e-mail
September 3, 2012
Hello Family!
So this week was pretty much just another normal week. First off it doesn´t look like Elder Carrell and his companion are going to be coming back. It is just Elder Millett and I for the whole area now! This past week we have been running back and forth from our investigators to their area, (now our area). Moises couldn´t get baptized this week because he drank a little bit of beer on Friday after 2+ weeks of stopping, but he brought his wife and his son with him to church. We are going to see what happens with that this week! Maybe baptize him and his wife on Sunday...and wait two years for the son because he is only 6. The picture of us at the table is when Moises and his wife offered for us to eat dinner with them on Saturday night!!! Firm investigators right?! It was a blast and they really liked church and really like us!
I did not send a tie in the package, I was talking about the tie President Monson is wearing on the cover with all the country flags. There is the U.S. flag, right next to it are the Brazil and Argentina flags! So I just thought that was pretty cool and INSPIRATION.
I can't believe Josh is married now. Tell them congrats for me! It looks like it was good! Thank you for all the pictures, I can't believe its almost been two years since that picture with all the guys!!! Keep the scores coming and let me know what Utah does in the ranks and games and all that. GO UTES!!! Have a great relaxing time now with Alec especially, and make sure he tells you guys that he loves you because its coming fast!!! P days we usually e mail and eat, then go buy stuff and sleep or write letters because we are exhausted, but today we´re going to switch it up and see if we can find some cool stuff in the center after eating and buy some shakes the members told us about.
Well that is about it for this week! I hope you guys have and awesome week! Tell the peeps back home hi for me, and that I love them. Tell Alec, Jackson, and Pep hi for me like always and tell them I love them! Thank you for the great updates and keep the football coming now ha ha.
Love you guys tons!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Week 39 ~ Happy Birthday Grandma Jane
e-mail
August 27, 2012
Hello family!
Wow it looks like you guys had a great time in Florida, even though it is probably super hot there with humidity! That's how it is everyday here though... hot and walking A LOT, especially this week. When and where did Jack get that North Carolina jersey? GET ME ONE!!! Tell Alec that it is almost his time but just to have fun, especially these last two months.
This last week was a little bit of a struggle but still good. Tuesday, all the new Elders got here in Apucarana. But Elder Castro had been transferred to be with our other Zone Leader, but he had twisted his ankle and needed us there to stay with him for the day... so we didn't do much that day. The rest of the week was pretty normal until Friday when Elder Carrell got a call from President Tavares saying he would be transferred to Londrina. Saturday we stayed with Elder Carrell´s new companion, Elder Rife and worked our area and his area. We walked around 13 or more miles on Saturday, and a good distance yesterday too! We had a baptism scheduled with Moises, a guy that had stopped drinking for a week and was improving a very sad life, but then he didn´t come to church. President Tavares called again yesterday and said Elder Rife would go to the center with the zone leaders. He also said that maybe in a week either Elder Carrell will come back, or maybe he´ll get a new companion or maybe he´ll just stay in the center the rest of the transfer. Only God and President Tavares know! But we waited outside of Moises´ house all night waiting for him to get home but he never showed up. Now it´s just me and Elder Millett in our house. Today we are going to make the brownies from the package, and yes I already got it! Super FAST! Thank you for the shirts and all the things. We´ll make the brownies today and the cake on my birthday!
Well that´s about it for this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA JANE...I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY! Say hi to everybody for me, especially the Pep and the boys. Thank you again for all you do! I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
p.s. sorry no photos...I have some to send, but when I turned the camera on here it died!
p.p.s. can you send me the recipe of the good Dallis ribs, and the Cafe Rio recipe of the sweet pork and chicken??? The members want some recipes!
August 27, 2012
Hello family!
Wow it looks like you guys had a great time in Florida, even though it is probably super hot there with humidity! That's how it is everyday here though... hot and walking A LOT, especially this week. When and where did Jack get that North Carolina jersey? GET ME ONE!!! Tell Alec that it is almost his time but just to have fun, especially these last two months.
This last week was a little bit of a struggle but still good. Tuesday, all the new Elders got here in Apucarana. But Elder Castro had been transferred to be with our other Zone Leader, but he had twisted his ankle and needed us there to stay with him for the day... so we didn't do much that day. The rest of the week was pretty normal until Friday when Elder Carrell got a call from President Tavares saying he would be transferred to Londrina. Saturday we stayed with Elder Carrell´s new companion, Elder Rife and worked our area and his area. We walked around 13 or more miles on Saturday, and a good distance yesterday too! We had a baptism scheduled with Moises, a guy that had stopped drinking for a week and was improving a very sad life, but then he didn´t come to church. President Tavares called again yesterday and said Elder Rife would go to the center with the zone leaders. He also said that maybe in a week either Elder Carrell will come back, or maybe he´ll get a new companion or maybe he´ll just stay in the center the rest of the transfer. Only God and President Tavares know! But we waited outside of Moises´ house all night waiting for him to get home but he never showed up. Now it´s just me and Elder Millett in our house. Today we are going to make the brownies from the package, and yes I already got it! Super FAST! Thank you for the shirts and all the things. We´ll make the brownies today and the cake on my birthday!
Well that´s about it for this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA JANE...I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY! Say hi to everybody for me, especially the Pep and the boys. Thank you again for all you do! I hope you have a great week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
p.s. sorry no photos...I have some to send, but when I turned the camera on here it died!
p.p.s. can you send me the recipe of the good Dallis ribs, and the Cafe Rio recipe of the sweet pork and chicken??? The members want some recipes!
Week 38 ~ Chatting with a Jehovah's Witness
e-mail
August 20, 2012
Hello family!
One more week come and gone! This week has been a lot of work and running after Luiz. We showed up at his house a lot of the times we had scheduled with him, and he wasn't there. We finally talked to him though a couple days before the marked date and he was excited. Then the next day he said his grandma wouldn´t allow the baptism, and we talked it through for him to at least have an interview. The date fell through but he said he would go to church, but surprise he wasn't there. Sometimes it gets pretty frustrating with people, but I still love them. But we don't know what to do with Luiz now, sometimes its just tricky.
The other day we were knocking doors and met a Jehovah´s Witness. Now those people are always fun! He said we had no idea what we were talking about but we just read some scriptures with him, bore testimonies, and told him lots of stuff. It was pretty interesting because we could see he started to get scared and shaking and all that, so it was just crazy being bashed but then just through simple stuff he knew he was wrong.
Transfers are today and of as right now it appears I will stay here with Elder Millett another 6 weeks, but there is confusion right now, so I have no idea for sure. It is really good here, but sometimes I am the type that would like to move around a little bit and get things switched up every once in a while. I guess we´ll see what happens.
It looks like you guys are having an awesome week! I can't believe you guys are back there in Florida!!! How are the rides? Anything else new there? That sucks that those idiots stole Mailee's purse! Tell her I´m sorry for that! But keep the pictures coming!!! I hope you guys continue to have an awesome week. Keep safe there in Florida and know I always love you guys!!! Tell Al, Jack and Mailee hi for me.
Thank you again for all that you do!
Love
Elder Halpin
August 20, 2012
Hello family!
One more week come and gone! This week has been a lot of work and running after Luiz. We showed up at his house a lot of the times we had scheduled with him, and he wasn't there. We finally talked to him though a couple days before the marked date and he was excited. Then the next day he said his grandma wouldn´t allow the baptism, and we talked it through for him to at least have an interview. The date fell through but he said he would go to church, but surprise he wasn't there. Sometimes it gets pretty frustrating with people, but I still love them. But we don't know what to do with Luiz now, sometimes its just tricky.
The other day we were knocking doors and met a Jehovah´s Witness. Now those people are always fun! He said we had no idea what we were talking about but we just read some scriptures with him, bore testimonies, and told him lots of stuff. It was pretty interesting because we could see he started to get scared and shaking and all that, so it was just crazy being bashed but then just through simple stuff he knew he was wrong.
Transfers are today and of as right now it appears I will stay here with Elder Millett another 6 weeks, but there is confusion right now, so I have no idea for sure. It is really good here, but sometimes I am the type that would like to move around a little bit and get things switched up every once in a while. I guess we´ll see what happens.
It looks like you guys are having an awesome week! I can't believe you guys are back there in Florida!!! How are the rides? Anything else new there? That sucks that those idiots stole Mailee's purse! Tell her I´m sorry for that! But keep the pictures coming!!! I hope you guys continue to have an awesome week. Keep safe there in Florida and know I always love you guys!!! Tell Al, Jack and Mailee hi for me.
Thank you again for all that you do!
Love
Elder Halpin
Monday, August 13, 2012
Week 37 ~ A visit from the Kaelin's
e-mail
August 13, 2012
Hello Family!
It sounds like your week has been pretty good! And it sounds like this next week is going to be really fun too! Send lots of pictures from Florida OK? What exactly are you planning to do there again??? How did the Olympics turn out??? Who won everything? Did the U.S. do good in b-ball and all that?
This week was great! We had some problems with the companionship. When I try to help Elder Millett he doesn't want to accept the help. We did a division, but now things are much better. Also we had interviews with President Tavares here in Apucarana this week. He asked how you were all doing and I told him about Alec's call. He was excited because his son just went into the CTM here! He is such a great and loving man for all of us.
We confirmed Edineia this week and she is really strong and always has questions and comments on everything. She is truly happy in life now! She also asked us to do a fast with her from Saturday to Sunday to help her family. It really is great finding people like her.
We are helping a few families now, so continue to pray for all the people I teach here to help them receive the gospel with open hearts. Tell Seth that no matter what, that God is always going to love him, and to help as many people in life as possible. I don't really know what to say right now, maybe can you find out more for me and next week I can send him more info...?
The other night we got a call from Elder Kaelin and he said he´d come stop by our house. I got the shirts, and yes his mom gave me a big hug (which was a little weird ha ha) We talked a lot and its weird just speaking English now. I came out speaking Portuguese to them ha ha. Then the next day they stopped by in the morning to record my testimony, so hopefully you get that.
That is about it for this week, no baptism but the work is going good. We have a baptism lined up in 2 days, so pray for Luiz... Say hi to everybody especially Al, Jack and the Pep. I love you tons and hope you have a great time in Florida!
Love Elder Halpin
August 13, 2012
Hello Family!
It sounds like your week has been pretty good! And it sounds like this next week is going to be really fun too! Send lots of pictures from Florida OK? What exactly are you planning to do there again??? How did the Olympics turn out??? Who won everything? Did the U.S. do good in b-ball and all that?
This week was great! We had some problems with the companionship. When I try to help Elder Millett he doesn't want to accept the help. We did a division, but now things are much better. Also we had interviews with President Tavares here in Apucarana this week. He asked how you were all doing and I told him about Alec's call. He was excited because his son just went into the CTM here! He is such a great and loving man for all of us.
We confirmed Edineia this week and she is really strong and always has questions and comments on everything. She is truly happy in life now! She also asked us to do a fast with her from Saturday to Sunday to help her family. It really is great finding people like her.
We are helping a few families now, so continue to pray for all the people I teach here to help them receive the gospel with open hearts. Tell Seth that no matter what, that God is always going to love him, and to help as many people in life as possible. I don't really know what to say right now, maybe can you find out more for me and next week I can send him more info...?
The other night we got a call from Elder Kaelin and he said he´d come stop by our house. I got the shirts, and yes his mom gave me a big hug (which was a little weird ha ha) We talked a lot and its weird just speaking English now. I came out speaking Portuguese to them ha ha. Then the next day they stopped by in the morning to record my testimony, so hopefully you get that.
That is about it for this week, no baptism but the work is going good. We have a baptism lined up in 2 days, so pray for Luiz... Say hi to everybody especially Al, Jack and the Pep. I love you tons and hope you have a great time in Florida!
Love Elder Halpin
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| Joey Kaelin, Susan Kaelin, Elder Halpin & Elder Kaelin Special Delivery Package straight from Salt Lake City |
Monday, August 6, 2012
Week 36 ~ "Baptizers" of the mission
e-mail
August 6, 2012
Hello family!
This week was much better when it comes to health and everything. So while we were all sick, we called Sister Tavares and the doctor of the mission. They told us that we had a virus or something we ate was bad, and they said we couldn´t leave the house for a few days...so Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday we stayed in the house all day! It SUCKED! But the Lord will always bless us through trials!
We worked a lot this last week and found some great families that moved to our area from another area here in Apucarana, so now we are working with them and some other of our investigators. This last week we baptized Edineia, who is Bruno´s (boy we baptized last week) mom. Also we confirmed Bruno. They are super strong and really awesome. Even though I am here in a different country with different types of people, I can really feel the love for them as brothers and sisters. This week now has made 3 weeks in a row baptizing for Elder Millett and I and we are now "baptizers" of the mission! So the work is going really good and I´m doing the best I can to do the things I´m here to do! And work for the Lord!
It looks like you guys had an awesome week. I can't believe you sat by Donny on the plane dad! I bet that killed you mom ha ha! And yeah, the Olympics are on at most places we go so that's pretty cool. Who is winning in the gold medal count??? How is the U.S. in basketball??? Keep continuing to have fun back home and before you know it I´ll be back because time is flying now!!!
Dad, keep the stories from the mission coming! Especially baptisms! Also, what other positions did you have, callings, all that good stuff. Keep the pictures coming too!
Well, that's about it this week, work, eat, sleep, and BAPTIZE! I hope you guys have an awesome week!! Tell Alec to stop using those red shorts! They´re my favorite article of clothing ha ha. Tell the boys and the pep hi for me. Also could you send more pictures for me to put on my camera and print out here to show people. Me with friends, all that good stuff. Well I love you guys tons and pray for you all the time. Just know I´m still learning A TON and it's great here. We were sick, Elder Carrell is feeling a little better, but things are good now so don´t worry!
Love you tons!
Elder Halpin
P.S. what have you done with the memory card i sent to you guys after the first few months. and are the pictures backed up on a few things just in case anything crashes or whatever???
August 6, 2012
Hello family!
This week was much better when it comes to health and everything. So while we were all sick, we called Sister Tavares and the doctor of the mission. They told us that we had a virus or something we ate was bad, and they said we couldn´t leave the house for a few days...so Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday we stayed in the house all day! It SUCKED! But the Lord will always bless us through trials!
We worked a lot this last week and found some great families that moved to our area from another area here in Apucarana, so now we are working with them and some other of our investigators. This last week we baptized Edineia, who is Bruno´s (boy we baptized last week) mom. Also we confirmed Bruno. They are super strong and really awesome. Even though I am here in a different country with different types of people, I can really feel the love for them as brothers and sisters. This week now has made 3 weeks in a row baptizing for Elder Millett and I and we are now "baptizers" of the mission! So the work is going really good and I´m doing the best I can to do the things I´m here to do! And work for the Lord!
It looks like you guys had an awesome week. I can't believe you sat by Donny on the plane dad! I bet that killed you mom ha ha! And yeah, the Olympics are on at most places we go so that's pretty cool. Who is winning in the gold medal count??? How is the U.S. in basketball??? Keep continuing to have fun back home and before you know it I´ll be back because time is flying now!!!
Dad, keep the stories from the mission coming! Especially baptisms! Also, what other positions did you have, callings, all that good stuff. Keep the pictures coming too!
Well, that's about it this week, work, eat, sleep, and BAPTIZE! I hope you guys have an awesome week!! Tell Alec to stop using those red shorts! They´re my favorite article of clothing ha ha. Tell the boys and the pep hi for me. Also could you send more pictures for me to put on my camera and print out here to show people. Me with friends, all that good stuff. Well I love you guys tons and pray for you all the time. Just know I´m still learning A TON and it's great here. We were sick, Elder Carrell is feeling a little better, but things are good now so don´t worry!
Love you tons!
Elder Halpin
P.S. what have you done with the memory card i sent to you guys after the first few months. and are the pictures backed up on a few things just in case anything crashes or whatever???
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| Edineia's Baptism |
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Week 35 ~ Bruno's Baptism
July 30, 2012
Hello!
What an interesting week this has been! So Monday was p day and I went on splits with our zone leader so he could meet up with our other zone leader to do stuff. We made tacos, and just relaxed during the day. We got back and Elder Millett and Elder Carrell had left to go teach some of our investigators. Then Elder Castro (zone leader) started to feel sick, so we headed back to the house after getting to a members house to do a family night.
Tuesday, I went on splits with Elder de Aruju who is training, and we visited all his investigators in his area. He is being trained by our other zone leader Elder Valiati, and they are really good. It is always fun to get to see other areas and help other missionaries in the work.
On Wednesday, Elder Millett started to feel really sick while we were out working. We visited Dívina and taught her more about the Holy Ghost, and how she would be confirmed on Sunday. Afterwards we visited another one of our investigators, Edinea and her son Bruno. She is definitely an elect! One night she had a dream she was laying in water (baptism!!!) and 3 demons appeared above her saying "why wont you believe? do you want to be like us?"!!! crazy huh. We taught about the gospel of Christ, word of wisdom and law of chastity and set the date for yesterday for Bruno to be baptized. Then we went back to the house a little early, and Elder Millett started to throw up!
On Thursday we called Sister Tavares and she told Elder Millett to just chill and relax, so we stayed in the house all day. I just studied. Then at 8 we had a meeting with one of President Tavares´ counselors, but Elder Millett and I missed a lot of it because he was still throwing up! That night we stayed in another missionary house in the center. We had pizza and it was great, that is until the middle of the night when I started to throw up too! But first of all the story starts with Elder Carrell a few weeks ago getting sick, then Elder Castro, then Elder Millett then finally me! So Thursday night/ Friday morning I stayed up the whole night throwing up and then I started to have the runs, that's always fun right??? But yeah it sucked because I threw up like 10 times.
On Saturday Elder Carrell and I visited Edinea while Elder Millett stayed in the house. She said that her boyfriend didn´t like the law of chastity, shocker right? Also that her family is talking bad and all the opposition that happens, so we just told her to come to church.
At church she told me she decided not to follow Christ and family was more important...but God seriously knows what he is doing and everything in church yesterday was about eternal family. After she said she wanted Bruno to be baptized! So that's one of the pictures. I totally know that the Lord will always win and help us to do whatever we can.
Here are some scriptures I found that help me and would like to share with everybody that could use them...also pass for Alec to to use during the mission!
Alma 26 whole chapter
Galatians 6:9
Alma 48:17
John Ch. 15 esp. verses 16 and 26
Isaiah 40:31
Philippians 4:13
1 Timothy 1:12
1st half of Proverbs 17:22
Ephesians 6 which is the Armor of God
So that's about it for the week. Don't worry about it now, I am feeling much better, even though I have no idea what passed through me. The doctor said maybe a virus, but I´m totally fine now after eating lots of salts and drinking lots of Gatorade! It was an adventure week for sure, but the Lord definitely blesses us after our trials. Its still rough sometimes with Elder Millett because I´ll tell him something to help him, but he just wont listen and he´ll just try to cut me down, but its all good with God. I´m just here to do my part serving these two years.
I love you guys a ton. Thank you for all you do. Yes I did get the package with the Chalula sauce, and in the next one you send all I want is more m&m´s, red vines, and mac and cheese please. Have a great week! Tell Alec, Jackson, and the Pep hi for me. Thank you again for all that you guys do for me! Thanks for the info. Dad, keep it coming! I love to hear the crazy stories! I love you and will talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| me with our "Hunters of Apucarana" poster |
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| Here is a chart/goal paper idea for Alec to be able to use on his mission! Split the time into 3rds...setting a final goal, but making it look and feel much easier! |
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| Elder Millet, Edinea, Bruno & Elder Halpin ~ Bruno's Baptism |
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| "Baptizers of the Month" list |
Week 34 ~ Divina's Baptism
e-mail
July 23, 2012
Hello family!
This last week was awesome! We met some great people to teach, but more importantly we helped Divina, mom of an inactive, enter the waters of baptism. It was awesome. Yesterday, during church she had an interview with our District Leader and said she wasn't ready but would come to a baptismal service later. There she talked to our Zone leader for like an hour and when they came out she wanted to be baptized! So it was a great day yesterday!
Before in the mission, the most one zone had baptized in a month was 28, but as of now for July, we have 39 baptisms for our zone! So we have destroyed the record and still have one week! Our new goal is 50 for our zone alone, and in comparison with the goal of 200 for the whole mission per month, it will be great when we reach 50 for just our zone!!!
Elder Millett and I have had a few bumpy times. He has 4 months in the mission now and passed through the CTM. He is from Seattle, Washington and is really funny, but I am trying to help him realize that our purpose during the mission is to help people, and the best way we can help is to baptize them and give them eternal life! We´ll have arguments and stuff, but that is just normal. Something big I´ve learned and still need to work on is PATIENCE! But I know with the Lord, all things are good and Christ made the example for us in all things.
Also this week, I went on splits with two Elders still being trained. It was a real adventure, and we taught a bunch and it turns out that a lot of the people we taught were baptized this week, so that is awesome.
Other than that, we just worked normal and met a few people with possibilities this week. So just keep praying for me, but more importantly our brothers and sisters here on the earth that they can reach eternal life and realize that this is the true Church! Seek missionary opportunities back home! Also, Dad could you tell me more about your mission, some experiences, baptisms, goals that you had, all that good stuff. Sorry I never asked you before, but I would love to hear about your mission too!
I hope you guys have a wonderful week. Tell everybody hi for me and that I love them. It is really cool that you are meeting up with all the moms, keep that up because these Elders out here are great! Tell Al, Jack, and the Pep hi for me. I love you tons!
Love Elder Halpin
July 23, 2012
Hello family!
This last week was awesome! We met some great people to teach, but more importantly we helped Divina, mom of an inactive, enter the waters of baptism. It was awesome. Yesterday, during church she had an interview with our District Leader and said she wasn't ready but would come to a baptismal service later. There she talked to our Zone leader for like an hour and when they came out she wanted to be baptized! So it was a great day yesterday!
Before in the mission, the most one zone had baptized in a month was 28, but as of now for July, we have 39 baptisms for our zone! So we have destroyed the record and still have one week! Our new goal is 50 for our zone alone, and in comparison with the goal of 200 for the whole mission per month, it will be great when we reach 50 for just our zone!!!
Elder Millett and I have had a few bumpy times. He has 4 months in the mission now and passed through the CTM. He is from Seattle, Washington and is really funny, but I am trying to help him realize that our purpose during the mission is to help people, and the best way we can help is to baptize them and give them eternal life! We´ll have arguments and stuff, but that is just normal. Something big I´ve learned and still need to work on is PATIENCE! But I know with the Lord, all things are good and Christ made the example for us in all things.
Also this week, I went on splits with two Elders still being trained. It was a real adventure, and we taught a bunch and it turns out that a lot of the people we taught were baptized this week, so that is awesome.
Other than that, we just worked normal and met a few people with possibilities this week. So just keep praying for me, but more importantly our brothers and sisters here on the earth that they can reach eternal life and realize that this is the true Church! Seek missionary opportunities back home! Also, Dad could you tell me more about your mission, some experiences, baptisms, goals that you had, all that good stuff. Sorry I never asked you before, but I would love to hear about your mission too!
I hope you guys have a wonderful week. Tell everybody hi for me and that I love them. It is really cool that you are meeting up with all the moms, keep that up because these Elders out here are great! Tell Al, Jack, and the Pep hi for me. I love you tons!
Love Elder Halpin
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| Making Pizzas for Family Home Evening |
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| Elder Halpin, Divina & Elder Millett ~ Divina's Baptism |
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Week 33 ~ New Companion...Elder Millett
e-mail
July 16, 2012
Hello family!
So yes, I am still a Senior Companion. I will be a Senior the rest of the mission as long as I do everything right. Elder Millett is my new companion, and he was finishing his training with me this last week so it's interesting. He is pretty funny, and it's always interesting to get somebody that is newer in the mission. I´m still trying to help him and teach him what we´re here to do by helping people, especially baptizing people because that is our calling and the best thing we can help people do! Elder Carrell is having a blast now with Elder Castro. Elder Castro is our new zone leader here, and its crazy living with a zone leader, but he is super fun...so no problems on that.
This last week was just pretty normal... not too much happened. We met some people that are really good. We are teaching an older woman, Divina, who was taught a long time ago and her son was baptized but now doesn't go to church, so we´re trying to help her set the example for her family, but she has a few problems especially with her leg, so we´re just helping. Tamara, Talia, and Bruno are still in Londrina, but I think they are coming back this week so that is good! We had a party for the branch the other night because of some "Festa Juninho"... so that was really fun and we got some contacts there. It seemed like the members and some family members/friends had fun!
Now with the debit card... this last week I took out about $100 worth just for emergencies, and I don't plan to use it for like a month. Usually all I use the card for is just food to be honest because our money on the mission cards run out so fast because of taking the bus, and lunches that fall through...in our area we are supposed to get 60 reals more for the bus and lunches, but we haven't gotten it yet so usually I just use personal money for that when necessary, but now I don't plan to use the card for a good while.
Well, other than that, we are just searching, teaching, and trying to help people. Sometimes its tough, but now I just look at that quote everyday and try to remember that this is the Lords work, and he will help us as long as we do our part. President Tavares sent that article in a letter, and it is really great to motivate everybody just to have confidence or finish strong!
Well, I´m gonna go now. Have a great week! I love you guys tons, and thank you for all that you do! I still haven´t gotten the package yet, but I think I will this week! Lets see! Tell everybody hi for me! Especially the pep and the boys. Love you!
Love,
Elder Halpin
July 16, 2012
Hello family!
So yes, I am still a Senior Companion. I will be a Senior the rest of the mission as long as I do everything right. Elder Millett is my new companion, and he was finishing his training with me this last week so it's interesting. He is pretty funny, and it's always interesting to get somebody that is newer in the mission. I´m still trying to help him and teach him what we´re here to do by helping people, especially baptizing people because that is our calling and the best thing we can help people do! Elder Carrell is having a blast now with Elder Castro. Elder Castro is our new zone leader here, and its crazy living with a zone leader, but he is super fun...so no problems on that.
This last week was just pretty normal... not too much happened. We met some people that are really good. We are teaching an older woman, Divina, who was taught a long time ago and her son was baptized but now doesn't go to church, so we´re trying to help her set the example for her family, but she has a few problems especially with her leg, so we´re just helping. Tamara, Talia, and Bruno are still in Londrina, but I think they are coming back this week so that is good! We had a party for the branch the other night because of some "Festa Juninho"... so that was really fun and we got some contacts there. It seemed like the members and some family members/friends had fun!
Now with the debit card... this last week I took out about $100 worth just for emergencies, and I don't plan to use it for like a month. Usually all I use the card for is just food to be honest because our money on the mission cards run out so fast because of taking the bus, and lunches that fall through...in our area we are supposed to get 60 reals more for the bus and lunches, but we haven't gotten it yet so usually I just use personal money for that when necessary, but now I don't plan to use the card for a good while.
Well, other than that, we are just searching, teaching, and trying to help people. Sometimes its tough, but now I just look at that quote everyday and try to remember that this is the Lords work, and he will help us as long as we do our part. President Tavares sent that article in a letter, and it is really great to motivate everybody just to have confidence or finish strong!
Well, I´m gonna go now. Have a great week! I love you guys tons, and thank you for all that you do! I still haven´t gotten the package yet, but I think I will this week! Lets see! Tell everybody hi for me! Especially the pep and the boys. Love you!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Monday, July 9, 2012
Week 32 ~ Transfer Day
e`mail
July 9, 2012
Hello family!!!
How is everything going? So this week was a lot of running around. First of all with Talia and Tamara...they left for Londrina for 2 weeks! So now we´re just waiting for them to get back. The rules with the Word of Wisdom is 4 days with coffee, black tea, alcohol, and cigarettes and 1 month for drugs like weed and crack. 7 days for breaking the law of chastity. Other than that, this week was just running around because we found a "cemetery" of ex-investigators. We had a great branch conference yesterday, and I hope this starts a turn-around for our branch and excites everybody! So, we did not have any baptisms this week but we´re still just working hard and searching.
Before transfers we had a P-Day with President Tavares today because literally our zone is the best zone of the mission! We had a little training session with him this morning, and afterwards we played volleyball and basketball and chilled with him. Then after, we went to lunch in normal clothes, it was pretty weird... then after we went back to the ward house and he announced transfers. Elder Carrell and I will stay in Alvorada and the new companion of Elder Carrell is one of the Zone Leaders and my new companion is Elder Millet, my first American companion! I am super excited for that! Our address is still the same, so maybe send whatever you want to really quickly to the house address here in Apucarana. Maybe some cards with more pictures.
So that was pretty much my week, not to much exciting but still just working hard and I´m super stoked for a new transfer to start. Pass my love to everybody, especially Grandma Jane! Tell her I am praying for her and hope she gets better! I love you tons and hope you have a great week. Oh with the money, our lunch falls through a lot here so its mainly just food that I´m buying. Also I bought all three Hunger Games books in Portuguese so that could be a big purchase and I´ll send a package home with the books soon and other things I don't want to carry around. Thank you for everything. I love you tons. Tell Al and Jack thanks for the notes. Tell Alec that a Brazilian team here just beat a Argentinian team in a big game and now Corinthians (the Brazilian team) will play against Chelsea to determine who is the best team of the world this year ha ha ha! Tell everybody I love them and tell Al, Jack and Pep I love them. Have a great week! Tchau!
Love,
Elder Halpin
July 9, 2012
Hello family!!!
How is everything going? So this week was a lot of running around. First of all with Talia and Tamara...they left for Londrina for 2 weeks! So now we´re just waiting for them to get back. The rules with the Word of Wisdom is 4 days with coffee, black tea, alcohol, and cigarettes and 1 month for drugs like weed and crack. 7 days for breaking the law of chastity. Other than that, this week was just running around because we found a "cemetery" of ex-investigators. We had a great branch conference yesterday, and I hope this starts a turn-around for our branch and excites everybody! So, we did not have any baptisms this week but we´re still just working hard and searching.
Before transfers we had a P-Day with President Tavares today because literally our zone is the best zone of the mission! We had a little training session with him this morning, and afterwards we played volleyball and basketball and chilled with him. Then after, we went to lunch in normal clothes, it was pretty weird... then after we went back to the ward house and he announced transfers. Elder Carrell and I will stay in Alvorada and the new companion of Elder Carrell is one of the Zone Leaders and my new companion is Elder Millet, my first American companion! I am super excited for that! Our address is still the same, so maybe send whatever you want to really quickly to the house address here in Apucarana. Maybe some cards with more pictures.
So that was pretty much my week, not to much exciting but still just working hard and I´m super stoked for a new transfer to start. Pass my love to everybody, especially Grandma Jane! Tell her I am praying for her and hope she gets better! I love you tons and hope you have a great week. Oh with the money, our lunch falls through a lot here so its mainly just food that I´m buying. Also I bought all three Hunger Games books in Portuguese so that could be a big purchase and I´ll send a package home with the books soon and other things I don't want to carry around. Thank you for everything. I love you tons. Tell Al and Jack thanks for the notes. Tell Alec that a Brazilian team here just beat a Argentinian team in a big game and now Corinthians (the Brazilian team) will play against Chelsea to determine who is the best team of the world this year ha ha ha! Tell everybody I love them and tell Al, Jack and Pep I love them. Have a great week! Tchau!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Week 31 ~ 7 months in Brazil
e-mail
July 2, 2012
Hello Family!
What a week I had! So much happened that literally yesterday after lunch I was so tired that I almost fell asleep while eating at a members house! ha ha. So this past week, we were running about searching and searching for the right people. We found some ex investigators in the area book a few weeks ago, and have been working with them for a bit. They are a family of 7, João Ivan (step dad) Roseagela (mom) and they are not married so that's tough, John (19 and uses weed and crack so he has to wait a month) Igor (18 and never met him yet) Bruno (16), Talia (14) and Tamara (8). So a pretty big family with a few problems. On Friday night we were there and everybody showed up so we taught about the plan of salvation! It was a great lesson and really spiritual, but before we started, we just got to know each other, so Bruno opened up more and in the end, Bruno and Tamara committed to be baptized yesterday, and Talia was a little iffy. Yesterday, they had their interviews and Talia drank coffee, so a no go with her but both Bruno and Tamara passed and wanted to be baptized, so we had to run and get the authorization of their mom. She said that Bruno could be baptized but to wait with Tamara. Now we have Thursday set up to baptize Tamara and Talia, so pray for them and to help soften the heart of their mom.
That was pretty much our week, just talking to everybody and teaching this family a lot. We definitely saw a miracle happen and I know without the Lord´s help we cannot do anything, but with Him anything is possible.
It sounds like you guys had a good week. What car were you in when you ran over the ladder??? Any thing bad happen??? That's pretty scary! It is finally awesome to have all of the guys out, and tell Seth that for sure we should make a trip with all of us!!! Everything is going good with us, just Elder Carrell and his companion have some difficulties because his comp. is a little lazy at times so it's interesting. Next Monday is transfers, and to be honest I have no idea what will happen here! So next week I´ll let you know what happens. After next week, can you send me some cards with pictures of everybody? But wait until we know what happens next week ok? Also, can you get me the addresses of all the guys and their mission homes???
Well that's about all for this week. Thank you so much for all you do. I love you tons, and hope you guys have a great week! Tell everybody hi for me and wish Seth good luck for me.
Love,
Elder Halpin
July 2, 2012
Hello Family!
What a week I had! So much happened that literally yesterday after lunch I was so tired that I almost fell asleep while eating at a members house! ha ha. So this past week, we were running about searching and searching for the right people. We found some ex investigators in the area book a few weeks ago, and have been working with them for a bit. They are a family of 7, João Ivan (step dad) Roseagela (mom) and they are not married so that's tough, John (19 and uses weed and crack so he has to wait a month) Igor (18 and never met him yet) Bruno (16), Talia (14) and Tamara (8). So a pretty big family with a few problems. On Friday night we were there and everybody showed up so we taught about the plan of salvation! It was a great lesson and really spiritual, but before we started, we just got to know each other, so Bruno opened up more and in the end, Bruno and Tamara committed to be baptized yesterday, and Talia was a little iffy. Yesterday, they had their interviews and Talia drank coffee, so a no go with her but both Bruno and Tamara passed and wanted to be baptized, so we had to run and get the authorization of their mom. She said that Bruno could be baptized but to wait with Tamara. Now we have Thursday set up to baptize Tamara and Talia, so pray for them and to help soften the heart of their mom.
That was pretty much our week, just talking to everybody and teaching this family a lot. We definitely saw a miracle happen and I know without the Lord´s help we cannot do anything, but with Him anything is possible.
It sounds like you guys had a good week. What car were you in when you ran over the ladder??? Any thing bad happen??? That's pretty scary! It is finally awesome to have all of the guys out, and tell Seth that for sure we should make a trip with all of us!!! Everything is going good with us, just Elder Carrell and his companion have some difficulties because his comp. is a little lazy at times so it's interesting. Next Monday is transfers, and to be honest I have no idea what will happen here! So next week I´ll let you know what happens. After next week, can you send me some cards with pictures of everybody? But wait until we know what happens next week ok? Also, can you get me the addresses of all the guys and their mission homes???
Well that's about all for this week. Thank you so much for all you do. I love you tons, and hope you guys have a great week! Tell everybody hi for me and wish Seth good luck for me.
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| Elder Carrell & Elder Halpin ~ 7 months in Brazil |
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| Bruno's Baptism |
Monday, June 25, 2012
Week 30 ~ "DIA BRANCA"
e-mail
June 25, 2012
Hello!
This week was better. Nobody said anything bad to me (ha ha), so it was much easier. This area is just rough. Yesterday, our district had a "dia branca" "day of white..." where our goal as a zone/district was to baptize 20 people. So we worked super hard and met some good people to teach. We met a mom of a recent convert preparing for a mission, and she accepted the date for this upcoming Sunday! It was a very spiritual lesson.
I went on divisions with one of the zone leaders, Elder Valiati, on Wednesday and it was great. He was one of the assistants when we got here and he is an awesome missionary and really fun. They had confirmed 12 baptisms so they needed the help of Elder Carrell and myself. So that was really fun.
Then the next day was Zone Conference with President and Sister Tavares. It was about "7 banhos" or "7 baths", and they compared it to the leader of the army who had lepracy and had to take 7 baths in the River Jordan. It was really good, and I love the chances we get to be trained and learn with the President.
Yesterday was the District conference here in Apucarana, and like I said Dia Branca. So we went out to bring our investigators and get people with at least a possibility of baptism, but nobody ever answered. It's a little tough to have people go to church, but we are still working hard and looking for God´s elects here. But yesterday was awesome because the district together had 15 baptisms, but a little tough because nobody wants to progress here...
So I have some more scriptures from the conference, especially for Alec and any of my other friends you see preparing to leave. D&C 60: 2-3, 7, and 13, D&C 75: 20-21, D&C 123: 17, Alma 26: 22, Alma 57: 21, Alma 5: 45-47, Abraham 3: 22-23 and substitute your name where Abraham´s name is, D&C 29: 6-7, 3 Néfi 5: 13, Jacob 1: 19, Ether 12: 27, Matthew 4: 18-22, D&C 1: 19-23 and D&C 58: 16. So there are some for hard times, one that talks about not to worry about those who deny you because you´ll be there with Christ to bear testimony and all that good stuff.
I think that the picture of the family is Irmã Veroci, my stake president Edson, and their sons David and Vinicius in Maringá. Also, in the next package could you send Chalula hot sauce and kraft mac and cheese?
Thank you for the message. I love you guys ton! I hope you guys have a good week. Say HI to Al, Jack, and pep. Also send my love to every body. Tell Seth and Sam congrats if you see them again. Love you guys!
Love,
Elder Halpin
June 25, 2012
Hello!
This week was better. Nobody said anything bad to me (ha ha), so it was much easier. This area is just rough. Yesterday, our district had a "dia branca" "day of white..." where our goal as a zone/district was to baptize 20 people. So we worked super hard and met some good people to teach. We met a mom of a recent convert preparing for a mission, and she accepted the date for this upcoming Sunday! It was a very spiritual lesson.
I went on divisions with one of the zone leaders, Elder Valiati, on Wednesday and it was great. He was one of the assistants when we got here and he is an awesome missionary and really fun. They had confirmed 12 baptisms so they needed the help of Elder Carrell and myself. So that was really fun.
Then the next day was Zone Conference with President and Sister Tavares. It was about "7 banhos" or "7 baths", and they compared it to the leader of the army who had lepracy and had to take 7 baths in the River Jordan. It was really good, and I love the chances we get to be trained and learn with the President.
Yesterday was the District conference here in Apucarana, and like I said Dia Branca. So we went out to bring our investigators and get people with at least a possibility of baptism, but nobody ever answered. It's a little tough to have people go to church, but we are still working hard and looking for God´s elects here. But yesterday was awesome because the district together had 15 baptisms, but a little tough because nobody wants to progress here...
So I have some more scriptures from the conference, especially for Alec and any of my other friends you see preparing to leave. D&C 60: 2-3, 7, and 13, D&C 75: 20-21, D&C 123: 17, Alma 26: 22, Alma 57: 21, Alma 5: 45-47, Abraham 3: 22-23 and substitute your name where Abraham´s name is, D&C 29: 6-7, 3 Néfi 5: 13, Jacob 1: 19, Ether 12: 27, Matthew 4: 18-22, D&C 1: 19-23 and D&C 58: 16. So there are some for hard times, one that talks about not to worry about those who deny you because you´ll be there with Christ to bear testimony and all that good stuff.
I think that the picture of the family is Irmã Veroci, my stake president Edson, and their sons David and Vinicius in Maringá. Also, in the next package could you send Chalula hot sauce and kraft mac and cheese?
Thank you for the message. I love you guys ton! I hope you guys have a good week. Say HI to Al, Jack, and pep. Also send my love to every body. Tell Seth and Sam congrats if you see them again. Love you guys!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| Elder Venancio and Elder Halpin found "Zion" in Brazil! |
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| Zone Conference with friends from the CTM. |
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| "Dia Branca" |
Friday, June 22, 2012
Week 29 ~ A very HARD week!
e-mail
June 18, 2012
Hello!
What a week this has been! But first tell Alec to read D&C 20:38. This is about his new calling as an Elder, and I wish I would have been told about this before my mission. Tell this to Seth and Sam as well and send them my love!
So, here we go... I think that this week definitely was one of the toughest weeks so far. Everything in the house is going good. I love having Elder Carrell there, and Elder Venâncio is great. But as you said dad, sometimes some areas are interesting. One day, we knocked on a street and at one house, we were talking about the gospel, baptism, all that good stuff. Then he asked how we perform baptisms. We explained age, authority and in the waters. Then he asked if we did it in a river, or where. We said a font now a days, then he went off and boy oh boy, sometimes it is tough just to love everybody and stay calm! He said I didn´t have the right to be here because I don't speak Portuguese perfectly and all this junk! He was totally rude. I told him that I don't see him doing this work, and that I do know that this is the true church on this earth! It was pretty interesting. But I am totally used to that by now ha ha.
But now is where it gets interesting. The next day we were in a neighborhood where last week we had cut some teenage kids because they weren´t progressing and they were singing stupid things about us as Elders... so Elder Venâncio and I simply cut them because they are not ready at this time. So on this day we visited a member and he began to go off on me! Saying I was doing everything wrong and we don't have the right to cut people...this person didn't serve by the way... so I just simply told him our purpose... but after he had no desire to talk to me, so I had to go to the other side of the street before he would talk to my companion. It really is a struggle for me here sometimes.
Also, yesterday we had a baptism planned for Suzany. We met her on Saturday night, and by miracles she had been to church various times and committed to live all the commandments after we taught her in a car with a member during a festa, total miracle right?...and she really has the desire to be baptized so it was awesome to teach her. But then yesterday at church, nobody would help us and give us a ride to get investigators, so she wasn´t at church but we still had the baptism planned. Then after sacrament, before the classes, our Branch President pulled us aside and said they didn't think Suzany was ready and that he wouldn't give us a ride to get her...!!! We called the zone leaders and they said go to get her immediately and only President Tavares has the right to cancel a baptism if the person passes the interview! So that was a really interesting experience and after all that, Suzany had to go somewhere with her parents later and couldn't be baptized yesterday, so we set the date for tonight!!! Also, yesterday was Sunday to bring a friend to church, introduce to the missionaries, and next week we have a "day of white" planned with the district where the goal is to baptize at least 20 people as a district/zone! But NOBODY, I repeat, the 30 something members that were there brought NOBODY to church! So I really have no idea what the plan is here... so yeah, its been a tricky one.
But I know that the Lord will bless us with miracles this week and throughout the mission. I also think that this simply is just a good learning experience and will prepare me for the future during and after the mission! So once again thank you for all that you do and send my love to everybody, especially at the farewells. Tell Sam and Seth congrats for me, and share that scripture with them please. Tell Al, Jack and the Pep hi for me. I love you guys, and yes the package did get here! So thank you. Speaking of that, if you haven't sent the next one yet, just send it to the mission home and not my house in Apucarana because there are only 3 more weeks in this transfer and it wouldn't be good for the box to arrive at the house here if I have been transferred... so just send it to the office in Londrina. Once again thank you! I love you tons, and hope you have a great week.
Love,
Elder Halpin
June 18, 2012
Hello!
What a week this has been! But first tell Alec to read D&C 20:38. This is about his new calling as an Elder, and I wish I would have been told about this before my mission. Tell this to Seth and Sam as well and send them my love!
So, here we go... I think that this week definitely was one of the toughest weeks so far. Everything in the house is going good. I love having Elder Carrell there, and Elder Venâncio is great. But as you said dad, sometimes some areas are interesting. One day, we knocked on a street and at one house, we were talking about the gospel, baptism, all that good stuff. Then he asked how we perform baptisms. We explained age, authority and in the waters. Then he asked if we did it in a river, or where. We said a font now a days, then he went off and boy oh boy, sometimes it is tough just to love everybody and stay calm! He said I didn´t have the right to be here because I don't speak Portuguese perfectly and all this junk! He was totally rude. I told him that I don't see him doing this work, and that I do know that this is the true church on this earth! It was pretty interesting. But I am totally used to that by now ha ha.
But now is where it gets interesting. The next day we were in a neighborhood where last week we had cut some teenage kids because they weren´t progressing and they were singing stupid things about us as Elders... so Elder Venâncio and I simply cut them because they are not ready at this time. So on this day we visited a member and he began to go off on me! Saying I was doing everything wrong and we don't have the right to cut people...this person didn't serve by the way... so I just simply told him our purpose... but after he had no desire to talk to me, so I had to go to the other side of the street before he would talk to my companion. It really is a struggle for me here sometimes.
Also, yesterday we had a baptism planned for Suzany. We met her on Saturday night, and by miracles she had been to church various times and committed to live all the commandments after we taught her in a car with a member during a festa, total miracle right?...and she really has the desire to be baptized so it was awesome to teach her. But then yesterday at church, nobody would help us and give us a ride to get investigators, so she wasn´t at church but we still had the baptism planned. Then after sacrament, before the classes, our Branch President pulled us aside and said they didn't think Suzany was ready and that he wouldn't give us a ride to get her...!!! We called the zone leaders and they said go to get her immediately and only President Tavares has the right to cancel a baptism if the person passes the interview! So that was a really interesting experience and after all that, Suzany had to go somewhere with her parents later and couldn't be baptized yesterday, so we set the date for tonight!!! Also, yesterday was Sunday to bring a friend to church, introduce to the missionaries, and next week we have a "day of white" planned with the district where the goal is to baptize at least 20 people as a district/zone! But NOBODY, I repeat, the 30 something members that were there brought NOBODY to church! So I really have no idea what the plan is here... so yeah, its been a tricky one.
But I know that the Lord will bless us with miracles this week and throughout the mission. I also think that this simply is just a good learning experience and will prepare me for the future during and after the mission! So once again thank you for all that you do and send my love to everybody, especially at the farewells. Tell Sam and Seth congrats for me, and share that scripture with them please. Tell Al, Jack and the Pep hi for me. I love you guys, and yes the package did get here! So thank you. Speaking of that, if you haven't sent the next one yet, just send it to the mission home and not my house in Apucarana because there are only 3 more weeks in this transfer and it wouldn't be good for the box to arrive at the house here if I have been transferred... so just send it to the office in Londrina. Once again thank you! I love you tons, and hope you have a great week.
Love,
Elder Halpin
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Week 28~Congratulations Alec!!!
e-mail
Monday June 11, 2012
Hello!
First off, CONGRATS AL! That is so awesome. I bet you are super stoked right?! Where in Argentina is your mission? Argentina borders my mission a little bit. That is amazing how fast the turn around was! The Lord knows exactly what he is doing! Do you feel like it was called by Divine Inspiration? I hope so! Congratulations and I am super proud of you!!!
So this past week has been very interesting and to be honest one of the toughest times thus far. Everything is great with the companionship and all that, but the work here is tricky. The members here are interesting and aren't too excited about the work, so that makes it really tricky to get work done. Like yesterday, it was the dedication of the temple in Manaus that we got to go to, but Elder Carrell and I forgot our recommends, and instead of offering us a ride, our Branch President said we had about 30 minutes to run about 2 miles to our house, get the recommend, then run back. We were definitely not going to make it, but while running on the way back, a member passed by and they gave us a ride. So it just is really tricky. Also, only the Branch President and the President of the Elders Quorum are the only people at the branch council meetings, so no help = no success. I´m just praying for guidance and help. I would love some examples of what you would do dad!
Yes the leather journal that is the same is perfect. I haven´t filled mine up all the way, but with about a months wait for the package, its probably good just to get another one soon.
It is super awesome living with Elder Carrell! Its really fun in our house, sometimes disorganized
but good, ha ha.
So that's about it for now. Thanks for all the updates and continue to share my love. I love you guys a ton and thank you for all you do. Thank you for the examples you all are and I hope you guys have a great week at girls camp!!!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Monday June 11, 2012
Hello!
First off, CONGRATS AL! That is so awesome. I bet you are super stoked right?! Where in Argentina is your mission? Argentina borders my mission a little bit. That is amazing how fast the turn around was! The Lord knows exactly what he is doing! Do you feel like it was called by Divine Inspiration? I hope so! Congratulations and I am super proud of you!!!
So this past week has been very interesting and to be honest one of the toughest times thus far. Everything is great with the companionship and all that, but the work here is tricky. The members here are interesting and aren't too excited about the work, so that makes it really tricky to get work done. Like yesterday, it was the dedication of the temple in Manaus that we got to go to, but Elder Carrell and I forgot our recommends, and instead of offering us a ride, our Branch President said we had about 30 minutes to run about 2 miles to our house, get the recommend, then run back. We were definitely not going to make it, but while running on the way back, a member passed by and they gave us a ride. So it just is really tricky. Also, only the Branch President and the President of the Elders Quorum are the only people at the branch council meetings, so no help = no success. I´m just praying for guidance and help. I would love some examples of what you would do dad!
Yes the leather journal that is the same is perfect. I haven´t filled mine up all the way, but with about a months wait for the package, its probably good just to get another one soon.
It is super awesome living with Elder Carrell! Its really fun in our house, sometimes disorganized
but good, ha ha.
So that's about it for now. Thanks for all the updates and continue to share my love. I love you guys a ton and thank you for all you do. Thank you for the examples you all are and I hope you guys have a great week at girls camp!!!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| 6 Month Tie-Burning Celebration |
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| 1st Day with Elder Venancio |
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| The Grand Apostasia in the Center of Town with Elder Venancio |
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| Big Hat |
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| Irma Veroci, Stake President Edson, and their two sons...David & Vinicius Maringa, Brazil June 2012 |
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| Manaus Temple ~ June 10, 2012 |
Monday, June 4, 2012
Week 27~A New City
e-mail
June 4, 2019
Hello!
What an interesting week it has been! I have a bunch of pictures to send but forgot my cord...so I´ll send those next week!!! I am now here in Apucarana which is just a couple cities away from Maringá. I took a bus to Londrina on Tuesday and passed through Apucarana on the way, but we had to pick up some other elders in Londrina. Elder Carrell and Elder Bennett, (Elder Parker now) are in my area and not just that, but I live with Elder Carrell!!! IT'S A BLAST! My new address is:
Rua Rio Grande do Sul #120 Jd. Apucarana
Apucarana - PR
Brasil
Cep. - 86.804-390
So I think if you send a package there it should get to my house! Also, could you send my other journal we bought and some more sharpie pens (big and small) in the package? The house is pretty nice, a little messy but good. My new companion is Elder Venâncio. He too is from São Paulo and he is a funny little guy! Our area has a HUGE mountain that we climb pretty much everyday. Also, I have no idea what I am doing now as a senior... ha ha. But oh well, I guess we´ll see what happens!
Tell Alec that I hope he had a great graduation, and it looks like he had a lot of fun! Tell him that I love him, and I can't wait to hear where he is called. Yes, Missão Brasil Londrina is my guess!!!
Well, that is about it for this week, just a new adventure. Wish me luck now ha ha. I love you guys and hope you have a great week. Tell everybody hi for me and share my love for them! Don't forget to take a video!
Love,
Elder Halpin
June 4, 2019
Hello!
What an interesting week it has been! I have a bunch of pictures to send but forgot my cord...so I´ll send those next week!!! I am now here in Apucarana which is just a couple cities away from Maringá. I took a bus to Londrina on Tuesday and passed through Apucarana on the way, but we had to pick up some other elders in Londrina. Elder Carrell and Elder Bennett, (Elder Parker now) are in my area and not just that, but I live with Elder Carrell!!! IT'S A BLAST! My new address is:
Rua Rio Grande do Sul #120 Jd. Apucarana
Apucarana - PR
Brasil
Cep. - 86.804-390
So I think if you send a package there it should get to my house! Also, could you send my other journal we bought and some more sharpie pens (big and small) in the package? The house is pretty nice, a little messy but good. My new companion is Elder Venâncio. He too is from São Paulo and he is a funny little guy! Our area has a HUGE mountain that we climb pretty much everyday. Also, I have no idea what I am doing now as a senior... ha ha. But oh well, I guess we´ll see what happens!
Tell Alec that I hope he had a great graduation, and it looks like he had a lot of fun! Tell him that I love him, and I can't wait to hear where he is called. Yes, Missão Brasil Londrina is my guess!!!
Well, that is about it for this week, just a new adventure. Wish me luck now ha ha. I love you guys and hope you have a great week. Tell everybody hi for me and share my love for them! Don't forget to take a video!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| APUCARANA - Capital of the Baseball Hat!!! |
Sunday, June 3, 2012
~A letter from Veroci Friedrich~
e-mail
May 30, 2012
Dear Family Halpin
It was great receiving your son Elder Halpin in Maringá, yesterday he was transferred to Apucarana and left us with much saudade. Saudade is a word that only exists in Portuguese. It means that we are going to miss him a lot.
Sister Janette, you raised your son so well. He is adorable, very polite, always grateful, always smiling, has such a nice spirit and he is always serving on the ward. All the sisters loved Elder Halpin since the first day he got here.
He already speaks everything in Portuguese and we understand him perfectly. Yesterday he was here, had lunch and took pictures. Thank you so much for staying away from your son for two years, I know that the families from Brazil will be blessed from meeting him and getting to know the gospel.
He didn’t teach the gospel to my family but he taught us that we should be grateful, polite and humble. He was a great missionary every day here in Maringá.
Veroci Friedrich
(044)9124.0868
May 30, 2012
Dear Family Halpin
It was great receiving your son Elder Halpin in Maringá, yesterday he was transferred to Apucarana and left us with much saudade. Saudade is a word that only exists in Portuguese. It means that we are going to miss him a lot.
Sister Janette, you raised your son so well. He is adorable, very polite, always grateful, always smiling, has such a nice spirit and he is always serving on the ward. All the sisters loved Elder Halpin since the first day he got here.
He already speaks everything in Portuguese and we understand him perfectly. Yesterday he was here, had lunch and took pictures. Thank you so much for staying away from your son for two years, I know that the families from Brazil will be blessed from meeting him and getting to know the gospel.
He didn’t teach the gospel to my family but he taught us that we should be grateful, polite and humble. He was a great missionary every day here in Maringá.
Veroci Friedrich
(044)9124.0868
Week 26~Transfer Time
e-mail
May 28, 2012
Hello!
Another week gone by! This last week has been a little slow again when it comes to investigators, it always seems to be the same. They say they´ll go to church, then on Saturday or Sunday morning they always have an excuse...so once again we cut pretty much everybody so we can have time to meet the elects!!! Yesterday morning right before we went to pick people up for church, it started to pour...but we went to pick somebody up and he was waiting on the corner for us!!! After he answered pretty much all the questions in the classes, and after church we taught him about the Book of Mormon and set a date for him next week! Also, we got a call from Elder Kaelin about a family that moved to our area that has been going to church for 1 1/2 years now!!! They just don't have the money to get married, so we´re going to help them with that! They came with us to an activity at the ward last night and have 2 little girls and the wife is pregnant. Cute little family...So yeah, lets see what happens right! Also, a member here and her family are super awesome. We stopped by her house sometime this week to get to know them. She has 3 kids, two sons and a daughter. The daughter, Nicole, was baptized on Saturday and they are a hoot to be with! Other than that though nothing much happened, except transfers. We got a call from the zone leaders and tomorrow I will be transferred to Apucarana! I am actually really excited to see a new place! I´ll miss a lot of the members here, but I´ll get their addresses and stay in touch with them! So next week, I will give you an address to send the next package! No, I haven't gotten the other package yet because it's probably at the mission office right now waiting until next week. If you haven't gotten the thermal garms yet, could you get either large, long tops or extra large because it is super short on me with just regular large. Also, could you maybe send some more size 16 neck, large short sleeves because there are still 2 packed away, but the others are starting to get a little dirty with sweat, so maybe just send a few more.
Well, that's about all for now, I think... I´ll send you the address next week, and anything else I might need, I´ll let you know. Alec will come here to Missão Brasil Londrina of course. I am super excited for him! Please take a video for me!
Eu sei que este é a igreja de Cristo! Eu sei que O Livro de Mórmon é verdeiro e que Deus e Jesus Cristo nós amam. Sou grato por a verdade que famílias são para sempre! Eu amo vocês e sou grato por o exemplo que vocês fazem para eu e meus irmãos! Eu sei que somos filhos de Deus e sou aqui em Brasil para encontrar os filhos dele, meus irmãos e irmãs, e ajudar eles achagar mais perto com Cristo. De novo, obrigado! Eu amo vocês.
Well, there is a little testimony in Português. (use google translator) I love you guys and hope you have a great week! Tell everybody hi for me. And wish Alec luck for me. I´ll let you know how Apucarana is next week! Tchau!
Love,
Elder Halpin
*Oh and I just got a notice now too that I will be a Senior Companion now! Kinda freaked out, but só vai, SÓ BATIZAR!
May 28, 2012
Hello!
Another week gone by! This last week has been a little slow again when it comes to investigators, it always seems to be the same. They say they´ll go to church, then on Saturday or Sunday morning they always have an excuse...so once again we cut pretty much everybody so we can have time to meet the elects!!! Yesterday morning right before we went to pick people up for church, it started to pour...but we went to pick somebody up and he was waiting on the corner for us!!! After he answered pretty much all the questions in the classes, and after church we taught him about the Book of Mormon and set a date for him next week! Also, we got a call from Elder Kaelin about a family that moved to our area that has been going to church for 1 1/2 years now!!! They just don't have the money to get married, so we´re going to help them with that! They came with us to an activity at the ward last night and have 2 little girls and the wife is pregnant. Cute little family...So yeah, lets see what happens right! Also, a member here and her family are super awesome. We stopped by her house sometime this week to get to know them. She has 3 kids, two sons and a daughter. The daughter, Nicole, was baptized on Saturday and they are a hoot to be with! Other than that though nothing much happened, except transfers. We got a call from the zone leaders and tomorrow I will be transferred to Apucarana! I am actually really excited to see a new place! I´ll miss a lot of the members here, but I´ll get their addresses and stay in touch with them! So next week, I will give you an address to send the next package! No, I haven't gotten the other package yet because it's probably at the mission office right now waiting until next week. If you haven't gotten the thermal garms yet, could you get either large, long tops or extra large because it is super short on me with just regular large. Also, could you maybe send some more size 16 neck, large short sleeves because there are still 2 packed away, but the others are starting to get a little dirty with sweat, so maybe just send a few more.
Well, that's about all for now, I think... I´ll send you the address next week, and anything else I might need, I´ll let you know. Alec will come here to Missão Brasil Londrina of course. I am super excited for him! Please take a video for me!
Eu sei que este é a igreja de Cristo! Eu sei que O Livro de Mórmon é verdeiro e que Deus e Jesus Cristo nós amam. Sou grato por a verdade que famílias são para sempre! Eu amo vocês e sou grato por o exemplo que vocês fazem para eu e meus irmãos! Eu sei que somos filhos de Deus e sou aqui em Brasil para encontrar os filhos dele, meus irmãos e irmãs, e ajudar eles achagar mais perto com Cristo. De novo, obrigado! Eu amo vocês.
Well, there is a little testimony in Português. (use google translator) I love you guys and hope you have a great week! Tell everybody hi for me. And wish Alec luck for me. I´ll let you know how Apucarana is next week! Tchau!
Love,
Elder Halpin
*Oh and I just got a notice now too that I will be a Senior Companion now! Kinda freaked out, but só vai, SÓ BATIZAR!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Week 25~It's getting COLD in Maringa'
e-mail
May 21, 2012
Hello!
So this week was just another normal week. Work, work, work. We´ve been working in an area that takes a bit of walking to get to, but it has good people. Sometimes it's sad because you meet an elect, they pray on the spot, receive revelation that it's true, then they won't commit to doing anything about it. So that's been the story of this week. We did have an adventista of the 7th day at church though yesterday! But ya its tricky getting people to commit...
The other day we knocked a street and literally at every house there was a snake! (a girl that comes to hug you, all that stuff...) so yeah, that was really interesting! I guess we´ll see what happens ha ha. We taught some of the people on that street, and some of the families were interested and receptivo. That's how the work is going right now... Finding good people that just don't seem to commit!
It sounds like you guys had a good week!!! Thanks for all the great pictures! It looks like the seminary graduation was a major success! Ha ha, and yeah Alec is silly, he does know that a mission is practically giving talks over and over again right? I cant believe Ben Featherstone and Jeff Witt are already leaving now! Can you get their mission addresses for me? I don't want to send a letter to Provo then have them not be there! Were all the peeps doing good??? It sounds like it. Tell them all HI for me! No, we don't know anything about transfers right now. I think we´ll know next Monday but I don't know if we´ll know by the time we e mail...so I´ll let you know the next address as soon as possible, that is if I´m transferred. In my next package could you send a couple more pairs of thermal garms, large top and 32 bottoms??? Also a laminated picture of the Presidency and of the 12 apostles??? That´d be SWEET!!! Also could you send our line of authority dad in next weeks e mail, or in the package or something like that, if you have it...Thanks.
Well, this week was good, just tricky because nobody is progressing. But we will still just go out and work! Thank you for all that you do! I love you all tons! Tell Al, Jack, Pep, and everybody HI for me! I love you tons, and hope you have a great week!
Love
Elder Halpin
May 21, 2012
Hello!
So this week was just another normal week. Work, work, work. We´ve been working in an area that takes a bit of walking to get to, but it has good people. Sometimes it's sad because you meet an elect, they pray on the spot, receive revelation that it's true, then they won't commit to doing anything about it. So that's been the story of this week. We did have an adventista of the 7th day at church though yesterday! But ya its tricky getting people to commit...
The other day we knocked a street and literally at every house there was a snake! (a girl that comes to hug you, all that stuff...) so yeah, that was really interesting! I guess we´ll see what happens ha ha. We taught some of the people on that street, and some of the families were interested and receptivo. That's how the work is going right now... Finding good people that just don't seem to commit!
It sounds like you guys had a good week!!! Thanks for all the great pictures! It looks like the seminary graduation was a major success! Ha ha, and yeah Alec is silly, he does know that a mission is practically giving talks over and over again right? I cant believe Ben Featherstone and Jeff Witt are already leaving now! Can you get their mission addresses for me? I don't want to send a letter to Provo then have them not be there! Were all the peeps doing good??? It sounds like it. Tell them all HI for me! No, we don't know anything about transfers right now. I think we´ll know next Monday but I don't know if we´ll know by the time we e mail...so I´ll let you know the next address as soon as possible, that is if I´m transferred. In my next package could you send a couple more pairs of thermal garms, large top and 32 bottoms??? Also a laminated picture of the Presidency and of the 12 apostles??? That´d be SWEET!!! Also could you send our line of authority dad in next weeks e mail, or in the package or something like that, if you have it...Thanks.
Well, this week was good, just tricky because nobody is progressing. But we will still just go out and work! Thank you for all that you do! I love you all tons! Tell Al, Jack, Pep, and everybody HI for me! I love you tons, and hope you have a great week!
Love
Elder Halpin
Week 24~Mother's Day was AWESOME!
e-mail
May 14, 2012
Hello!
It was awesome talking to you guys yesterday!!! Sorry it was later than I said...but still it was AWESOME! How was grandma and grandpa´s house? Did they say anything about us in the mission field?
But now it's back to work and all that! There really isn´t much more to say because I said it all last night...Thank you for the photo of the first baptism. Its the right one! Thanks!
I love you guys and hope you guys have an awesome week. Tell Alec just to be patient with everything, and I hope that he will have an awesome senior trip! I can't wait to hear what you do this week next Monday! I love you tons...tell Alec, Jackson, and Peppy I love them too! Have a great week. Thank you for all you do!
Love,
Elder Halpin
May 14, 2012
Hello!
It was awesome talking to you guys yesterday!!! Sorry it was later than I said...but still it was AWESOME! How was grandma and grandpa´s house? Did they say anything about us in the mission field?
But now it's back to work and all that! There really isn´t much more to say because I said it all last night...Thank you for the photo of the first baptism. Its the right one! Thanks!
I love you guys and hope you guys have an awesome week. Tell Alec just to be patient with everything, and I hope that he will have an awesome senior trip! I can't wait to hear what you do this week next Monday! I love you tons...tell Alec, Jackson, and Peppy I love them too! Have a great week. Thank you for all you do!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| There's that smile we LOVE!!! |
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| Elder Halpin & Elder Caetano ~ Mother's Day 2012 |
Monday, May 7, 2012
Week 23~Looking forward to Mother's Day
e-mail
May 7, 2012
Hello!
So did you get my quick message? I hope to hear back from you in the next bit to get your skype account. So yeah, that's the plan. I´ll call you from the computer at the bishop´s house, 6 pm here (2 or 3 o clock there... I cant remember exactly...) from my companions account.
So the conference last week was great. No they didn´t have a translator at Stake Conference... but I understood for the most part, so that's good.
It sounds like you guys had a good week. That stinks that the jazz aren´t doing too good... and no dad, you didn´t tell me about the red and white game... But yeah... that's crazy Alec is already starting his papers! I cant wait to hear where he´s called soon, and all his friends now too!!! It's crazy that Tanner is already back as well! How´s his Portuguese???
So this past week was interesting. Last p-day we just slept and took a break because there really isn´t much more to do here in Maringá... just the park and cathedral and that's about it. Tuesday we went out with one of the 15 year old Teachers here (Vinicius) and had a great day! One lady started to cry when we told her about the Livro de Mórmon! Then she was at church yesterday, so she´s progressing really quickly, totally an elect!!! Wednesday was a little rough and has been since because I told Elder Caetano to wake up because he was sleeping during companion study when I was talking...now he´s being sort of a jerk about things... oh well. The worst part though was that we didn´t get lunch for the first time until Saturday!!! Its a little frustrating because we don´t get fed by the members here. So don't ask about getting fed at the members when we talk on Sunday ok? The members are great, but they don't really help too much...oh well. So yeah, this week was a little rough. No baptisms, but some people are progressing pretty good!
Well I am super excited to talk to you all on Sunday!!! Please e mail me back s.t.a.t. if you get this so I know your account... otherwise I don´t know what to do. Thank you for all that you do! Also, in the package could you send some hand warmers for the mornings??? That's really all I can think of other than hot chocolate to send. I love you all tons, especially you mom at this time! I can't wait to see you guys and talk to you! Maybe read about the Army of Helaman, and how they were taught by their mothers...That's a really great story! Tell the boys and pep hi for me, and tell them I´ll see them on Sunday!!! Have a great week.
Love,
Élder Halpin
May 7, 2012
Hello!
So did you get my quick message? I hope to hear back from you in the next bit to get your skype account. So yeah, that's the plan. I´ll call you from the computer at the bishop´s house, 6 pm here (2 or 3 o clock there... I cant remember exactly...) from my companions account.
So the conference last week was great. No they didn´t have a translator at Stake Conference... but I understood for the most part, so that's good.
It sounds like you guys had a good week. That stinks that the jazz aren´t doing too good... and no dad, you didn´t tell me about the red and white game... But yeah... that's crazy Alec is already starting his papers! I cant wait to hear where he´s called soon, and all his friends now too!!! It's crazy that Tanner is already back as well! How´s his Portuguese???
So this past week was interesting. Last p-day we just slept and took a break because there really isn´t much more to do here in Maringá... just the park and cathedral and that's about it. Tuesday we went out with one of the 15 year old Teachers here (Vinicius) and had a great day! One lady started to cry when we told her about the Livro de Mórmon! Then she was at church yesterday, so she´s progressing really quickly, totally an elect!!! Wednesday was a little rough and has been since because I told Elder Caetano to wake up because he was sleeping during companion study when I was talking...now he´s being sort of a jerk about things... oh well. The worst part though was that we didn´t get lunch for the first time until Saturday!!! Its a little frustrating because we don´t get fed by the members here. So don't ask about getting fed at the members when we talk on Sunday ok? The members are great, but they don't really help too much...oh well. So yeah, this week was a little rough. No baptisms, but some people are progressing pretty good!
Well I am super excited to talk to you all on Sunday!!! Please e mail me back s.t.a.t. if you get this so I know your account... otherwise I don´t know what to do. Thank you for all that you do! Also, in the package could you send some hand warmers for the mornings??? That's really all I can think of other than hot chocolate to send. I love you all tons, especially you mom at this time! I can't wait to see you guys and talk to you! Maybe read about the Army of Helaman, and how they were taught by their mothers...That's a really great story! Tell the boys and pep hi for me, and tell them I´ll see them on Sunday!!! Have a great week.
Love,
Élder Halpin
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Week 22~A Visit from a General Authority
e-mail
April 30, 2012
Hello!
So I am still here in Maringá after the transfers, and still with Elder Caetano. I think that this next transfer will be in four or five weeks instead of 6, because last transfer was 7 weeks. This weekend was great! We woke up at 4 o'clock Saturday morning and headed to Londrina (about 2 hours away). When we got there, we went to the chapel and met up with everybody! It was awesome seeing all the other Elders from my group at the CTM. Some of them are already going to be trainers!!! Crazy huh? Elder Cook was way good! It was him, Elder Godoy, and other representatives from the 70. They spoke on real growth in the church...not just baptisms, but how many people are attending sacrament meeting, marriages in the temple, missionaries going out, all that good stuff. It was an awesome time, and I learned a lot! Afterwards we went to another chapel in Londrina where people found out where they would go if they were being transferred. Then we returned to Maringá and worked just like normal.
Yesterday (Sunday), we had a special stake conference in Maringá with Elder Godoy, the Area President. He was really funny and talked about families, mainly to the youth and fathers. So this weekend was really great. Saturday night we had a lesson with Lucas and William´s (members) mom about baptism. After about 20 minutes, we finally got her to say a prayer and ask if she was ready for baptism on Sunday (yesterday). Then like 30 seconds later, a huge lightning bolt struck next to the house! Totally a sign, but she said she would pray and think about it later that night. So yesterday after all the conferences and meetings and everything we had, we went back to her house, and she said that she was already satisfied with her baptism and everything in the Catholic church... So yeah, that was pretty frustrating! So no baptism this weekend...But the work last week was good.
It sounds like you guys had a great week. Thanks for grabbing me a pirates hat! And the NBA playoffs look fun! Keep me updated on that, OK? Oh, this last week I had to buy some medicines because my nose won't stop running. We went to a nose, eye, all that type of doctor and he said I have a cold/allergy or something, so I had to get like $25 worth of medicine. It´s weird, but I´m OK so don´t worry. It's starting to finally get cold here...Yay!!! This morning was freezing, but by the time we leave it warms up a little bit, butIi´m using my jackets and all that now. Also thanks for the card mom! And no I´m not fluent at speaking, but now I am able to understand a lot more! so that's good!
Well, I hope you guys have another great week this upcoming week. Thank you for all that you for me. Maybe in the next package send hot chocolate... ha ha!! Tell everybody HI for me. Tell Alec, Jackson, and Peppy I love them. I love you guys tons, and hope you are doing well. Talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
April 30, 2012
Hello!
So I am still here in Maringá after the transfers, and still with Elder Caetano. I think that this next transfer will be in four or five weeks instead of 6, because last transfer was 7 weeks. This weekend was great! We woke up at 4 o'clock Saturday morning and headed to Londrina (about 2 hours away). When we got there, we went to the chapel and met up with everybody! It was awesome seeing all the other Elders from my group at the CTM. Some of them are already going to be trainers!!! Crazy huh? Elder Cook was way good! It was him, Elder Godoy, and other representatives from the 70. They spoke on real growth in the church...not just baptisms, but how many people are attending sacrament meeting, marriages in the temple, missionaries going out, all that good stuff. It was an awesome time, and I learned a lot! Afterwards we went to another chapel in Londrina where people found out where they would go if they were being transferred. Then we returned to Maringá and worked just like normal.
Yesterday (Sunday), we had a special stake conference in Maringá with Elder Godoy, the Area President. He was really funny and talked about families, mainly to the youth and fathers. So this weekend was really great. Saturday night we had a lesson with Lucas and William´s (members) mom about baptism. After about 20 minutes, we finally got her to say a prayer and ask if she was ready for baptism on Sunday (yesterday). Then like 30 seconds later, a huge lightning bolt struck next to the house! Totally a sign, but she said she would pray and think about it later that night. So yesterday after all the conferences and meetings and everything we had, we went back to her house, and she said that she was already satisfied with her baptism and everything in the Catholic church... So yeah, that was pretty frustrating! So no baptism this weekend...But the work last week was good.
It sounds like you guys had a great week. Thanks for grabbing me a pirates hat! And the NBA playoffs look fun! Keep me updated on that, OK? Oh, this last week I had to buy some medicines because my nose won't stop running. We went to a nose, eye, all that type of doctor and he said I have a cold/allergy or something, so I had to get like $25 worth of medicine. It´s weird, but I´m OK so don´t worry. It's starting to finally get cold here...Yay!!! This morning was freezing, but by the time we leave it warms up a little bit, butIi´m using my jackets and all that now. Also thanks for the card mom! And no I´m not fluent at speaking, but now I am able to understand a lot more! so that's good!
Well, I hope you guys have another great week this upcoming week. Thank you for all that you for me. Maybe in the next package send hot chocolate... ha ha!! Tell everybody HI for me. Tell Alec, Jackson, and Peppy I love them. I love you guys tons, and hope you are doing well. Talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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| Chandler and his CTM buddies reunited at an Area Conference |
Monday, April 23, 2012
Week 21~Baptism by the Crescent Moon
e-mail
April 23, 2012
Hello family!
This last week was really good! So after emails last week, we went to the cathedral and took some pictures. We also had some calda de cano (sugar cane juice), then went home and chilled until p-day ended.
The week was pretty normal. Walking, teaching, (some days without lunch), so we had to make lunch, all that good stuff. We get pizza a lot too, so it's super good at night after a long day. One night it rained a ton, and there was a river in the street, so that was pretty cool.
This week we had another miracle happen! One night we went to one of our investigators...Cinira
(see-nir-a, 42 years old) house and taught her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ which includes baptism. We asked her to pray about if this Sunday was right, and asked a bit about the word of wisdom. The next day we went back and taught about the word of wisdom, which she had no problem with at all, and chastity and tithing and all the commandments. She said that she was ready, but wanted to wait until a crescent moon to be baptized because she like crescent moons... a little weird/different, but OK. On Friday we planned a great lesson with a lot of scriptures about why we need to be baptized, blessings from baptism, and why not to wait. It was quiet for a bit, but after a few minutes she said she was ready for this Sunday!!! We set up the interview for Saturday, she passed, and yesterday she was baptized!!! She said she wanted the bishop to do the baptism and it was super awesome!
Now Rawane on the other hand...we had set up for her to just do an interview on Saturday as well. While we were there with Cinira, we called her and she gave a sad excuse that she couldn't be there, so for now we are cutting her. It is super sad, but she is not progressing at all! She says she will do stuff, but never follows up and she isn't reading o Livro de Mórmon and she isn't coming to church. It is sad and frustrating, but the time has come to cut her.
It sounds like things at home are going good. That's funny Seth is chillin with Hailey ha ha. It sounds like Sundays are pretty busy... but this is the work of the Lord that we are all doing! I am super grateful for the examples that you have set for us and staying faithful in your callings... so thank you. Yes, I am wearing my retainer now, and my skin is OK for the most part, a lot of sweat so some breakouts every once in a while, but not major. I included pictures of the baptism, pizza nights, the cathedral, some of the house, all that good stuff. So yeah, this was another good week and I don´t know whats coming up with transfers this week.
On Saturday, Elder Quinton L. Cook (12 apostles), Elder Costa (of the 70), and others are coming to Londrina, and the whole mission is meeting up there!!! That will be super awesome! I guess on Friday or sometime before we will know the transfers, and whoever is transferred is to take their bags to the conference then go to the new area after, so I don´t know what´ll happen over the next week.
Thank you for all you do. I hope Alec had a great experience with his patriarchal blessing, and I can´t wait to hear a little bit about it. I hope you guys have another great week and tell the boys and Pep hi for me. I love you tons!
Love,
Elder Halpin
April 23, 2012
Hello family!
This last week was really good! So after emails last week, we went to the cathedral and took some pictures. We also had some calda de cano (sugar cane juice), then went home and chilled until p-day ended.
The week was pretty normal. Walking, teaching, (some days without lunch), so we had to make lunch, all that good stuff. We get pizza a lot too, so it's super good at night after a long day. One night it rained a ton, and there was a river in the street, so that was pretty cool.
This week we had another miracle happen! One night we went to one of our investigators...Cinira
(see-nir-a, 42 years old) house and taught her about the Gospel of Jesus Christ which includes baptism. We asked her to pray about if this Sunday was right, and asked a bit about the word of wisdom. The next day we went back and taught about the word of wisdom, which she had no problem with at all, and chastity and tithing and all the commandments. She said that she was ready, but wanted to wait until a crescent moon to be baptized because she like crescent moons... a little weird/different, but OK. On Friday we planned a great lesson with a lot of scriptures about why we need to be baptized, blessings from baptism, and why not to wait. It was quiet for a bit, but after a few minutes she said she was ready for this Sunday!!! We set up the interview for Saturday, she passed, and yesterday she was baptized!!! She said she wanted the bishop to do the baptism and it was super awesome!
Now Rawane on the other hand...we had set up for her to just do an interview on Saturday as well. While we were there with Cinira, we called her and she gave a sad excuse that she couldn't be there, so for now we are cutting her. It is super sad, but she is not progressing at all! She says she will do stuff, but never follows up and she isn't reading o Livro de Mórmon and she isn't coming to church. It is sad and frustrating, but the time has come to cut her.
It sounds like things at home are going good. That's funny Seth is chillin with Hailey ha ha. It sounds like Sundays are pretty busy... but this is the work of the Lord that we are all doing! I am super grateful for the examples that you have set for us and staying faithful in your callings... so thank you. Yes, I am wearing my retainer now, and my skin is OK for the most part, a lot of sweat so some breakouts every once in a while, but not major. I included pictures of the baptism, pizza nights, the cathedral, some of the house, all that good stuff. So yeah, this was another good week and I don´t know whats coming up with transfers this week.
On Saturday, Elder Quinton L. Cook (12 apostles), Elder Costa (of the 70), and others are coming to Londrina, and the whole mission is meeting up there!!! That will be super awesome! I guess on Friday or sometime before we will know the transfers, and whoever is transferred is to take their bags to the conference then go to the new area after, so I don´t know what´ll happen over the next week.
Thank you for all you do. I hope Alec had a great experience with his patriarchal blessing, and I can´t wait to hear a little bit about it. I hope you guys have another great week and tell the boys and Pep hi for me. I love you tons!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Monday, April 16, 2012
Week 20~A week of Miracles!
e-mail
April 16, 2012
Wow! This week was AWESOME! We did the usual stuff on P day last week. We used the taco mix mom sent and made some Awesome tacos, so thank you! Then we just chilled and all that.
During the week we got to work with one of the APs and he helped us a ton. We received a reference and went to the house. There were two boys, Diogo (8) and Caio (14) and they were ready to be baptized!!! We also worked with Lucas (13) who´s brother is a member. His mom wasn´t letting him be baptized and one night his aunt was there and bashed with us for a long time so that sucked!
The rest of the week was normal. We worked a lot with the members and less active. Elder Caetano (k-eye-tano) is great. We are working really hard now, and have seen the hand of the Lord with us. The new companion of Elder Juelch is interesting. Always cleaning, and the first to be ready to leave when we still have 30 more minutes, just a little crazy ha ha. So yeah, this week was great! We met a lot of people and worked a ton.
Yesterday was awesome though!!! During church, Caio said he didn´t want to be baptized anymore. And Lucas´ mom was still set to a NO! But Elder Valiati (AP) did some interviews and then the investigators heard all the testimonies of the members. Lucas Pereria (our baptism last month) bore one of the strongest testimonies I´ve heard. Then by miracles, Lucas´ mom said that he could be baptized and Caio was excited again to be baptized. We went to the Stake Center in the city center and had a baptismal meeting at 4 o'clock. Lucas´ brother, William, baptized him. Elder Valiati baptized Caio. And I got to get in the water for the first time and I baptized Diogo! It was amazing!
Then last night, after the baptismal meeting, we went to Rawane´s with Elder Valiati and chatted and taught and ate. She committed to have just an interview on Saturday, so I hope that we will see more miracles with her!
So yeah, this week was awesome. Also today we went to McDonald's, SO GOOD!!! And I think we´re gonna go adventure now. I have put pictures of the baptisms and McD´s up too. Thank you for being the best parents EVER. I love you tons! Say hi to the boys and pep and everybody for me. Have an awesome week and keep praying for miracles for everybody because they are real.
Love Elder Halpin
April 16, 2012
Wow! This week was AWESOME! We did the usual stuff on P day last week. We used the taco mix mom sent and made some Awesome tacos, so thank you! Then we just chilled and all that.
During the week we got to work with one of the APs and he helped us a ton. We received a reference and went to the house. There were two boys, Diogo (8) and Caio (14) and they were ready to be baptized!!! We also worked with Lucas (13) who´s brother is a member. His mom wasn´t letting him be baptized and one night his aunt was there and bashed with us for a long time so that sucked!
The rest of the week was normal. We worked a lot with the members and less active. Elder Caetano (k-eye-tano) is great. We are working really hard now, and have seen the hand of the Lord with us. The new companion of Elder Juelch is interesting. Always cleaning, and the first to be ready to leave when we still have 30 more minutes, just a little crazy ha ha. So yeah, this week was great! We met a lot of people and worked a ton.
Yesterday was awesome though!!! During church, Caio said he didn´t want to be baptized anymore. And Lucas´ mom was still set to a NO! But Elder Valiati (AP) did some interviews and then the investigators heard all the testimonies of the members. Lucas Pereria (our baptism last month) bore one of the strongest testimonies I´ve heard. Then by miracles, Lucas´ mom said that he could be baptized and Caio was excited again to be baptized. We went to the Stake Center in the city center and had a baptismal meeting at 4 o'clock. Lucas´ brother, William, baptized him. Elder Valiati baptized Caio. And I got to get in the water for the first time and I baptized Diogo! It was amazing!
Then last night, after the baptismal meeting, we went to Rawane´s with Elder Valiati and chatted and taught and ate. She committed to have just an interview on Saturday, so I hope that we will see more miracles with her!
So yeah, this week was awesome. Also today we went to McDonald's, SO GOOD!!! And I think we´re gonna go adventure now. I have put pictures of the baptisms and McD´s up too. Thank you for being the best parents EVER. I love you tons! Say hi to the boys and pep and everybody for me. Have an awesome week and keep praying for miracles for everybody because they are real.
Love Elder Halpin
Monday, April 9, 2012
Week 19~Transfers
e-mail
April 9, 2012
Hello Family!
I did receive the package so thank you very much! It was a very interesting way that I got it, and yes it was all taped up and all there, but here we go... I hope you like crazy stories!
So on Monday after we e mailed, we went over to the market to buy food and all that. We bought about R$170.00 worth of food, so about $85 dollars worth all together and split it. Also if you spend more than R$70 they deliver it to you, so we had it delivered to our house. We also bought meat for a BBQ. But on the way back, President Tavares called us and said to pack up our things and to head straight to Londrina a.s.a.p! He said for me only to bring enough stuff for three days, but the others were to take everything. So we told him we had stuff being delivered to our house and he said to wait for it, but once it got there we needed to leave. So we cooked up the meat, ate, packed, then around 5 or so the stuff got to our house. Then we called a taxi and got a ride to the big bus station for traveling to other cities. Our bus left at 8 and we drove through other cities on the way, so we didn´t get to Londrina until about 11:30 or so. We got another taxi to the missionary houses we would stay at. First we dropped Elder Juelch and Elder Magalhães off at an apartment, and Elder Petersen was there! So that was cool to see him. Then we got to where we would stay around midnight or so!
The next day was the leaders training in Londrina, so Elder Moreira and I worked in the area we were staying at. Elder Petersen also joined us for the day, so it was super fun. We made some contacts and stopped by investigators houses. It was a very different place, and I missed the people here in Maringá. Then we talked to Pres. Tavares and he said to be at the mission office at 8 the next morning.
We got to the office at 8, but Pres. Tavares showed up around 9 because an emergency with somebody's health I think. He had interviews with each one of us. Apparently some of the others in our house could see the neighbors wife watching t.v. some nights, and the neighbor got mad and complained. Also, Elder Magalhães had a bit of an argument with a member at conference so yeah, the President was worried with us and said some elders might be transferred... but I knew I would go back to Maringá so everything was fine with me. Then Pres. Tavares took us to lunch and after we worked in downtown Londrina. We went back to the office around 8 to see if Pres. Tavares knew what to do yet, and he was still deciding, so we went back to the house we were staying at.
The next morning was district meeting, so we went there with the Elders we were staying with. It was good to see how another district worked, and they were all fun. After we went to lunch at a buffet in a market. After lunch, Pres. Tavares called and told us where everyone was going... Elder Magalães (the other Brazilian in our house) was going to Baurú up in São Paulo, Elder Juelch (the other American) was going back to Maringá with me, and my comp. Elder Moreira was getting transferred to Igauçu falls... So that's interesting, and I also learned that my new companion would get here on Saturday and this was on Thursday. Also Elder Juelch´s new companion would get here on Friday. Elder Juelch and I got back on a bus around 4 to go back to Maringá and left the others. Scooby doo the movie was on the bus in Portuguese so that was interesting ha ha. We got back to the house around 8:30 or so, so yeah that was an adventure.
Elder Juelch´s companion, Elder Glass got here on Friday, so I worked with them throughout the day and we went to our investigators houses to explain why we were gone for so long. Some of them are sad Elder Moreira left. Then my companion got here on Saturday with Pres. Tavares. His name is Elder Caetano (Brazilian). Also Sister Tavares was there to check the house which was good and clean, so no problems. We went out to work just like normal and everything is good now.
So yeah, this last week was really crazy, but I´m sort of grateful now to have a new start. Elder Caetano is a hard working guy, and in the last two days we have gotten more organized and made as much progress as we had in 10 weeks with Elder Moreira, who was good but really lazy, so yeah I´m learning alot now.
Thank you for the package (which I got in Londrina from President Tavares). It is awesome! Thanks for all the good treats! I hope you guys had a great time at Newport and had a good Easter too. Tell the boys and Pep hi for me! I love you guys and hope you guys have a great week. Once again thanks for everything, and I think now we´ll have lots of success here in Maringá.
Love
Elder Halpin
April 9, 2012
Hello Family!
I did receive the package so thank you very much! It was a very interesting way that I got it, and yes it was all taped up and all there, but here we go... I hope you like crazy stories!
So on Monday after we e mailed, we went over to the market to buy food and all that. We bought about R$170.00 worth of food, so about $85 dollars worth all together and split it. Also if you spend more than R$70 they deliver it to you, so we had it delivered to our house. We also bought meat for a BBQ. But on the way back, President Tavares called us and said to pack up our things and to head straight to Londrina a.s.a.p! He said for me only to bring enough stuff for three days, but the others were to take everything. So we told him we had stuff being delivered to our house and he said to wait for it, but once it got there we needed to leave. So we cooked up the meat, ate, packed, then around 5 or so the stuff got to our house. Then we called a taxi and got a ride to the big bus station for traveling to other cities. Our bus left at 8 and we drove through other cities on the way, so we didn´t get to Londrina until about 11:30 or so. We got another taxi to the missionary houses we would stay at. First we dropped Elder Juelch and Elder Magalhães off at an apartment, and Elder Petersen was there! So that was cool to see him. Then we got to where we would stay around midnight or so!
The next day was the leaders training in Londrina, so Elder Moreira and I worked in the area we were staying at. Elder Petersen also joined us for the day, so it was super fun. We made some contacts and stopped by investigators houses. It was a very different place, and I missed the people here in Maringá. Then we talked to Pres. Tavares and he said to be at the mission office at 8 the next morning.
We got to the office at 8, but Pres. Tavares showed up around 9 because an emergency with somebody's health I think. He had interviews with each one of us. Apparently some of the others in our house could see the neighbors wife watching t.v. some nights, and the neighbor got mad and complained. Also, Elder Magalhães had a bit of an argument with a member at conference so yeah, the President was worried with us and said some elders might be transferred... but I knew I would go back to Maringá so everything was fine with me. Then Pres. Tavares took us to lunch and after we worked in downtown Londrina. We went back to the office around 8 to see if Pres. Tavares knew what to do yet, and he was still deciding, so we went back to the house we were staying at.
The next morning was district meeting, so we went there with the Elders we were staying with. It was good to see how another district worked, and they were all fun. After we went to lunch at a buffet in a market. After lunch, Pres. Tavares called and told us where everyone was going... Elder Magalães (the other Brazilian in our house) was going to Baurú up in São Paulo, Elder Juelch (the other American) was going back to Maringá with me, and my comp. Elder Moreira was getting transferred to Igauçu falls... So that's interesting, and I also learned that my new companion would get here on Saturday and this was on Thursday. Also Elder Juelch´s new companion would get here on Friday. Elder Juelch and I got back on a bus around 4 to go back to Maringá and left the others. Scooby doo the movie was on the bus in Portuguese so that was interesting ha ha. We got back to the house around 8:30 or so, so yeah that was an adventure.
Elder Juelch´s companion, Elder Glass got here on Friday, so I worked with them throughout the day and we went to our investigators houses to explain why we were gone for so long. Some of them are sad Elder Moreira left. Then my companion got here on Saturday with Pres. Tavares. His name is Elder Caetano (Brazilian). Also Sister Tavares was there to check the house which was good and clean, so no problems. We went out to work just like normal and everything is good now.
So yeah, this last week was really crazy, but I´m sort of grateful now to have a new start. Elder Caetano is a hard working guy, and in the last two days we have gotten more organized and made as much progress as we had in 10 weeks with Elder Moreira, who was good but really lazy, so yeah I´m learning alot now.
Thank you for the package (which I got in Londrina from President Tavares). It is awesome! Thanks for all the good treats! I hope you guys had a great time at Newport and had a good Easter too. Tell the boys and Pep hi for me! I love you guys and hope you guys have a great week. Once again thanks for everything, and I think now we´ll have lots of success here in Maringá.
Love
Elder Halpin
Week 18~General Conference
e-mail
April 2, 2012
Hello!
This week was pretty good. Its just tough sometimes though because I feel like we never plan and think things out, so that's why I´m frustrated at times because we do so much more walking than necessary and waste precious time... at least that's what I think! Oh well though, that's part of the job. We were able to watch all 4 sessions of conference! So that was awesome! We couldn´t watch priesthood though because it was after 9 o clock, but thank you for the outlines so I can read about the priesthood session. That would be awesome if you could send the Ensign next month so I can have it in English. Oh yeah, they had an english room for us as well so I got some really good notes. I liked pretty much all of the talks... I liked the one by the guy in the 70 about priesthood, I think on Sunday afternoon. Also its always awesome to hear Eyring and Uchtdorf and our prophet Thomas S. Monson. It was a easy weekend of just conference. Yeah, I saw Landon for a second but didn´t recognize David Archuleta, but that's cool. (Chandler's friend, Landon Clark sang in the missionary choir during General Conference).
We worked pretty well last week, but William (Lucas´brother) still hasn´t come back from his dad´s before his mission to baptize his brother. Then we´re still working with Rawane. Her whole family (2 brothers and her mom) came to conference yesterday morning-afternoon here. They said they liked it alot. There was also another one of our investigators there and she said that she could really feel the spirit, so yeah, we´re still working with them alot!
A few interesting things happened this week though too. One day while out tracting, we were walking down the sidewalk and a lady and a man were cleaning their gutters. I said hello to the lady and shook her hand, then I said hello to the man and went to shake his hand and he asked `você é americano?´and I said yes. Then he said `eu não falo com americanos´... In english, "I don't speak to americans!" How rude huh? ha ha so yeah, that was interesting. Then we saw a cat sneak up on a bird and pounce on it and eat it, so that was cool. But things here are just normal. Kind of a struggle at times, but oh well. Like in alot of the talks, we just need to push through the tough times and rely on Christ because the winners of the `race´of life are those who endure to the end.
I am so grateful for all you do! I hope I get the package this week after the leaders conference. I hope you guys have a great week in Cali, and yeah send lots of pictures! Have a great Easter and say hi to Alec, Jackson, and Pep and tell them I love them. I love you guys and hope you have a fun and safe week. Talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
April 2, 2012
Hello!
This week was pretty good. Its just tough sometimes though because I feel like we never plan and think things out, so that's why I´m frustrated at times because we do so much more walking than necessary and waste precious time... at least that's what I think! Oh well though, that's part of the job. We were able to watch all 4 sessions of conference! So that was awesome! We couldn´t watch priesthood though because it was after 9 o clock, but thank you for the outlines so I can read about the priesthood session. That would be awesome if you could send the Ensign next month so I can have it in English. Oh yeah, they had an english room for us as well so I got some really good notes. I liked pretty much all of the talks... I liked the one by the guy in the 70 about priesthood, I think on Sunday afternoon. Also its always awesome to hear Eyring and Uchtdorf and our prophet Thomas S. Monson. It was a easy weekend of just conference. Yeah, I saw Landon for a second but didn´t recognize David Archuleta, but that's cool. (Chandler's friend, Landon Clark sang in the missionary choir during General Conference).
We worked pretty well last week, but William (Lucas´brother) still hasn´t come back from his dad´s before his mission to baptize his brother. Then we´re still working with Rawane. Her whole family (2 brothers and her mom) came to conference yesterday morning-afternoon here. They said they liked it alot. There was also another one of our investigators there and she said that she could really feel the spirit, so yeah, we´re still working with them alot!
A few interesting things happened this week though too. One day while out tracting, we were walking down the sidewalk and a lady and a man were cleaning their gutters. I said hello to the lady and shook her hand, then I said hello to the man and went to shake his hand and he asked `você é americano?´and I said yes. Then he said `eu não falo com americanos´... In english, "I don't speak to americans!" How rude huh? ha ha so yeah, that was interesting. Then we saw a cat sneak up on a bird and pounce on it and eat it, so that was cool. But things here are just normal. Kind of a struggle at times, but oh well. Like in alot of the talks, we just need to push through the tough times and rely on Christ because the winners of the `race´of life are those who endure to the end.
I am so grateful for all you do! I hope I get the package this week after the leaders conference. I hope you guys have a great week in Cali, and yeah send lots of pictures! Have a great Easter and say hi to Alec, Jackson, and Pep and tell them I love them. I love you guys and hope you have a fun and safe week. Talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Week 17~Baptism, the next step!
e-mail
March 26, 2012
Hello!
So this week was pretty good. But to start off, yeah last week sucked on p day. President Tavares made the rule of no soccer because it is a "contact sport" so yeah that's the rule, NO SOCCER! And I think all the senior companions knew, but just told us we could... And yeah, p days are sort of boring! I would like to go out and do stuff...The rule is that you wake up, get ready, study until 11 or so, clean, then go out and do whatever you want including e mail, so yeah it is the same as dad´s rules and stuff... but we don´t go do anything fun! We go to the market after e mailing, buy boring food that is cheap ha ha, go back, heat up the food, eat, write letters, then just sleep. Its super boring! So yeah, I would love to go out and do stuff but Elder Moreira doesn't like to, and complains that something is wrong with him, especially on p day. IT SUCKS!!! oh well though.
Things were a little bit better this week though. We had better numbers, not our best, but OK numbers. We might have 2 baptisms this weekend. Rawane and another Lucas (brother of a member) who we´re working with along with their mom. So yeah, I hope they come through and realize this is the next step in their lives! Its a little tricky though because we´re not sticking to all the rules, which I know if we follow the rules, that also will help us bring about miracles! For example we got home around 9:45 three nights in a row! And the first night I told elder Moreira we need to be better, then he just talked alot, which he is ALWAYS talking, kind of annoying... but whatever, and then what do you know the next night we were late again... So yeah, I tell him every night we need to do better.
I sent my memory card home on Tuesday and they said it should take about 15 days. Hopefully you guys get it soon... and also I don't know about the situation on Mother's Day yet, but I´ll let you know as soon as possible what the plan is.
I´m glad you guys had a good week, other than the cold mom has. That's really exciting about Seth. Now we all at least have our calls!!! Can you get me the mission addresses of all the boys please?... Ha ha, and yeah, I switch between glasses and contacts every once in a while... I cant wait to get back and watch the Hunger Games. It looks so cool. The other day at lunch, a preview came on in Portuguese in the restaurant we were at. So cool. And yeah, that place downtown sounds cool (City Creek Mall)... I guess ha ha. And it sounds like Shane is starting to do good too, so that's cool! Tell everybody HI for me OK! I have no idea what we will do for conference down here, I guess I´ll see on Saturday and Sunday.
It is super great to hear Alec is starting to prepare too! I cant wait to find out where he goes!!! Oh, ask Wes Boyack if he knew a Sister Oliveira, I think she said that she knew him in the CTM. That would be cool if he knew her.
Well so yeah, this last week was better, and every day I pray that the next day we can do better and at least have a little more fun. I love you guys and thank you for all that you do. I´m still waiting for the package, but am super excited for it! Please tell everybody HI for me and that I love them. Especially tell Alec, Jackson and Pep I love them every day. Have a great week!!!
Love,
Elder Halpin
March 26, 2012
Hello!
So this week was pretty good. But to start off, yeah last week sucked on p day. President Tavares made the rule of no soccer because it is a "contact sport" so yeah that's the rule, NO SOCCER! And I think all the senior companions knew, but just told us we could... And yeah, p days are sort of boring! I would like to go out and do stuff...The rule is that you wake up, get ready, study until 11 or so, clean, then go out and do whatever you want including e mail, so yeah it is the same as dad´s rules and stuff... but we don´t go do anything fun! We go to the market after e mailing, buy boring food that is cheap ha ha, go back, heat up the food, eat, write letters, then just sleep. Its super boring! So yeah, I would love to go out and do stuff but Elder Moreira doesn't like to, and complains that something is wrong with him, especially on p day. IT SUCKS!!! oh well though.
Things were a little bit better this week though. We had better numbers, not our best, but OK numbers. We might have 2 baptisms this weekend. Rawane and another Lucas (brother of a member) who we´re working with along with their mom. So yeah, I hope they come through and realize this is the next step in their lives! Its a little tricky though because we´re not sticking to all the rules, which I know if we follow the rules, that also will help us bring about miracles! For example we got home around 9:45 three nights in a row! And the first night I told elder Moreira we need to be better, then he just talked alot, which he is ALWAYS talking, kind of annoying... but whatever, and then what do you know the next night we were late again... So yeah, I tell him every night we need to do better.
I sent my memory card home on Tuesday and they said it should take about 15 days. Hopefully you guys get it soon... and also I don't know about the situation on Mother's Day yet, but I´ll let you know as soon as possible what the plan is.
I´m glad you guys had a good week, other than the cold mom has. That's really exciting about Seth. Now we all at least have our calls!!! Can you get me the mission addresses of all the boys please?... Ha ha, and yeah, I switch between glasses and contacts every once in a while... I cant wait to get back and watch the Hunger Games. It looks so cool. The other day at lunch, a preview came on in Portuguese in the restaurant we were at. So cool. And yeah, that place downtown sounds cool (City Creek Mall)... I guess ha ha. And it sounds like Shane is starting to do good too, so that's cool! Tell everybody HI for me OK! I have no idea what we will do for conference down here, I guess I´ll see on Saturday and Sunday.
It is super great to hear Alec is starting to prepare too! I cant wait to find out where he goes!!! Oh, ask Wes Boyack if he knew a Sister Oliveira, I think she said that she knew him in the CTM. That would be cool if he knew her.
Well so yeah, this last week was better, and every day I pray that the next day we can do better and at least have a little more fun. I love you guys and thank you for all that you do. I´m still waiting for the package, but am super excited for it! Please tell everybody HI for me and that I love them. Especially tell Alec, Jackson and Pep I love them every day. Have a great week!!!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Week 16~A visit from President Tavares
e-mail
March 19, 2012
Oi!
Well this week was very interesting. After e mail last week we went and bought food, ate, and after went to play some soccer. It was fun! The zone leader called and said that Elder Bohne was getting transferred up to a part in São Paulo. But me, Elder Moreira, and Elder Prado were staying, so no I wasn´t transferred. We also received 2 new missionaries in our home and the new companion of Elder Prado. They are Elder Juelch (Americano) Elder Wellings (Americano) and Elder Magalhães (Brasilhero). Both Elders Welling and Magalhães were in the CTM with me at the same time, and Elder Juelch was one of the trainers I met when I first arrived in Londrina. It was awesome to see them again. They split our area with the 2 new elders, so that's good so we don´t need to do so much walking!!! We walked more this week though because we were helping the new elders in our area. We wandered around trying to find a papelaria to make a copy of a map to make the divisions, place houses of members, and investigators too. So that's good, because we are more organized now! Two of the days, our lunch was like 1 1-2 hours away, so tons of walking and most of the lunches aren´t in our area anymore so its a lot of walking to get back, but I´m super grateful to have 2 others to help us now. So our numbers this week weren´t that great but I think its going to get better now that we´re organized! And no, Rawain hasn´t changed her mind yet, but we´ve gone to her church a couple times to support her. Last night, all 6 of us went, I don´t understand much that goes on because they stand up, pray, and play alot of music with drums and guitars and stuff... so it's a different experience for sure, and after her mom told us to come over to eat rice and stroganoff.
So that was the week, but today was super interesting. So the other elders planned to go play soccer for exercise this morning and then return, study and do all the regular p day stuff. I asked if we were able to do that and play soccer and they said yes. It got to be like 9 and we hadn´t gone back to study, and then the zone leaders called... they were at our house... CRAP! So we went back and they were mad that first we were playing soccer (which we are NOT allowed to play soccer unless authorized by the president) and not studying, and also that our numbers were crappy. I didn´t say anything while they were there, but some of the Brazilians were really mad and said they weren´t allowed to this and tons of stuff. Then Elder Prado went crazy! He destroyed a cabinet. Then President Tavares called us and Elder Prado said some things and President Tavares said for all of us to pack and that he´d be at our house in a couple hours. So that is what I did, packed super fast and cleaned a little too, because our house was a mess. President Tavares arrived and talked with all of us for a bit. Then he did individual interviews with each of us, and he was only mad that I played soccer, which I didn´t know we couldn´t play. So everything is good now. Elder Prado and Elder Welling left with President Tavares to go live in another house, because President said that its not good to have 6 elders in a house. So now I´m here e-mailing and everything is good.
So yeah, this week was very interesting. I´m glad we have the 2 elders still in our area to help us. They are super fun and great to have. I am now starting to have more fun, but now we still need to work hard and change a few things. Thank your for all that you do! It sounds like you guys had a good week. Thank Jackson and Alec for the mail and thanks for the sports updates. I love you guys tons! Keep telling everyone HI for me... and tell Al, Jack, and Peppy I love them and miss them. I hope this week is more successful but know that I am OK. A little rattled but OK... ha ha. Thanks again, and I´ll talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
March 19, 2012
Oi!
Well this week was very interesting. After e mail last week we went and bought food, ate, and after went to play some soccer. It was fun! The zone leader called and said that Elder Bohne was getting transferred up to a part in São Paulo. But me, Elder Moreira, and Elder Prado were staying, so no I wasn´t transferred. We also received 2 new missionaries in our home and the new companion of Elder Prado. They are Elder Juelch (Americano) Elder Wellings (Americano) and Elder Magalhães (Brasilhero). Both Elders Welling and Magalhães were in the CTM with me at the same time, and Elder Juelch was one of the trainers I met when I first arrived in Londrina. It was awesome to see them again. They split our area with the 2 new elders, so that's good so we don´t need to do so much walking!!! We walked more this week though because we were helping the new elders in our area. We wandered around trying to find a papelaria to make a copy of a map to make the divisions, place houses of members, and investigators too. So that's good, because we are more organized now! Two of the days, our lunch was like 1 1-2 hours away, so tons of walking and most of the lunches aren´t in our area anymore so its a lot of walking to get back, but I´m super grateful to have 2 others to help us now. So our numbers this week weren´t that great but I think its going to get better now that we´re organized! And no, Rawain hasn´t changed her mind yet, but we´ve gone to her church a couple times to support her. Last night, all 6 of us went, I don´t understand much that goes on because they stand up, pray, and play alot of music with drums and guitars and stuff... so it's a different experience for sure, and after her mom told us to come over to eat rice and stroganoff.
So that was the week, but today was super interesting. So the other elders planned to go play soccer for exercise this morning and then return, study and do all the regular p day stuff. I asked if we were able to do that and play soccer and they said yes. It got to be like 9 and we hadn´t gone back to study, and then the zone leaders called... they were at our house... CRAP! So we went back and they were mad that first we were playing soccer (which we are NOT allowed to play soccer unless authorized by the president) and not studying, and also that our numbers were crappy. I didn´t say anything while they were there, but some of the Brazilians were really mad and said they weren´t allowed to this and tons of stuff. Then Elder Prado went crazy! He destroyed a cabinet. Then President Tavares called us and Elder Prado said some things and President Tavares said for all of us to pack and that he´d be at our house in a couple hours. So that is what I did, packed super fast and cleaned a little too, because our house was a mess. President Tavares arrived and talked with all of us for a bit. Then he did individual interviews with each of us, and he was only mad that I played soccer, which I didn´t know we couldn´t play. So everything is good now. Elder Prado and Elder Welling left with President Tavares to go live in another house, because President said that its not good to have 6 elders in a house. So now I´m here e-mailing and everything is good.
So yeah, this week was very interesting. I´m glad we have the 2 elders still in our area to help us. They are super fun and great to have. I am now starting to have more fun, but now we still need to work hard and change a few things. Thank your for all that you do! It sounds like you guys had a good week. Thank Jackson and Alec for the mail and thanks for the sports updates. I love you guys tons! Keep telling everyone HI for me... and tell Al, Jack, and Peppy I love them and miss them. I hope this week is more successful but know that I am OK. A little rattled but OK... ha ha. Thanks again, and I´ll talk to you next week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
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