New Companion, Same Area

Womp! Happy Independence Day to yall! Yesterday night (the 4th of July) I remembered what day it was, and it was really weird. Thankfully, we got to see some fireworks though, because there was this insane religious party in part of the city. There were fireworks, lots of banners in the air, really loud music, live band, fireworks, crazy yelling preachers (with microphones!), etc. It was nuts. We were teaching a lesson to this one couple that live not too far from where this was all taking place, and it was quite funny. So, we had a member with us, Bete, and she was bearing her testimony about our Church and all that jazz, and the whole time there is the insane preacher man shouting (and we can hear it perfectly). Then she´s like "Our Church doesn´t do that because the Spirit is a quiet voice that we hear." It was perfect.

The loss of the World Cup was quite a disheartening day, but it´s all because of the stupid Brazil player that scored for the Netherlands. Trevor can brag all he wants, but just let him know that his country got lucky. Also, GASP! Bryan could have his call in 2 weeks! I´m quite excited. Hopefully, he´s coming to Brazil. Elder Faust once said, "There are two types of missionaries in the Church: The ones that serve in Brazil, and the ones that wish they did." Hey, the words of an Apostle, not mine. Although, I second him. Apparently, he was quite the baller here in Brazil and had a house here.

Boas Novas: Transfers! So, finally, after 5 and a half months Elder Abreu left Ji-Paraná, off to train an American and be a district leader in Cuiabá. I´m staying here and waiting for Elder Santana to come. I kind of have no idea when he´ll get here, but I´m currently staying at the house of the Bete and Renato until he comes. It feels weird to just have a church member as a companion. I feel like I´m sinning... But this will be good! I think I´ve talked to Elder Santana one time, so it should be fun.

We didn´t have any baptisms this last week, but it´s all good. We found this one guy named Ilsemar (that´s an i in front) who came to Church this week. He´s way cool and accepted to get baptized this Sunday (along with his wife, but she needs to go to Church 2 times in order to get baptized). Anyways, we taught them the 1st Lesson and left the Book of Mormon, just like normal. When we came back, not only had they read 3 Nephi 11, but the Introduction, and everything else up until 1 Nephi 8! I was absolutely shocked. Not only did they read a ton, but this was a MAN that did it! Usually men are not nearly as receptive. The only thing is I think they smoke, so we´ll have to help them with that. But talk about elect! Oh, and we went with Alrora and Roberto (parents of a 13 year old recent convert) today to the marriage place (it´s called a Cartório in Portuguese), so that they can get married. They smoke (which we´re helping them with) and them getting married was a big step. They already saved up their money to pay for it, and now they have to wait 30 for the papers to go through and then they can get married! Bam! So, this is quite the stuff. Oh, and there is a new member here, who is 23 and married, and served his mission in Campinas. He´s pretty cool and should help to get things moving with exciting the members here. They all want the branch to grow, but it´s about having faith AND works.

Well, the Church is true people! We all have the same goal in mind, so now we just need to help build Zion. And please just talk to random people in the street and give them pass-along cards. Everyone needs a chance to hear our message, and the missionaries are ready and willing to share it with them!

Love, Elder Carpenter

P.S. I included photos of our district, the best of the Brasil Cuiaba Mission, a weird indian thing outside of our apartment, a meal of champions, and the goodbye photos of Elder Abreu (including Junior, the Ward Mission Leader here. He´s 18, haha). Oh, and Elder Itinose of the 70 is going to be at our next mission conference on the 20th of July. Get excited! He was the Brasil Manaus mission president from 2005-2008.