jumpsuits.)

Adriana, Drelly, and Keven.

I was privileged to help 3 people into the waters of baptism this week. Adriana, Drelly, and Keven. (the people in the white jumpsuits. 

I was overwhelmed; I'm so grateful for this opportunity to be here, teaching about Jesus Christ, and his amazing plan of happiness. I've found the age old proverb to be true. "After the trial of your faith, comes the miracle." And this week, I truly have seen miracles. 

This week has also been a very tiring week. Lots of travel, lots of walking, lots of praying, lots of listening, and lots of service.

We've been helping Wemerson (A recent convert) dig holes for the foundation of his new house.

My hand is so full of blisters. :D

Um, what else happened this week?... Um, I'm not transferred? :D
Transfers are this week, and I get to stay at least another 5 weeks in Cachoeiro. <3

I'm glad. I love this area. <3 Have I failed to tell you guys that I am deathly skinny now? It's super cute; I've lost 6 inches off my hips. :D I'M SO TINY. 

Anyway. I feel like I'm out of words, and just rambling now. 

I've got to go take care of the fact that our house has been without energy for the last 40 hours or so, and I need to clean all the raw meat out of the freezer.

<3 Wish me luck with my domestication! :D

Some pretty flowers I like~

<333333 This Colapisito loves me~Her name is Naymara.

Contents of my packages

Week 31 ~ Milkshakes made with Avacado are totally normal here. VWU

Sorry this is a bit late I have been out of town. Also there are no pictures this week, his internet was too slow, but at least there is an e-mail.
Enjoy

***************************************************

So, yeah. Tell any Brazilian about Guacamole, and they'll give you a really hard time about it. Because they just put sugar in them, and eat them with a spoon. 

D: Don't try it. lol

I FINALLY GOT PACKAGES THIS WEEK, <33333 Candy, cookies, pens, deodorant! Lovais ao Deus!

(The connection is really slow here. I doubt I'll be able to send them this week.)

So, sadly, not much has happened this week.

We had a super random meeting in Vitória that we all had to go to, and so, it was another 6 hours in a bus. Wooo~

President Arujo had his brother speak. He's very loud, and I did not get a lot out of the message he gave, because his accent was super hard for me to understand, and mistakes the spirit with yelling; it was weird. lol

A lot of stuff went wrong this week, but through it all, the week was fantastic! I learned a lot.

Conference was wonderful, too. We had to have 2 investigators there in order to watch conference on sat, and all 4 of them fell through, so a very upset Elder Vester had to head back home, and ended up going to a Recent Convert's house, who wanted me to teach her how to sew. :D Night= saved.

The next day, all 7 of our investigators fell, however, because it was Sunday, we had to go, otherwise it would be like missing church.

I watched the 3rd, and 4th sessions in Portuguese, and that was a little rough, but I got some good notes.

The final session, the Lord blessed me to be able to listen in English. (They were able to get an internet connection in the bishops office, and so I was able to hear the words, and feel the words, not translate, and hope I was understanding correctly.)

Wow. Just. Wow. What an amazing session. 

There was so much power in the words that Elders Holland, and Oaks gave. Literally every sentence was filled with the spirit, and I was so amazingly edified by that last session of conference.

I've come to love conference so much in the mission. <3 Even if it is a huge ordeal trying to get people to go with us on a bus for an hour to some remote location to hear the words of some old Americans who they have no idea are. :D

It's wonderful, and I love it. <3

Live, and let live. 

Follow the spirit, and walk in the steps of the savior, he'll never lead you astray. <3

I'm so grateful for the examples I've had in my life, and for being where I am today. I'm so glad to be in the restored church of Jesus Christ. I've found true, and everlasting joy in the Lord's church, and I'm humbled that the Lord has enough trust, and confidence in me to let me go crazy in a jungle of people who need's the Lord's guidance;

I know the church is true. I know this. 

I feel this. I understand this with every fiber of my soul.

May the Lord bless you all, and keep you safe in the hallow of his hand. <3

I love you all!

Elder Vester

Week 30 ~ I have spider bites on my butt. :VWU

We are so blessed to have a missionary our serving his Heavenly Father and the people of Vitoria Brazil. he doing a great job and loving the work. I had a nice email session with him on Monday. He is such a great kid, but then I am bias, I guess!

Elder Vester's birthday is May 11, it would be great to have as many  people write him as possible. He would love to hear from someone other than his momma!

Enjoy his email and pictures.

***************************************************************************************

So, spiders like to crawl up my pajama pants, and bite my butt;I have like 7 bites. :D Too much information? GOOD.

My cold or whatever has totally cleared up. Behold the picture of the Mamomacho flower, and Lime tea I made. It tasted terrible, but cleared up the cold in about 18 hours. :D

I love this photo. I took it in the pouring rain.:D

Also, I'm kinda beautiful. Let me just be vain for a second here~

See this egg? It's chocolate; I expect to break out sooooo bad this week. >:D Worth it.

This week has been very good, and very rough at the same time.

Let me begin with the story of Jefferson.

We found him knocking doors 2 weeks ago. We got to know him a little bit better, and set a return visit for the fallowing week.

The next visit, we taught the Book of Mormon; testifying of the truth of this  magnificent book, and challenging him to read it after the visit. Only, I think he misunderstood; We left him Mosiah 18; he grabbed the book, and started to read right there. I waited for a minute, and noticed he was crying. I asked him how He felt, and he said

"I feel a warmth in my heart, its different, and very strong."

"This is the Holy Ghost, testifying, and confirming my witness of the truth of this book."

"I want to be a part of this church."

"Then will you be baptized this weekend (It was Tuesday), by one holding the proper authority of God?"

"Yes. Yes I will."

The next day, we taught him all the commandments; The sabbath, Chastity, Word of Wisdom, Tithing.

Accepted everything.

And the next day. we were going to teach him the restoration; only, he was gone.

And today, we have no idea what happened to him.

It's possible that he traveled for Easter, or something; I don't know.

But, I know that when I find him, I'll hug him, then wring his neck.

THIS IS THE 3RD RUN-AWAY BRIDE IN 5 WEEKS.

NOT. COOL. lol

But, if anything. The Lord has taught me how he wants me to do his work.

Testifying, and challenging.

This week, we've marked 7 baptisms. Some very solid, others are still waiting for a reply from Heavenly Father; His inbox can get pretty full. 

But, This has all come to pass because I have opened my mouth, and testified; Not because of my own efforts, but because of the spirit.

I've decided that I like to be a speaker for the holey Ghost, and  I'm just there to transfer the sound; The Lord always fulfills his promises, and I have been so blessed to be able to testify, and add my witness of the truth, to the many thousands of my brothers and sisters serving in the mission field with me. 

Now, I'll tell you about Davi, Kevin, Adreána, and Dréle.

They were also found knocking doors. They are an adorable family of 4, legally married!

Slowly but surly, they are progressing. We've marked a baptismal date with Keven,(The son) and we're trying to help Davi (The father) stop drinking. With any luck, we'll be able to baptize all of them on the 12th.

And then there is Ánderson. He's a recovering druggie, who was a member reference. He went to church for the first time this week, and loved it to no end. We're trying to make sure all the drugs get out of his system first, but we would like to baptize him at the end of this month.

Aaaaand. My president is going crazy. lol

Apparently he's getting in trouble for the Vitória mission being low on baptisms. Our mission goal is 245 for this month. We're getting 24 new missionaries, and the mission boundaries are expanding. We're going to get a little more of Mina Gerias. :D

If I have to train, it'll be sooooo gross. >_< I'm not ready for that. My Portuguese has improved a lot, I just need to solidify it a little.

But, We're having so much success here in Cachoeiro, I don't quite want to leave.

So, alls well that ends well. <3

I love all of y'all to no end.<3

Elder Vester

I love this photo. I took it in the pouring rain.:D

There are about 9 "Barros" in this photo. Only about 1/4 of my area;

Big Bob's Burgers. :D  It was delicious!

The Easter Bunnie visits good little elder vesters, too~

See this egg? It's chocolate

the Mamomacho flower, and Lime tea I made

Remember what I said about gaining weight?

I've lost 3 inches off my chest, 6 inches off my hips,  4 inches off my stomach, and an inch out of my neck.

:D Vida Geurrio em Cachoeiro!

 

Week 29 ~ Avatar has Invaded. Also DAVIIIDDDDDD: VWU

Elder Vester is doing well. It makes a moms heart happy for know that her missionary is happy. If any of you have been wondering what VWU at the end of his subject line means, like me, I asked him. It means Vester Weekly Update!
Here is his weekly email and pictures, sorry I am late in posting.

***********************************************************

Also, we've been little kids this week. I'll explain in my letter. Its a joke about the tv show Avatar the Last Airbender. It's kinda hilarious.

So, 2 things have gone totally nuts this week. Avatar the Last Airbender, and David Archuleta.

Not only do we have silly little bending duels in the house, and in the streets, we're also very likely to start shouting DAVIIIIDDDDDDD at the top of our lungs, fallowed by uncontrollable crying.

:D The life of a missionary.

:D Ladies and gentlemen, My district leader.

Btw. I'm Water, Lefoll is Fire, Quiroz is Earth, and Paez is Air.

Now, for everyone else over the age of 7. :D

This week has been good! I managed to catch a virus on last Tuesday in the rain, and I've been running a fever of 99 since then. I've asked Sister Arujo for permission to rest every day, but no luck.

"Drink water, take pills, and rest on the side of the road if you need to."

So, yeah. >_> It was a pretty rough week in that aspect, but the good out-weigh the bad. lol

For example. 

THIS AREA HAS A MCDONALDS. I was so excited.

Then, I realized it was inside a mall. 

And 90 minuets of walking away.

So close, yet so far. ;3;

Elder Quiroz and I - my new companion

This week has been very enlightening for me. I've been focusing my scripture study on both the New Testament, and I started the Book of Mormon over again. I've come to really love the 4 Gospels. The love of the Savior is to apparent, and so wonderful, that I can't help but feel all warm, and comfortable. Truly, the Savior knows each one of us, and loves us more then we know.

I've also done a lot of reflection on my life thus far. I had the opportunity to relate my story of rejection, and self understanding with a less-active family in the ward, and I've come to realize just how wonderful, loving, and merciful the lord is to us.

I know for a fact, that every challenge we face, and every trial we struggle though, is given to us because the Lord knows we will become better people in the end. The Lord never lets us take on challenges larger then we can handle, so, because of this, I know I can handle, and overcome, each and every trial I face at this moment in my life.

Because the Savior, and our Heavenly Father both have the faith that we can.

I'm so grateful for my family, and the support they have given me. I realize now just how wonderful my family is, and how special they really are.

;3; I love you guys.

So, Until next week. <3

I love all of you, and miss you dearly.

SORRY SISTER FERRIN, I GOT YOUR LETTER, AND I'M A LAZY BUM. I FORGOT TO TELL YOU. DESCULPIES.

Tchau!

Elder Vester

"Choco Boll" in means "Chocolate ball", I thought it looked good. No. It was not. So, its now "cocó boll" (Poop ball) I can't have been the first person to make that connection. >_>

"Moran" is short for "Morango" (strawberry) But, It just looks silly in english. :D

Brazilian coins. There look like some could be made from pure silver, but I dunno. The ones in front are newer, and made from aluminum. Ew.

Elder Lefoll stole my camera sometime on Sunday, and took a bunch of photos. I'll be sending several of them to you. They are kinda hilarious.

His companion does not like to take photos. lol

He's a little mischievous. :D

He abuses my companion....

He's licking my pens.... I don't think I like that. D:

Week 28 ~Vida Guerrio em Cachoeiro:VWU

Thank you for all of your prayers on Elder Vester's behalf. I am sure that he has felt your strength and love. I am glad to hear that he is doing better and getting on with the show.
Enjoy his email:

********************************************************

"A warrior's life in Waterfall City"
This week was very good. Very long, but good.
I had to go to Vitória for a zone conference, and totally blew about $150 UDS on bus tickets. >_< Reserve fund= gone.
But, This week has been a turn around for me.
I've got my zeal back. :D My Piffy-ness is back.
This week, I really took a look at myself. Why was I always so unhappy? Why was I so sad? Why do I not feel like a missionary?
Because My heart was not in it.
I'm here to tell you guys, that I am 100% invested in this work. I have given it my best, every single day, and Heavenly Father has blessed my companion and I with 6 baptismal dates, and 17 new people to teach.
I'm feeling better, and I'm back to normal. My diarrhea has even gone away!
So, No complaining here.
I'm sorry for how whiny I've been for the last several weeks, I'm good now, I promise. :D
Only my journal has a record of what truly happened this week, but, I'll say this:
Where your heart is, there is where you work. My heart has finally left the apartment, and is on the streets, looking for people to teach.
I met some really fun nomads this week. :D It was totally chill. We taught them about the Book of Mormon, and they knew surprisingly well English.
They sold me some cool rings made from coconut and bone. :D I like dem~

So, overall, things are going good here. I've got 17 new people to teach the Gospel, and to share the love of the savior. Several are catholic, and even an Adventist! I'm excited to learn how to help each of them come to a knowledge of the restored Gospel.
<3 Stay beautiful all you wonderful people!
I pray for you often, and think of you every day.
<3
Com amor
Elder Vester

So, I dont know what these are. But they are little star shaped cookies, and they taste like cinnamon, and grahm. I kinda love them.

I bought some rings from gypsies this week~ Bone and coconut.

My district leader Elder Lefoll

These are called "Sonho" it means "dream" They are a deep fried pastries with a custard cream filling. I'm addicted to them. :D

Week 27 ~ Welcome to Waterfall City: VWU

Enjoy Elder Vester's emails and some pictures. He accidentally send the first one and then he had to explain with the second one. Usually I send out the emails for him.

****************************************************************

Hey ya'll. <3

The red is Elder Vesters new area - Cachoeiro de Itapemirim

I've been moved to Cachoeiro 2. It's beautiful.

But it's also nothing but hills, heat, and humidity. Ew.

Not much has happened this week. Just trying to get used to the new area, and the new ward.

Por tudo mundo que não consigo agradecer, e falar tchau, primiramente Lucimar, tentavamos, mas não consigi. Então, eu espero que você continue irando 'a igreja, e ter paciencia com os novos missionarios. Eles são chato demais.

Oh, don't mind the random Portuguese, its for all the Brazilians who are reading my blog. lol

My new companion is Elder Quiroz, from Washington State.

He's very interesting to say the least, but, alls well that ends well!

Sorry for the short email this week guys. I lost track of time emailing my momma. <3

Part 2: VWU

Don't mind the random email. D:
That was an accident. lol

Anywho. I wish all of you a wonderful week!

I've got a zone conference in the morning, and I have to catch a bus at 4 tomorrow morning. xD

Love you alls~

Elder Vester

This is Nildemar; She kinda adopted me as my black brazilian mom. She did a lot to help me stay sane, and I miss her almost as much as I miss you.

The view of my apartment.

See the tall buildings way far away? That's my area; It's a 20 minute walk.

My last meal in Andre Carloni. Hamburger, fries, and Guaraná; Jealous?

Susan, Pedro, and I. We're going to all go to an anime convention and cosplay when we all get back from our missions~

:D I FINALLY GOT POKEMON!!!

My last District. :D I miss all of them bunches.

D: I miss my Dora. So, I did this. SEE WHAT I HAVE BECOME?

I met this guy on the escadaria about 2 weeks into my mission. He's a local drug lord, and has cleared the missionaries to work whenevery they want to, wherever they want to. :D His name is Maricelo. He always shouts my name when I go by. "HEY VESTER! HOWS IT GOING MAN?!"

Week 26 ~ Good Bye, André-Carloni ;3; :VWU

I had a nice email session with Elder Vester on Monday. He is looking forward to his transfer - new place and a new companion. Sometimes change is good.
Hopefully next week we will have pictures of his new area and a nice e-mail. I am very proud of all that he is doing in the Vitoria Brazil Mission. It has to be hard for a young person to leave all they have and be gone for 2 years, prayers are with him all the time.

    ****************************************************************
Here's his email for this week:

I don't have a lot of time.

I've been transferred, and I have so much to do today. lol So much tupperwear to return.

Anywho.

I learned to make "Bolinhas de chuva" a Brazilian fried cake snack. :D Thanks to the beautiful Leo.

I'll have more info for ya'll next week. And pictures!

And i dunno.

ALSO. I GOT POKEMON THINGS THIS WEEK. :D

It made me happy. lol #americanNerdinBrazil

So, I have no idea whats going to happen now.

Oh, for once, I don't have a health problem hanging over me this week; shocking, I know. :D

I'll see all of you next week, and I send hugs to all~

Èlder Vester