Boa tarde todos! E aí? Como foi a semana passada para vocês? Foi bem? Foi Ótimo?!
[Good afternoon everyone! And there? How was last week for you? It went well? It was amazing?!] [mom note: his English is getting worse week by week!]
How's it going everyone? Every week that I write these emails I can't help but think how fast time flies! Literally it was last week I was doing this same thing of writing emails and thinking about what happen during the week.🤣
But either way, here is the update for this last week:
 |
| Guitar |
 |
| Traveling with the boys |
Tuesday - Had a little discussion with the other Elders and we talked about the role of missionaries as knights and God as our king since we are trying to build up the kingdom of Heaven. It was a good analogy! Elder Hogge and I also traveled to Ponta Grossa today to do a division with Elder Jenkins and Araújo. It was my first time in the city of Ponta Grossa and our friend Cris picked us up and gave us this street taco like food that was DELICIOUS! Thanks Cris!
 |
| Member lesson with Jenkins |
Wednesday - I was with Elder Jenkins today in Uvaranus. We started the day with a mission devotional and talked about the power of fasting. We read from Isaiah 58:5-14 and Alma 17:3. Some things that stuck out to me during a fast is having purpose in the fast and that Crist never asks things of us without promising blessings. There are always blessings promised. And within the fast, exists 3 parts: 1. Start with a prayer 2. Have a purpose and 3. Have joy. I think at times we forget about the 3rd part but truly a fast is a wonderful experience to bless the life of others. Don't focus on the thought of "I AM STARVING", focus on the people you are helping! After the devocional, I got to work with Elder Jenkins and everything people say about Jenkins literally "running" is true. I was sweating like crazy and speed walking the entire day! Man he can walk! I was also introduced to Miguel who lived in Chicago for some time and I was cool to just talk with him about life! Shout out to Miguel!
 |
| Elder Jenkins |
Thursday - We traveled back to Palmeira to then work for like 8 hours until we traveled to Curitiba to visit the Temple the next day!🤣 This week was a lot of travel! On the bus, I was talking with this girl named Beatriz and because the ac wasn't working on the bus, I gave her a church pamphlet and she asked what was my religion and I explained that I was a missionary serving in Curitiba for 2 years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We then had a good discussion about religion and life. It felt very natural. I think at times, missionaries focus a lot on just the teaching but we need to remember we are talking to children of God. I like what Elder Jenkins taught me about being a missionary. He likes to try to be like Christ from "The Chosen" and think what Christ would do. For those who haven't seen the Chosen, Christ has a greater sense of humor in the show and thinking like that has really helped me relate more to people and then teach and find their needs better! (A tip for all the missionaries out there!)
 |
| Water cup on the bus |
 |
| Temple with the boys |
 |
| I guess all you need to pack as a missionary is Books of Mormon |
Saturday - Now I will address the title of this email. Elder Hogge and I went around with some family history people to help other people understand and begin making a "family tree". There were 2 dads and 3 sons and one of the days needed to connect to the sons hot spot and he said the password was "123456" which was interpreted as 123456 but actually the password was "244466666". We couldn't help but laugh at both how smart and funny his password was! We also had a ward activity. I was asked to participate in one of the activities with some of the young men and kids where you are in a circle and have 2 ties. You need to tie the tie and pass it on before the other one reaches you. And as a missionary who ties a tie everyday, of course..... I lost.... yep. Apparently I still need practice and kids are better than me at tying a tie. So I had to do push-ups since I lost😅 ALSO, if anyone knows the apple soda Mazanita sol, APPARENTLY IT EXISTS HERE IN BRAZIL!! WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!
...yeah, i lost
Sunday - Worked the van with Elder Loertscher today! It was really cool and I think we are now comfortable to lead the area if Elder Cardoso and Hogge leave this next transfer (next week). Elder Loertscher and I have also been sitting in Primary to sing with the kids while playing the guitar Elder Loertscher has and its awesome! I like hearing the primary songs in portuguese. (and apparently, the elders are going to sing a few solos for a primary program soon!) Another thing I may have forgotten to mention is that as missionaries, we recieve "references" of people who have interest in the church. Since Palmeira is new, we recieve all the references of the mission that don't have missionaries serving in certain areas so I don't know how many references people usually get, but for Elder Hogge and I, it's about 20 each day compared to about "5 a week" as Elder Loertscher says. So.. we keep busy🤣 1 other thoughts that Elder Hogge said, "apparently every person needs 8 seconds of hugging per day" and I agree! So.... GO HUG SOMEONE!!😆
That's about it for this last week. Next week will be transfers but it is likely I will stay in Palmeira but in case I don't send anything next week, here is why. I love you all and hope your doing well. If there is ever anything I can do for you guys, just let me know! Ate mais!
-Elder Fisher (D🐟)