Elders Smoot and Robertson BBQing in their back yard.
A member loaned them the grill and gave them the meat.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
12-27-10
Hey Family!!
It was so good to talk to you on Saturday!! I loved it. I was able to hear everyone good until the last bit when the phone went crazy. That is nice that you get free calls to Brazil.. Is that why you switched companies? When I tried calling you from the church to tell you to call me back, it said that your number doesn´t accept blocked calls and I guess the church here is a blocked number. That is why Elder Wells parents called you instead. I am glad everything worked out though. I was nervous when I heard there was phone problems earlier with the other missionaries. It was great to hear everone´s voice again though!! I loved it. I am glad everyone had a good Christmas! It sounded fun there. I don´t really have any news for you cause nothing really happened yesterday. We only had one investigator come to church yesterday. That was a little upsetting. Oh, and Itaro (the guy who was supposed to be baptized on Sat.) still wants to be baptized. His parents got in a bad fight on Friday and so he left to his Grandma´s house and that is why he missed the interview and baptism. Hopefully next saturday will work out. The transfer calls still haven´t come yet. I think they will come tonight... hopefully. When I got transferred from Sobral the call came late Monday night. So I am hoping it will be the same way this time too.
Dad, I really don´t miss the winter weather haha. I do kind of miss driving in the snow and gettin pulled behind fourwheelers on a sled, but I don´t mis the cold one bit. I would take this heat here over Idaho winters anyday haha.
I am glad that Devin is going on a mission. That is really good. Did Taylor Walkers call come yet? I am excited to hear where he goes. I am glad Dane and Joseph are doing well. I email Dane a little bit. We email in Portuguese and talk about our missions. He sounds way good in his emails to me. What mission is Joseph in again? I know it is Mexico, but I don´t know which mission. And when does Sam leave? Does he go to the MTC in Preston, England? or to Provo? Is Nate close to getting a mission call?
Well, I hope you all have a fantastic New Year and Happy 2011!! I think I will be dealing with a lot of drunk people again that day... haha. It probably won´t be much different than any other day actually.. ha. I love you all very much and have a great week!
Love Isaac
It was so good to talk to you on Saturday!! I loved it. I was able to hear everyone good until the last bit when the phone went crazy. That is nice that you get free calls to Brazil.. Is that why you switched companies? When I tried calling you from the church to tell you to call me back, it said that your number doesn´t accept blocked calls and I guess the church here is a blocked number. That is why Elder Wells parents called you instead. I am glad everything worked out though. I was nervous when I heard there was phone problems earlier with the other missionaries. It was great to hear everone´s voice again though!! I loved it. I am glad everyone had a good Christmas! It sounded fun there. I don´t really have any news for you cause nothing really happened yesterday. We only had one investigator come to church yesterday. That was a little upsetting. Oh, and Itaro (the guy who was supposed to be baptized on Sat.) still wants to be baptized. His parents got in a bad fight on Friday and so he left to his Grandma´s house and that is why he missed the interview and baptism. Hopefully next saturday will work out. The transfer calls still haven´t come yet. I think they will come tonight... hopefully. When I got transferred from Sobral the call came late Monday night. So I am hoping it will be the same way this time too.
Dad, I really don´t miss the winter weather haha. I do kind of miss driving in the snow and gettin pulled behind fourwheelers on a sled, but I don´t mis the cold one bit. I would take this heat here over Idaho winters anyday haha.
I am glad that Devin is going on a mission. That is really good. Did Taylor Walkers call come yet? I am excited to hear where he goes. I am glad Dane and Joseph are doing well. I email Dane a little bit. We email in Portuguese and talk about our missions. He sounds way good in his emails to me. What mission is Joseph in again? I know it is Mexico, but I don´t know which mission. And when does Sam leave? Does he go to the MTC in Preston, England? or to Provo? Is Nate close to getting a mission call?
Well, I hope you all have a fantastic New Year and Happy 2011!! I think I will be dealing with a lot of drunk people again that day... haha. It probably won´t be much different than any other day actually.. ha. I love you all very much and have a great week!
Love Isaac
Monday, December 20, 2010
Dec. 20, 2010
Dear Fam,
The past week was good... sort of. We had a good trip to Teresina and got some awesome training from Elder Mazzagardi. He is a really good guy. I don´t know if you like to hear my problems with my companion, but here is one that is more ridiculous than the others. So I don´t know if I have told you about this, but ever since I have arrived in Parnaíba we have gone to the same house every single day around the same time. We stay there for 2-3ish hours every single day. At the beginning we argued a lot, and then I just decided to grin and bare it. But lately we have been teaching some AMAZING people, and sometimes we skip appointments or just don´t give them the time they deserve because of that one house we go to everyday. So I said something this last week... bad idea I guess. Elder Melo got way mad (of course). We got home and he said that I am coming up with plans with the other American missionaries to get away from that house and that I am going behind his back. He even said that I stabbed him in the heart with a knife... ? Anyway, he didn´t want to plan the next day with me that night so ended our day with him while he was getting ready for bed by myself. Well he got even madder and went and slept outside in our backyardish area. Then in the morning he started packing his bags and called the President to go home. He was pretty sure that is what was best. But then last night after church he was completely happy and normal. He is pretty moody. I just try to laugh it off. Transfers are in one week, so... I am prayin´ hard.. haha
I did get socks in that package I got. Thank you. I didn´t get any packages in Teresina, but I got a letter from Kay Grandma. That made my day. I was excited to hear from her. I am sorry about Grandpa´s knee... I hope things get better for him. I pray for them. I will try to write a letter to them sometime.. I need to do a better job at finding time. By the way, in Teresina, I met Elder Olson from Evanston. He lives on the other side of town than Grandma.
So you guys have been asking about my language... I can understand just about everything. Every once in a while there is a word or two that I can´t figure out. But usually I can figure it out by the other things they say. Speaking is a little different. I am pretty good at teaching now. I would say I am fluent in teaching and talking about the Gospel. I can communicate in other conversations as well. I can´t say everything I want, but I can get around the parts that I don´t know how to say. I have definately been blessed with the gift of tounges. And I think the people here have been blessed with the gift of interpretation. I will for sure give you a sample of Portuguese on Saturday.
Dad, I doubt the lessons are the same here in Brazil. In Priesthood yesterday we learned about the Sabbath from Gospel Principles. I don´t know if we are ahead or behind.
Mom, I am sorry about that gang family! That is a little crazy.. I hope that girl brings your gift card back so everything works out easier. I also hope she stops giving you problems.
I am jealous that everyone is together now except for me... I am excited for you all. I miss you all. I miss playing games together, and joking around together. I am way excited to talk to you this week!
So, this is what will happen... I will call you first from the church. Let the number show up on the caller ID because I will only make sure you have the number, then you guys will call that number back. That way you pay for the call. I will call 7ish or 8ish p.m. my time. I think that is 3 or 4 your time?? I don´t know. you guys can figure that out. I hope that works for you... I am excited to hear your voices. It may be better for you to plug in some phones around the house instead of everyone on the speaker phone. It might help me to hear everyone better.. I don´t know how many phones you have though.
Anyway, I am glad you finally got those letters. Just in time for Christmas. Those coconut earings were made by some hippie-bum. I thought they were neat. The new carpet looks good. (and no, no ne has carpet in Brazil.) I hope everyone´s Christmas is fantastic and I can´t wait to talk to you all!! It will be a great day for me. I love you all very very much!!
Love Isaac
The past week was good... sort of. We had a good trip to Teresina and got some awesome training from Elder Mazzagardi. He is a really good guy. I don´t know if you like to hear my problems with my companion, but here is one that is more ridiculous than the others. So I don´t know if I have told you about this, but ever since I have arrived in Parnaíba we have gone to the same house every single day around the same time. We stay there for 2-3ish hours every single day. At the beginning we argued a lot, and then I just decided to grin and bare it. But lately we have been teaching some AMAZING people, and sometimes we skip appointments or just don´t give them the time they deserve because of that one house we go to everyday. So I said something this last week... bad idea I guess. Elder Melo got way mad (of course). We got home and he said that I am coming up with plans with the other American missionaries to get away from that house and that I am going behind his back. He even said that I stabbed him in the heart with a knife... ? Anyway, he didn´t want to plan the next day with me that night so ended our day with him while he was getting ready for bed by myself. Well he got even madder and went and slept outside in our backyardish area. Then in the morning he started packing his bags and called the President to go home. He was pretty sure that is what was best. But then last night after church he was completely happy and normal. He is pretty moody. I just try to laugh it off. Transfers are in one week, so... I am prayin´ hard.. haha
I did get socks in that package I got. Thank you. I didn´t get any packages in Teresina, but I got a letter from Kay Grandma. That made my day. I was excited to hear from her. I am sorry about Grandpa´s knee... I hope things get better for him. I pray for them. I will try to write a letter to them sometime.. I need to do a better job at finding time. By the way, in Teresina, I met Elder Olson from Evanston. He lives on the other side of town than Grandma.
So you guys have been asking about my language... I can understand just about everything. Every once in a while there is a word or two that I can´t figure out. But usually I can figure it out by the other things they say. Speaking is a little different. I am pretty good at teaching now. I would say I am fluent in teaching and talking about the Gospel. I can communicate in other conversations as well. I can´t say everything I want, but I can get around the parts that I don´t know how to say. I have definately been blessed with the gift of tounges. And I think the people here have been blessed with the gift of interpretation. I will for sure give you a sample of Portuguese on Saturday.
Dad, I doubt the lessons are the same here in Brazil. In Priesthood yesterday we learned about the Sabbath from Gospel Principles. I don´t know if we are ahead or behind.
Mom, I am sorry about that gang family! That is a little crazy.. I hope that girl brings your gift card back so everything works out easier. I also hope she stops giving you problems.
I am jealous that everyone is together now except for me... I am excited for you all. I miss you all. I miss playing games together, and joking around together. I am way excited to talk to you this week!
So, this is what will happen... I will call you first from the church. Let the number show up on the caller ID because I will only make sure you have the number, then you guys will call that number back. That way you pay for the call. I will call 7ish or 8ish p.m. my time. I think that is 3 or 4 your time?? I don´t know. you guys can figure that out. I hope that works for you... I am excited to hear your voices. It may be better for you to plug in some phones around the house instead of everyone on the speaker phone. It might help me to hear everyone better.. I don´t know how many phones you have though.
Anyway, I am glad you finally got those letters. Just in time for Christmas. Those coconut earings were made by some hippie-bum. I thought they were neat. The new carpet looks good. (and no, no ne has carpet in Brazil.) I hope everyone´s Christmas is fantastic and I can´t wait to talk to you all!! It will be a great day for me. I love you all very very much!!
Love Isaac
Monday, December 13, 2010
Almost Christmas
Dearest family,
This past week was sooooooo much better. Tuesday me and my comp. got into a HUGE argument... the biggest one we have had so far. We got into an argument about where to go cause he wanted to skip an appointment. He has been doing all the planning by himself this whole time cause he is ´senior comp.´ So we argued and I told him that starting that night we are going to plan together and the next day we are goin to study the part in preach my gospel about companionship unity. (President told me to do that) He was mad at me and we just went and sat at this part member family´s house for 5 hours... It was boring, but they actually helped him somehow. When we left he apologized and I apologized and now we are finally planning together everyday and studying together everyday. That has made all the difference. We were happy with each other the whole week. I think we finally figured it out.
So this last week was great. We finally marked some baptisms with a couple investigators. And before I got here Elder Melo baptized this one girl and her little sister came up to us the other day and told us that she wants go get baptized now. So we will teach her. Yesterday we had a district conference. It was broadcast from Salt Lake to the northeast of Brazil. We heard from Elder Stanley Ellis (of the seventy), Sister Dalton, Elder Anderson, and President Uchtdorf. It was a good meeting. Elder Anderson knows Portuguese, but it must have been a long time since he has used it... He had a pretty bad accent.. haha.
Tomorrow I will be going to Teresina with the other 9 Elders in Parnaíba. Elder Mazzagardi came to our mission to do some training. He is in the second quorum of the seventy I think. He spoke in the last General Conference. I am excited to go down there. We will leave tomorrow afternoon and spend the night in Teresina, then we have meetings from 8 in the morning till 3 in the afternoon. It will be great. We will return late Wed. night.
I got a package last week!! It had some mike and ikes, starbursts, a tie, fruitsnacks, and some letters. It was awesome! Thank you so much! I am glad I got one. Maybe some more showed up in the last week or two to Teresina. But I loved the package. Oh, and I do have an oven for the muffins, but we don´t have muffin tins. I will make them into pancakes instead. I am exited for that.
So the food down here is the same every single day. Rice, beans, spaghetti noodles, and maybe some chicken. I like it. Sometimes the beans are gross, but I eat them anyway. I haven´t eaten anything way weird yet. The desserts are bad, but we don´t usually get dessert so that is good. I got a letter from Rachelle along with that package. It was the first letter I have gotten since I left the States. I got a letter from Bailey and Chad while I was in OR. I have only written a couple of letters here. I sent them home with Elder Harris more than a month ago, but I don´t know why he hasn´t sent them. He probably lost them or something. I will write some more and send them out soon.
It sounds like things are going great back home! I am sad that I won´t be home for Christmas, but I am very excited to call home! I don´t know exactly what will happen for the phone call, but I will figure it out. I hope you all have a good time getting ready for Christmas!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEY!!! Para-bens pra você, Nesta data querido! Muito felizidades, Mais anos de vida!! That is the birthday song in portugues. I love you very much and I hope you have a great day today! Love ya!
I love you all very much. If I didn´t answer some questions just keep asking them. I try to remember, but I am pretty sure I forgot some... Sorry. But I love you and I will talk to you next week!!! WOO!!
Love, Isaac
This past week was sooooooo much better. Tuesday me and my comp. got into a HUGE argument... the biggest one we have had so far. We got into an argument about where to go cause he wanted to skip an appointment. He has been doing all the planning by himself this whole time cause he is ´senior comp.´ So we argued and I told him that starting that night we are going to plan together and the next day we are goin to study the part in preach my gospel about companionship unity. (President told me to do that) He was mad at me and we just went and sat at this part member family´s house for 5 hours... It was boring, but they actually helped him somehow. When we left he apologized and I apologized and now we are finally planning together everyday and studying together everyday. That has made all the difference. We were happy with each other the whole week. I think we finally figured it out.
So this last week was great. We finally marked some baptisms with a couple investigators. And before I got here Elder Melo baptized this one girl and her little sister came up to us the other day and told us that she wants go get baptized now. So we will teach her. Yesterday we had a district conference. It was broadcast from Salt Lake to the northeast of Brazil. We heard from Elder Stanley Ellis (of the seventy), Sister Dalton, Elder Anderson, and President Uchtdorf. It was a good meeting. Elder Anderson knows Portuguese, but it must have been a long time since he has used it... He had a pretty bad accent.. haha.
Tomorrow I will be going to Teresina with the other 9 Elders in Parnaíba. Elder Mazzagardi came to our mission to do some training. He is in the second quorum of the seventy I think. He spoke in the last General Conference. I am excited to go down there. We will leave tomorrow afternoon and spend the night in Teresina, then we have meetings from 8 in the morning till 3 in the afternoon. It will be great. We will return late Wed. night.
I got a package last week!! It had some mike and ikes, starbursts, a tie, fruitsnacks, and some letters. It was awesome! Thank you so much! I am glad I got one. Maybe some more showed up in the last week or two to Teresina. But I loved the package. Oh, and I do have an oven for the muffins, but we don´t have muffin tins. I will make them into pancakes instead. I am exited for that.
So the food down here is the same every single day. Rice, beans, spaghetti noodles, and maybe some chicken. I like it. Sometimes the beans are gross, but I eat them anyway. I haven´t eaten anything way weird yet. The desserts are bad, but we don´t usually get dessert so that is good. I got a letter from Rachelle along with that package. It was the first letter I have gotten since I left the States. I got a letter from Bailey and Chad while I was in OR. I have only written a couple of letters here. I sent them home with Elder Harris more than a month ago, but I don´t know why he hasn´t sent them. He probably lost them or something. I will write some more and send them out soon.
It sounds like things are going great back home! I am sad that I won´t be home for Christmas, but I am very excited to call home! I don´t know exactly what will happen for the phone call, but I will figure it out. I hope you all have a good time getting ready for Christmas!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAILEY!!! Para-bens pra você, Nesta data querido! Muito felizidades, Mais anos de vida!! That is the birthday song in portugues. I love you very much and I hope you have a great day today! Love ya!
I love you all very much. If I didn´t answer some questions just keep asking them. I try to remember, but I am pretty sure I forgot some... Sorry. But I love you and I will talk to you next week!!! WOO!!
Love, Isaac
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dez. 6
Hey!!!!This week was up and down. So, from monday to Friday, my comp was mad at me. It was ridiculous, but on Wednesday in the street I just talked to him and he didn´t talk back, but I just explained that there is no way that we can teach with the Spirit if we are not happy with each other. And I said that I know our cultures are different, but that doesn´t have to stop our work. I told him that if he has a problem with something I do, that he can tell me and I will try to stop doing that thing. I told him that I love him and that if we start working together in unity, that we can do miracles in this area. I think that helped a little that day. Half way through Friday he was happy and everything was good.So, on Christmas we get to talk a little. Here in Parnaíba there is a phone in the church so I will use that to call you. I am not sure if I will call you and have you call back? or if I will email you a time to call. I am not sure exactly how it will work out. I will find out more information and let you know. Are you 4 or 3 hours behind me here? I still haven´t gotten any packages or letters or anything here. But my zone leader is in Teresina for training right now so maybe there is something there that he will bring back with him. I will tell you about our investigators now you know what is going on. We have Rosangelawho has 4 kids and a boyfriend. She wants to be baptized and is all our committments, except for one. She won´t talk to her boyfriend about marriage. So tomorrow we are going to talk to both of them together and see what they both think. I hope it goes well. A problem we have is that she doesn´t know if she wants to get married to him. It is tough...I shouldn´t have ´favorite´ investigators, but this next guy is awesome. His name is Adriano. He is kind of like Lasero from Sobral but is actually keeping the commitments. He has had problems with drugs in his life and recently has been looking for the right church to join to give him some help. I am glad the Spirit stopped us that night to talk to him because I am certain this gospel can help him out. So we taught him a little about the Atonement and that with the power of the Atonement he can overcome his habbit. He has been praying hard to find out what church is true, but says he hasn´t received any answers yet. He cant read very well, so I want to read the Book of Mormon to him and then have him pray about that. He came to church yesterday and the testimonies were perfect for him I thought. He is a really good guy and I am proud of him and his faith. Another one we have is Itaro. He is 18 and is really interested in this church, but he is having a hard time praying to ask if it is true. I am going to ask him why he isn´t praying and hopefully get to the bottom of his concern. He is a good kid though. He is living the word of wisdom now and likes talking with us about our church. He missed church yesterday, so I hope everything is still good with him. Maybe we will go visit him tonight and see what was up. I don´t have much else to say. The work is starting to pick up and I am happy to be here. This is a good area to be in. I love you all very much!!! thank you for thinking about me and for your prayers! You are all amazing to me. Love Isaac
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