8 is GREAT!

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Tuesday...January 24, 2012

Hello Family!

Things here this week have been great.  Most of the time it was the usual stuff like class, food, and sleeping.  Other than today so far, it has rained for like 12 days straight!  Some of the storms were the craziest storms with the most rain I´ve ever seen!!!  Sometimes the streets looked like rivers, and lightning is always striking the lightning rods on top of the buildings.   I think it was right before dinner last p day that one hit the lightning rod on the CTM, so it was a huge flash and a boom the next split second, so that was cool!

I´ve been taking lots of pictures and will find a way to get you the pictures whether through e-mail, or sending you a disc when I get in the field, or the card itself I guess... but yes I have lots of pictures.  My compainion is Elder Witter and yes its tough sometimes, but whatever.  He just sets such high goals, and I think he expects way too much from others when it comes to studying and all that, but thats ok I guess...  so it's tough, but we´ve made it this far.  I hope he has at least learned a little to calm down and enjoy the little things but...I don't know.

Yesterday was the best day though!  They gave each companionship 4 Books of Mormon (I dont know if its that, or Book of Mormons... ha ha) and we went around in the boundries to preach.  I said hello to every person I saw and some would dash away, go to the other side of the street, or just keep walking, but most would at least say hello.  I think we talked to about 10 or so people, more or less.  At first it was a little scary, and we didn´t really talk much about the gospel or Book of Mormon and I wouldn´t say much so that was hard because my companion has interesting people skills. I guess I would say he doesn´t talk much to people, so finally after awhile I started to talk.  We didn´t hand any Books out for the first three or so hours, but then the last hour I finally decided to just talk and ask questions and we got 2 B.O.M´s out!  Afterwards I felt like a little school boy!  I was so excited to get out to the field, then we had to go sit in the class room for 3 hours, yay...  so yeah, I can't wait to get out because I feel super ready, and can untderstand alot, and speak at least what I need through blessing from God!  Next week we get to go out into downtown São Paulo, ride a bus and preach, then preach in a BUSY park!!!  I cant wait.  The new president is awesome, I´ve talked to them a couple times and they seem very nice and loving!

Thats great to hear there is finally snow!!!  And yay for Al. I love Africa (Soleil).  Tell them all I say hello!  And yeah, that is awesome for Jeff, that will be crazy!!!  I´ll have to write him and congratulate him.  I´ll get pictures with Daniel and others from home, because I know a couple guys that are already here...

Thats also awesome that the boys stopped by to say hello.  They are great friends, and send them my love next time you see them please.

The temple today was super spiritual because it was our last time.  I love the feeling I have when I am there!  Afterwards, I bought some stuff at the Distribution Center.  I got some mesh garms last week and they´re super comfy, so I bought a few more this week.  I got some big pictures, some study guides of the book of mormon, little pictures, and picture books.  Apparently Brazilians say its freezing in Londrina in the winter, so I might have you send me more thermal garms...  I´ll let you know when it gets to that time.  Also today we went to Rodizio´s again with our teachers for our last week, so that was super yummy. And now we´re gonna go out on the town, get cookies and other necessary things, and take lots of pictures!

Well another week down, and probably next time I write you I´ll be in my zone...  we´ll see, and if I get the opprotunity I´ll call you from the airport, so don't get mad if its like 4 in the morning back home ha ha.  I love you guys so much and like every week, I cant say how much I appreciate all that you do for me, Alec and Jackson, and our friends.  You are truly the greatest parents in the world, and I love you so much.  Tell Al, Jack, and the Pepp hello for me.  I love you and will talk to you soon!

Love,
Elder Halpin