January 4, 2012

Family Hey so this letter will be the first for a while because it was Christmas and New Years and I really didn't have any time so sorry, but your reading this one so I won't miss another week for a while now! So starting with before Christmas we had our Christmas party where we went to Centro Instrucao de guirrada selva (instruction center for forrest warfare). So President related alot of their trainings for us but we got to take a 20 min. jungle walk then ate really good food and ate fruit and juices. Then we got to dig out larva from a branch and eat that haha. I almost lost it! It was bad but then we got to attempt to grab snakes, but one kid in my group was a girl and didn't do it, but wasted so much time that I didn't get to so yeah, I was mad. But oh well. Then Christmas was fun. We went to the church and saw that someone already deleted skype so that wasn't good, so it went well but was full of stress haha. Then one week passed by and it was New Years which I can't believe I'm in the last week of this transfer, holy cow! That passed by so fast! So if I'm transferred I'll explain how the house is. We have 2 rooms for sleeping, 1 entrance room, 1 dirty kitchen/wash room and 1 bathroom and 1 ironing room, but we don't have beds so we sleep on a mattress on the floor ha woot experiences haha. So I got alot of stuff for Christmas. I received 2 from mom and dad, 1 from Chan, 1 from Holly which was way nice of her. The k'nex was super fun and I've already done Chan's puzzle. It took 10 min. haha, but it was fun. (mom says: she didn't send a picture so it would be harder, obviously that didn't work) I got the wood puzzle all figured out too haha, but it was fun! Alright, so I keep forgetting how to do it haha, so it's continually fun haha. A good toy for short term memory people ha. So as I told you I finished the Book of Mormon before Christmas so it was like 6 months I think. So at the Christmas activity I found out that one of our people in Itacoatiara who returned to the church was called 2nd Counselor to the President! So that's cool! To pronounce Itacoatiara say it like It-a-co-watch-e-a-da try that, I think you should get it now. (Mom's note: when we were skyping I said something about that city and he didn't have a clue what I was saying until finally I said the first city you were in then he said Oh, so that is why he is giving me a lesson on how to say it)haha So right now we have 3 weddings planned and 4 dates marked but we have one more potential wedding and baptism so were being blessed right now. Were working hard, but you have to. Oh about the buzz fliers you got me "he doesn't fly he falls in style"! haha So at lunch the other day had a chance to try the inside fat part to the bone of a cow foot, was called tuterio and man was that really bad! I really almost lost it that time! But all in all the area is good, the comps always there by me and the suns close to keep us tan! I love you all, have a wonderful week! Elder Deakin D&C 135:3 Joseph Smith's the Man! Jacob 1:12 Though this scripture is short and undetailed we can remember one trait about the glorious, strong, brave, valiant, righteous, Prophet Nephi...that he too was just a man, like us, therefore we too can perform miracles and be like him.

December 25, 2011

Familia! Merry Christmas! Hey how goes it this week? So....transfers! It's old news but I will be transfered to Zona Central (where the mission home is, where da Cunha got transferred to). So I am pretty sad I have to leave this town, but it's cool to see a new area! So as I'm leaving, the whole town is throwing me lanches w/cake and food. Sorry this letter is short today, I'm super busy getting this package sent! Have a great day. I Love You all! Oh also Merry Christmas!!

Garland 4th Ward! I hope you all are enjoying this cold Christmas season. I'm enjoying this hot Christmas weather! You all might not enjoy the snow 100% but it's not Christmas without it! I would also like to thank you for all the letters and especially all the prayers for the missionaries. This work isn't possible w/o the help and the prayers of all the members. Also like to thank you all for the help and teachings you have given me in my life. Each member/leader has made a significant impact on my life and I thank you all for that! And with the Christmas season here I would like to challenge you all to read the Christmas story in the Bible and learn more about our Savior that we have designated a day for. Remember the true meaning of Christmas. Help those who stand in need of help. With each new ward/branch I enter I can see those members who truly are disciples of Christ, testifying of Him in their actions, and I know that each of you truly are His disciples. Also, I challenge you to watch the video on LDS.org about Christmas (as missionaries we make alot of challenges haha) But as a last note, I really would like to thank you all again for all the help and prayers! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Season! Stay warm! Elder Deakin Reading assignment: St. Matt Chap 1 & 2, St. John 1:10-12, Zechariah 2:6 (santa lives)