28-01-2013

Hello everyone!

Im terribly sorry, but this will be a short one too. They had us fill out a survey thing on Preach My Gospel (took me 3 times, cause the internet place closed, then the power went out, and now I finally finished) and I have to write my letter to President Souza, which I do first. On top of that, letters to read that I missed last week and this week. Phew!!! I actually think Im overtime right now, hard to tell cause we changed places when the power went out.

Very quickly, Creuza got baptized! Yay! Thanks for the prayers and support of everyone over there!

We are throwing a movie night in Itapipoca this Friday night (Sexta is Friday, right?) with popcorn and soda and stuff! On a borrowed projector from the chapel. Its going to be really fun for our investigators. We have 3 or 4 potential Priesthood Holders (which we REALLY need) so more prayers are much appreciated. :)

Mom, you asked a lot about Elder R. Barbosa's family. He has their support even though they havent joined the Church yet. Everything is all good with him. Im sorry, I would really like to answer all the questions in your letters, but Im so short on time. :( I have to play scavenger hunt and re-read to where I left off.

Im so glad my package finally arrived. The one you guys sent isnt lost, its on the way back to you guys, so you wont have to replace it. Would you be willing to include a bit of peanut butter, if possible?

Um, what else... I had an interview with President Souza that was absolutely fantastic. I dont know why, but I was really nervous while waiting. Happily, it turned out to be very comforting, helpful, and encouraging. :)

Looks like I have a bit of time, I will write some good stuff.

I got burned for the first time here, Saturday. It was really odd, cause Ive spent almost 4 months here, walking in the sun all day, no sunscreen, and I havent been homem-lagosta at all, until that day. My arms were really red, and they didnt hurt. Its weird, Im about as dark as I think I will get on the mission, but when I look at my arms, I dont look dark at all. Just white. Anyone jealous over there in the freezing cold? :)

Hey Dad, I didnt have to pay the R$137 fee on my package, since I never got it. You can reverse the transaction now. Did you put 137 dollars or 68 dollars? I just want to make sure, Ive confused them so many times already.

In regards to the canyon trip, Im not so sure about Bluejohn. Just what Clark and Steve said (I didnt do any of my own research on the canyon) which was that they wouldnt touch Bluejohn, cause its dangerous or something like that. The rating doesnt seem that bad, which doesnt add up. Maybe ask Clark and Steve their opinion?

As for the 230 foot rappel, that sounds totally sweet! The lowering plan sounds pretty good, if youre okay with hauling the 30 feet back up. The other option is use a prussik to detatch and reattatch below, with a static rope length. But its much more risky, more things that can go wrong, and everyone would have to do it. I think the lowering method sounds much better.

On my facebook, would you be willing to add Monalisa and Luiz as friends? Thanks!

I sent a big letter to you guys, hand written, that has a letter from Elder R. Barbosa too. Have you guys gotten it yet?

Ah, it is time to head out. I have less than an hour left of P-day due to watching Journey 2. (it was pretty good) I took pictures of this week and last weeks letters, so I will write a mission ties if I can. Love you guys!

~Élder Wille

Quick responses. Our mission has 180 missionaries, and we are lacking 40 to be at minimal capacity. With Caucaia and the groups, we REALLY need more missionaries. One companionship each for Caucaia, Paracuru, and Itapipoca.

Im sorry you were really sick! :( I hope you get better really fast!

The first meeting went awesome. we had 55 people there in attendance. It includes us missionaries and the leaders, but still. Its almost a branch all by itself!

Ah, gotta go now, Love you! Have fun in the desert, cause I am in one too! :)

~Élder Wille

Handwritten Letter

http://robert.willeweb.com/josh/13021409.pdf

1/14/2013

Dear Dad,

I'm alright, everythings just great! We finally spent the night in Itapipoca. I have some pictures, but I dont know the names of all the people in them. We went up Saturday, and returned Sunday in time for church with 17 non-members in a hired bus. It was crazy! We have 11 (!!!) people almost prepared for baptism over there. Prayers would be very much appreciated that they can continue and get baptized.

I'm sorry racquetball didnt go so well, but that one shot sounds like it just about made up for it. :) any battle scars to remember it?

Madison is a really great guy, I had a good time with him and the Priests on their outings and such. Im sure he'll be a great missionary.

1/7/2013

http://robert.willeweb.com/josh/13011405.pdf

OiOiOi!

Dear Family,

I hear you guys are freezing over there? Its so hot here that I cant sleep with even just a sheet over me and a giant fan in the room! The sun is hot, its humid, and it rains almost every morning now. Not the huge Utah storms, just average rain, and it only lasts about a minute. Everyone thinks Im crazy cause I like to stand out and enjoy it. I miss those big storms.

New Years, we spent it sleeping. :) No stops in the missionary work, Im afraid. 10:30 bed, and up at 6:30 like clockwork. I did wake up at midnight though, too many loud explosions. I only got one or two photos, since I was up and not sleeping again anytime soon. (nossa, que barulho!) It was pretty much just a normal day, but we bought another pannetone to celebrate at 9.

Christmas, we had dinner at the house of our LMA, Edinho. (eh-JEEN-yoo, something like little Eddie) It was good, rice and chicken and salad. I took a picture, which will come in the next batch. After that, we went home, ate the first pannetone, and went to bed.

I did get one present for Christmas, from President and Sister Souza, but that was at the Christmas Conference. A bag of M&Ms, and a jar of dirt... I mean, sand. Its different colors, and makes a picture. Pretty cool. Funny thing, I got more presents for my birthday than for Christmas.

You gave me money for both of my companions for Christmas, and they both got it. :)

Happy news, I know where my Christmas package is. Its stuck at the Correios (post office) in Aldeota, and I have to pay a R$127 tax on it. O_O Lame, right? They choose certain packages to tax, and let others go through. I was lucky enough to be chosen for whatever reason. I dont know how they choose. :( Im going to pick it up on Wednesday after my district meeting in Aldeota.

We have to move houses because this one has problems up the wahzoo and they´re finally putting another pair of missionaries in Caucaia! In February! We need a bigger house to support 4 people as well.

So far, we havent stayed overnight anywhere but here. Dont worry mom, I do have a flashlight and we avoid dark places. Thieves like to hide there, so we try and steer clear.

Itapipoca is actually not even a group yet, officially. Its just a family that has a meeting with a hymn, prayer, spiritual thought, and closing hymn and prayer. Thats it. And scenery.... I usually sleep on the bus there, >.> and no, I dont get motion sick. :) Its very dry there, doesnt seem remotely tropical.

The bus there is like a big tour bus, more or less. The other ones for shorter, in city trips are similar to the ones in Mexico.

Before I forget, Edinho wants me to ask you How much is a jar of peanut butter? He and his family tried some and are now viciously addicted. Oh dear... :) A returned missionary and all.

Im sorry, I dont have any more time to write and answer questions. Dad, I know you asked some in your latest email, I will try to answer them in a mission ties or next week. Sorry!

Ah, real quick too. I didnt get Sarah a present for her birthday. If she would like to wait quite a while more, I can get her something here.