Dear Family & Friends,
I am doing great! Life is amazing and I am having a wonderful experience. To everyone this week has been a great example of planting the seed and then years later the fruits appearing.
This week I remembered about a person that my sister told me about that had served in my mission. Her name was Sister Rhule and she served in the same area I am serving in right now in P-Sul in Celandia. She passed through here in 2009. This past week my companion and I were looking through old teaching records and I found one that had Sister Rhule’s name on it. I thought it was interesting because my sister had told me about her. I decided that my companion and I should go see the investigator because I didn´t know that name. When we passed by (visited) Tyago (the investigator) the experience we had with him was incredible! He told us that he had been thinking for the past week about returning to the church and then we showed up on his door. Tyago was baptized in the time of Sister Rhule but was not confirmed a member of the church and so he didn’t receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. So he has to be baptized again. When we had a visit with Tyago he told us that he had returned to his old addiction and he had been smoking 40 cigarettes per day. When we passed by his house he said that he had been two days without smoking anything. He stopped flat out smoking. The beautiful thing about this encounter is that sometimes missionaries become discouraged because they didn´t baptized someone but this experience shows that sometimes you will just plant the seed and then another will come by and pick the fruits. Tyago was baptized in 2009 but not confirmed and has to be baptized again and now it is 2015 and he has a date for baptism on the 7th of June. I love how the hand of the Lord works and it is so beautiful when we see these sweet moments. I am great and I am loving Brazil, but most of all I am loving this work and the amazing people that I encounter every week here in this amazing mission. The work is always happening in all parts of the world and I am so happy that I get to be a part of that work and help others come unto Christ.
Until next week,
Elder Hoopes
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
Pictures!!
I was looking up and it was raining and I was kind of looking at the sun and that's why I look funny/sad in the picture. That day was a blast. Yeah, I ate that sandwich all by myself. It was less that 5 bucks in American money. Hahaha
Monday, May 4, 2015
May 4, 2015
Dear family and friends,
So this week has been another interesting ride. So last Monday when I returned home with my companion it was around 9 oclock. That past Monday we had left one of our friends here at the airport for him to return to the mission field in Curitiba, another state in Brazil. When returning home I started to feel sick and I didn´t know why. So I got home and the symptoms started to get worse. So we decided that I should go back to the hospital and when I went I got some interesting news. I had pneumonia. So what happened is that I had to stay in house for one more week to recover. I will tell anyone that to be stuck inside the house on a mission is horrible.
I just thought of this example. I am a missionary and I have a mission. When I am stuck in the house I cannot complete my mission. I am a missionary, and my mission is personal because I chose to serve this mission. I selected to serve a mission and when I can’t fulfill my purpose I feel a guilty feeling in my heart. I left my home, my family, my friends, and all the amazing things that I love ( food, games, running, etc.) behind. I put on a name tag that says
ELDER HOOPES
The Church of JESUS CHRIST
of Latter-day Saints.
That name tag has two names. The first is my last name. Not my first but my last because I decided to put who I was before behind me not to look back, to put on my true colors and not be afraid to tell what I know to be true. To testify to the people here in Brazil about JESUS CHRIST. I know the Savior lives and that he has done more for me than I could ever repay. Why do you ask? Because He loves me...
When I was stuck in our house for a week I started to think, why am I here, what do I represent, and why did I put everything behind me. WHY?
BECAUSE I LOVE HIM TOO and I made a choice to come here to this earth and to live our Heavenly Father’s plan to come to know his Son, JESUS CHRIST, so that I may follow him and that I may help others do the same. I am out here on a mission to show the people that Christ lives and that without Him our world becomes so much harder to live in because if we don’t know Him, I mean truly know Him, then we don’t know true happiness.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and His Son and I know there are others that feel the same way as I do. In the world there are 85,000 missionaries of the church in the world today doing the same thing I am because we love Him and we want others to come to know the Savior.
For me in my week in house, I thought a lot about why I was here. During the week some funny things happened in our house. One of the elders broke his bed and now is sleeping on two mattresses on the floor. Elder Bonett and I tried to fix the bed but the results were not what we wanted.
Então to finish this letter with a scripture that I like. 2 Timothy 4: 7
This scripture has had a lot of meaning to me. To live life without regrets. So I made myself a challenge and I extend to all that read this. Think about your lives and think of the things that you are doing right now that you don´t like about yourself. Then stop doing those things. If you want to have a happier life you need to really focus on the things that matter in life. Things we don´t like about ourselves only pull us down. I am not talking appearance but how we think and what we do and how we act. So think about these things and make a change. Not tomorrow or next week or the next hour, but now!
I love you guys and I love the Lord and this wonderful opportunity to serve a mission.
Sincerely,
Elder Ashton Nephi Hoopes
So this week has been another interesting ride. So last Monday when I returned home with my companion it was around 9 oclock. That past Monday we had left one of our friends here at the airport for him to return to the mission field in Curitiba, another state in Brazil. When returning home I started to feel sick and I didn´t know why. So I got home and the symptoms started to get worse. So we decided that I should go back to the hospital and when I went I got some interesting news. I had pneumonia. So what happened is that I had to stay in house for one more week to recover. I will tell anyone that to be stuck inside the house on a mission is horrible.
I just thought of this example. I am a missionary and I have a mission. When I am stuck in the house I cannot complete my mission. I am a missionary, and my mission is personal because I chose to serve this mission. I selected to serve a mission and when I can’t fulfill my purpose I feel a guilty feeling in my heart. I left my home, my family, my friends, and all the amazing things that I love ( food, games, running, etc.) behind. I put on a name tag that says
ELDER HOOPES
The Church of JESUS CHRIST
of Latter-day Saints.
That name tag has two names. The first is my last name. Not my first but my last because I decided to put who I was before behind me not to look back, to put on my true colors and not be afraid to tell what I know to be true. To testify to the people here in Brazil about JESUS CHRIST. I know the Savior lives and that he has done more for me than I could ever repay. Why do you ask? Because He loves me...
When I was stuck in our house for a week I started to think, why am I here, what do I represent, and why did I put everything behind me. WHY?
BECAUSE I LOVE HIM TOO and I made a choice to come here to this earth and to live our Heavenly Father’s plan to come to know his Son, JESUS CHRIST, so that I may follow him and that I may help others do the same. I am out here on a mission to show the people that Christ lives and that without Him our world becomes so much harder to live in because if we don’t know Him, I mean truly know Him, then we don’t know true happiness.
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve my Heavenly Father and His Son and I know there are others that feel the same way as I do. In the world there are 85,000 missionaries of the church in the world today doing the same thing I am because we love Him and we want others to come to know the Savior.
For me in my week in house, I thought a lot about why I was here. During the week some funny things happened in our house. One of the elders broke his bed and now is sleeping on two mattresses on the floor. Elder Bonett and I tried to fix the bed but the results were not what we wanted.
Então to finish this letter with a scripture that I like. 2 Timothy 4: 7
This scripture has had a lot of meaning to me. To live life without regrets. So I made myself a challenge and I extend to all that read this. Think about your lives and think of the things that you are doing right now that you don´t like about yourself. Then stop doing those things. If you want to have a happier life you need to really focus on the things that matter in life. Things we don´t like about ourselves only pull us down. I am not talking appearance but how we think and what we do and how we act. So think about these things and make a change. Not tomorrow or next week or the next hour, but now!
I love you guys and I love the Lord and this wonderful opportunity to serve a mission.
Sincerely,
Elder Ashton Nephi Hoopes
Monday, April 27, 2015
Dear family and friends,
So another week has gone by and I am back writing. I love this day because I can tell you guys all the crazy things that happen out here.
On Tuesday, I found out that it was the birthday of Brasilia, where I live and the capitol of Brazil. This day was great because it is the day my companion and I marked a date for one of our investigators to be baptized. The date was the next Sunday. Her name is Maria Raimunda and she is amazing. She told us several times that she wants to be baptized because she wants to change her life. She has been an amazing investigator!!
On Wednesday, my companion and I met with another family that has been just golden. We marked a date for two of the children in the family to be baptized. The date is for this coming Sunday, May 3rd. Also here in Brazil there are a lot of people that want to learn English. One of the members in our ward wants to start teaching a class with me. So we are in the planning phase of starting an English class. The funny thing is I don’t know where to start or how to teach people English. There is only one way to find out though.
On Friday, we met a family that has shown a lot of interest. It started out that when my companion and I were passing by a house my companion said that he felt he needed to knock on the door. So we did and we met Bira (beer -ra) and his family. They have shown a lot of interest. His brother Mike is amazing also because when we taught the first vision he looked like he recognized something in it that was true.
On Saturday we had the interview for Maria Raimunda and she passed and was baptized this past Sunday and Oh was it amazing!!!!! Also one of the members in our ward is going back to the mission and he is leaving today. We are going to drop him off at the airport where he will go to Curitiba Sul.
On Sunday I had a bit of bad luck. This was because on Saturday I picked up a little rain and I got sick that Sunday morning. When I went church I felt so bad. I returned home after Sacrament meeting but I have gotten better. Sunday night we had a farewell party for the member in our ward that is returning to his mission and it was amazing. I heard a testimony of one of the members that is less active that is filling out his papers to serve a mission because he said when he was bearing he testimony that he felt he needed to serve and that he wants to do better.
Also a return missionary shared a quick thought at the farewell party and she shared something interesting. When we leave on a mission we receive a plaque that says Elder or Sister and then our last name, then below has the name of Christ. She said that on that plaque it doesn´t say our first name and she shared this thought. When I wear my plaque I am telling people that I forgot who I was and I am leaving everything behind in the name of my family and the Lord who I represent. We missionaries are here in the field sharing the gospel because we want to share the gospel of Christ with others but also that we want to change ourselves to become more like Christ. Just a quick thought that I wanted to pass on for you guys.
So that was my week and I am excited because Mother’s Day is coming up and we have so many people with baptismal dates set up that I know these next few weeks will be pretty busy.
Until next time,
Elder Hoopes
So another week has gone by and I am back writing. I love this day because I can tell you guys all the crazy things that happen out here.
On Tuesday, I found out that it was the birthday of Brasilia, where I live and the capitol of Brazil. This day was great because it is the day my companion and I marked a date for one of our investigators to be baptized. The date was the next Sunday. Her name is Maria Raimunda and she is amazing. She told us several times that she wants to be baptized because she wants to change her life. She has been an amazing investigator!!
On Wednesday, my companion and I met with another family that has been just golden. We marked a date for two of the children in the family to be baptized. The date is for this coming Sunday, May 3rd. Also here in Brazil there are a lot of people that want to learn English. One of the members in our ward wants to start teaching a class with me. So we are in the planning phase of starting an English class. The funny thing is I don’t know where to start or how to teach people English. There is only one way to find out though.
On Friday, we met a family that has shown a lot of interest. It started out that when my companion and I were passing by a house my companion said that he felt he needed to knock on the door. So we did and we met Bira (beer -ra) and his family. They have shown a lot of interest. His brother Mike is amazing also because when we taught the first vision he looked like he recognized something in it that was true.
On Saturday we had the interview for Maria Raimunda and she passed and was baptized this past Sunday and Oh was it amazing!!!!! Also one of the members in our ward is going back to the mission and he is leaving today. We are going to drop him off at the airport where he will go to Curitiba Sul.
On Sunday I had a bit of bad luck. This was because on Saturday I picked up a little rain and I got sick that Sunday morning. When I went church I felt so bad. I returned home after Sacrament meeting but I have gotten better. Sunday night we had a farewell party for the member in our ward that is returning to his mission and it was amazing. I heard a testimony of one of the members that is less active that is filling out his papers to serve a mission because he said when he was bearing he testimony that he felt he needed to serve and that he wants to do better.
Also a return missionary shared a quick thought at the farewell party and she shared something interesting. When we leave on a mission we receive a plaque that says Elder or Sister and then our last name, then below has the name of Christ. She said that on that plaque it doesn´t say our first name and she shared this thought. When I wear my plaque I am telling people that I forgot who I was and I am leaving everything behind in the name of my family and the Lord who I represent. We missionaries are here in the field sharing the gospel because we want to share the gospel of Christ with others but also that we want to change ourselves to become more like Christ. Just a quick thought that I wanted to pass on for you guys.
So that was my week and I am excited because Mother’s Day is coming up and we have so many people with baptismal dates set up that I know these next few weeks will be pretty busy.
Until next time,
Elder Hoopes
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Monday, April 13, 2015
April 13, 2015
Dear Family and friends,
This week has been a tiring one. There has been so much new work in my new area that every day we are almost running to keep up with our appointments. That is a GREAT tired feeling though!
On Tuesday, Elder Almeida (my new companion is from Brazil) was showing me the area and introducing me to our investigators and it was wierd for me because I had visited this area one time with another elder about 2 months back and it is strange because now I am here. As I said before, the work is rigorous and on Tuesday night we taught 8 lessons and for anyone that has not served a mission, that is a lot of lessons to teach in people’s homes. The reason is because we walk everywhere and sometimes it takes 15 to 30 min to arrive at every person’s house.
Wednesday there was a missionary that returned home from her mission. She completed her time in Curitiba which is one of the more wealthy areas in Brazil. It is funny because the ward has a fun nickname for her. Her given name is Karol but the people here call her Lorak. Also I met a member named Marcelo. He speaks English, served his mission in Argentina and is a fanatic about helping us here in the Brasilia mission. Also he was an elder that baptized a member in my last area. That was amazing!!
For those that have served missions they already know this but this could be a great reminder. For those that have not what I am about to say is one of the greatest blessings I think the we receive while serving on a mission. Out here in another state, country with a new language or the same missionaries are always meeting new people and showing them the Light of Christ. It doesn´t matter if you met the person 2 seconds ago in the street or knocked on their door, it doesn´t matter if you can or can´t understand what they are saying, it doesn´t matter how tough you are at holding a straight face but one of the greatest blessings the we missionaries get here in the mission is the POWER TO FEEL THE HOLY GHOST AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD BY OUR SIDES AND IN OUR HEARTS!! When I got into the mission I missed a lot of things from back home and a lot of things that I could do and I still do. But every day for me the greatest thing I have ever received out here on my mission is this wonderful feeling!! Sometimes I couldn´t understand what the people were saying or how bad my Portuguese was but one thing I knew is that they could feel the Spirit and Love of God touching their hearts and that they know the things we talk about are true.
For me I love the mission because I have felt this feeling so much and also the mission has been fun! An example is on Wednesday night when we went to meet the sister who returned from her mission and it started to rain outside. It was raining hard. We had to run back to our house that night which was like running from Fry’s grocery store in my hometown to my house!! We all got home completely soaked and it was so much fun!!!!
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday were so busy that I didn´t have time to write notes but we have been teaching so much and right now we have 3 people lined up for baptism on the 19 of this month (April).
On Sunday I got to meet the ward and this is the biggest ward I have been in yet which is about 130 - 145 people. This Sunday we had 4 investigators in church and it was so amazing to see hard work finally pay off.
I love all you guys and miss you but time is flying by so fast. I can’t believe I have already been out 7 1/2 months in the mission.
Love,
Elder Hoopes
This week has been a tiring one. There has been so much new work in my new area that every day we are almost running to keep up with our appointments. That is a GREAT tired feeling though!
On Tuesday, Elder Almeida (my new companion is from Brazil) was showing me the area and introducing me to our investigators and it was wierd for me because I had visited this area one time with another elder about 2 months back and it is strange because now I am here. As I said before, the work is rigorous and on Tuesday night we taught 8 lessons and for anyone that has not served a mission, that is a lot of lessons to teach in people’s homes. The reason is because we walk everywhere and sometimes it takes 15 to 30 min to arrive at every person’s house.
Wednesday there was a missionary that returned home from her mission. She completed her time in Curitiba which is one of the more wealthy areas in Brazil. It is funny because the ward has a fun nickname for her. Her given name is Karol but the people here call her Lorak. Also I met a member named Marcelo. He speaks English, served his mission in Argentina and is a fanatic about helping us here in the Brasilia mission. Also he was an elder that baptized a member in my last area. That was amazing!!
For those that have served missions they already know this but this could be a great reminder. For those that have not what I am about to say is one of the greatest blessings I think the we receive while serving on a mission. Out here in another state, country with a new language or the same missionaries are always meeting new people and showing them the Light of Christ. It doesn´t matter if you met the person 2 seconds ago in the street or knocked on their door, it doesn´t matter if you can or can´t understand what they are saying, it doesn´t matter how tough you are at holding a straight face but one of the greatest blessings the we missionaries get here in the mission is the POWER TO FEEL THE HOLY GHOST AND THE SPIRIT OF GOD BY OUR SIDES AND IN OUR HEARTS!! When I got into the mission I missed a lot of things from back home and a lot of things that I could do and I still do. But every day for me the greatest thing I have ever received out here on my mission is this wonderful feeling!! Sometimes I couldn´t understand what the people were saying or how bad my Portuguese was but one thing I knew is that they could feel the Spirit and Love of God touching their hearts and that they know the things we talk about are true.
For me I love the mission because I have felt this feeling so much and also the mission has been fun! An example is on Wednesday night when we went to meet the sister who returned from her mission and it started to rain outside. It was raining hard. We had to run back to our house that night which was like running from Fry’s grocery store in my hometown to my house!! We all got home completely soaked and it was so much fun!!!!
On Thursday, Friday and Saturday were so busy that I didn´t have time to write notes but we have been teaching so much and right now we have 3 people lined up for baptism on the 19 of this month (April).
On Sunday I got to meet the ward and this is the biggest ward I have been in yet which is about 130 - 145 people. This Sunday we had 4 investigators in church and it was so amazing to see hard work finally pay off.
I love all you guys and miss you but time is flying by so fast. I can’t believe I have already been out 7 1/2 months in the mission.
Love,
Elder Hoopes
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Monday, April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015
First Conference was amazing! We got to watch all of the main sessions but not Priesthood. We get the Liahona here and so I will read it when it comes. That was so sad that people were opposing the vote during the sustaining. I loved the talk by Elder Pearson and the other elder in the Seventy that talked about “Can you hear the Music.” They really made you think.
I have sent a package to you and a letter with a camera card. The package is taped completely and so if you find it cut you will know that it was opened. I am so excited for Mother’s Day and I can’t wait to see you guys again. It is crazy how time has flown. Just know that I am loving my mission!
As for friends: I have heard from Hunter and he is fine. Elder Priest doesn’t get to write very often. I am very excited for Tyler that he is getting to go to Aussie Amanha!! Caraca Vem!! The gang is moving around. I am learning a lot out here in the field and every day is a new challenge. Change is rough but it makes you grow. I have been a little homesick but I love the work. Every day is a new experience.
Today was transfer day. My companion and I both got transferred. I have been transferred to another area. I am in Celandia with a new companion. It feels so weird for me though because I have left my last area and it feels weird. I feel like I left home and now I am in Japan. It feels like that. Thank you for your prayers and fasts. I am thinking of you guys every day and miss you guys a lot!
Love,
Elder Ashton Hoopes
I have sent a package to you and a letter with a camera card. The package is taped completely and so if you find it cut you will know that it was opened. I am so excited for Mother’s Day and I can’t wait to see you guys again. It is crazy how time has flown. Just know that I am loving my mission!
As for friends: I have heard from Hunter and he is fine. Elder Priest doesn’t get to write very often. I am very excited for Tyler that he is getting to go to Aussie Amanha!! Caraca Vem!! The gang is moving around. I am learning a lot out here in the field and every day is a new challenge. Change is rough but it makes you grow. I have been a little homesick but I love the work. Every day is a new experience.
Today was transfer day. My companion and I both got transferred. I have been transferred to another area. I am in Celandia with a new companion. It feels so weird for me though because I have left my last area and it feels weird. I feel like I left home and now I am in Japan. It feels like that. Thank you for your prayers and fasts. I am thinking of you guys every day and miss you guys a lot!
Love,
Elder Ashton Hoopes
Monday, March 30, 2015
March 30, 2015
Dear Family and friends,
This past week has been a long one. On Tuesday I was feeling a little down and so I called our Mission President that day and wow does a mission president know how to help!! Also on Tuesday my companion and I encountered 4 new investigators and they are wonderful people!! Their names are Pedro, Carina, Jusara, and Irma. The first three were in one lesson and Irma was separate. Pedro and Jusara are friends and when we taught the first restoration they were in awe. They said the message was different and cool and that they wanted to learn more. Later in the week while doing a companion trade my companion invited them for baptism and they accepted!!
Wednesday was a longer day because we had a zone meeting and when we returned (our lunch was a small plate) so we were really hungry that night. We held a Family Home Evening with a family and it was great. My comp gave a lesson that involved paint and water and it was very educating.
Thursday was a companion trade off day and I went with my district leader and talked with him. My comp has been a little sad these past few weeks and we are trying to find out what we can do to help.
On Friday was another trade off day and my district leader went with my companion and I was with Elder Georgeoupolous (one of my best friends in the mission) for the day. For me I know that at the next transfer George will be leaving for another area and I am going to miss that kid. He is so much fun to be around.
On Saturday was one interesting day and for me to put it, I have seen that in this work we are a team and that to win the team has to be one. If there is a problem between players the team will fail and you will lose the game.
On Sunday we went to church and I remembered that it was Palm Sunday because a lot of Brazilians were going to their churches and had a gigantic palm leaf. At church I was talking with one of the elders from Sobradinho 1 and he had an legit tie. I asked him if he wanted to do a trade and he said that he has not found anyone worthy of this tie yet. I asked him to explain and he told me that the tie came from a missionary that later explained that the tie was from his father L. Tom Perry, an apostle of the church. I was amazed! Also on Sunday we had lunch at the house of Sister Eliete and when we were conversing she started to talk about how expensive things were. Her husband then talked about when they went to the store that when buying groceries that the price was extremely high and he was stunned but this sister said that if they paid their tithing faithfully that they could eat freely because God would provide for them. I have seen that people here in Brazil have a very strong faith in this gospel and for me it has strengthened my faith as well.
Really that has been the week and I have learned so many things. I like this quote for the week that I read in the Ensign (church magazine). The quote is: That if you want to be a life saver you can't be dressed like all the other swimmers on the beach. Missionaries are called to their specific missions because they have some trait about them that no other missionary has and that only we can touch a certain person with our special trait. I am learning so much while I am here. I love the gospel and want to serve our Heavenly Father with all my heart.
Until Next time,
Elder Hoopes
This past week has been a long one. On Tuesday I was feeling a little down and so I called our Mission President that day and wow does a mission president know how to help!! Also on Tuesday my companion and I encountered 4 new investigators and they are wonderful people!! Their names are Pedro, Carina, Jusara, and Irma. The first three were in one lesson and Irma was separate. Pedro and Jusara are friends and when we taught the first restoration they were in awe. They said the message was different and cool and that they wanted to learn more. Later in the week while doing a companion trade my companion invited them for baptism and they accepted!!
Wednesday was a longer day because we had a zone meeting and when we returned (our lunch was a small plate) so we were really hungry that night. We held a Family Home Evening with a family and it was great. My comp gave a lesson that involved paint and water and it was very educating.
Thursday was a companion trade off day and I went with my district leader and talked with him. My comp has been a little sad these past few weeks and we are trying to find out what we can do to help.
On Friday was another trade off day and my district leader went with my companion and I was with Elder Georgeoupolous (one of my best friends in the mission) for the day. For me I know that at the next transfer George will be leaving for another area and I am going to miss that kid. He is so much fun to be around.
On Saturday was one interesting day and for me to put it, I have seen that in this work we are a team and that to win the team has to be one. If there is a problem between players the team will fail and you will lose the game.
On Sunday we went to church and I remembered that it was Palm Sunday because a lot of Brazilians were going to their churches and had a gigantic palm leaf. At church I was talking with one of the elders from Sobradinho 1 and he had an legit tie. I asked him if he wanted to do a trade and he said that he has not found anyone worthy of this tie yet. I asked him to explain and he told me that the tie came from a missionary that later explained that the tie was from his father L. Tom Perry, an apostle of the church. I was amazed! Also on Sunday we had lunch at the house of Sister Eliete and when we were conversing she started to talk about how expensive things were. Her husband then talked about when they went to the store that when buying groceries that the price was extremely high and he was stunned but this sister said that if they paid their tithing faithfully that they could eat freely because God would provide for them. I have seen that people here in Brazil have a very strong faith in this gospel and for me it has strengthened my faith as well.
Really that has been the week and I have learned so many things. I like this quote for the week that I read in the Ensign (church magazine). The quote is: That if you want to be a life saver you can't be dressed like all the other swimmers on the beach. Missionaries are called to their specific missions because they have some trait about them that no other missionary has and that only we can touch a certain person with our special trait. I am learning so much while I am here. I love the gospel and want to serve our Heavenly Father with all my heart.
Until Next time,
Elder Hoopes
Monday, March 23, 2015
Cancer Miracle & A Robbery
Dear Friends and Family,
So this week has been quite crazy!! This past Monday was rough and all four of the missionaries in the house including me have talked because we are having a tough time here in our area Sobradinho 2. In reality we have no one to teach. :( We have knocked on doors, done contacts in the street and asked for referrals but nothing has worked out for us. So in all we have hit a brick wall here.
On Tuesday, we had a district meeting in Asa Norte and our district (the same 4 missionaries) talked about what we could do. We thought up ideas and still don't have anything but for me I am very happy because our district is growing closer. We have had so many crazy things happen. It was also funny because when we were coming back to our area it started to rain and that day we were to pick up money for lunch from a member and we exited the bus and started walking and by the end of it when we got back home, we were completely soaked. Our bags, clothes, shoes and so on. It was a really funny sight to see.
On Wednesday, Elder Rodriguez and I went to visit a less active member. We also got to talk to her mother. This less active woman's name is Nayara and I don't know her mother's name. When we were talking Nayara´s mother told us that she had cancer and her story is very interesting and very spiritual. She said that one day she was in pain and that she went to the hospital and the doctors did some tests and the main doctor came back and told her that she had cancer. Then this sister told the doctor, "No I don´t!" She said that she knew that it wasn´t of God and the doctor tried and tried to tell her but the sister would not accept that she had cancer. The doctors then did some further tests and they found out that really SHE DIDN´T HAVE cancer. She said it was something that was very depressing and downing to think that she had cancer and so she wouldn´t allow herself to think about these depressing things because she said that God only wants us to be happy and this is completely true. I felt so inspired by her and what she did.
On Thursday, it rained all day. This week has been a very wet week and there has been some crazy rivers here. Also our Zone leaders came to our area to see what has been happening to see how they can help us better.
On Friday, we had an interview with one of our investigators (really our only one) and he didn´t pass so we are working with him because he wants to be baptized and start again in his life. Also on Friday we had lunch at the house of Irmão George and he was talking to us about how Brazil right now is in big trouble. They are having big problems with their government. What was explained to us is that to show how bad Petrobras (which is the gas company here) is they paid Dilma 800 million just as a favor. Here people are playing the favors game.
On Saturday it was rough. My comp has been having a hard time in this area because we have really no one to teach. He feels that he isn´t helping anyone. That night got better because we had dinner at a less active members house and wow was it good. He is better but here has been getting hard because we have no one to teach and he is feeling really depressed.
On Sunday we did some visits with the Elder's Quorum here. Elder Rodriguez and I went with Irmão Nelson and none of the people that we went to visit were home. We talked with Nelson and things have occurred here where the ward is having problems. There has been a dispute over something that occurred and to work with the members has been tough. Then to top things off, on Sunday night when Elder Rodriguez and I were returning home I saw this gigantic snail that was bigger than a softball. Also in front of our house there are two bars and Sunday night I was on the outside part of our house where I could see the bar. It was scary because I was looking down our street when I heard people running from the bar. I looked back and saw that people were trying to run away and then I saw a guy leaving the bar and he had a ski mask and a gun and a wad of cash!! It was really scary!!
So that was our week and yeah. It was interesting,
Until next time,
Elder Hoopes
So this week has been quite crazy!! This past Monday was rough and all four of the missionaries in the house including me have talked because we are having a tough time here in our area Sobradinho 2. In reality we have no one to teach. :( We have knocked on doors, done contacts in the street and asked for referrals but nothing has worked out for us. So in all we have hit a brick wall here.
On Tuesday, we had a district meeting in Asa Norte and our district (the same 4 missionaries) talked about what we could do. We thought up ideas and still don't have anything but for me I am very happy because our district is growing closer. We have had so many crazy things happen. It was also funny because when we were coming back to our area it started to rain and that day we were to pick up money for lunch from a member and we exited the bus and started walking and by the end of it when we got back home, we were completely soaked. Our bags, clothes, shoes and so on. It was a really funny sight to see.
On Wednesday, Elder Rodriguez and I went to visit a less active member. We also got to talk to her mother. This less active woman's name is Nayara and I don't know her mother's name. When we were talking Nayara´s mother told us that she had cancer and her story is very interesting and very spiritual. She said that one day she was in pain and that she went to the hospital and the doctors did some tests and the main doctor came back and told her that she had cancer. Then this sister told the doctor, "No I don´t!" She said that she knew that it wasn´t of God and the doctor tried and tried to tell her but the sister would not accept that she had cancer. The doctors then did some further tests and they found out that really SHE DIDN´T HAVE cancer. She said it was something that was very depressing and downing to think that she had cancer and so she wouldn´t allow herself to think about these depressing things because she said that God only wants us to be happy and this is completely true. I felt so inspired by her and what she did.
On Thursday, it rained all day. This week has been a very wet week and there has been some crazy rivers here. Also our Zone leaders came to our area to see what has been happening to see how they can help us better.
On Friday, we had an interview with one of our investigators (really our only one) and he didn´t pass so we are working with him because he wants to be baptized and start again in his life. Also on Friday we had lunch at the house of Irmão George and he was talking to us about how Brazil right now is in big trouble. They are having big problems with their government. What was explained to us is that to show how bad Petrobras (which is the gas company here) is they paid Dilma 800 million just as a favor. Here people are playing the favors game.
On Saturday it was rough. My comp has been having a hard time in this area because we have really no one to teach. He feels that he isn´t helping anyone. That night got better because we had dinner at a less active members house and wow was it good. He is better but here has been getting hard because we have no one to teach and he is feeling really depressed.
On Sunday we did some visits with the Elder's Quorum here. Elder Rodriguez and I went with Irmão Nelson and none of the people that we went to visit were home. We talked with Nelson and things have occurred here where the ward is having problems. There has been a dispute over something that occurred and to work with the members has been tough. Then to top things off, on Sunday night when Elder Rodriguez and I were returning home I saw this gigantic snail that was bigger than a softball. Also in front of our house there are two bars and Sunday night I was on the outside part of our house where I could see the bar. It was scary because I was looking down our street when I heard people running from the bar. I looked back and saw that people were trying to run away and then I saw a guy leaving the bar and he had a ski mask and a gun and a wad of cash!! It was really scary!!
So that was our week and yeah. It was interesting,
Until next time,
Elder Hoopes
Monday, March 16, 2015
March 16, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
So this week has been a rough one. My companion and I have been trying hard to find
someone that wants to hear the gospel and we have not encountered anyone in the past three weeks. We have been working with the few investigators that we already have. One investigator
in particular is Anderson who I talked about last week. He has been opening up to us. He is telling us more about what has happened to him and how he feels and so on. He has a date set for his baptism. It is this Sunday but we don’t know if he will continue on. We are hoping that he will still be ready for Sunday.
In reality this week for my companion and I has not been good because we are here to teach people and help them progress and we have met no one that wants to progress or in other words we have not met someone that wants us to teach them. We want to show this people our love but we have gotten a lot of doors shut in our faces and it is tough. My companion and I have been sad because we want to teach but we have tried to think why are we here and we thought that it may not be to baptize someone in this area but maybe it is to help each other become better people or better missionaries.
Really that is all that happened this week. We are looking for a new place to live. We have two bars in front of our house and it has been hard to sleep at night because they are playing music until sometimes 3 am. I hope all is well for you guys at home and I would love to hear from each one of you personally, so if you want to write me a letter I would be more than happy to respond!!
Sincerely,
Elder Hoopes
So this week has been a rough one. My companion and I have been trying hard to find
someone that wants to hear the gospel and we have not encountered anyone in the past three weeks. We have been working with the few investigators that we already have. One investigator
in particular is Anderson who I talked about last week. He has been opening up to us. He is telling us more about what has happened to him and how he feels and so on. He has a date set for his baptism. It is this Sunday but we don’t know if he will continue on. We are hoping that he will still be ready for Sunday.
In reality this week for my companion and I has not been good because we are here to teach people and help them progress and we have met no one that wants to progress or in other words we have not met someone that wants us to teach them. We want to show this people our love but we have gotten a lot of doors shut in our faces and it is tough. My companion and I have been sad because we want to teach but we have tried to think why are we here and we thought that it may not be to baptize someone in this area but maybe it is to help each other become better people or better missionaries.
Really that is all that happened this week. We are looking for a new place to live. We have two bars in front of our house and it has been hard to sleep at night because they are playing music until sometimes 3 am. I hope all is well for you guys at home and I would love to hear from each one of you personally, so if you want to write me a letter I would be more than happy to respond!!
Sincerely,
Elder Hoopes
Monday, March 9, 2015
P.S. PICTURES!
Also a little "tid bit". Sunday morning I came to the thought that it IS March, the time of the lepracons and I thought that I was very lucky that Sunday morning because I think the Lepracons are in Brazil.
The other pic is Rogerio, my comp Elder Rodriguez and me eating hamburgers in Brazil on Saturday night!!
The other pic is Rogerio, my comp Elder Rodriguez and me eating hamburgers in Brazil on Saturday night!!
March 9, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
This week has been full of lots of events. I will start from the beginning of this week.
On Monday, we were having a great day and we were passing by one of our investigators that was baptized on the Feb 22. I had to opportunity to confirm her on March 1st. She was my first confirmation in the mission field. Her name is Lindalva and she is probably in her early 60s. When we passed by her we were talking to her and her son Anderson about the Plan of Salvation. We asked her if she had any questions and then for me, a miracle occurred that has strengthened my testimony of this gospel so much. She asked:
"When you confirmed me I FELT A FIRE IN MY HEAD AND IN MY FEET, a warm feeling and I could only think about good things and nothing bad. What was that?" I got to testify to her that that was the Spirit testifying to her that the gospel is true and that she was making the right choice. If anyone has a question about how do I know if it is the Spirit, there is a scripture in Galatians 5:22 that talks about the feelings of the spirit. Later that night we had a Ward Council meeting where the bishop asked us what our goals were. I saw a different face coming from us. What I mean is that when we talked we showed a new motivation because before the elders in our ward weren´t very animated or excited. In our ward there are a lot of less active members that need help and we told the members that there is a new focus for us (missionaries) and that is that we need the help of the members to help those that have left the church for some reason to come back. Also that day my companion and I made a lot of contacts with people in the street. We were inviting them for soccer and it is funny because my companion is from Argentina and now he is in Brazil.
Tuesday was a rough day and a very long day. Tuesday morning we left for our zone meeting with all the other missionaries and when we came back and went to lunch my companion's back started to give him a lot of pain causing us to go back to the house. We stayed there for the rest of the night. Also when we were at lunch the family has a little girl named Isabela and she is 7 years old. It was funny because there was this mattress in a room and she went up to it. She is a very small girl, I think less than 4 ft and it was funny because she pushed this mattress and it fell on top of her. Then she managed to push it back up and then when she was walking away it fell on her again. We started cracking up laughing.
Wednesday was a very funny day. Então (so) that morning was normal and we woke up and and had our study time. When we went to lunch another elder in the house and I, led our companions to the wrong house supposing that this sister was the one that we had confirmed lunch with. It was funny because when we sat down she asked us if we had already had lunch and then we all looked at each other because we knew that we were in the wrong house for lunch. After that when we got to the right house Elder Rodriguez and I went teaching and he is one tough guy. I say that because when we were teaching his back was giving him a lot of pain. That day we passed Lindalva again and she started asking us so many questions about the temple and told us that she really wants to go and she has heard so much about it from others. I was so happy for her. Later we met a less active sister and she told us that she loved the church but she left because she didn´t feel involved and we talked with her and here is a piece of advice for all members that read this. When you see someone that you don´t know in church, go introduce yourself to them and make them feel involved. Afterwards talking with this less active sister (Nayara is her name) we made a contact with a kid that was mute and we encountered his friend that said he had a Book of Mormon and that he wanted to know more because he had been reading it. He is 18 years old and his name is Samuel and he is a pretty chill kid.
Thursday was a relieving day because we went to a specialist for my companion's back to see if he had a problem or something because it gave him a lot of pain this past week and we found out that it was just a tense muscle.
Friday was tough. So my companion told me after lunch today that I was going to be senior companion and that he would act like he had been in the mission for one week. So we walked everywhere doing contacts that day and it was tough. There are so many decisions that a senior makes to make a schedule run smoothly and wow I was tired that night. It was an even longer day because all of our teaching appointments fell through. That night though we met a member and went and did a visit with him at Lindalva's house and with her son Anderson (he is really tough to teach). When we arrived with our member we found out that they knew each other because they used to live next door to each other and that this member played soccer with Lindalva's youngest son Vinicius. Throughout the lesson we talked with Anderson because he had a Bible study class with the Jehovah Witnesses and he is a very skeptical person. But I have seen such a change in him these past 5 weeks because he seems happier after we teach him. After that visit we did a visit with another family that I have seen so much change in for the first time we taught them. Their names are Antonio (father), Renata (wife) and Jenifer (daughter) and this family had a lot of problems with each other. We did a visit with this family and they were so happy that we had come by. Antonio told us that he is very happy that we came by and talked to them about the word of God because it has changed his family so much. I felt so happy afterwards because they show so much potential. When the member dropped us off at our house we entered and started planning out our next day and then Elder Georgeiopolus came to our room. He asked, "HOOPES, HEYGON IS DOWNSTAIRS WITH PIZZA!!!!" We ran down and Heygon the member said, did anyone order pizza?? I love him so much. He is a chill guy.
Saturday was a great day because we started off with a service project at a Lindalva´s house sanding metal stands that were coroded for their tables. Afterwards my companion looked like Michael Jackson before he dye his skin white. Then we had lunch and we started with a plan for that day and it became a little rough between my companion and I because we had some misunderstandings. Then we returned to our house and talked and right now everything is better than ever!!! After we talked we started to plan again and we heard our house door open because I left it unlocked by accident and we were both on our beds in the last room. We heard someone walking toward our room and then Elder Rodriguez looked down the hall and then looked at me with a scared look and asked, "WHO IS IT???? I got so scared and feared that there was a robber in our house and when I entered the hall I saw Rogeriol....... whooo (sigh of relief). Rogerio is a recent convert with 7 months in the church and he walked into our house because we called and asked him if he could do visits with us and so he arrived early. When we left we made our visits with him and everything was amazing. Afterwards we went to a burger restaurant called Gulosos and had burgers. It was great!!!
Sunday was great because we had church and when we were coming back we almost got in a car wreck because some people here do not know how to drive. We didn´t get hurt and there was no collision. That day we made contacts and I encountered a woman that believed in reincarnation. It was very interesting and she is the first person I have ever encountered with those beliefs. We tried to make an appointment but she said no thanks. That night we made another visit to Anderson, the son of Lindalva, and we made this visit with Heygon and we invited him for baptism for the 4th time. He accepted under the condition that he feels ready to be baptized on the 21st of March. 2 weeks!! I was so happy. I feel that he will be ready because he has changed so much from the first time I met him!
That was my week so far. Until next time, and if you have any questions just write because I love letters!!
Sincerely,
Elder Hoopes
This week has been full of lots of events. I will start from the beginning of this week.
On Monday, we were having a great day and we were passing by one of our investigators that was baptized on the Feb 22. I had to opportunity to confirm her on March 1st. She was my first confirmation in the mission field. Her name is Lindalva and she is probably in her early 60s. When we passed by her we were talking to her and her son Anderson about the Plan of Salvation. We asked her if she had any questions and then for me, a miracle occurred that has strengthened my testimony of this gospel so much. She asked:
"When you confirmed me I FELT A FIRE IN MY HEAD AND IN MY FEET, a warm feeling and I could only think about good things and nothing bad. What was that?" I got to testify to her that that was the Spirit testifying to her that the gospel is true and that she was making the right choice. If anyone has a question about how do I know if it is the Spirit, there is a scripture in Galatians 5:22 that talks about the feelings of the spirit. Later that night we had a Ward Council meeting where the bishop asked us what our goals were. I saw a different face coming from us. What I mean is that when we talked we showed a new motivation because before the elders in our ward weren´t very animated or excited. In our ward there are a lot of less active members that need help and we told the members that there is a new focus for us (missionaries) and that is that we need the help of the members to help those that have left the church for some reason to come back. Also that day my companion and I made a lot of contacts with people in the street. We were inviting them for soccer and it is funny because my companion is from Argentina and now he is in Brazil.
Tuesday was a rough day and a very long day. Tuesday morning we left for our zone meeting with all the other missionaries and when we came back and went to lunch my companion's back started to give him a lot of pain causing us to go back to the house. We stayed there for the rest of the night. Also when we were at lunch the family has a little girl named Isabela and she is 7 years old. It was funny because there was this mattress in a room and she went up to it. She is a very small girl, I think less than 4 ft and it was funny because she pushed this mattress and it fell on top of her. Then she managed to push it back up and then when she was walking away it fell on her again. We started cracking up laughing.
Wednesday was a very funny day. Então (so) that morning was normal and we woke up and and had our study time. When we went to lunch another elder in the house and I, led our companions to the wrong house supposing that this sister was the one that we had confirmed lunch with. It was funny because when we sat down she asked us if we had already had lunch and then we all looked at each other because we knew that we were in the wrong house for lunch. After that when we got to the right house Elder Rodriguez and I went teaching and he is one tough guy. I say that because when we were teaching his back was giving him a lot of pain. That day we passed Lindalva again and she started asking us so many questions about the temple and told us that she really wants to go and she has heard so much about it from others. I was so happy for her. Later we met a less active sister and she told us that she loved the church but she left because she didn´t feel involved and we talked with her and here is a piece of advice for all members that read this. When you see someone that you don´t know in church, go introduce yourself to them and make them feel involved. Afterwards talking with this less active sister (Nayara is her name) we made a contact with a kid that was mute and we encountered his friend that said he had a Book of Mormon and that he wanted to know more because he had been reading it. He is 18 years old and his name is Samuel and he is a pretty chill kid.
Thursday was a relieving day because we went to a specialist for my companion's back to see if he had a problem or something because it gave him a lot of pain this past week and we found out that it was just a tense muscle.
Friday was tough. So my companion told me after lunch today that I was going to be senior companion and that he would act like he had been in the mission for one week. So we walked everywhere doing contacts that day and it was tough. There are so many decisions that a senior makes to make a schedule run smoothly and wow I was tired that night. It was an even longer day because all of our teaching appointments fell through. That night though we met a member and went and did a visit with him at Lindalva's house and with her son Anderson (he is really tough to teach). When we arrived with our member we found out that they knew each other because they used to live next door to each other and that this member played soccer with Lindalva's youngest son Vinicius. Throughout the lesson we talked with Anderson because he had a Bible study class with the Jehovah Witnesses and he is a very skeptical person. But I have seen such a change in him these past 5 weeks because he seems happier after we teach him. After that visit we did a visit with another family that I have seen so much change in for the first time we taught them. Their names are Antonio (father), Renata (wife) and Jenifer (daughter) and this family had a lot of problems with each other. We did a visit with this family and they were so happy that we had come by. Antonio told us that he is very happy that we came by and talked to them about the word of God because it has changed his family so much. I felt so happy afterwards because they show so much potential. When the member dropped us off at our house we entered and started planning out our next day and then Elder Georgeiopolus came to our room. He asked, "HOOPES, HEYGON IS DOWNSTAIRS WITH PIZZA!!!!" We ran down and Heygon the member said, did anyone order pizza?? I love him so much. He is a chill guy.
Saturday was a great day because we started off with a service project at a Lindalva´s house sanding metal stands that were coroded for their tables. Afterwards my companion looked like Michael Jackson before he dye his skin white. Then we had lunch and we started with a plan for that day and it became a little rough between my companion and I because we had some misunderstandings. Then we returned to our house and talked and right now everything is better than ever!!! After we talked we started to plan again and we heard our house door open because I left it unlocked by accident and we were both on our beds in the last room. We heard someone walking toward our room and then Elder Rodriguez looked down the hall and then looked at me with a scared look and asked, "WHO IS IT???? I got so scared and feared that there was a robber in our house and when I entered the hall I saw Rogeriol....... whooo (sigh of relief). Rogerio is a recent convert with 7 months in the church and he walked into our house because we called and asked him if he could do visits with us and so he arrived early. When we left we made our visits with him and everything was amazing. Afterwards we went to a burger restaurant called Gulosos and had burgers. It was great!!!
Sunday was great because we had church and when we were coming back we almost got in a car wreck because some people here do not know how to drive. We didn´t get hurt and there was no collision. That day we made contacts and I encountered a woman that believed in reincarnation. It was very interesting and she is the first person I have ever encountered with those beliefs. We tried to make an appointment but she said no thanks. That night we made another visit to Anderson, the son of Lindalva, and we made this visit with Heygon and we invited him for baptism for the 4th time. He accepted under the condition that he feels ready to be baptized on the 21st of March. 2 weeks!! I was so happy. I feel that he will be ready because he has changed so much from the first time I met him!
That was my week so far. Until next time, and if you have any questions just write because I love letters!!
Sincerely,
Elder Hoopes
Monday, March 2, 2015
March 2, 2015
This past Monday was the transfer and I got a new companion and he is from Argentina and his name is Elder Rodriguez. He is amazing. Also we got another elder in our house that is a Brazilian and he is our district leader and he is cool too.
So with a transfer happening my new companion came to my area and it is strange because I am showing him around the area and not the other way around. It is tough because I have to do a ton in the way of leading the teaching and planning our schedule and so on. Also it is even harder here because pretty much every day we use the bus to go places and it is rough because the buses here are not working. the workers are protesting because they haven't been paid since December of last year. I love the Brazilian phrase that says their country is without poverty when people here are living in some of the worst housing conditions imaginable. Here this country is so rich but they have a lot of problems with politicians. So for us here it is rough because we have to use the main bus which is more expensive and we don't have a lot of money to start with. I live on 56 dollars for every 15 days. FYI, the US dollar went up in price here and for 1 dollar it is 3.20 reals.
This transfer I am very energized because our area has changed. It is no longer the zone leader area but a normal area and our district was changed to the four of us in the house and we have changed our focus on teaching. We were trying to find new people to teach and now we are working to find less active members to bring back to activity. Our ward is over half less active members. Every Sunday we have about 40 or less people in church and so it is hard. Also this week we have been trying to find a new house. A lot of areas in the mission have been trading houses and our house is somewhat falling apart and so we are looking for a new one. The life of missionaries is so wonderful. Every day we are making contacts, teaching lessons in houses, passing members, eating A LOT of food and feeling of the Spirit. I love it! The life here in Brazil is amazing. It has been raining a lot here and I love it. Every day is a new challenge and I am learning so much about how to help and serve the people here.
This past week we also had a baptism and my comp Elder Hernandez baptized her. Then he was transferred so I confirmed her!! in Portuguese!!!! I was shaking so much because this was my first confirmation. It was such a wonderful experience. I know the gospel is true and to watch someone accept the gospel and be baptized is priceless. You get to watch how their life changes and how happy they are.
This week has been a little rough for me and my new companion Elder Rodriguez. He has had a lot of trouble with his back. One day he had a pain in his back and then one day he couldn´t get out of his bed because the pain was so bad. So we talked for 6 almost 7 hours. He has a very crazy life story and so it was so neat to just sit and listen. Then later this week I got to feeling bad and I almost threw up. I don't know why. I think it is because I am not running or something. I never thought I would say this but Coach Selby, I MISS RUSSIAN 200´S :( hahaha (That is a running drill!)
This week has not had anything crazy happen but it was a good week. With my companion in good health now we are going back into the work and we pray that this area will see change. That is my story for the week my peeps . . . until next week.
Monday, February 16, 2015
February 16, 2015
Dear family and friends,
This transfer feels that is has gone by so fast for me. We gained a new elder in our house this transfer and he has already returned home because he has finished his two years. He was a blast. He left for home last Friday.
So this week has been pretty normal and nothing too crazy has happened. The food is amazing here in Brazil. Also this week we made pancakes again. Ohhhh how I miss American homemade pancakes. I enjoyed them so much.
This past week Carnival has started in Brazil and will end tomorow, Tuesday, February 17th. We go home early because there are a lot of bars here and the drunks can be an annoyance during this holiday.
This week I was touched by a letter that I received. It was from a friend from school from my cross team. He asked me how he could be a leader for the team like I was. I have never felt that I was like a leader. I enjoy being a cheerleader for my friends and helping out but I have not thought of myself as a leader. Now out here on the mission I have felt so loved by everyone. I have seen how much others care about me and I want to make sure I am always there for others. My friend asked how he could leave a lasting impression on others like I did and how to show the way. First I will start by saying that I am far from perfect. I look back to last year in high school and realize I was very immature in a lot of ways. Now out here on my mission I have seen how much I have changed and how much I have learned. I have learned SO much! First I have learned that to be a leader you have to be willing to change, adapt, have patience and to endure through problems. That is something I know that comes with time. Second, is you must have a willingness to be friends with everyone and to be positive and to always encourage others to do better. Also to be there for others when they need help. When I was in Cross Country I was always looking to my coaches to know what I needed to do to better improve my running times. Also I would ask their advice on how to improve. They were lifesavers.
When you want to be a leader I have learned that you have to be an example. You have to show others that when you follow the rules you can have more fun. Also you need to be willing to stand up and hold to the rules when others don't. I learned that all too well in Cross Country because a lot of times I would do stupid stuff and I got in trouble. As I said before I am not perfect. When you show others the rules they start to abide to them and then they will look up to you to see what you did to follow the rules because you were an example to them on what to do and what was right. Like I have said, on my mission I am learning how to be a leader. I just wish I had been a true leader in high school.
Also a leader needs to be a friend to all. There are many people in the world today that don't have friends. I have seen that way too much in my life and here in the mission. When you are willing to show others friendship and love they will immediately open up to you because they know that you will not judge them on how they act or will think bad about them. You have to show them that you are there for them and want to help if they need it. I think this is true for everyone that when you have a problem it is always easier to solve it with a friend by your side.
Last of all to leave a lasting impression I have learned that when you are always willing to change you become humble. People want to know that you are teachable also. People will look to a leader when they show others how to improve. People will see you are sincere and that you want to help. Another way is to show a genuine interest in others. Be willing to show up to other special events for them or be willing to return and help them in things they need help with. Be there for a runner the next season or at an upcoming event.
In all the examples of leadership that I have seen I am deeply grateful, to name a few: My DAD AND MOM, my Grandpa Pyron, Steve Peterson, Coach Selby and Thomas, Coach Krieg and Bingham, Coach Arron, Mark Faroni, Bishop Herbst and Bishop Enos, Brother Mcknight, Mrs. Smith, Coach Gardner, Donivan Thomas, Jadon Allen, Brandon (Chief), Bryson Jones, Tyler Johnson, Kinnon Priest, Mr. Wepfer, Mr. Seely & Mr. Whitehead, Dr. Slemmer and many more. I am deeply grateful for all those examples in my life who have helped to make a difference. There are many others that I am not naming and I apologize. Thank you all for the example that you guys set for me. I will forever be in debt.
I will always be thankful for the help I have received in my life and I will forever give it to others. I will always try to follow the example of my perfect leader Jesus Christ and then I know everything will be okay.
Till next week!!
Elder Hoopes
This transfer feels that is has gone by so fast for me. We gained a new elder in our house this transfer and he has already returned home because he has finished his two years. He was a blast. He left for home last Friday.
So this week has been pretty normal and nothing too crazy has happened. The food is amazing here in Brazil. Also this week we made pancakes again. Ohhhh how I miss American homemade pancakes. I enjoyed them so much.
This past week Carnival has started in Brazil and will end tomorow, Tuesday, February 17th. We go home early because there are a lot of bars here and the drunks can be an annoyance during this holiday.
This week I was touched by a letter that I received. It was from a friend from school from my cross team. He asked me how he could be a leader for the team like I was. I have never felt that I was like a leader. I enjoy being a cheerleader for my friends and helping out but I have not thought of myself as a leader. Now out here on the mission I have felt so loved by everyone. I have seen how much others care about me and I want to make sure I am always there for others. My friend asked how he could leave a lasting impression on others like I did and how to show the way. First I will start by saying that I am far from perfect. I look back to last year in high school and realize I was very immature in a lot of ways. Now out here on my mission I have seen how much I have changed and how much I have learned. I have learned SO much! First I have learned that to be a leader you have to be willing to change, adapt, have patience and to endure through problems. That is something I know that comes with time. Second, is you must have a willingness to be friends with everyone and to be positive and to always encourage others to do better. Also to be there for others when they need help. When I was in Cross Country I was always looking to my coaches to know what I needed to do to better improve my running times. Also I would ask their advice on how to improve. They were lifesavers.
When you want to be a leader I have learned that you have to be an example. You have to show others that when you follow the rules you can have more fun. Also you need to be willing to stand up and hold to the rules when others don't. I learned that all too well in Cross Country because a lot of times I would do stupid stuff and I got in trouble. As I said before I am not perfect. When you show others the rules they start to abide to them and then they will look up to you to see what you did to follow the rules because you were an example to them on what to do and what was right. Like I have said, on my mission I am learning how to be a leader. I just wish I had been a true leader in high school.
Also a leader needs to be a friend to all. There are many people in the world today that don't have friends. I have seen that way too much in my life and here in the mission. When you are willing to show others friendship and love they will immediately open up to you because they know that you will not judge them on how they act or will think bad about them. You have to show them that you are there for them and want to help if they need it. I think this is true for everyone that when you have a problem it is always easier to solve it with a friend by your side.
Last of all to leave a lasting impression I have learned that when you are always willing to change you become humble. People want to know that you are teachable also. People will look to a leader when they show others how to improve. People will see you are sincere and that you want to help. Another way is to show a genuine interest in others. Be willing to show up to other special events for them or be willing to return and help them in things they need help with. Be there for a runner the next season or at an upcoming event.
In all the examples of leadership that I have seen I am deeply grateful, to name a few: My DAD AND MOM, my Grandpa Pyron, Steve Peterson, Coach Selby and Thomas, Coach Krieg and Bingham, Coach Arron, Mark Faroni, Bishop Herbst and Bishop Enos, Brother Mcknight, Mrs. Smith, Coach Gardner, Donivan Thomas, Jadon Allen, Brandon (Chief), Bryson Jones, Tyler Johnson, Kinnon Priest, Mr. Wepfer, Mr. Seely & Mr. Whitehead, Dr. Slemmer and many more. I am deeply grateful for all those examples in my life who have helped to make a difference. There are many others that I am not naming and I apologize. Thank you all for the example that you guys set for me. I will forever be in debt.
I will always be thankful for the help I have received in my life and I will forever give it to others. I will always try to follow the example of my perfect leader Jesus Christ and then I know everything will be okay.
Till next week!!
Elder Hoopes
Monday, January 26, 2015
January 26, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
So this was the second week into my fourth transfer and I am still in Sobradinho 2 and I am loving it here. This past week we had a zone conference with president in Asa Sul and it was with another zone also. It was such a great conference and I learned so much. Also we got to see a video that was inspired by Elder Bednar and it has not come out in theaters yet but will I think in Feburary in the states and then in other languages. I was so inspired by this video and it was called "Meet the Mormons". Also I got to meet with our mission president for an interview and I passed!! I don't think it is possible to fail but it was a meeting with the mission president to see how I am doing and if I needed help. I love my president. He is amazing.
Also this week we lost power in our apartment because some of the little kids were flying a kite outside and it hit the power lines and shorted out a lot of houses on our block. In that time also I have officially learned how to solve a rubics cube because my companion taught me how!! Now I am such a pro (lol). This past week one of the LZ´s did a trade with an elder in Itapoa to do a baptisimal interview and the other elder came here and stayed with us. That next morning we played soccer in the rain and man was it fun!!
This week has been a rough week and long because a lot of our investigators have just been falling through on us and it is really tough. But this past Saturday we met 2 golden families and it was amazing. One of the families had two members come to church with us and during the gospel principles class she started to cry!! She has been asking us so many questions about the church and the gospel that it is amazing to see the power of the gospel work in her life. The other family after our first visit with them asked us when we could pass by them again because they are Catholic but when we taught them about baptism there were things about how they were baptized that they said they could see that there was something wrong in their church and wanted to know more. For my companion Elder Hernandez and I this has been an answer to prayers because we have been trying so hard to find people that really want to hear our messages and not toy around with us. So this past Sunday we had 3 investigators that came to church with us and we were so happy because all of our other investigators are really acting like they are not interested any more.
This past Sunday we had lunch at a members house and there were three families there and I gave the message about Mosiah 28:3 and I challenged them to think of someone that they know and be a friend to them. Invite them to church and try to share the gospel with them. I did this because I have encountered so many people here in Brazil that are in need of dire help. They appear and talk that they are lost and that their faith is in need of so much help. Also I have seen that when we talk to these people our testimonies seem fabricated because they see us every day and know that we only do this for 2 years but when we bring a member the results are completely different and the investigators see that we are not alone and that there is someone else that has experienced the same things they have and it shows these people that there is a light ahead. There is a way to escape this darkness of the world and attain happiness.
I NOW CHALLENGE ALL MEMBERS TO GO WITH THE MISSIONARIES ONCE OR TWICE THIS WEEK AND DO VISITS WITH THEM BECAUSE US MEMBERS ARE A GIGANTIC PIECE IN THIS WORK AND WE NEED TO HELP!
So this was the second week into my fourth transfer and I am still in Sobradinho 2 and I am loving it here. This past week we had a zone conference with president in Asa Sul and it was with another zone also. It was such a great conference and I learned so much. Also we got to see a video that was inspired by Elder Bednar and it has not come out in theaters yet but will I think in Feburary in the states and then in other languages. I was so inspired by this video and it was called "Meet the Mormons". Also I got to meet with our mission president for an interview and I passed!! I don't think it is possible to fail but it was a meeting with the mission president to see how I am doing and if I needed help. I love my president. He is amazing.
Also this week we lost power in our apartment because some of the little kids were flying a kite outside and it hit the power lines and shorted out a lot of houses on our block. In that time also I have officially learned how to solve a rubics cube because my companion taught me how!! Now I am such a pro (lol). This past week one of the LZ´s did a trade with an elder in Itapoa to do a baptisimal interview and the other elder came here and stayed with us. That next morning we played soccer in the rain and man was it fun!!
This week has been a rough week and long because a lot of our investigators have just been falling through on us and it is really tough. But this past Saturday we met 2 golden families and it was amazing. One of the families had two members come to church with us and during the gospel principles class she started to cry!! She has been asking us so many questions about the church and the gospel that it is amazing to see the power of the gospel work in her life. The other family after our first visit with them asked us when we could pass by them again because they are Catholic but when we taught them about baptism there were things about how they were baptized that they said they could see that there was something wrong in their church and wanted to know more. For my companion Elder Hernandez and I this has been an answer to prayers because we have been trying so hard to find people that really want to hear our messages and not toy around with us. So this past Sunday we had 3 investigators that came to church with us and we were so happy because all of our other investigators are really acting like they are not interested any more.
This past Sunday we had lunch at a members house and there were three families there and I gave the message about Mosiah 28:3 and I challenged them to think of someone that they know and be a friend to them. Invite them to church and try to share the gospel with them. I did this because I have encountered so many people here in Brazil that are in need of dire help. They appear and talk that they are lost and that their faith is in need of so much help. Also I have seen that when we talk to these people our testimonies seem fabricated because they see us every day and know that we only do this for 2 years but when we bring a member the results are completely different and the investigators see that we are not alone and that there is someone else that has experienced the same things they have and it shows these people that there is a light ahead. There is a way to escape this darkness of the world and attain happiness.
I NOW CHALLENGE ALL MEMBERS TO GO WITH THE MISSIONARIES ONCE OR TWICE THIS WEEK AND DO VISITS WITH THEM BECAUSE US MEMBERS ARE A GIGANTIC PIECE IN THIS WORK AND WE NEED TO HELP!
Lots of Pictures Coming Soon!
Dear Family and Friends,
So this was the second week into my fourth transfer and I am still in Sobradinho 2 and I am loving it here. This past week we had a Zone Conference with our Mission President in Asa Sul. It was with another zone. It was such a great conference and I learned so much. We also got to see a video that was inspired by Elder Bednar. It is supposed to come to theaters sometime in February is what I understand. It will come out in other languages later. I was so inspired by this video and it was called “Meet the Mormons”. (Ashton did not realize that it is already been out here in the states!) Also I got to meet with our mission president for an interview. That is a wonderful experience to just chat with president. He wanted to see how I was doing and if I needed help. I love my president and he is so wonderful.
Also this week we lost power in our apartment because some of the little kids were flying a kite outside and it hit the power lines and shorted out a lot of houses on our block. In that time I officially learned how to solve a rubics cube because my companion taught me how!! No power is good for something. Now I am a pro! This past week one of the Zone Leaders did a trade with an Elder in Itapoa to do a baptismal interview and the other elder came here and stayed with us. That next morning we played soccer in the rain and man was it fun!!
This week has been a rough week and long because a lot of our investigators have just been falling through on us and it is really tough. But this past Saturday we met 2 golden families and it was amazing! One of the families had two members come to church with us and during the Gospel Principles class she started to cry!! She has been asking us so many questions about the church and the gospel that it is amazing to see the power of the gospel work in her life. The other family after our first visit with them asked us when we could pass by them again because they are Catholic but when we taught them about baptism there were things about how they were baptized that they said they could see that there was something wrong in their church and wanted to know more. For my companion Elder Hernandez and I this has been an answer to prayers because we have been trying so hard to find people that really want to hear our messages and not toy around with us. So yeah this past Sunday we had 3 investigators that came to church with us and we were so happy because all of our other investigators are not really committed.
This past Sunday we had lunch at a members house and there were three families there. I gave the message from Mosiah 28:3 and I challenged them to think of someone that they know and be a friend to them. I asked them to invite them to church and try to share the gospel with them. I did this because I have encountered so many people here in Brazil that are in need of dire help. They appear and talk that they are lost and their faith is in need of so much help. Also I have seen that when we talk to these people our testimonies seem fabricated because they see us every day and know that we only do this for 2 years but when we bring a member the results are completely different and the investigators see that we are not alone and that there is someone else that has experienced the same things they have and it shows these people that there is a light ahead. There is a way to escape this darkness of the world and attain happiness.
I would like to challenge all members to go with the missionaries once or twice this week and do visits with them because as members we are a gigantic piece in this work and we need to help.
Remember President David O. McKay said: EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY!!! We need to hold to that!
Love,
Elder Hoopes
So this was the second week into my fourth transfer and I am still in Sobradinho 2 and I am loving it here. This past week we had a Zone Conference with our Mission President in Asa Sul. It was with another zone. It was such a great conference and I learned so much. We also got to see a video that was inspired by Elder Bednar. It is supposed to come to theaters sometime in February is what I understand. It will come out in other languages later. I was so inspired by this video and it was called “Meet the Mormons”. (Ashton did not realize that it is already been out here in the states!) Also I got to meet with our mission president for an interview. That is a wonderful experience to just chat with president. He wanted to see how I was doing and if I needed help. I love my president and he is so wonderful.
Also this week we lost power in our apartment because some of the little kids were flying a kite outside and it hit the power lines and shorted out a lot of houses on our block. In that time I officially learned how to solve a rubics cube because my companion taught me how!! No power is good for something. Now I am a pro! This past week one of the Zone Leaders did a trade with an Elder in Itapoa to do a baptismal interview and the other elder came here and stayed with us. That next morning we played soccer in the rain and man was it fun!!
This week has been a rough week and long because a lot of our investigators have just been falling through on us and it is really tough. But this past Saturday we met 2 golden families and it was amazing! One of the families had two members come to church with us and during the Gospel Principles class she started to cry!! She has been asking us so many questions about the church and the gospel that it is amazing to see the power of the gospel work in her life. The other family after our first visit with them asked us when we could pass by them again because they are Catholic but when we taught them about baptism there were things about how they were baptized that they said they could see that there was something wrong in their church and wanted to know more. For my companion Elder Hernandez and I this has been an answer to prayers because we have been trying so hard to find people that really want to hear our messages and not toy around with us. So yeah this past Sunday we had 3 investigators that came to church with us and we were so happy because all of our other investigators are not really committed.
This past Sunday we had lunch at a members house and there were three families there. I gave the message from Mosiah 28:3 and I challenged them to think of someone that they know and be a friend to them. I asked them to invite them to church and try to share the gospel with them. I did this because I have encountered so many people here in Brazil that are in need of dire help. They appear and talk that they are lost and their faith is in need of so much help. Also I have seen that when we talk to these people our testimonies seem fabricated because they see us every day and know that we only do this for 2 years but when we bring a member the results are completely different and the investigators see that we are not alone and that there is someone else that has experienced the same things they have and it shows these people that there is a light ahead. There is a way to escape this darkness of the world and attain happiness.
I would like to challenge all members to go with the missionaries once or twice this week and do visits with them because as members we are a gigantic piece in this work and we need to help.
Remember President David O. McKay said: EVERY MEMBER A MISSIONARY!!! We need to hold to that!
Love,
Elder Hoopes
Monday, January 19, 2015
January 19, 2015
Dear Family and Friends,
So here is week 19 or so and a lot of new transfers have commenced. Out here in Sobradinho life is interesting. I am still with my companion Elder Hernandez who is pretty chill and we got a new elder in the house who is leaving for home in 4 weeks for Miami because he is almost done. His name is Elder McEwan and he is a pretty chill elder!! So this week has not been really crazy and all is well. Waking up at 6:30 in the morning feels like I am getting up and going out to run with my team. But in a way time seems to be going by a little slow. I think it is because I am meeting so many elders that are going home in 4 to 5ish weeks. So this week also for us has been hard to teach. I feel so sad because all of our investigators are somewhat lazy and we are trying to find new ones and are trying to explore new ways to get investigators. Also this week I did a trade with my companion and I went over to Sobradinho 1 to go help a pair of elders over there that are opening the area again. These two elders don't know anyone there, they don't know where anything is and are in desperate need of investigators. So I went with one of the two and my comp went with the other and we tried to do as many contacts as possible. I encountered one person that it was so funny. He is Brazilian and when we found him we were using references from elders from 2008 and he told us that he didn´t want to trade religions and that he just wanted to know. He loved information. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met and he gave us water and mango ice cream. It was such a cool encounter and I learned something so valuable from him . He is of one religion and he told us, yeah I don't want to change my religion but I am not going to build a barrier and not talk to you guys. I love talking and I want to know. I have respect for everyone and will not try and fight against another's opinion. He was one of the most humble people I have ever met that is of a different religion. We met a woman the other day, a crente, (envanglic) and she was so mad at us and acted like we were idiots. She said that we preach that Joseph Smith is greater than Jesus Christ. We tried to explain to her that is we did that the name of the church would be the Church of Joseph Smith BUT IT IS NOT!!!! She was so mad and she did not even want us to speak and kept telling us to read the Bible more. It is so hard when we are on the Lord's errand and people become so shut off to hear about the words in the Bible.
Many people think that we are here to force people to change their religions and that we don't accept any others. This is completely wrong. We are here to help people receive more faith in Jesus Christ and also to invite others to act on our invitations to ask God. I have learned one very powerful truth about this gospel: WE ARE MISSIONARIES BUT ALL OF US ARE HUMAN AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO LIE. THE IMPORTANT THING, IS THAT GOD IS ONE PERSON WE CAN ASK THAT WILL NEVER LIE TO US. That is why we always invite people to act and ask God with a sincere desire to know humility in their hearts to accept the answer they receive. And also that when we ask one time we may not receive an answer immediately but to have patience because the Lord has his own time line in which he does things. So when you ask be patient and do your part, search for the answer because a prayer is an invitation to God and a promise and an invite really that if we do our part to find the truth to follow him better that he will do his part. I testify of the power of this because in this life we have to do our part to follow Christ. He has given us the first step, the plan and also tools to help us follow but we have to do our part and act. I like the phrase that comes from the Bible and the Book of Mormon that says faith without works is dead, because when we do not act on our faith it is not faith at all.
So that is the week in a wrap and this week we have zone conference.
Sincerely,
Elder Hoopes
So here is week 19 or so and a lot of new transfers have commenced. Out here in Sobradinho life is interesting. I am still with my companion Elder Hernandez who is pretty chill and we got a new elder in the house who is leaving for home in 4 weeks for Miami because he is almost done. His name is Elder McEwan and he is a pretty chill elder!! So this week has not been really crazy and all is well. Waking up at 6:30 in the morning feels like I am getting up and going out to run with my team. But in a way time seems to be going by a little slow. I think it is because I am meeting so many elders that are going home in 4 to 5ish weeks. So this week also for us has been hard to teach. I feel so sad because all of our investigators are somewhat lazy and we are trying to find new ones and are trying to explore new ways to get investigators. Also this week I did a trade with my companion and I went over to Sobradinho 1 to go help a pair of elders over there that are opening the area again. These two elders don't know anyone there, they don't know where anything is and are in desperate need of investigators. So I went with one of the two and my comp went with the other and we tried to do as many contacts as possible. I encountered one person that it was so funny. He is Brazilian and when we found him we were using references from elders from 2008 and he told us that he didn´t want to trade religions and that he just wanted to know. He loved information. He was one of the nicest guys I have ever met and he gave us water and mango ice cream. It was such a cool encounter and I learned something so valuable from him . He is of one religion and he told us, yeah I don't want to change my religion but I am not going to build a barrier and not talk to you guys. I love talking and I want to know. I have respect for everyone and will not try and fight against another's opinion. He was one of the most humble people I have ever met that is of a different religion. We met a woman the other day, a crente, (envanglic) and she was so mad at us and acted like we were idiots. She said that we preach that Joseph Smith is greater than Jesus Christ. We tried to explain to her that is we did that the name of the church would be the Church of Joseph Smith BUT IT IS NOT!!!! She was so mad and she did not even want us to speak and kept telling us to read the Bible more. It is so hard when we are on the Lord's errand and people become so shut off to hear about the words in the Bible.
Many people think that we are here to force people to change their religions and that we don't accept any others. This is completely wrong. We are here to help people receive more faith in Jesus Christ and also to invite others to act on our invitations to ask God. I have learned one very powerful truth about this gospel: WE ARE MISSIONARIES BUT ALL OF US ARE HUMAN AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO LIE. THE IMPORTANT THING, IS THAT GOD IS ONE PERSON WE CAN ASK THAT WILL NEVER LIE TO US. That is why we always invite people to act and ask God with a sincere desire to know humility in their hearts to accept the answer they receive. And also that when we ask one time we may not receive an answer immediately but to have patience because the Lord has his own time line in which he does things. So when you ask be patient and do your part, search for the answer because a prayer is an invitation to God and a promise and an invite really that if we do our part to find the truth to follow him better that he will do his part. I testify of the power of this because in this life we have to do our part to follow Christ. He has given us the first step, the plan and also tools to help us follow but we have to do our part and act. I like the phrase that comes from the Bible and the Book of Mormon that says faith without works is dead, because when we do not act on our faith it is not faith at all.
So that is the week in a wrap and this week we have zone conference.
Sincerely,
Elder Hoopes
Monday, January 12, 2015
Jan 12
Hey Family and Friends,
So this was week six of my 3rd transfer and was it great! So this week I did a trade with my companion and he went to another area and I stayed but had a different companion that was from Peru. It was the coolest day ever because seriously I had no problem the entire day with my Portuguese and with teaching. I was amazed and I know that it was a blessing from the Lord and is a sign of his power when we act in faith and try to do His work.
To all I think it is amazing how it is such a small world. I have met two people here in my area that well I will explain. There is a man in the other ward that meets in our building that shared a story with me. He said, "I will never forget that name"Hoopes". I was baptized by a man with the name Hoopes. How exciting. Also I met an American that is married to a Brazilian and he is an English professor here. He said that he served with a Hoopes in Korea and that he was from Salt Lake. Mother, am I related to him??
I love being in this area and mission because everyday I am making new friends and it is great. It was really funny because today was transfers and my companion went to get some water. There were other elders that left and when we all came back in to the chapel the President asked us all to come up to the stage and we all were asked to sing I am a Child of God!!
This past week though on Saturday and Sunday I was sick. I had to stay in the house on Saturday because I had a massive migrane and my nose was so clogged. But all is better. Right now in Brazil it is very hot and it stinks being so sweaty. I am loving the life and I love being able to serve the Lord is a great honor. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to do so. I will continue to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength as said in Doctrine and Covenants 4. An invitation to all to read it and ponder over the meaning. I will add my testimony that the Field is White and is ready to harvest to help the people in this world come to know Christ and help others get more faith in Him.
Until next Monday, chow chow
Elder Hoopes
So this was week six of my 3rd transfer and was it great! So this week I did a trade with my companion and he went to another area and I stayed but had a different companion that was from Peru. It was the coolest day ever because seriously I had no problem the entire day with my Portuguese and with teaching. I was amazed and I know that it was a blessing from the Lord and is a sign of his power when we act in faith and try to do His work.
To all I think it is amazing how it is such a small world. I have met two people here in my area that well I will explain. There is a man in the other ward that meets in our building that shared a story with me. He said, "I will never forget that name"Hoopes". I was baptized by a man with the name Hoopes. How exciting. Also I met an American that is married to a Brazilian and he is an English professor here. He said that he served with a Hoopes in Korea and that he was from Salt Lake. Mother, am I related to him??
I love being in this area and mission because everyday I am making new friends and it is great. It was really funny because today was transfers and my companion went to get some water. There were other elders that left and when we all came back in to the chapel the President asked us all to come up to the stage and we all were asked to sing I am a Child of God!!
This past week though on Saturday and Sunday I was sick. I had to stay in the house on Saturday because I had a massive migrane and my nose was so clogged. But all is better. Right now in Brazil it is very hot and it stinks being so sweaty. I am loving the life and I love being able to serve the Lord is a great honor. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to do so. I will continue to serve with all my heart, might, mind, and strength as said in Doctrine and Covenants 4. An invitation to all to read it and ponder over the meaning. I will add my testimony that the Field is White and is ready to harvest to help the people in this world come to know Christ and help others get more faith in Him.
Until next Monday, chow chow
Elder Hoopes
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