Elder Williams Mission

Jesse and ty

2011-01-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

Released... August 20, 2009

2009-08-20T16:10:00.000-07:00

Let's see, this last week has been good, I am having good experiences. Yesterday we went to I buffet.... and a pack of Brazilians came in. I did introduce myself they came in really loud and speaking Portuguese and saw us, and one of them told us he was coming into the MTC today just one last huraah at the I buffet (the Elders here love it... it's down by movies 8 and shopko) so this keep and his Ward counsel were here from the Provo Portuguese ward which I didn't even know existed and I got to chatting with the Bishop and he was from a city real close to Maceio` gotta love that northern accent. I also had two phone calls this week from non members who's first language was Portuguese and partway through the conversation they told me their first language. So those experiences have been nice, I help the Elders going to Portugal, and all those foreign emails of course....
Oh and John Sanders (not grandpa) an investigator of ours who is blind and has anxiety around people was baptized this week after we taught him over the phone for about a month. I think this program is great, because only by phone he was willing to meet with the missionaries and after much comforting he worked up the courage to go to church, the ward there has also been great in making him feel welcome. The missionaries over there did a fantastic job helping involve him.
I hope everyone is doing great.
Love Elder Williams

August 12, 2009

2009-08-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I hope this last week has been good…
Things are going well, on Sunday one of the Elders finished his mission, he had been in Argentina (Steven, every time I meet an Elder going to B.A. I want to tell him to look out for you, I can’t though. I can tell them to listen for your name, that’ll never leave.) For 1 year and a half. He got sent home for whatever reason and reassigned to the RC to be mormon.org’n for 6 months. His Family came up and it was a nice reunion.
We also have received two new Elders in the past two weeks, whom I have not mentioned, Elder Boardman is not my companion anymore, I am back with just Elder Tucker. The small one. Gotta love him. The two new elders have stories that make anyone’s life seem easy. Elder Meza has been in the hospital for three months, because of a fall he had while running in the MTC on his 3rd day, He was assigned to go to Honduras But the fall was so bad they almost had to amputate His leg. His Parents Died some years ago, no one in his family is active anymore and he really has nothing to go back to. He will be lucky if they can rehabilitate his leg so that he can walk again.
Thither Elder has a lung Disease that one of his older siblings died from, and his sister just had a lung transplant for it. He says his case is much better than theirs; it is pretty intense he looks just fine He has to do all sorts of things to control it morning and night, about 45 minutes at a time. His grandpa lives in our ward. So, that’s pretty fun. I am with a great bunch. We’ll see what happens here in the next little bit. I love you all, Elder Williams

Pictures from the Referal Center

2009-07-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

No email this week, but Jesse did send some pictures of him and his companions at the referral center...

Elder Williams

Elder Baird

Elder Tucker...

Elder Boardman & Elder Williams

Good Week

2009-07-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hey, the weather has been so good this week! Nothing like Provo Utah in the summer time, I actually feel like I’m back in Brazil at night cause I sleep with a fan on high and with one sheet. Wymount is great, I think they need to get some air though…. I can’t believe I am complaining about that after spending so much time in Maceio. Anyway I can’t sleep very well at night, I don’t know if it’s my cough keeping me up… or Elder Tucker’s cough… or Elder Boardman’s cough. Or just the new change I don’t know I’ve found that Drowsy Allergy pills put me out and help with the scratchy throat. I sound like I’m deathly ill… I’m not I feel like anyone who comes in here will catch something.
I love the devotionals here, I get to be front row at some of the coolest devotionals ever, last night was Elder John H. Groberg … The other side of Heaven. Him and Sister Groberg spoke (Jean) They seem like great people, they are great people they’ve done so much good.
Today we went bowling again… I think next week is miniature Golf though so that will be nice, we have got another Elder in here Elder Baird, he got sent home after 4 months in England and had knee surgery… He should be going back out soon. Although they are talking about expanding this mission President Allen wants him to stay. It’s a fun bunch of guys. The 2 that have been here the longest are from Utah, Elder Boardman and Elder Tagg. Delta and Spanish Fork.
The tanning has been effective, I feel better I am pretty sure that the prednisone kept me in check and coming off has made things a little bumpy, but, all is well. They’ll take care of it.
The mail is so different wow, quick, the news is news instead of olds, They have unlimited Granola here, and laundry is much different I’ve got it good as far as all that goes.
We have some great investigators, one guy who is blind has been loving all the lessons, he actually investigated the Church sometime ago and was really rude to the missionaries, but he talked with a member and his views were changed and Then we somehow got a hold of him and he has committed to be baptized in three weeks, The biggest thing here that I am coming to realize is the experiences are different but the Spirit is the same, and I don’t think I’d trade one for the other… if I get reassigned here or anywhere or back to Brazil I am alright with it. I’ll do what I’m told.
This last week in Priesthood I was able to give a lesson, on the first lesson… That was fun I hope you all know I love you.
Until next week, I’ll probably have to call you tomorrow Mom.
Bye!

The Comforts of the MTC

2009-07-15T20:42:00.000-07:00

Since the first day here I have been in a threesome, one of my companions, Elder Sagebin spoke Portuguese, which was really neat, He left for Portugal yesterday, actually kind of sad He was a fun kid. My other companions name is Elder Boardman, he is a great guy and always happy. He is the boardmaster, literally in the internet chats (what I’m doing) he is in charge of everything. He has muscular dystrophy, which means basically muscles don’t build, Elder Boardman is the FIRST RC full-time missionary… He had actually received a call to Seattle Washington, When the President of that mission found out about his disability, he said his body wouldn’t be able to handle normal missionary work, the news got back to President Hinckley, and he said it’s time like that People with his disability serve full time… Anyway, to me he is a big deal. And to a lot of people here, everyone knows him, My new other companion’s name is Elder Tucker, he has muscular dystrophy as well, He will be trained here and then go home to finish out his mission, from a computer at home. He is really really funny, they both are actually, it’s like I’m living with the two funniest people on the face of the Planet, and seriously they have really good sense of humors.

We live off Campus at Wymount, good place… It’s comfortable.. by the way, can I ask who brought over the Krispy Kreame’s last night? P-day is for sure different, I never ever thought I’d go to fat cats as a day activity, but, it was pretty awesome, some how I lost both games though… I don’t think I’ve ever been so hot a bowling. That was a good time. So if I am still here when Steven gets home he better be sent down Wednesday at about eleven, to see me just by chance. Ok that’s Wednesday morning afternoon ish.

So, I’d be lying if I said I’ve got the groove of things here, I don’t. I’m learning though, there are a lot of similarities of here and being out in the field as far as teaching goes, I don’t do phone work, I spend most of my time responding to Portuguese email’s and chat, chat is basically like a normal appointment you would have in the field, but the people seem to be way more interested because they find you. Instead of you finding them. I’m not as good as some of the Elders here, to tell the truth I have always had this thing about internet correlation, and finding it hard to believe you can love through that kind of connection, but this is really opening my eyes, not only to the power of words, but also to see that there is no distance to the spirit. Since Elder Boardman has been on board… haha… um he has helped 50 people be baptized, that’s truly amazing. I feel like this has a lot of potential. I have felt a little forgotten since I’ve been here, I’m just now starting to “do” stuff I have done a lot of sitting around which I didn’t like but I feel like I’m starting to help out now. I really do have awesome companions though, they are both wheelchair ridin. This gives me a good opportunity to help out, with simple things… I will never take myWorking body for nothing. They are just awesome I attend the pleasant view 1st ward, I am liking that, I did see a bunch of people here I know, Seeing Ryan was SOOO funny, he just Kept saying “UH HUH” like take that Jesse, Kevin Lloyd was also comical, he was shocked to see me. They are both gone now . I just keep seeing a lot of ramdon familiar faces. I haven’t really explained my situation to to many people for the most part I just tell them I’ve been here a week.

Gym time is great, and the equipment is nice, and it doesn’t get much better than 4 square. The adjustment being so close to home, with this barrier is hard… but I’m doing alright. I do miss you all, I think I took being able to just chat for granted, I do have some good news, checking Email everyday is ok for me so if anyone has something importantish to say feel free to drop a line.

Elder Boardman has been feeling a little ill these past few days, he is a machine I hear, this is the first time he’s let a sickness get in the way of work, I made him go to the Doctor’s though, and get checked for swine flu…twice. Came back negative, both times, things are looking good, he’s just got a bug I guess/ I honestly made him go for both our sakes. haha selfish

Well I love you all once again, Elder Williams

Thanks so much for the guitar MOM I love you, I hope you are happy, You were pretty tough in front of me I was very impressed. I hope you have a great time with the visitors sorry I couldn't be there with you to get you through it.
Kristen Thanks for the Treats! Man I love those, for sure I’ll be a chub now.
Tawny I hope camp is fantastic! I bet you are loving it. Tell me all about it ok? I’m pretty sure I see every 26 possible, I actually just saw one as I was typing that 26 and no, it’s not either of the 26’s on this paper it’s the digital clock on my desk. Love you

See You in ONE Year Elder!

2009-07-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Elder Williams was set apart, again, as a missionary for The Church tonight! He leaves tomorrow to Provo for a bit while he finishes up some of his treatments, and once he is done he will be called somewhere else. But even though he is close, we won't be able to see him again :(

It came kind of as a shocker that he was leaving so quickly, and we are sad that we aren't up there to give a proper goodbye. We are glad we got to spend some time with him, and that he got to meet Ty and bond with Easton through incessant teasing! And we are so happy that he gets to get back to work!

Family Time

2009-07-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

Although this is definitely not was Jesse had in mind, spending his year mark of his mission at home with his family, it has been so great to see him and see the growth he has already made while serving the people in Brazil. Coming home meant he got to meet Ty for the first time and really bond with Easton. The whole time we were there Jesse made it a point to tease Easton, and for some reason Easton would just come back for more! They had a lot of fun together, but probably the highlight of the week was when Jesse took Easton & Ty shopping for some "stylin'" clothes. Jesse has always been, as he says, "ahead of the styles" so he wanted to teach the boys a thing or two about how to look good.

1 Missionary + 2 Moms + 4 Kids under the age of 3 = One Fabulous Day at the Zoo

2009-06-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

Elder Jesse Williams is doing well, and the doctors are optimistic that he will be able to go back to Brazil (or at least Portuguese speaking state side) pretty quickly. It has been fun spending time with him and really neat to see how much he has learned and grown this past year down in Brazil.

We went with my cousin Ginay and her two cute kids, Jake & Sophie. Poor Ginay pushed her sit n stand with her kids, and Easton who insisted on being on the stroller...while I just pushed little Ty around!

Since I was Jesse "companion" for the day (he hasn't been released so he has to be with a family member at all times) he was nice enough to spend the day with us at the zoo! He looks so happy...

He got Easton this hat so his blond head wouldn't get burnt

The look on Easton's face in these last two pictures of sheer joy express how he felt about being at the zoo...

And Now, For the Intermission of Elder Williams Mission

2009-06-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

So, not too many people can say they celebrated a missionary's "hump day" with the missionary! Elder Williams had to come home because of the medicine he on, and because the rash wouldn't go away. Most of this time he spent set apart as a missionary...

The Homecoming...

Just getting off the plane...

Lauren, Elder Williams, Mom

Easton & Elder Williams

the Sib's

Brasil!

2009-06-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

José got his car, “wheel chair”. He had a smile on his face, impossible to turn upside down. It's so easy for him to be happy. I believe being happy is easy, you just got to choose to be. José has made the choice which makes him fun to be around. He and Maura have been a blessing to me. and now they can see the world! or some near by parts of Maceió. there attitude was close to world travelers though. it's been a long time since José has left his home. I don't know how long it was that he's been cooped inside but before we started bringing him to church it had been a long time.

Transfers happened yesterday, I stayed with Elder Vasconcelos, I have 2 areas for one year. that's not much, it's funny cause 5 missionaries have come and gone in this area while I’ve stayed. It's good though, I've gotten real integrated with the ward, if it weren't for the name tag I'm sure I'd be recognized as a member by now. In fact I know the names of everyone here better than I did at my home ward.

I'm so thankful for all the support I've gotten. Thanks thanks thanks grateful. I've said it a million times I love it here, not so much the medical service haha, I truly do though I've learned a new culture, language and just everything else good that comes with Brasil. I haven't learned everything I lied, but a lot. it's a different world here, a lot of good people. ha maybe I just answered jack johnson's question.

I send you all my love
Elder Williams

May 27, 2009

2009-05-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

Family and Friends, the space bar here is driving me crazy, its all sticky and I have to manually lift it up. This Transfer is over, already, there is about 5 more days left.

This Saturday, A woman Named Aline who has 2 children, and is 24 and a single mom should be baptized, she has been an investigator that we've been working with ever since I was with Elder Da silva, Its been about 3 months.

I have come to the conclusion that missionaries are the most impatient people ever, that's actually not true. Me, for example, though I'm patient (and humble) I always want everyone's problems to be solved to the point where they are worthy for baptism in six weeks or less. Where that is very possible in a lot of the cases here in Brazil, sometimes it doesn’t work.

Aline has Been progressing slowly these last 3 months. So slowly that multiple Times my companions and I almost gave up on her, because we know there are people who are just ready to be baptized, and we don't want to let the people we are here for slip away. We've always been drawn back to her and both of us feel like she has something in store for her or her children. Well. 3 months isn't that long, but in missionary time it is, 3 months 8 times and I'm home. Aline is “finally” ready for baptism and desires it . I was astounded at my thinking that someone taking 3 months to enter the church is a long time. I don't really know how it is in other areas but heavenly Father knows me and I'm happy to be in a place where the people are so acceptive.

All my love elder Williams

This week Jose will get a wheel chair from the church. That'll be wonderful! Maura has to help him around because they can't afford a wheelchair, and if he is heavy for me imagine Grandma Maura. They don't know it's coming either, that'll be a good day.

Mom you aren’t letting Lauren drive… are you?. I can't picture her behind the wheel of a car. Don't send me a picture either.

Tawny , Pounders, careful. The waves are really cool how the break so closely to the shore. I didn't see turtles when I was there though. Lucky. There 20 pound frogs here though. Amphibians! are sea turtles reptiles or amphibians? I think they are reptiles ha yeah a frog is not even close. I'm sure they are reptiles actually that’s so cool though.
Tchou Tawny Eu espero que sua ultima semana LA em Hawaii é ou seja (Sei não Eu me esqueci se é ou seja é certa, que vergonha) maravilhosa. I think they both work

Hey!

2009-05-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

This last week has been great, Except for Friday morning, I had a blood test, Yikes, hate that. I had to play it cool though I was with some guy I had just met for the first time. I'm so bad with blood I don't know why. I was pretty pale and sweaty afterward. The nice man who sat with me through it got a kick out of it.

Well, This "sickness" that I have is way too out of hand. Beneath my eyelids it’s a little rosy and my arms. No biggie, nothing I would imagine could send me home. But the problem is the medicine I'm taking is too strong to stay on. It could be bad if I stay on the medicine, like I could grow a third eyeball or something ugly like that. If it were up to me though I'd just keep taking the pills. Anyway I don’t want anyone to think I’m suffering OK.

As I was saying this last week has been great. We Baptized José, which was so neat. His wife Maura has been a member for a little over a month, she's the who found Elder Da Silva and I. Her brother Is the owner of another church and has been pretty hard on her, but through her tribulations she has respected and followed her Heart. We taught them about eternal families and José wanted to be baptized too! He has a hard time speaking and walking but with the help of the Bishop’s car we've have been able to get him to and from church.

The actual baptismal service was different. Elder Vasconcelos said the prayer and I held him in my arms and submerged him. I was afraid he would have a hard time holding his breath… also for just bones he's pretty heavy. All went so perfectly though. And aside from José's disabilities he is always always always happy, afterward Maura grabbed my hand And said “amo voce”. I'm starting to just barely understand the complete happiness this gospel brings. I've been smiling ever since.

I hope there is no unnecessary worry for me . I love you all thanks for the support.

Elder Williams

Elder Williams...

2009-05-13T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hello Dear Family & Friends

I received a call yesterday from Elder Wilson, the mission Dr. in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He called me to inform me that he has been treating Jesse for the last 6-7 weeks for a case he has diagnosed as Chronic Urticaria (Hives) that possibly could be in the bloodstream, which makes it Vasculitis ( a very serious condition to deal with in Brazil). He told me that they would be making the decision about Jesse remaining in Brazil over the next couple of days, and that he would be in touch with me to keep me updated. He said, Jesse’s spirits have been good, he is working, and they are doing the best that they can. I don’t have too much information yet, but I spoke with the Dr. around 4:00 today and he said, that over the past 36 hours Jesse has made some improvement. They were able to decrease the medicine and keep him stabilized, which they haven’t been able to do over the last several weeks. He said he was “Cautiously Optimistic” and has moved the departure papers off to the side for a moment. He needs to have blood work done quickly, and this is a difficult thing to do in the area where Jesse is. The Mission President’s wife, Sis Beynon, has been working hard to schedule lab work for Jesse.

Thank you to you all for keeping him in your prayers and fasting for him. We will continue to update you as quickly as we get the information from Brazil. We appreciate all of your love and concern.

Love

LeeLee

Sister Williams,

I spoke with Elder Williams tonight. He is well, he had prepared an e-mail, but timing and closure of his e-mail site early prevented him from sending it. He is very sorry! He continues to do better than expected in regard to recurrence of his rash. He is scheduled for his blood work on Friday. We probably will not have any data until Monday.

Try and not worry. In my opinion he is doing better than expected. His Spirits are up!

He sends his love.

Elder Wilson

Happy Mother's Day For Reals...

2009-05-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know if anybody noticed but i was super excited for the phone call last week, because I was thinking a week ahead. I thought last week as I was writing that email that mother's day was this passed Sunday, anyway, I have a number here I do not know the country code to Brazil, but the state code is (82) the phone I would like you to call is 33542349 ( yes phone numbers here have eight numbers.)
(82)33542349
Call around 3 o'clock in the afternoon it'll be six my time and if you don’t call I'll find a calling card and call mom's cell phone. Deal. I hope the timing will work out.

This last week has been really good, testimony meeting was maravilha, I think every member had something to say, even one of our investigators bore her testimony. And aside from the huge rain storm the chapel was full! The highest count since I've been here.

I have a question I heard of a flu and it sounds like it is pretty bad in México, I am on the lds site and they say the missionaries in the mtc will stay there until further notice but I see nothing about whats going on with the missionaries who are already there… I´m worried about two very good friends I have down there. I hope things are a ok.

Well I'm, ecstatic to speak with you all it'll pass faster than personal study. have a wonderful few days,
love elder Williams,

here is another number if the first doesn´t work, give the first a chance though.
(82)91323864
Kathy thanks so much for the email and filling me in, I really appreciate the support I am happy to hear the family is doing well
Tawny I don’t think you ever told me if you decided to take surfing for P.E. I love how casual it is there, yesterday you just went snorkeling with giant turtles, is there a law against touching the turtles? Breaking the law or not That’s so cool! Have another great week ! be safe.

The family while talking to Elder Williams that Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-04-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Last night I was teaching a recent convert about eternal families, Elder da Silva and I Baptized her a few weeks ago.
Her Name is Maura, I've mentioned her before.
Her Husband had a stroke a few years ago, he has difficulties waking and talking. Yet he understands all we teach him. I've become really close to this family and I have been hesitant to invite José (her husband) to be baptized. Because I don't know if it's necessary. He has been quietly listening and participating in our lessons. He refuses to drink coffee and always reminds the family.

SO last night as we were teaching we mentioned baptism and how it's the first step to all the other blessings. José spoke up and said, “Quero” or “I want” I was taken off guard. But so happy, I'll have a little chat with president and the Bishop, I don't know what the rules and regulations are on this, I just know everyone needs to be baptized. SO I'll keep you all posted I'm sure it'll be a special experience for the family. I'm really excited to make this happen with my new companion.

I just finished reading the news letter Loved it, Although mine was rather lame, hmmm I'll do better next time around.
And I'll let you know how Jose is next week via telephone!

Much love elder Williams
I can't believe you found a waterfall, was it a legit one, or some sort of trickle, either way congratulations that’s so cool. Live it up over there. Thanks for the email! Sou muito Grato

Olá

2009-04-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

Family hello, I have a short Experience that I would love to share:

One of the men I taught with Elder DA Silva was recently baptized, under a month. This last week he grabbed me so I could show him how to pay tithing. When we taught him this lesson we knew this would be a hard commandment for him to keep, let me word that differently, from my perception I thought this would be a hard commandment for him to keep.

But no just like everything else he accepted it as fact. There wasn’t much in his envelope I was so happy to teach him how to pay tithing, he didn’t have much and that makes it harder it was honest and a stretch of faith, and he knows he’ll have the windows of heaven opened upon him. You’ll always get something in return for obeying the commandments.

Well I wasn’t transferred but elder DA silva was. I loved my time with him. My new companion’s name is Vasconcelos, He seems great, I'm excited to work with him. I'm sure I'll learn a lot. He is new but has a lot of good ideas which will help with this area.

I Like it here the ward is good the people are good they just need something to excite them and put the beautiful chapel we have to use. It’s the prettiest thing here in Benidita Bentes by the way. I don't have much more to share this week.
Take care

I'll be keeping Ty in my prayers, thanks for keeping me posted
Lauren Take it slow ok? Maybe you should wait till I get home to help.
All my love Elder Williams

Alagoas Brazil

2009-04-15T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hey yesterday I received two packages thanks so MUCH Mom Lauren, Kristen Tawny.
So I filmed a few reactions of the pop rocks pretty funny you guys will get a laugh out of it.

I believe a well lived week has passed, and ElderDaSilva and I are working hard to leave the area ready for the next transfer. Which will be on Monday. Transfers are intense, we’ll see what happens, as usual I'll be sure and keep the details coming. I actually don’t think I'm as descriptive as I should be. The thought just came to me though, even if I tell where I am or where I'm going the only good it will do is toss another name out there I don’t even know where I am or where half the cities are in the State of Alagoas… how many people know that I am in Alagoas, how many people have heard of the state Alagoas. However If I get transferred I'll be sure and write the unknown city name, and briefly describe my surroundings as usual. I do have a trivia question though.

How many states does the Maceió Brasil mission cover and, what are their names?

Nobody really has to answer that.
Yesterday was conference with President, It was really good. I know he has the keys for this mission and When we do exactly what he asks the mission progresses.
He taught us a lot about working with members, and showed us our strong points and what we need to do better. I'm grateful for my mission president, the sacrifice he is making so all of us can be organized and work in unison.

I hope all is well, I'm so thankful for the support you are all giving me. Have a great week!
Lauren! You are going to be 15! The next time I electronically communicate with you, Happy early birthday!
Let me know how things go for you Lauren. And Jessica, you might want to be careful letting Lauren take the wheel… I am nervous.
Tawny hey, address? Are handwritten letters possible.I would believe so. Thanks for the mail! I have written, I just don’t know where to send it. Nonetheless I am super excited for you wow and Mal you two be safe, keep me posted.

Much love
Elder Williams

I Just Took A Nap In A Hammock

2009-04-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

Olá,I just left a zone activity,I found a hammock and just fell asleep for a while that's kind of a bummy thing to do at a party but it was so nice.

this last week has been great, conference was solid I was able to make it on Sunday, and I got there a little bit late, but it was so worth it because we got one of our investigators there. He loved it. His name is Rafael and we have been working with him since the first week I arrived in Gurguri. He is such a good kid who believes every word we say. Not one this we have said to him has been doubted, like that quote I don't know exactly how it goes one cause I have never heard it in English and 2 because I just don't remember it word for word but “Faith and doubt can't exist at the same time in a person.” It's something like that and I see nothing but faith in this kid,

He is 18 smoked since he was 14 and its been so hard for him to stop. I have already talked a little about him but I'm just so excited for this kid and his attitude and that he is missionary age, he is going to help so much!

I’ve been thinking this last week about how big a miracle baptism is, to get people to change their life into a whole different world in a short period of time. For sure some people are already ready for the gospel and just need a little shove in the right direction but others need a lot more. A person choosing to change is a miracle and I am serving in a place where so many people are willing to take this first step. Pmg says that generally people wont change unless they are invited to, and I've been given the opportunity to invite others everyday.

A mission is so cool! what other job would leave you happy at the end of the day that keep you from family, friends, music, movies, physical contact all of the above… I don't think there exists one. I'm grateful to be here And I truly am seeing miracles and wonderful change in people.
I watched conference in Tabuleiro! Just a ps, it was so good to see my old ward. I got a few notes from the kids in the primary that made me feel pretty important. I had a good time there.
Thanks for all the support, sure love you guys,

Elder Williams, will E uns

Tanwy, wait a second, you are leaving to Hawaii in ten Days and I haven't even caught drift of an address… you've got home work.. have such a good week yeah? yes. And tell staish happy day for me please.

The Restored Gospel Blesses FAMILIES

2009-03-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Minha Querida Família,
This last week two priceless families managed to find us, One found us as we were visiting with some less active membros, she recounted the story to us after she worked up the courage to talk with us. She lives next door to a family that was probably baptized the same time as Brigham Young, they are ancient. Just kidding But they are famous in the ward of gurguri, they just stopped going cause someone got offended. Anyway as we were visiting with this family, they by the way agreed to visit church again after a few years of not going, An older woman peaked her head in and invited us to her house after we finished up.
We went next door to chat with her and she told us she saw us, and felt like she had to talk with us. And the she was indecisive about it for a good ten minutes, she'd leave the house , go back into the kitchen leave again, until she finally just gave in to her curiosity, and invited us in. It’s a family of 5 we are teaching and its going great we plan to have there baptism the 4th of April.
later this same day a little girl ran up to us she is 9 years old and told us to pass by her house because she has a big family and she heard we like to visit people which is true. We passed by her house, the mom of the family is Nede. She has 12! Kids. the 9 year old is the youngest, and Nede's kids have kids. They live at the bottom of a gully a house we would have never found if it wasn't for the little girl. There are about 6 houses stacked fashionably on a very hidden road. We taught a majority of the family Nede told us some stories about her Life and how she raised all these kids on her own. Then she said when she saw us that she knew it was another blessing from Heavenly Father, That she was in for something good. If more people had her attitude imagine how easy this work would be. I'm excited to see these Families progress. Time is running out but I'll tell more about them next week, as best as I can.
Thanks for all the support All my Love Elder Williams.
Lauren I'm wishing you luck let me know how it goes.
Tawny it's already time for the Judging again! Good luck drive safe, I'm sure it'll be much easier to find your way the second time around. Seriously though be safe and let me know how the good time goes.

Count Your Many Faucets!

2009-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:00

Transfers... I stayed and so did Elder Da Silva, Which is pleasing. Two new elders arrived, one actually arrived last week his name is elder Skousen , He came to our area because of an emergency transfer which I forgot to mention last week. He is a character, he reminds me of a fellow named Dwight, It’s nothing but laughs with him. And yesterday one more Elder arrived. Elder Veloso. So Our area is now divided in half which is wonderful Two people wasn't enough.

I’m not teaching English in this ward, although My companion knows more than a thing or two on the piano and we’ve started a music class, it’s a good time and we are getting a lot of new investigators through it.

This last week the water went out for a week and in some places two weeks It’s back and I’ve never realized how grateful I am for running water. even though 7 up bottle showers are so sweet. Anyway Saturday night the Power went out too… It was funnier than it was frustrating for us missionaries who are only passing through for a short time it's easy to put up with. But for the people who live here and have to stick with it, I think i'd go crazy. We only had to plan by candle light one night but it was still amazing to see the patience of these people when water is hard to come by and then power on top of it. Not only that but when the water is running there are only certain times of the day that it arrives in your house. And a lot of people have to fill buckets with slow running water and save it for later. Life is different for people here but they are as happy as ever, good examples.

I'm doing great I thank you all for the support. I miss you all but the time will slide by and I want to make the most of it. Lauren Thanks for the letter, Let me know when mine gets to you I feel like it's taking a while. Jessica, are you taking care of my Mom and Lauren? Good luck in your calling Mom its perfect for you.
DAD todays the day! Happy happy Birthday .
Lisa and ace Have a great week Love you all

Just Passing Through...

2009-03-11T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we ran into a part member inactive family, just by chance as we were knocking doors. It’s a family of 4, A Mom two girls and a boy. The girls have been baptized they are 16 and 17, the boy has been to church but has never been taught by the missionaries and Mother (Nede) she has never set foot into the church her reasoning is because she is catholic and she won't let anyone change her mind or visit another church. The girls stopped going about a year ago.

As we got to know them a little bit better we found out Nede's father had gotten really sick, he had been sick for 11 days he lost his ability to speak and wasn't eating and the doctors had not a clue what it was. They asked if we could visit him, we walked down the street to the Man's house and found him on a bed when Elder Da Silva and I walked in he tried speaking to us but nothing was coming out. It was hard for me to see, the bed he was on was not fit for an elderly man, the fearful look on his face made my heart sink.

There was about 20 other worried family members at the house when we arrived, not all of them knew who we are, we left a short message explained why we are here. Before Leaving we gave Nede's father a blessing, a blessing of comfort. We talked a bit more invited them all to go to church, the 2 girls to return to church and the rest of the 20 to visit. None of them accepted, they responded indirectly and weren’t interested but I’m sure they could feel we were true servants of God or else they wouldn’t have invited us to visit. But with their lack of interest/ free agency we didn’t plan to return when there are other people who are ready to hear the message of the restored gospel, we left and I honestly didn’t give much thought about it after.

Tuesday night Nede found us in the street and told us her father passed away that same day only a little bit after we left. She accepted to hear our message, is going to church this week, and with time we hope to reactivate the two girls and bring this family to church. I'm positive this experience left her heart soft, she listened to the plan of salvation, she has doubts but now she listens, she told us about many missionaries passing through and inviting her but she never accepted the invite. I'm Excited to see her at church on Sunday.
So this is the last week of transfers there is a chance I'll be parting with Elder Da Silva which would be sad, but I think we'll stay through one more. You never know though, IF one of us does get transferred I will miss him, I really really look up to him, he is going to be/ is such a good missionary.
I hope you all have a good week and know that I love you

Elder Williams.
Kristen Happy Birthday! I have a feeling your cake was a German chocolate delight, for some reason I feel like that’s your favorite.
Dad your Birthday is coming up march 18th the big 30's hope you are well!I'm sure you'll get a chocolate cake too. It's a birthday fiesta Back in utah.
Happy birthday to yous

March 4th!

2009-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Alright, this last week has been good, and the last last one too. my birthday falls on the week of Carnaval. It´s a big festival of craziness... people like to throw eggs and flour on you. We get left alone though... you can't throw eggs on a man in a tie.

Last Friday we met a nice older man who was interested in hearing our message, but coudn't make it to church this Sunday. he is married and lives with his wife (Rosa) and their daughter in law named Cleo, Cleo is visiting from the jungle... not really the jungle but she lives far away the name of the place she lives neither you nor I could pronounce so it's irrelevant, and we'll call it the jungle. In the jungle there is no Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Cleo has a kid of her own. who is really fair skinned, Rosa, Has always called the babe A child of a Mormon. Because for some reason Mormons ( missionaries) are always white. Cleo asked Rosa what a Mormon was. Sweet Rosa said they are always passing one day I'll show you a Mormon.

We had made an appointment with this older fellow for Monday night and of course we stopped by, Earlier on Monday morning Rosa took Cleo to see The Church of the Mormon's because she was curious, and they live close and had nothing else to do. When Cleo saw the Church she told Rosa about a dream she had had. one Where she was in front of this church Talking to a man in a tie who was speaking another language. all this was still before she had seen an actual Mormon. Well Monday night we showed up to see this Man and Invited Rosa and Cleo to join in on the lesson. We taught the first Lesson, the restoration of the Gospel. After Cleo told us about the dream she had and The child of a Mormon joke. She has no church close to where she lives But it was a neat story to hear from her, and neat she dreamt of the church and a man who spoke another language. and she is so excited to go to church on Sunday with Rosa. The husband can't go. but it's going to be fun working with this family and Cleo while she is here.
wow I hope that story made an inkling of sense. is inkling the right word?

Things are good great with me. I made German pancakes for my companion and I this last week German pancakes remind me of two people Steven and Mom. I've found an old cookbook an ancient missionary left behind and I'm really seeing how weak I am in the kitchen I am having a good time learning though.

I hope you all know I love you and the pictures were great. I have a favor to ask, that doesn't have to be done right away just sometime in the next year or so. I've told a few of the missionaries about POP ROCKs and they are dying to try them so if a few pop rocks could be tossed into a letter or something someday there will be a lot of happy missionaries.
Thanks for everything I got the Birthday packages thanks so much. for all of it.

Love Elder Williams

Tawny I have A favor for you, next time you see brother Pratt, can you tell him I'm making every recent convert I know to join the one wimpy verse club. I stole the Idea from him, and it's a great one and I want him to be credited. You sound great, I'm so pleased school is going well. Tchou até mais te amo não esqueça olhar a lua. have a good week thanks so much for writing.

Hello!

2009-02-18T16:05:00.000-08:00

Ola! Thanks for all the emails, and best wishes. Truly. I get sad when it's my turn to write and I've finished reading my emails because I just love reading them so much.

Elder Da Silva and I are loving it. He is really changing fast, the last two weeks he has began teaching so well. From the first time I taught with him up until yesterday. I can see a huge improvement, I don't know why entering into a strangers home is so intimidating, but it is, and it was for me. And I had an excuse, if I said something wrong I could just say, sorry I'm still learning Portuguese. But for him he is just expected to know it all. No excuses, he already knows. I guess what I'm trying to say is I had the language barrier a time to get used to it, but for natives they have to jump right in. I think that would be nerve racking.
Anyway I love him real cool real smart and a really good missionary

Yesterday night we got locked out of our house it was raining like crazy too. We got locked out not because we forgot the key, but because the door just didn't want to open. Anyway I had the brilliant Idea to scale the two story building in this slippery rain and open up the back door. The back balcony door uses a different key than the front. I didn't know that . so it didn't work. I made my way back down and called my zone leader, from a pay phone, he said he'd call a taxi and we could sleep at our neighboring missionaries. The taxi never came, so the Bishop saw us and gracefully offered us a ride. We arrived at the other mission home around 12 and I laid in bed and was just grateful the day was over and bam I got sick, I'm just not feeling to well.

Anyway yesterday was one of those days. Our baptism fell because she got offended by someone at the church, it's a long story, but it's so important to treat every member and every investigator nicely.

Thanks for the birthday wishes… 20? I'm an oldie huh. I really love it here and I'm pulling in every moment as a learning experience last night just makes for another story. Yesterday was like the movie pure luck. I share it with you when I come home the journal version is much better.
Lauren good luck at try outs, I'm excited for you. Don't stress even if you mess up your cute smile will get you in.

Tawny the letter still hasn't come! Sad day. Maybe it'll come back, I hope so, just know this long space of letters is not Jesse caused , it must be Portuguese number caused. You sound great I hope to see the pictures of the new pup soon. I love the name too. Thanks so much for the email. Love you ps your Portuguese just gets better and better, I really get a kick out of that.
Thanks for all the support love Elder Williams

February 11, 2009

2009-02-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

Hey! Mom, I'll answer a few of your questions. Yes, I like the food… what’s better than rice and beans, everyday. I'm not even being sarcastic. I love my new area! It's BIG they had six missionaries here to cover all this turf now it's Elder Da Silva and your's truly. When we arrived, A lot of the members said, "just you two?" the ward is homely and friendly, and the church sits on the edge of one of the many gullies is gully the right word? Little valleys. I’ll be sending home some sweet pictures. Hmmm the buses here are even crazier some deal went down and the buses are free, anyone who wants to enter hang on jump on top can do it and it doesn’t cost a dime. Its nice though, this area is really big. The end of it is about a 15-20 minute bus ride. That’s along way on foot. Any grateful for the free bus.

This last week we met a family, who the missionaries worked with for a few weeks and then I guess they forgot about them cause they only baptized one member of the family, 2 years ago. But there are 4 more ready souls. They all went to church this last week and Saturday is there baptism.

Alright I'm running late once again, I have to look at all the people who called in on those pass along cards. I love those things, but, there is no center and state street here with numbers in order. People just name these streets what ever they want, you can knock on every door on the same street and ask the name of the road and you'll get a few different answers… I think they sometimes just toss their name out as the legitimate name of the road… little bit of a headache. I have no problems asking directions though, does that mean I'm less of a man?

Mom you asked if I can understand everything, I can but I still study everyday I have a lot of room to improve. I love you guys happy day of the boyfriends and girlfriends…. That doesn’t translate so well they call it something along those lines. Happy valentine's day
Tawny I'm broke about that letter, I feel like it might have been my sloppy hand writing, or a sticky handed Brazilian who was curious to see the pictures in side, that letter was stashed, I'm sadden. I wish you a happy valentines day none the less take a look at the moon and tell john mayer HI FOR ME! HAVE A GREAT WEEK
love
Elder Williams

February 4, 2009

2009-02-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Hey! It Finally happened, my life was sucked out from under me, I got transferred, moved to senior companion, and don't know what in the world I'm going to do. Can any one spell the word inadequate? Yeah. I'm the definition of that word right now. My new, new companion is Elder Da Silva, he is a great kid. He talks really fast and quietly and is extremely smart he is always happy, at least he as been happy for the day and a half I've spent with him… and he looks like the singer from queen. I am excited to work with him and I hope I can be a good example.
My new area is called gurguri, if you put some water in your mouth and gargle you'll get it right. It's really pretty. And it's huge. It's been a good week, it was hard to say goodbye to all the people in tabuleiro I stayed there for a long time, and a lot of the members were really close to me. I'm grateful for the time I had there.
Thanks for all the Emails. I'm sending home a disc of pictures and some of the funniest videos ever caught on tape.
I love you all
Elder Williams.
Tawny I sent that letter 14 days ago still hasn’t arrived? I hope it didn't go to new guinea or something. I am glad the show went well. Really, thanks for still confining in me I'm sorry.
love Elder Williams

January 28, 2009

2009-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

Its got to be another quicky today. But I'd like to thank everyone for the supportful emails.
This last week has been so busy, I guess I made all of you think transfers have already happened but they haven't quite yet. next Monday I'll find out. we'll see what happens.
Teaching English weekly has really really been helping my in the Portuguese I think that the class is almost more for me than for the people learning.
I have just a little story. We baptized a young man Named Tiago, he lives in a house with nothing. and Monday when we visited him I noticed something about his prayers, never have I heard him ask for something for himself he is always blessing others. I can learn from his example . much love Elder Williams sorry so short...

oi

2009-01-21T15:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry about my email last week, I wrote it all, and then my computer shut off and I was out of time, the Internet shacks here aren't too snazzy. It's alright though because last week I got to hear from you guys. I have a few things too say from last week I can't believe Lisa had a baby! goodness and his name is Tyson Hart Casper It's a keeper. I loved the pictures; I hope all is still going well. I'm sure mom is taking care of things.

So I really do have bad eye sight. The other night I was walking home, with my companion Elder Vaz, and we were walking fast because it was closing in on our hour. I don't know if I've mentioned but I'll mention it now there are a lot of puddles here that are run off from houses, needless to say it's not the kind you want to go puddle hopping in. I'd say these puddles probably cause more than have the deaths of small to medium sized animals in Tabuleiro. Anyway, usually there is a means provided to cross the puddle, stepping stones, a block of wood or just skip right over. The other night though the stepping stone was made out of cardboard and due to my bad eyesight I mistook the cardboard for a rock. I hopped and landed perfectly on the "stepping stone " and then sunk to my knees in nastiness ha and the only thing that came to mind to say was this is bad ... it was bad but it was funny too, and I'm clean now.

Things are going really well here next week is the last week for this transfer. I will be speaking next week in church on missionary work. I do need to brag about something, I think I have left about three more lunch givers in the relief society in this area I've been in for six months.
All my love Elder Williams

Tawny, I have to answer a few of your questions. Yes I do print emails when conditions are good, but a lot of times the places I go don't have a working printer. Brazil does opt out of daylight savings. Marilucy is doing swell. She nor Branca have been baptized but they will, I 'm certain she still is recovering from her surgery and will be baptized when she is all better, Branca loves the missionaries, refuses to be baptized just yet but I think she is going to wise up, I still see both of them all the time. I have written you letters about my comp. and yes I got mail from you! Two packages on Monday thanks so much ! I've got to go, love you , school sounds sweet thanks for emailing me really thanks so much! tchou i'm sending a letter today!

My Week

2009-01-07T15:43:00.000-08:00

This last week has been so good, Fast Sunday was especially good. I don't think I give enough details in my emails, but, All of Marilucy´s kids that Live with her have been baptized. She is the one with the two boy's who wanted to learn guitar. Marilucy Just had surgery and can't be baptized until late February or early March, But she said she will. She has given her word. Her Husband isn't interested but he'll come around.

Anyway the best part of this story is, the two boys who are baptized are the sweetest kids ever! This last Sunday with a little over a month in the church they both bore their testimonies, They didn't have anyone tell them to do it or anything, all on their own. Rosolvo is the older brother and he has been working a lot lately, he is only 13 but he has been working a lot last week he had to miss church because of work we saw him the Monday after and he said nothing is ever going to stop him from going to church again! He is top notch, I have grown close to that family I met them with Elder Nielsen and we've always been stopping by to make sure they are reading, getting ready for church, all the above and now they are starting to do it on there own. I don't know how many times I'll be able to see the whole process like I have in this situation but I'm so grateful to have had this opportunity to watch them grow over the months.

Last night we met with a young man we have been teaching his name is Adriano; The Assignment we left with him was the same we leave with everyone. Read the Book of Mormon and ask if it's true. He got a sweet answer, I'm not going to lie, normally we have to ask what happened during the day after their prayer or during the prayer we ask about the feelings they got and show them what their answer was, But with Adriano, he told us how his prayer was he told us he knows he needs to be baptized and that while he was reading he felt like crying, he reread a few times and continued to feel like crying. Then He prayed and said he just cried and cried. While he was telling us this story he emphasized how he never cries. He then told us he knows he needs to be baptized, he is scared though, because he feels like he has to serve a mission, we told him that it was his choice but he might feel the desire to serve once he has more time in the church, but then he stopped us and said he's not scared because he feels like he'll be forced to serve, he is scared because he knows he has to, I think Heavenly Father has quite the plan for him, he is 18, and we met him through one of the girls in our ward who is his girlfriend. He is really really cool, i'll send a picture of him home after his baptism which is this Saturday! I think it's soooooooo cool that he is already feeling the desire, the necessity, of him serving even before he is baptized.

I love all of you, I got to head out, I have a pretty funny story I was going to tell I'll tell it next week. Tchou

Tawny! Thanks for the Emails, To answer your question no I haven't gotten any mail from you in Utah yet, but I have still receiving emails so fret not Thanks so much for all the support, and I think I'm going to get my hands on that tape this next conference. Have a great week! I'm very grateful and not a failure, complete success thanks so much
love Elder Williams

The New Year

2008-12-31T15:39:00.000-08:00

Can anyone believe that tomorrow is a New Year? I sure can't I'll be going to bed at 10 thirty, I might just get out of bed and look at the fireworks around midnight though, I hear they have a big show down by the beach, Elder Canduta, kartchner, Vas and I are making Brownies! American Brownies! I hope you guys have some fun plans.

This last week was so good, I wished the phone call wouldn't have fallen so many times and that I could've gotten a little more personal time. But none the less so good to chat a bit, how can I say none the less? That's sounds too casual, I loved it. after my companion told me to hang up, we sat there staring at the phone for two more hours until we figured he gave the wrong number to his family, he still hasn't talked to them yet, I feel really bad for him, the phone call is the most looked forward to thing here, I'd say peanut butter is in a close second. Was Christmas good?
Christmas here was a lot of obnoxious music, Drinking, and food… not much different than a normal day, normal day times five. Christmas was fun, We find a lot of different ways to have fun.
My companion told a little girl who was just recently baptized not to believe in Santa…, We were walking the with the little girl and She asked me If I believe in Santa, I said yes of course, she's little, 9 years old I think. My companion heard and said some thing to the extent, "you really believe in those things?' Mirelly is her name and she said yeah! My mom tells me all about him, and then elder Vas told her, these things don't exist it's fun to joke about but you've got to know it's only a story. As he said this I was trying to talk loudly over his voice. She still heard him But I succeeded in re-convincing her that Santa is real. I love how easy it is for kids to just believe in something. Lauren… Ignore Elder Vaz Santa is real.

We Have met a few sweet families this week, One of the families is made up of 5 kids and a mom and a Dad They have a 16 year old boy named Tiago, and he is going to be baptized the 10th. And the rest of the family will follow as soon as they get married, this week we are going to be rebuilding their house, and they are so excited about it. I plan on taking pictures I'll try and send them next week.
In the meanwhile know that I love you all
Elder Williams
Ps. Is everyone home safely yet?
And I didn't know the babe was so stinking close! Holy! Maybe you should name him Spalding…
Just kidding
Tawny Happy New years! I have a question? Where are you learning all this Portuguese? I really am loving those titles. Another Question/ comment. Did you get my Christmas letter? I hope so. Also thanks so much for the Emails. Really.
Happpy happy New Years Love Elder Williams

The other day I heard someone Yell Jesse… I turned, It wasn't for me it was for a girl actually but it was strange to hear the name. did anyone say my name on the phone? I don't think so, strange to hear

Oi OI Oi

2008-12-17T15:35:00.000-08:00

hmmmm I bet you are all wondering why my letter is so late today. well I'm wondering that same thing too Today has flown by and I don't have much time.... this last week we had a Christmas party, mission tour with Elder Sores, and a zone activity... It was a lot of fun. I have a lot to say but the lan house is closing! who closes a lan house at this hour? geeez I have to go anyway. I do want to say I sent of a package with a chip in it with a ton of photos so if you go to las vegas maybe ask a neighbor to pass by and grab the package. I got a lot of great emails. thanks so much!
I love you all next week will be better... I don't know what I'll do about the phone or when I'll be calling yet I'll give the info next week, All sounds well though thanks for the emails,
I want you all to know that I can honestly say I love being a missionary.

Tawny! you are home! I don't believe it . I'm glad you are safe though all the fog and delays. I was concerned yes

love Elder Williams
I got 2 packages Mom and Kristen and I loved them and I'll thank you guys more next week but know I got them.!

Vou ficar em casa no natal si somente em meus sonhos

2008-12-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

This last week has been interesting, there was an emergency transfer 2 weeks before scheduled, one missionary has gotten really sick and two were just being sent home. My companion was transferred because of this. We were both thinking I would be leaving in two weeks. I really am beginning to think there is some one here I am supposed to meet, like my ticket to leave and if I don't meet that person I'll be here for my whole mission I have been here for so long! I don't have a problem with that though I do feel like I know everyone in Tabuleiro and, things just keep working out in a way that I end up staying, so I'm done guessing when I'll be leaving or not.
I was a little bummed about Elder R. Marinho leaving, we were a good team. And taught well together, my new companion is a good missionary, I will learn a lot from him, His name is Elder Vaz exotic, I know. He is very serious, elder Marinho and I tried to get into homes using the humor approach, which was working well, he uses a different approach, which almost makes me feel uncomfortable. I have got to get over that though. Yesterday was the first day we worked a full day together, I'd go as far to say that it went well.
So far my first 3 companions have been completely different which is good. I am a little bit nervous about the families we were working with before he got here, He is a get in get out kind of guy, where as Marinho liked to build more of a friendship. I don't know I'm excited to work with him for at least two weeks and we'll see what happens at transfers.
Yesterday we met a nice guy, for a second I even thought he was my ticket. He warmly received us for about 10 minutes, then I don't know exactly what went wrong in the conversation but, one minute he was smiling and the next minute he was telling me to repent and stop preaching this blasphemy. I am getting pretty used to the occasional hysterical person. I told him I do repent, I try to repent daily but why would I have to repent for testifying of Christ? This made him raise his voice even more. turns out he is the Pastor of the other church, The one of the family I told you about last week that has joined the church and fallen away in the last four months. The Assembly of God is the name of the church. I guess we are stealing his customers.

There is some significance to this story. We met another family who left that church, for this exact reason that a lot of them testify of the falseness of our church and other churches. I am grateful for a respectful church, and how we do not condemn other religions. I was reading in Jesus the Christ I don't remember where but One of the Apostles said to Jesus a man was testifying of him with out authority. Jesus replied not in these exact words but with the same meaning, if he is for us then he is not against us. I believe anyone that testifies that Jesus is The Christ is doing good, they just don't have authority. I ended up telling him almost exactly this that I believe his teachings are good they come from the bible and I believe in the Bible, I told him he just doesn't have the authority. Which made him more angry. Meanwhile we stayed calm.

I have met a lot of other Pastors this was the first to get angry, also the first that I was that bold with. I did say everything in a respectful way. So the two significances of this story are, it's a small world ( I met the man I've been hearing so much about), and how sweet it is that our church will ONLY testify that it is the ONLY true church.

At the end of our conversation I told him it was a pleasure to meet him at that he is always welcome in our church, I said it as sincere as possible and he responded kindly.

Ok sorry sorry I hope that story made sense I was kind of rambling I have got to head out. I do want to say one thing, I'm stinking excited to talk to who ever is home, is anyone going to be home? Hmmm if I only get to leave a message somebody is going to get it 6 months from now when I call again.
One more thing, Linda! I'm trying to stay warm thanks for the concern, and the scripture and everything.
One more thing Kristen thanks for the address,
One more Tawny travel safely please!
Oh and ps Love you guys

My Luck With Dogs

2008-12-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

I just received the best news from Kristen Christensen; The Jesperson's are going to be mission Presidents! If anyone has their address I would greatly appreciate it in front of my eyes, all I want for Christmas.
This last week has been bitter sweet, I have been here for a little over three months. When I first got here we met a family that was so excited about the Church. They were members of another church called the Assembly of God; it's pretty popular here, lots of screaming, loud music and some strange looks every time I walk by. It's a lot of looks because I swear they have one on every corner. This Family is elect and the whole ward conducted service projects to give them a better home. In the family there is one boy, who didn't accept this message. He won't leave his other church. After some time, he started learning how to "prove" our church is false. And He started inviting the Leader of his church to re-teach his family the truths of Mormonism… They told us they don't want it anymore. To see a Family Enter the church and fall away so fast is unreal to me, its been 3 weeks since they've gone to church. We are really racking our brains to figure out what exactly to do. Preach my gospel is golden I have faith Heavenly Father will help us work out the problems.
But I can't forget my blessings; this week we met two families that are so cool. One is a family of 6 they have a daughter who is special, but, so reverent, she'll sit and listen to us and just smile. I heard one time People who are special were made that way because Heavenly Father Didn't want them to suffer the pains of the world because they were such powerful people in heaven. Where did I hear that? I believe it and I think it's beautiful. Anyway after we taught, we came back the next day started teaching again and the Mother of the home asked how she could join our church? And if she could? I cant describe the feeling I get when people ask to join our church. We just respond of course! She told us how peaceful her home was after we left, the parents' aren't married, and they have a few other problems but I'm real excited to work with them.

And yesterday we were teaching A young man. We started and invited his mom to listen but she didn't want to, she was making dinner in the kitchen which was really the same room with a curtain separating the two spaces. I am sure she heard our beginning prayer. We taught the five principles of the gospel and the word of wisdom. She at that moment was making coffee. But she was listening attentfully through the sheet. We told how Jesus was baptized and invited her child to be baptized. She poked her head through the curtain at that moment and asked if only teenagers can be baptized… once again I got that same feeling she committed to obey the word of wisdom and is preparing for baptism. We ran to the store and bought a drink called ceveda, has anyone heard of that? Does it exist in the US? It tastes exactly like coffee but it's not bad for you, I like it. We give it to people to replace coffee.
I have one more story, this falls under the bitter. I'm hesitant to share this one but I'm sure at least it'll give someone a smile, I know Lisa will find it funny because of my luck with dogs. Friday we were knocking doors, we met a lady who wasn't interested, but she had two dogs. That seemed to be interested in me. As I was standing and talking to her they peed on my leg! I didn't notice until after she shut the door but I couldn't believe it, (I wonder if she saw it happening and just let it go.) well for the rest of the day I had dogs going crazy over me… and there are a lot of wild dogs here, a lot. Three more tried after these two and one succeeded! He came howling down the street and got me all over. DISGUSTING! Later that night I went to Branca's house ( a woman we have been working with) and she laughed and told me I shouldn't worry about it , in fact I should be grateful, because it's good luck! I told the story to a few more people and they told me it was good luck too! Crazy… I guess I'm full of luck. I do have a 4 leafed clover… I hope somebody is smiling because of this. It was a pretty classic day, I came home dirty and tired and wet…

I hope Everyone knows I love them.
Tawny, I got a letter this week with some chocolate things inside I haven't eaten them yet But thanks thanks thanks, I am happy to be on the postcard list, is it kinda like a fav five?.. and for the Talk, I've read it a few times now and I'm certainly digging it. I hope you have a great week and I have a lot more to tell you but I'll stick it in a letter that you will receive in a few weeks… is that annoying? Hope you're laughing.
Tchou
Mom I would like to ask you for a book in English, its called defendance day I think it's about two missionaries who hmmm just ask seagull book if they have it. Let me know. also if you send another package toss one of my harmonicas in there one of my good one's in the key of c, but don't send another one for a while, and you too Kristen and Tawny goodness I get too much stuff I'm grateful.

ps Can i get Linda and Craig's Address and Uncle Grant?

Feliz!

2008-11-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

Mom How did the sixteenth treat you? You didn't mention anything to me about your Birthday!
Well this last week has been good. I want to share something really quick that i think is funny. There is a lady in our ward called Sister Rosa (hosa) , she is A woman who likes to get her laughs out. She is the type that hits when she laughs if you are the one that makes her laugh or if you are near her, you are a goner. The last three times we've eaten there I've been the one sitting next to her. And me just being American makes her laugh. So every time we eat there I don't know how ,exactly, but I end up next to her. I get the occasional shove, hit which is fine but this last week I don't know what I said but i had her laughing pretty good. And she was hitting me to the point where I was almost falling out of my chair. My companion got a kick out of it, I didn't know what to do. I hope you guys can use your imagination and picture this cause I'm not painting a great picture. She was laughing because of something I did, and elder R. Marinho and I were laughing cause I was getting wasted. It reminded me of something off the office, if only someone had been filming.
She builds houses out of cement which I did this last week and I honestly think it was the hardest thing I've done in my life. I didn't use gloves either, my hands felt like sand paper and after the cement dried on my hands i think the skin shrunk around my bones i had cuts everywhere luckily i have been supplied with all sorts of lotion.. I have decided the people here are a lot tougher than us wimpy Americans. yesterday I saw a little boy learning how to ride a bike, he couldn't have been much older than 5 or 6, and he was doing it by himself and on a bike with broken training wheels, down a dirt hill that I'm not even sure I would go down on a mountain bike. I would, that's an exaggeration but it was still steep and I was worried about him, I was talking with him for a sec. I really didn't want to see him fall but i watched him go down the hill like a maniac and then made sure he would practice on flat ground for a bit before he did that again.
This week was zone conference. And President had a huge lesson planned. to start off the meeting. He began by reading the first Vision, and began to cry. He said he prepared this lesson but doesn't feel like that's what he was supposed to teach. All he did was bare his testimony. I feel like I need to be better at following the spirit like that. I'm learning but when I have a plan I stick to it. He is a great guy. I really love him and support him as my leader.
I got the package from São Paulo, it was so cool to get that one. I have been walking around with that tape recorder everywhere I go, I feel pretty professional. the floss!
I really am so grateful and Kristen thanks for setting that all up and taking the time to get Tawny's blog to me I loved that. Thanks to all who where involved in that from the bottom of my heart.
I'm doing well, health is well. All is well,
Tawny, thanks for the time you take to write me. I can't believe the things you are doing. I love how well you are keeping me posted. Thank you

Love Elder Williams

Motorcycles?

2008-11-12T15:09:00.000-08:00

This last week has been good, I am staying! For at least one more transfer. My Roommates told me I wouldn't be though because they know the transfers before everyone, they told me I was leaving. I could tell I wasn't though because they would've been way more sad… I clean, cook, make sure they take their medicine they will be in tears when I leave... just kidding, but we are all really close friends.
This next transfer is Elder Abrão's last transfer and Cunduta will go after that, I've been with Elder Cunduta the longest of them all. I'll miss him, and as for my comp. he is cool too we'll see what happens as for now I have six more weeks with these guys.
This last Sunday I was at church, like I am every Sunday, and I was saying to my companion how funny I thought It was they call on him to do everything… I can speak alright now but they know I'm still new so I'm usually just relaxing with the investigators we bring to church. Our church has air conditioning by the way, I love church. Anyway, about 1 minute after I finished telling him how funny I thought that was, a counselor of the Bishop came to me and asked me to speak… not so funny anymore, I guess its about time. I am pretty sure Heavenly Father was listening to my conversation and saw that I was becoming too relaxed. It went well, and it wasn't that threatening because I know everyone in the ward, and all the investigators. I even used the word supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, did I spell that right? My LDS mail doesn't have spell check, it's the word off of Mary Poppins , but Mostly just funny because I was rubbing it into Elder R. Marinho's face how church is so relaxing for me.
I'm learning a lot, working a lot, I am so good at waking up mom…. I have been meaning to tell you, I wake up to my watch alarm… that's a weak alarm. Especially compared to the green siren, that wouldn't even get me to budge, which is broken now by the way. Jason! The big day is approaching, I'd like to thank you for your example to me, I really appreciate all the help you gave to me. I wish you the best.

Tawny! Did you look at the date on the first Page or the last? I think I can send more right? I think your calculations are wrong or I sent it the slow way, there is a faster way I'm sure I can do one more. I can't believe you saw Cade! Hmmmm a little jealous that's so cool! I can't Imagine. I wish I would´ve been in the London England mission for the time period you were there. That's so nuts!

All my love Elder Williams

p.s mom, I have been meaning to ask you… what happened with my motorcycles?

November 5, 2008

2008-11-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

I hear we have a new President, how does everyone feel about that? It's nice that I at least caught wind we had a new President even before I checked my email this week, I'm not completely shut off from the world am I?
I have two of those swirly things in the back of my head, ( I know the word, but I don't know how to spell it... cow lick?) swirly is better. Anyway, 2 swirly's give you quite the headache in the morning when you are trying to decide what side to part your hair on.... how do I have two? The only other person with two on this planet is Easton.
Transfers are on Monday, I really hope I stay here for a bit longer, I'm loving it here, there are some sweet sweet people we are working with and last night, we met a guy who was just sitting by the church, actually this is kind of a cool story I'll give some detail... Last night we had an appointment to go to just something we had planned the night before, the person we made the appointment with didn't know we were going to pass by there. We were right next to the house of the investigator, but we both felt like tonight (which was last night) wasn't the night we should pass by the house of the investigators house. We felt like we should grab a new kid in the ward who just moved in and take him to the church to make some friends and know where the church is. Anyway we dropped him off at the church, introduced him to some of the other boys and as we were leaving we spotted a young man named Jose, We both thought he was a member already. He was sitting by the church by himself and we started talking with him, he has been going to church a lot and always comes to the activities. He is 19 and i asked him when he was baptized he said he had been going for a couple years now off and on to church but wasn't baptized yet. You got to be kidding me! Long story short he is getting baptized this weekend I haven't shared enough of these stories but I find that we are in the right place at the right time so much here.
All my love, Elder Williams

Elder WILL EM EEES That's How They Say Williams

2008-10-29T17:31:00.000-07:00

This last week I cut my hair... this time I didn't have help from Tawny and Ace , just from a tired Brazilian.... I think I need to start paying the 2 reais for a "professional" wow, at least it's within the boundaries of missionary standards, that's all I need. But for some reason every time I look in the mirror I think of that movie "MARS ATTACKS" I'm sure by next week it'll pan out a little better if not I'll buzz it again.

I keep getting questions of what laundry is like here. To answer that, Picture a bucket of water... with a thing in the middle that spins and then the water drains and then you rinse your clothing in none soapy water then hang it up... everything is a little weird though... I don't feel like it's really clean, it smells almost fine, and my house has the BEST machine thing so I'm grateful.

Everyone in my house is getting fat... fast. I have been trying to tell them it is because of the plate size hamburgers they eat right before bed might have something to do with it. I am not a huge fan of the Um Burgers, that's how they say it here, so I don't eat them but I'm sick of hearing them complain of their fatness so instead of me waking up and jump roping on my own I wake everyone up and we go on a nice morning run. Yesterday WE were running and there is a lot of cobble stone / hills dirt and rocks. Well i was running down one of the paths and was looking behind me for a second talking to Elder Abrão and I went down tripped on a stone.... pretty funny I am fine I went down rolled a little bit and kept going I can't really explain exactly what happened but the point of the story is I fell...

The work in this area is going well I know a lot of people. I hope i get one more tranfer here, sorry for the lameness of this email. Next week will be better, but in the mean time my English is getting worse and my Portuguese still gets laughs but i understand great.

Tawny- Marilucy, Branca . I'm so excited thanks!

Love Elder Williams

Ants!

2008-10-22T17:18:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks we have been teaching a woman named Maria. She is hilarious! she is about sixty, her nickname is "White" I don't exactly understand why. She drives a motorcycle, she has one grandchild, and she is the 'cool mom' on the street that all the kids like to hang out with. There are always some teenagers at her house just chatting with her. She wants to know everything about the Church, she is progressing so well. She is faithful in her commitments and knows all that we are teaching her is true, she's stopped with alcohol and coffee. But for some reason every time we invite her to be baptized, she says she's not ready... She wants to know EVERYTHING about the church, there is no way we can tell her everything about the church. She is afraid. We have tried EVERYTHING in preach my gospel. I want to figure this out so bad to help her the way Heavenly Father wants us to. But I just can't seem to find an answer. for the last week I haven't been able to stop thinking about all the times I see "fear not" in the scriptures. Or don't be afraid. Same thing. I find it strange that a hip old woman who loves the adrenaline rush of a motorcycle would have a fear of something she knows is true, she has a testimony of the church, but just wants to know EVERYTHING first. I try and put myself in her place, I feel like it would be hard to take that step of baptism, we are praying she will lose her fear, We just don't know what else to say to her. we pass by regularly and visit with her I Hope hope hope she'll come around.

This last week, I directed a baptismal service of A boy named Everton, I am still so surprised that people understand me when I talk and grateful I still have a lot to learn though I have been told i have quite the accent a Mexican one they say which I have a goal to lose, He is so cool he doesn't have the sweetest life, But he is just a great kid. Even before we met him he with living his life right despite all the lack of examples around him. He is going to grow into an amazing person, He is 15, I gave him one of those really hot shirts that I avoid wearing cause they are thicker than cardboard and we had some extra pants laying around the house. That were new, who knows who's they were. But we got him all dressed up and clean cut he looks so good.

I already said this but I have been making everyone take their vitamins, I'm really cracking down. My companion hates vitamins or any sort of medicine. But I'm still making him take them. Because I'm concerned for their health, and mine. the first time Elder R. Marinho took a vitamin he chewed it, I need to be more clear on my instructions cause this has happened before. I told him to take this vitamin. I need to say swallow. My bad. I gave Him the vitamin in the morning, he said he would take it that night. I reminded him a few times throughout the day. Then forgot about it. That night I was laying on my bed and he ran in and was pacing back and forth and telling me how much he hated medicine. I had no idea what he was talking about, It took me a second to catch on. He just kept saying how nasty it was. I noticed him chewing something and asked him if it was the vitamin i had given to him. He nodded with a sour look on his face and ran into the bathroom spit it out and started brushing his teeth. . I felt a little bit bad for the mistake but it was so funny.
The ants have found a way into the fridge, they get in there and die all over everything I hate them. I think my front left tooth is going to fall out (mom can you send me some glide floss, I sound like a girl but the floss here is like fishing line.) I think it is going to fall out because at lunch a few days ago, a rock, no, a pebble made it's way into my spaghetti! I saved it. Nobody noticed but i took a few bites and i bit something hard i spit it out ,secretly, but it hit my glass plate and made a sound i didn't see it fall but I thought for sure it was my tooth, It killed, It hasn't fallen out I don't really think it will and if it does i guess it's ok cause that tooth is already fake.
Mom, you asked If I'm used to the heat. I'm used to it but I don't like it, no one does. and if I have dreamed a dream in Portuguese? last night, Not even kidding, it was the first time and it was so weird, I woke up and then realized it was all in Portuguese.
Things are great with me, I'm learning a lot. Thanks for all the support.

Love Elder Williams.

P.S Ryan Graham how are you?
Tawny Enjoy your Domingo

Pretty Funny?

2008-10-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

This last week has been great, Not only do I get to come home to a gigantic Moon every night, But, I'm not sick… I bet that sounds weird but I am so grateful I'm not sick. I don't understand why I'm not sick either. Everyone in my apartment has something wrong. One Elder has got the fevers, He can't sleep and he has to take cold showers throughout the night. And one has a cough. That is so terrible. One of those coughs that doesn't even sound like a cough at all, it sounds more like he is throwing up. That's gross sorry I said that, I'm not going to delete it though. I guess I shouldn't say this last week has been great, But I'm GREATful big time. I think they'll get better though I'm making them take vitamins everyday and We got some pure water.

We met some kids skateboarding a while ago, not kids actually, people my age, we met some PEOPLE skateboarding… if there are 2 things in this world that I'm good at, It's skateboarding and Halo. I hope that doesn't sound prideful, It's OK to brag about 2 useless things right?. Anyway, we got to talking with them and they asked if we knew how to skateboard. I know how to skateboard. I played a little game with them where one person does a trick and the other repeats it. (I really hope someone appreciates this story.) We played and It was so fun/hot in these clothes. I probably looked pretty funny in these clothes come to think of it. Well, they are coming to church. I don't want to brag anymore so I'm not going to say who won.

I really love this area and it's a good thing, I assume this will be the area I'll stay the longest out of my whole mission. I have a few funny videos and a lot of pictures I'll be sending home on that chip..

This last week we had testimony meeting and When I went to bare my testimony I made a joke. I got a few pity laughs, It went over about good as my so called "joke" I said in my farewell talk. You know the one where I read off all the things a missionary NEEDS to be and then said… "the only thing I have left to do is cut my hair." Was about as funny as that…

(Some fergie is playing in this Internet shack.)

I don't know if I have already mentioned this but everything of mine is changing colors, I'm pretty excited to see what it looks like when I get home. My pants, my bag, I think I remember talking about this already one time. So never mind about that. But I'm almost positive I haven't mentioned anything about how many stinking Jokes Have been played on me! Ha I deserve it, I have done my share of practical jokes. Countless times my chair has been pulled out from underneath me, they took a part from my bed so when I sat on it I fell through to the ground. Pretty funny. I don't know how many times I've been splashed with water. I guess I'm an easy target. I really love these guys though, we get along well. I'll be with them for another 2 months.

I am the only one who cleans anything around here. Picture how dirty my car was and times that by 26. nasty. And I'm the only one who thinks it's gross so I am the only one who cleans. Cleaning is good for me too though. I need to learn to be more organized.
Thanks for all the Emails.!
All my love Elder Williams

Lisa.... please? pretty funny! my my my. I'll try and have some funnier experiences for you so we can lose the pretty funny and you can just come right out and say Jesse. elder Williams, your stories are funny.
I love you, thanks for the updates, give ace a big hug and a kiss for me. don't forget to give easton my love too and as far a bolzon, that's what you are going to name him right? bolzon.
All the love a brother has for his sweet older sister.
Elder Williams

Não é de sua conta

2008-10-08T17:24:00.000-07:00

The subject of this email means, none of your business, I don’t know if anyone really remembers but I used to say that phrase a lot.” Phhhh none of your business,” well here it's extremely offensive…. Not funny, I said it last night at a ward activity and I just kind of got this look, the sort of look where you know you said something bad, I guess it’s a little bit funny because there was a short pause and then a lot of laughter, except for the person I said it to, It’s a pretty severe “burn” from what I understand when you are the one being told it’s none of your business, that person was pretty sad until I explained myself.
On Saturday, Elder R. Marinho and I had a job to fill up the baptismal font. Not a hard job, turn the water on, wait for a bit turn the water off. So we turned the water on. My senior companion said, lets go to lunch and come back and shut it off, I was a little unsure, I suggested waiting until the font filled up and then leaving, but, He said, It’ll be fine, we’ll go eat real fast and hurry back. Tudo bem
Well during lunch, every little bit I would remind him about the water, and how it was STILL ON! He would hush me and I would wait a little bit to remind him and get hushed again. We were eating at a member’s house and he was enjoying the conversation I guess, finally, we left the house after about an 1 and 20 minutes! I was on the way back I was saying, I think it might be overflowing, but he reassured me and told me they take forever to fill up. Nonetheless, he seemed to be a little on edge, and we walked pretty stinking fast back to the church, but yet still confident that it wouldn’t be overflowing. We got to the church and unlocked the gate. Ran to the door and unlocked that as well, entered, everything seemed normal, and then we turned the corner. There was about a quarter inch of water… everywhere. I don’t know why but it made me laugh, I ran in to the font and was reaching to unplug the plug but I have short arms and bad depth perception ,I thought I could reach the plug, But I couldn’t as I was trying my companion ran in already stripped down to his garments and pulled the plug. This was also pretty funny, considering how bad this situation was. Luckily the church is almost completely tile which made things a lot more reassuring, I feel like they were prepared for this though cause as I went into the cleaning closet to find something to use to get that water out of there I found at least 30 of those squidgy brooms. After some time we got it all cleaned up. The baptism turned out just fine and when the members got there they were commenting on how clean the church looked.
I feel about 300 times more confident in the language, It’s really helpful having to speak it almost all the time, I get to teach my companion every morning English which I’m really enjoying, and throughout the day. But he doesn’t really know anything yet and when I hear him talk with his accent I get a pretty good Idea at why I get laughed at so much, things are getting better though. I’m grateful.
Conference! I got to see the Sunday session. I was really missing those cinnamon rolls.(WOW this guy just sat down next to me, I think he went a little overboard on the aftershave) And I watched the whole thing in Portuguese, I loved the hymns, a lot. Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm smelling some old man aftershave mixed with goldfish… my time is up though. Thanks for all the words of encouragement.

Mom could you send me The addresses of grandparents, on both sides?

Love you all,
Tchou
Elder Williams

Oct. 1st!

2008-10-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

you know the phrase" i'm just trying to work up a sweat"? Is that even a phrase? I feeel like it is for sure. Well here that means nothing to me. IT IS SO HOT. Man, breathing makes me sweat. I guess its a good thing though cause I feel completely exfoliated when I come home each night.
Yesterday I got a new companion, he is really cool, and really Brazilian. He does not know English, and i live with two other Brazilians as well and for some reason last night there were two more Brazilians sleeping there. That makes 6 Brazilians, nope 5, I'm American. It's really good for me though.
yesterday there was a little confusion in the transfer which resulted in me being alone for some time, and the last words from my senior companion were stay here until your new comp arrives, he said that he should be getting to my house around 9:30, 3:00 rolls around and I have no way to call or do anything and I'm companion less. I got a lot of reading done, so that was good. (Tawny, I´m on chapter 17.) But eventually i just decided to walk up to the church and there he was with 2 members trying to figure out where he was going. He had only been there for about 10 minutes though, so don´t think he was waiting all day, it was me waiting.
Nonetheless, things are not easy, mostly because of the weather. During the middle of the day, of course, it is really hot and no matter what you do nobody wants to get off their hammock to come to the door and talk...but I can kind of understand given the circumstances. The Portuguese continues to get better, especially the understanding part. At first when I arrived here the words were coming so fast that I couldn't even keep up with what was going on, but now it's starting to make sense and I can actually talk back with intelligent answers.
Thanks for all the supporting e-mails, Owen! Good to hear from you/ your email was pretty stinking funny, and I'm taking your advise thanks.
Mom I got that package last night the one with the water bottle which I love already, thanks. Lauren please be careful, I knew you didn't know how to ride a bike. I love you though. Lisa and Ace, I love you guys too. Dad have you made a decision yet? Let me know, I love you a lot.
grandpa! thanks for that email really, so good to hear from you.
Tawny! Thanks once again for the uplifting email, I got a package from your mom with more letters in it! Love those, thanks and Kristen If you are reading this thanks. I still find it hard to believe you are in Vienna, and traveling all over, you sound great I love you, be safe!

The end of my first transfer

2008-09-24T17:06:00.000-07:00

So that amazing family i wrote about last week, who we have been teaching and teaching and I thought for sure they were going to be baptized. The are having second thoughts, I think I spoke too soon. It really hurts ,we have been working so hard with them, I know they felt the spirit so strongly, they all believe in the Book of Mormon, yet for some reason, they are hesitant to be baptized now, even though they know its true. They just don't want to commit, I feel like they aren't ready to give up their other obligations for church, the beach, fiestas, and the worst part of it all the two boys got invited to another church, A church that teaches you how to play guitar if you join. I guess that's pretty enticing when your 13 "This church I have to sit and be reverent, this church I get free guitar lessons." They Have stopped drinking coffee as a result of us stopping by which is good, I have faith they will come around cause they are such a good family. Just not ready yet.
Ok so, Mom, I don't think me eating all those meals you cooked, That I complained about (sorry) would've prepared me for this. I'm laughing right now because of how disgusting some of the food is. I know you always said" I'd like to see you on your mission when you have to eat everything the people serve you." Well lets just say I will not be picky when I get back. I wouldn't even say I'm picky, I'm just plain when it comes to food. I like to keep it simple eat what I need and I also like it to be clean and hairless.... that's right hairless. I have not had a member cooked meal yet with out a hair in it. I don't know what it is about hair in food that is so gross it just is. I try and stay composed but I think my face turns from happy to sad. And they serve you so much here! Man. I have worked out a system though, I build my plate in such a way that makes it look like I have a lot and then I eat rrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeaaaaaaaalllll slow. Smart? Yeah I got really sick of finishing my meal, full to the brim, and then someone sloshing some more food on my plate saying "you hardly ate anything" anyway I do Like the fruit and the granola here. SO GOOD anything that has to do with fruit here is good. How are you guys liking my weekly food update?
I have a quick question? A couple weeks ago I sent home an email about a bat... this bat nearly bit my face of, not one person mentioned a thing about it.
It's really cool to see all my previous preparation having results. As a result of all the shots I received before leaving on my mission, my health is staying pretty good...if that wasn't the case, one of the many vultures that hang around our house would have carried me off by now. They other night we were teaching a lesson in a house on the floor, and they have a disease here called Dangi carried by mosquito and the mosquito's fly really low. So we were sitting on the floor of this house teaching with about 300 mosquito's flying around us, I was thinking, good thing mom got me 40% deet. And then the thought came to me, crap, I didn't put on any repellent today . The lord blesses those who serve him, I didn't get one bite I was so thankful. It's funny walking down the streets because there are little kids running everywhere...it reminds me of The Jungle Book for some reason...I don't know why.
So It is the end of my first transfer, President told me to survive the next 6 weeks, I have a few more days but I think I've got it under my belt, there are only 15 more of these, and I can honestly say it went by fast I'm going to miss Elder Nielsen, But I'm excited to see who my next comp. Will be I'll tell you about that next week. I think I'll be living with nothing but Brazilians.
Well, Thanks for all the Emails once again. It is so good to here from all of you, The language is coming, I feel comfortable talking on my own to people in the streets, I have to repeat myself a lot and have them slow down a bit but I really feel progress each day which is sweet. Um, jokes in English do not translate well not that I'm much of a joke teller in the first place, But so far from my experience they are not funny. I for sure don't understand everything that is going on but I catch a lot of it.
Oi, Lisa! Good to hear from you , I'm glad you are doing well and Easton is using the toilet. I love you all.
Mom thanks for the email. I'm glad the sleepover worked out well. Send Grandpa and Grandma my love, on both sides and, and tell Grandpa Williams I better hear from him soon.
Dad, I'm still thinking i love you.

Tawny! thanks for the email! so so good I Have 2 minutes util this computer explodes, not really but it will shut down I love you thanks for everything I´m gald you are loving it there, enjoy your 26th!

Sep 17, 2008

2008-09-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

So, I've been thinking and I got a little bit worried that my Emails are sort of negative in the way I talk about the gross stuff here, I just want you all to know I'm loving it, and when i complain, if it sounds like I'm complaining, I'm just being sarcastic, With that being said. The elections here are getting a bit ridiculous…24/7 there are people driving up and down the streets blasting their slogan music to get people to vote for them. And I wake up to this crazy guy who is in the mood for some forró rather early in the morning, I'm actually up anyway,but who just does that? blasts music at 7 in the morning? I can't call it music, it's American music transformed into weirdness. It's fun to figure out what American song they stole though.
Mom you asked what season it is down here, If you are ever wondering, I'm on the opposite schedule you are on, you guys are moving into the cold months, we are moving out of the "cold" months, it is pretty stinking hot, 70- 90 all year long sounded nice, hmmmm well it's the hottest I've been in my life and it's still "cold" people complain of how cold it is, maybe it has something to do with my black pants, dress shirt and tie, I get to wear everyday, I'm sure I'd be cold too if I wore some of the outfits they wear here... just now the kid on the computer next to me is playing the forró version of " nobody wants to see us together but it don't matter no, cause I got you" I don't know the name of the song but I'm sure at least Lauren knows what I'm talking about.
So the past week, well three weeks I just haven't said anything yet, we have been working with a sweet family, a perfect family, a family that needs the gospel. The father of this household works too much to quit to go to church, but he loves having us over. anyway, he has a wife and three kids. two boys and a girl. one of the boys is 9 years and the other is 12 and the girl is 17. we have been teaching them, And they have all received an answer that the Book of Mórmon is true, we challenged them this week to stop drinking coffee, and alcohol. and they committed right on the spot, the coffee took a little bit of hassling. but we went to the market up the street and bought them some ceveda which is like coffee without caffeine. It's pretty good, the members serve it a lot, anyway they have been doing everything perfect and have committed to be baptized! isn't that so cool? I don't know if it will work out but Elder Nielsen won't take no for an answer which by the way reminds me, mom you asked when he is coming home? and where he lives, he comes home the week after next, and he lives in Riverton. I'll have him stop by ok? we have become good friends.
Lastly, you have to be careful on the buses here…they stop for 5 seconds but leave their doors open for 15 seconds because they are on such a strict schedule. The other day I found myself jumping out of a speeding bus (very carefully as to not get injured) which was something I've always wanted to do...I can check that off my list so I don't have to do it again. That's about all.
Lauren Thanks for the email. good luck on your talk, I'm sure you'll do great, I hear the" Miracle of Forgiveness." is so good, and I bet it'll help you come up with some ideas.
Mom, I hope your overnight retreat, is that what old women call sleep overs? hmmm have fun, and you aren't old. I love you so much thanks for everything.
thanks so much for all the support!
Tawny! I got a letter today, with some hilarious pictures prom night sounded sweet, and you sound like you are loving Vienna! can't wait to really hear about it. I love you, I bet you are learning a ton and having fun. guess what, we might have a similar lifestyle I don't think the buses here are anything like there but I ride them, often, I never feel quit right when i get off though, is it the same there.? Thanks for the Tuesday mail.
Love you all.
Christensen's, How long are you in London for? just taking a trip, thanks for the update, love hearing from you guys.

tchou

Elder Williams
PS sorry if there are any spelling errors this keyboard is really sticky, and I have had trouble thinking ever since the Portuguese has been smashed into my brain.

Oi

2008-09-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Hello to All,
I would just like to start off with a big THANKS for all the e-mails. I received 15...a lot more than I was expecting. It made my day!
Mom you asked If I get to see the two boys often, the answer is yes, I see them about everyday, they actually came up to me yesterday and gave me a huge hug and told me they weren't going to be at church this week cause something was going on, they were so sad about it, good examples. So yes I see them about everyday running around in the streets. I don't know if I have told you but the whole family is baptized! I just need to send pictures the kids here are so cute.
It seems as if a few of you are wondering if I get mail every six weeks? Well that should be true, but I just happen to live with the AP's and I get Mail every week or so, on Monday, but eventually it'll be every six weeks. But I'm anticipating staying in this area for a few months, probably as long as you are in Vienna, Tawny! Mom you asked about the Pastor man... correct spelling? well he is doing great, he looks SO GOOD wow Elder Nielsen and I don't teach him he is in the other area, so we referred him to other missionaries But we saw him this morning actually and we see him around town sometimes (I'm in a small town I see the same people over and over, It is so cool.) the thing about his conversion, I think, He was looking for help, He wanted to change, It's been three weeks? He has attended church, is preparing to be baptized and to my knowledge has not used drugs since the missionaries found him. They check on him daily and are just such good friends to him.
So the other night it was just my comp and I because the others had to go on a trip. Elder Nielsen fell asleep, while I getting ready for bed. so I tried to sneak in quietly but I still aroused him because Those flip flops you gave me mom the black ones, are the loudest things in the world I don't understand it, like nails on a chalkboard almost… anyway he rolled over and fell asleep again, I finished praying and he was for sure asleep by this time, I was just about to fall asleep when I hear," BAPTISMS!" then some crazy Portuguese I started laughing and said "what do you need to do with the baptisms?" sarcastically, he lifted his head Looked at me and said" nothing. "About 74% funny 26% creepy. He didn't remember it in the morning but I thought it was so funny ha this is probably one of those stories I'd have to explain in person to be funny, but I got a good laugh out of it.
Food Update: Well...there is everything you can possibly imagine here. Every fruit, except nothing looks perfect like it does in the United States. People are driving around selling Abacxi (pineapple) and meloncia (watermelon) by the truckload. The watermelon here is about double the length and lighter green in color on the outside. The oranges and bananas, too, are light green when ripe which is really weird. They sell the bananas by the stalk here... they are still attached in massive clusters...pretty cool. Fruit is dirt cheap. A pineapple is 75 cents and an ice cold coconut is also 75 cents...they hack off the top and put a straw in it so you can drink the milk. The meat in Maceio is really nasty but tastes fine...they just have it hanging by hooks, not refrigerated, and they sell huge blocks of fat to people...I don't know why. I drink more soda here than water just kidding but I'm pretty sure I don't worms...they have grapette and fanta uva (grape) and laranja (orange) and guarana...most are sold in the old 1L and 2L glass bottles...pretty different. Every meal is served with beans and rice and a salad of sorts. Most people have a meat product of chicken with it and they have something called farinha here which is like eating pebbles...it's some grain but it's rock hard!
Well first, Congratulations Tyler on your baptism! That's so sweet way to go. Lisa, Sorry About the sickness, I´m grateful Easton was there to care for you though. I love you, keep me posted! And Ace. You too. And Easton. Mom, I'm glad all is well in Lehi! You seem to be loving it thanks for your weekly words of wisdom. Lauren I Love you I got the package with all your friends nice notes in it, By the way thanks so much for that I love Granola! And the notes from the fam.
Tanner not once in your life have you been called a wuss by me. Ha that's sweet you went on all the rides though.
Dad sorry I didn't get a chance to do a personal mail this week, we are ponedon time I love you so much though.
Tawny! You made it Wow I was worried, that was a nice text you sent to your mom, so detailed! I can't wait to really hear about how everything is there and thanks for the address! I had actually already looked up how much it would be to send letters there thanks so much, I was at the post office a few weeks ago and thought i'd ask. I got your family picture turned out great. I love you I'm sure you are dealing with the change just fine.
Love,
Elder Williams

Massayo

2008-09-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

How about I start with a short summary,

I've woken up to ants all over me more than once, its ok though, these aren't the puppy size giant ants i talked about earlier, these are the little black baby ants, that mind their own business. I haven't been bitten.
I caught a firefly! i had never seen one of those before, neat.

2 times well 2 and a half times i've had close calls with the crazy bats around here.! oh man the other night elder neilsen and i were walking home and I was telling him a story, I don't even remember what story, but it was dark and you know when you see something and you just can't tell what it is so you squint a little bit? well, that's what happened to me. I was in the middle of a story and I stopped to look at what seemed to be a small trash bag floating towards me. It wasn't a trash bag. it was a BAT! this happened pretty quick and within 2 seconds it was inches away from my face. I'd like to tell you all I kept my cool and just ducked or stepped out of the way, but that'd be lying, I screamed panicked it was similar to the pet detective. My comp laughed and said, " that's normal." normal? i didn't believe him, but it has occurred more than once. and the 1/2 time well I was getting ready for bed elder Neilsen said, woah, just woah, not WOAH! as it turns out there was another bat... of course.
Let me tell you about some more important stuff, We baptized two boys on Saturday, i forgot to bring the photos, It was my first time baptizing someone aside from the one time Tawny and i went to the temple which I'm grateful for the practice. It was a really neat experience one was a 10 year old named Marcio and one was 12 named Marciello and to me the names sound the same but to the trained ear there is a huge difference, so I was a little bit nervous about mixing those two up, but I didn't all went well. During the opening prayer, said by Marcio he got about halfway through and decided he didn't like where it was going so he started over, pretty funny. I was going to send photos but i seem to have forgotten my camera sadly, you'll see them someday.

also this week we met a man who speaks English! It was nice to not sound like A complete idiot for once. I don't think he is really into the message but it was just a good experience.

The language is coming, but I still speak slow, even when I don't speak slow, I think i have the worst accent ever because it's almost a guaranteed laugh when ever i say something I say things that make sense but know one says it the way I do so it's funny, and if they don't laugh they smirk and if they don't smirk, they are just grumpy. I'm loving it here though I have a lot of work to do. a lot. I m very grateful for everything I've learned so far and I'm excited to really grow on this mission.

Mom In that package could you include my Camera charger for my cannon and burn a few copies of my CD I do have a chance to play and the kids here love American music and just toss some in there. thanks for the email, and good luck with chad, if you guys happen to see this before you leave tell chad i love him, and to know that it gets a fahillion times better.

Lauren thanks for the email! I'm glad you have some sweet friends, i don't know about those boys though.

Lisa? I hope pregnancy and all is well for you. I love you Ace and easton

Dad I love you very much thanks for everything.

Tawny! i don't know how your feeling but you are leaving so soon! i love you, your in my prayers have a safe trip, I don' t know what else to say you are awesome. hows that? good luck! good luck! i EXPECT a letter of your safe arrival

thanks for all the support! love Elder Williams

Still Learning the Language

2008-08-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

The people Here A wonderful the weather is rainy but sunny when it rains its often still sunny, really pretty and muddy.
The fist morning here one of my roomies (roomies?) asked me to do some pull ups, on a bar squished between a door jam and books on either side to add pressure. ha i didn't think it would hold me, but he was just like Jesse, actually he said elder Williams, just do it, it will hold you. i did a few, and the whole think came down. it was pretty funny. I have since then reconstructed the pull up bar, sturdy as a rock.

So I felt like I understood a lot more Portuguese ( when I left the CTM) than i actually do, make sense? well I should say Maceio Portuguese It's different here. they don't even obey the rules! I'm improving every day. I'm great at greeting people... then slowly the conversation goes down hill, pretty funny actually, Oi is easy to say then they respond, at bout 26 million miles an hour and then I can for the most part understand what they say take me a second to respond and then the conversation slowly comes to a stop. It's fun they understand I'm learning, and i get to just laugh with them, at me, I've said some pretty ridiculous things, sometimes they ask me something and i go off on something else completely different.for example the word for baby is bebê and the verb to drink is beber big difference except not really cause the r at the end of a word makes an airy sound which could easily be mistaken as a breath. anyway last night i was talking with some members and i thought they were asking if i drank at the church, or from the church like sacrament or something weird and so i said yeah, i do every week. the real question was have you been a member your whole life, since you were a baby? it took about 5 minutes for me to understand what they were really saying, they don't let me give up.which is good.

The work is going good, My comp is pretty Amazing, he goes home in a couple weeks. I like president and sister Beynon a ton.As for the food here, I eat it. even though 85% of the time it's questionable, because they make you share the same cup, sometimes, and they don't really cook the food all the way through. My mission doesn't serve monkey, but the two things they do serve that I won't be looking forward to are turtle and sea manatee. All I'm going to say is getting all those shots were worth it.

Mom Thanks for your letter this week, very descriptive. I look forward to hearing from you all. Lisa! A BOY! I knew it, how about you name him Lucas Bolzan Casper? ha that was the Name of my ctm instructor. isn't that a funny name? maybe maybe not. I love you all thanks for everything

Tawny! you need to hire a terminatro, get one of those fellows to follow you around and kill all those crazy bugs! you are so Funny! Thanks for the email, I hope your show Is going great I wish you all the luck in the world, and my watch just beeped, I should be sending a letter off your way in a bit.
love love love Elder Williams

Maceio

2008-08-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

First off, Macieó is about a billion times beautifullier than Sao Paulo. President and Sister Beynon are great, My new comp, honestly i had to ask him if he was American or not. he is American and his name is elder Neilson. But people ask me if I´m Brazilian, then i speak, and they know.

Anyway. My humble abode, it's not bad the floors are kinda like hard wood floors but replace the wood with cement, and nice green walls that were white from the start. oh and last night i went to brush my teeth and I turned on the light and to my surprise I found about a fahillion giant ants... they scurried out the moldy window though. ha It's good though I slept very well and I love all my roommates.

This morning when I woke up it had been raining hard all night and The rode flooded! haha i think it was knee high or so. I've never seen anything like that, I do everything in Portuguese now my comps good at forcing me to use it all the time which is great, i'll learn faster. Last night after I left the mission home we went straight to our area unloaded our suitcases and then went out to work. Ha my sweet comp likes to put me in situations like hey, this kid has a message for you and then leaves me on my own to speak.

anyway last night we had a cool experience. they just finished a brand new church here, its probably the nicest thing with in a ten mile radius of our house, and it's the nicest church i've seen in Brazil. so we are blessed to have it here, so like i said they finished it last week, its pretty fresh, and as we were walking away from the church back home a man was walking with his son towards the church we said hi, elder neilson asked him how was was doing, he said not well, I'm going to the church to find the pasture because I need help, I have a problem with drugs, Elder neilson told him we could help. so we took about a five minute walk back to his house and taught him the first lesson, it is unreal first of all what this man was living in, and how makeshift his home was the family room was probably 5 by 5 feet and there were sheets blocking our sight from his bedroom and his kids bedroom. I felt so sad but they seem like a happy family, his boy was so funny and playful, and can speak a million times better Portuguese than I, well he committed to come to church and he seemed to have felt the spirit and the best part is, he wants help. I thought that was so neat I was grateful for the experience.
Ha Spongebob is on, opp now Donald duck funny.

Thanks so Much for the E-mails, Dad thanks for the advise
Mom thanks for the package, i loved it, I read something in the ensign saying people who love each other but are distanced can still grow closer to each other as they grow closer to Christ, I find it too be true. Thanks for telling me about the blessing mom, that sounds so so sweet, I'm glad you two had that experience, tell Jason for me. Lisa and Ace that I believe the babe will be a girl. I love you all thanks for the support.

Did I tell you guys the i pod came! on Sunday night, Thank Paulo for me if you can.
And TAWNY you did such an awesome job on it , wow. thanks. perfect. I wish you would've placed some photos of you on it though but really Thanks so much tawny.
AAAANNNNDD Thanks for The emails, I got your letter package too the day before i left the ctm of the church history trip! it was so so awesome thank you! tell your Mom thanks too I loved hearing from her, I sent a letter with sister linford for you two. kinda short i had little time so my apologies but thanks so much, the emails and everything. BYU H would be so cool, keep me posted ok . I love you hope your week is great.

Last Week in the CTM

2008-08-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

Mom! that's sweet you got a calling in the young women, now you don't have to worry about Lauren when she goes camping, but, a downside to that is it leaves me to worry about the both of you! I'm happy for you though, good to know you guys are livin it up in Lehi, Lauren I didn't get any electronic mail from you this week, I know you are doing good though i hope your summer is great, its flying by. I keep trying to picture what you guys are up to every Sunday, what your days are like, everything changed when i left, strange. You are doing good at keeping me updated mom. I'm glad you enjoyed the letter, and the picture.
Thanks for sending the i pod with Paulo, Maybe try hard to get a hold of him, I'd really love to get my hands on that thing, thanks again Tawny for taking care of the music!

so I leave in 5 days! so so excited, It hit me yesterday, right before i was supposed to say the prayer in large group meeting, that i was leaving all these guys and i kinda got a little bit saddened and distracted, so before i knew it I was supposed to say the opening prayer in Portuguese and i thought it wasn't a big deal cause i can pray, anyway (t), I began praying and paused long enough to make it awkward , a lot of the missionaries peeked when that happened, and i was just smiling really big, I didn't really notice i paused for so long but i was so sidetracked by the thought of leaving these guys, any way i finished the prayer asked for the spirit to be with us twice and closed it. i didn't notice how strange it was until my district brought it up with me. haha pretty embarrassing. I thought i would share that story because you told me about Cindy's experience with the gift of tongues, mine was the opposite, but only cause i wasn't focused at the moment, I've learned so much and i know the Lord will help me learn all i need to In the field. the language is coming, i can communicate i think i have said that a lot but I've learned the grammar the MTC has to give i just need to learn to apply it which i'll have to do in 1 week. wish me luck. Thanks for everything Mom, I love you very much, and the rest of you know i love you too right? Lisa, Ace, Easton, Lauren, Dad. Dad i didn't get any advise, I sure love you I hope all is well i have a letter shooting your way, the Brazilian mail system is so sweet. I haven't sent it yet, I may have to send it in Maceio. But it´ll come.

Logan! thanks for including me in your email, and for the pep talk, I love you hope all is well, That's the second time I've heard from you in months, It made me so excited. Johnny, I hope you got my letter you sound like you are having a great time, are you talking any different? probably. I love you both.

Chad 3 weeeeeks! not long at all you sound like you are having a sweet time traveling, I'm not so far ahead of you but I can give you the advise i get everyday, be obedient, and strive to be Christlike, and planning is so important, you know all that i'm sure, I´m happy to hear you are doing so good.

Ryan, thanks for saying hi it's good to hear from you, good luck at School, 27th sound like a big day. I miss you and I'm glad you are doing good.

Tawny! the text, I have an explanation for it in my letter this week ha!Thanks thanks thanks for the email love you, hope you are having a great day.

MTC-CTM did you know it is backwards down here?

2008-08-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

The center of training missionaries. hmmm Mom thanks for the email, you asked me about 26 different times how I'm doing, so good. I miss everyone one but I'm learning a ton! and i feel happy, it's trying, but so good for me. So Mom I am doing great, I can't believe i leave so soon,it's sorta like a fast version of high school here, I know this place so well, I'm excited to leave but it's kinda sad. But not too too sad you asked how i was eating and how the food is, well, I think i already told you but I miss your cooking so much, I love breakfast though i eat an apple, granola and some yogurt, and every other meal i eat something so no need to worry, my allergies are alright considering this is the most polluted city in the world,no need to worry, i think I've gained 5 pounds, i don't know exactly where it went but I'll keep you updated, a lot off kids are going bald here too, because of the pollution, stress, and lack of vitamins in the food and little exercise, which is alarming... i think i'll be fine though, and the air is clean in Maceio.

I'm great mom thanks for asking. did you ever send my i pod? there is no sign of it, bummer bummer bummer that's ok though. you said you were sending a package to the mission home could you place some of those instant breakfast drinks in it, and some more vitamins.
This last week i didn't do anything out of the ordinary, just studying and that is about it. but i go proselyting for the last time on Friday not the last but the last while at the CTM. I'll let you know how that goes! Dad thanks for the advise, lauren your letters make me smile i love you very much, Mom thanks for everything. Ryan, there is a kid here just like Tanner Trounce, so funny i like him.Tawny! thanks for the email! I hope all is well, you are flying through school way to go. love you all thanks for the support
ps Aunt Linda sent this to me telling me how close my mission was to being over, I thought it was so funny.

It goes like this-

MTC time is double because you have to work so hard and learn the language, so it is already December, but you can't count December because it is Christmas, well then you have the New Year which is a week and then it is Valentines Day, St Pats Day and then Easter -so that is really a month put together. spring is sooo fast that it is really a week and then you have summer- which is July so you will have been out a year in another two weeks--
so Funny tell the Allen's hi for me.

July 30, 2008

2008-07-30T10:43:00.000-07:00

so this last week we went proselyting on Friday as you all know, and i bet you are just dying to find out how it went. Right? well here you go we were released in a different area this time, I felt a lot more confident in attempting to communicate with people, there was even one guy who spoke with us for about 10 minutes, gladly accepted the BOM and our message and even hugged me when i was done. but as we know there is opposition in all things, if there is a man that nice in Sao Paulo there has got to be another on the other end of the spectrum. i don't know if there has to be but there is, some old, seemingly kind, fellow was so eager to get his hands on o livro de Mormon that he didn't even have time to listen to the message. still cool though that he was interested enough to take one, he walked about 20 steps and threw it into the road. I know that's just a small taste of the rejection I'll be getting in the field, and they tell us not to worry about it but i worry, cause of you mom, on Sunday during church I began to think about that guy, and i felt so bad for him. I hope that someday, someone can touch him and soften his heart, or at least get him to stop ripping books out of peoples hands haha well that was the best and the worst of what happened on Friday everyone else was in between, it was such a good experience. I know the MTC like the back of my hand, I'm getting excited to get out of here on the 19th even though i have so much to learn still, that will be hard but so worth it.
Mom thanks for the email and all the support you show me I love you very much, don't worry about Lauren too much, she'll be fine tell brad I'm happy for his decision to follow his heart. Lauren thanks for your email, I can't go to your blog but thanks for telling me all about it, Ryan! good to hear from you, I'm glad all is well thanks for putting me at the top of your list. Tawny thanks thanks for the quick line i hope you are doing so good. I love and miss you all.
bye

Hi There!

2008-07-23T18:29:00.000-07:00

this last week we taught the first lesson in Portuguese in companionships to members of the church, just as practice, but it was a pretty big deal, and tough we did well though and it was another marker on how much we have learned and need to learn humbling yet uplifting i guess you could say. On Sunday I spoke about Knowledge I want to share a quote from it well from Dallin H. Oaks he is explaining how we can know the church is true. "while not capable of scientific proof, it is still important. The idea that all important knowledge is based on scientific evidence is simply untrue." I think that is rather enlightening I always have to have facts, to explain everything, but I am learning more and more each day that feelings are a way of KNOWING something I know i love my family, I know this church is true and I´m almost out of time that can be proven, bad example , but it´s true I have to head out. I love you mom I got your package the one with lotion and cornuts haha, Lauren I want to hear about the trek and your testimony will you write it out for me? Lisa the picture didn´t work keep trying and thanks for the email and your support tell ace that i say I'm just in Brazil, and easton give him a love for me. Tawny! i got your package too! thanks for the rings, what on earth! so nice I will give the ring to a good man, I'm so glad the trip was a bast fill me in on what exactly is going on! The mail strike is over you are right! so that's good so good so were the emails you can be expecting letters who do you think I am? . I love you all! I go proselyting this Friday again just so you know I will tell you what happens.
Elder Williams

One Month Out

2008-07-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

They do go by thats for sure, so this last week i went to a train station in downtown São Paulo. not door knocking. just walking in a busy area. We were let go for like 2 to 3 hours and we were just supposed to meet people on the street and give them a short lesson. this was last friday, morning when we went. the same white van that they brought us here from the airport,drove us to the station and let us go out with our companion. stopping people on the street is kind of out of my personality but I didn't feel like it was so strange, I definitely feel like I have a good reason to stop them. So the first man elder Peck and I approached was Probably about 60 or more and I told him That I had a something to share with him, kindly he listened and was patient with me and my Portuguese but i got the message across and he seemed very interested, he took the book of MOrmon and flipped through it as he walked away, not a huge deal, who knows what will happen to him, this was just an exersise to get comfortable talking with people in the language but it certainly was a good feeling, having somebody listen. elder Peck got the next guy and wasn't so lucky we switched off giving the message and after a lot of rejection we gave out two more Books of Mormon its hard work, but It was so much better than sitting in class all day, but also it´s so humbling cause we all have so far to go until we can speak the language. Guess what! I forgot to tell you last week, one of the guys in my district, his name is Elder Duke, is best friends with Landon Finter, we discovered that probably two weeks in and thought it was so funny, Landon had told him about me a few times and do you remember how we were going to get together before we left, but it never worked out? Because either one of us always had something come up, well Elder Duke would´ve been with him and I would've known him before I came. neat huh? I want you all to know that I´m learning alot and i love you all, I'm obedient and im doing my best. and yes I do get to play a little piano every once in a while and we all mess around elder Howard the one i told you reminded me of Kirby, he is teaching me a little bit more about the piano which is sweet of him, he is so funny. i love everyone in my district, we have the biggest one here, and we are all cramped in a little room all day and surprisingly we all get along so well and there aren't really any fights sometimes a little contention but what can you do. Mom I miss you very much and i love you, Dad thanks for the advise, keep it coming I love it, and i love you , Lisa way to go on the baby! i already knew but that's pretty stinking exciting, She or he better know who i am when i get back. Lauren, your teeth look great, have fun at the trek.
Tawny, I hope you are doing good! I don't get letters and i don't know if mine are going out cause the Brazilian Mailmen are nutso but I´m sending them I really hope you are getting them, they keep saying they are on strike. but Have fun on your trip! I don't know when exactly you are going but tell me all about it, and you can email me i just cant write back. so if that is ever easier feel free. well i love you all talk to you next week

Hey

2008-07-02T17:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know how much time i have so this might be cut short and the computer is being weird. you asked about my companion. . .Elder Peck lets just say he is from the smallest town in Idaho, 13 kids in his graduating class and he hasn't had too much social contact. he is a good kid though i like him, but when you are with someone you aren't used to and the only thing you have in common is that you left on a mission the same day it can get hard but I'm sure it's hard for him to get along with me too, it's just kinda awkward sometimes because he doesn't ever get my jokes. Like for example, I'll say something like, "how about we skip class today and go out for a night on the town. . ." response, "i don't think we should do that elder." i don't know. I love him.

I'm learning a ton! everyday they just cram more and more into you. I went to the Campinas temple today, so pretty. The language is tough, I'm understanding it but there is quite a process to it, hmmm I was blessed with a really cool district though all the kids i came with said they met you at the airport mom, did you go a little crazy? I bet you did, but they were happy to meet you, elder plazier is in my district but he was only my flight companion, he is super funny once he opens up to you . I love the Brazilians, They are close talkers and always want to have a good time, i'll send some pictures. one of the boys in my room is from the amazon, he and his mom were just recently converted and they are working on the rest of his family.

well mom, i would absolutely love my i pod and those speakers and a charger. leave mine and Steven's music on it and if you could maybe give it to tawny and she could put some church music on there, and just leave anything else that's pretty on there ok? I love you all so much. sorry this is kinda short i got wasted on internet time but you are all in my prayers. thanks for all the support. thanks for the stories Lauren, I'm glad the wedding was wonderful. sorry i couldn't help move> the Christensen's were so sweet to help tell them I'm grateful. Dad i expect another letter, i love you. I'll fill you in more next week.
Elder Williams
ps these shirts aren't wrinkle free, and i really miss your cooking mom. as Linda would say peace love and chill

First Companion

2008-06-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

We thought you would enjoy seeing a picture of your fine missionary sons,

Companions Elders Peck and Williams.

Thanks for the Alarm!

2008-06-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

Well, i made it! It´s been a good slow first week, I get up every morning at 5:45. . . make up for the time difference and that's about when i used to go to bed! but i get up at that time to go run then i get ready, study and pray, go to a long day of class and eat, read and pray some more. It,s crazy only a week has passsed by, i feel like i have been gone forever. I can see how it flies by though, it is going faster and faster each day. I had a neat experience yesterday, I had the chance to give an elder a blessing in my district, it was a very straight forward and direct blessing, i promised him things that i myself couldn´t possibly promise. he wanted a blessing because he felt un worthy. it was strange that he trusted me so much to tell me how he was feeling, cause im not even his comp. but i talked with him for a bit, he didn,t go inot detail cause we aren´t supposed to but i got the idea of what he was trying to say. i didn;t have any answers he had done some bad things, but i gave him a blessing, and in the blessing i had the impression to promise him that he would be able to serve an honorable full time mission, not in those exact words but something like that. anyway (tawny if you are reading notice the lack of s) he had an interview with the President, elder Makey is staying, i think they had to call a higher authority and it was a pretty big deal but the lord knows that he has truly repented in his heart. I think you have to be so brave to confess something like that on your mission! he is a great kid. Mom, i hope you are doing alright with out me. i wrote up a letter for you guys today but i can,t send in i dont have your address. i am having a hard time trying to find the apostrophe key. lauren, i hope the move to lehi wasn´t too much of a shock for you, i bet you miss me so much! thanks again for the letter in my suit pocket pretty cute, let me know whats up with besser. Lisa Ace and Easton i hope you guys are all well and i expect some sort of communication from you three in the next couple years i feel like you guys have a tendency to forget about me. Dad send me some letters, i miss you and i love you, and i hope to hear from you soon. I love you all so much and i am praying for you.

love love love
Elder Williams

ps i need steven and ryan´s addresses as well.
pps the alarm doesnt work, i never wake up to it! my roommates hate me.
ppps its very windy at night.

Your Great Missionary Son

2008-06-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Your son is having a great experience here and is enjoying his companion and

district. He is well and happy. We took this picture just this morning in
our office. He hopes you will be able to send him some special hand lotion
from the dermatologist. Thanks for raising such a fine son.
Love,
Sister
Joanne Linford

Your Missionary Son Has Arrived Safely

2008-06-21T16:44:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time.

They now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study.
The branch presidents and their wives, who are usually a senior missionary couple or mature Brazilian couple, will soon give them a second greeting. These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.

The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife.

We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.

Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.

Important information is attached for communicating with your missionary through letters and other mail while at the MTC. Your missionary's district is 25-A and the mail box number is 18.Too many packages are arriving after the missionary has left to the field, so we ask that you send a package only in the first 4 weeks and after that send any packages to his or her mission home.

We are also parents of children who have served as missionaries. And we have been missionaries who have left family. Please know that we are mindful of you and know of your love for your missionary.

Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”

Please accept our love,

President and Sister Woodward
Brazil

Saying Goodbye

2008-06-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

June 17, 2008

The Setting Apart

2008-06-16T16:04:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2008

The Farewell

2008-06-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2008

The Call...

2008-03-11T16:27:00.000-07:00