Elder Williams...

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...

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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...

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?