Letter #46

Dearest Family,

First, to answer some questions: Elder Anderson left for home this last transfer, I do have his address but not with me at the moment and so I will pass that next week and you can send it there ; )

No package yet, But that gives me something to look forward to!

I don't know if you remember but I brought like 500 allergy pills so I still have PLENTY, even at the rate I'm taking them. They last for 24 hours so with two bottles of 200+ that's more than a year of my mission covered : )

I think I can get some dry ice and so will gladly accept the offer of root beer flavoring. That is some good stuff. Elder Allan who is living with us now strikes me as a root beer guy as well so that would be good  ; D

This week ended very well as far as the work goes, with our two firm commitments to baptism going to church without our help. That's almost always a sure sign that you've got something good. They were up, ready and waiting when we passed by with a car to bring them to the church Sunday morning. One young man is fantastic and humble, trains to play soccer professionally and I see in him a future missionary. Excited! 

The young woman is from a family that we have been teaching , but the only one in the family who is willing to truly keep all the commandments and commit to keep them for the rest of her life. She is already active in mutual and young women's, she's only missing that crucial step---baptism. Both have dates marked for this following Sunday!

I am enjoying the fruits of a ward with plenteous opportunities to hold family nights (2 for this next week) and generous helpings of delicious food (the cow's stomach appears to have been the exception).

Nothing has appeared on the house front so I continue to perfect the art of suitcase living. Perhaps I shall write a book on the subject upon my return. It really is an art. Also, "snaggling." That´s like snagging with a little haggling, the way that I eat others' food, use others' shampoo, sit at others' desks, and all nicely. Hey, you do what you have to do when you have nothing. That of course does not apply to toothbrushes.

We have yet to find a post office, as difficult as that seems to believe as we are in the big city. Apparently they only have one per town?. .  I don't know but it's either that or well hidden in this part of the city. So a slight backup on the letters.

Excellent zone conference this week from our fearless leaders Elder Folland and Faustino. (I take diabolical pleasure that my leader in this divine work, bears the name of one who sold his soul to the devil in Goethe's classic work--Faust).

Of course there are challenges, pains and hardships, but they are swallowed up in the joy of my God, which as Ammon would tell you (Alma 27:17) leads to the exhausting of my strength. So I blame it all on this. We lead on in the pursuit of our mission´s goal of 200 baptisms this month, exercising faith and courage and pressing forward, ever onward till the trump of God shall sound. I do love you, especially on the 12th this week which is Brazil's equivalent of Valentine's Day--Dia das Namoradas--and also Coop-Dog who hits 13!!! this week. Love you Cooper!

And you all too!

Love,

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