e-mail
received Monday, February 13, 2012
Hello!
So I am doing good... Its been a rough week at some points, but great at other points. I love the area, the people are great, but it is A TON of walking!!! Like I said... it seriously is bigger than the Salt Lake valley! It can take us up to an hour or 1 1/2 hours to get to a neighborhood to teach! So yeah, it is A LOT of walking. My trainer is Elder Moreira. Yeah, he is great and we get along for the most part, but sometimes its tough because he always has to be right at everything! I know that I am new and everything, but he´ll say forget everything that they taught in the MTC!!! I wont forget everything, but for now I guess I´ll just follow along, and someday I can do it the way I want to. He also is very negative about things that we have to do... like knocking doors. I don't know why but he complains a lot on that, and he´ll say "I´m the one thats the trainer and I've been out almost a year so I know what I´m doing", so yeah I´ll just follow for now. And yeah, I too HOPE everything turns out well (ha ha). But yeah, the big pointy Cathedral is in part of our area so we went over the other day and went in, IT'S HUGE. I love this work though! I love going out everyday and smiling and saying hi to everybody, oh thats another thing he is negative about... he says he doesn't like talking to everybody... Weird. Yes we have a microwave and I´m trying to eat the best I can. I just eat something small for breakfast, lunch at a members, and a sandwich when we get back home. The house number is 188 on rua flamengo so now you can see it. It is a big house with 3 rooms, 2 bathrooms and a good kitchen with all the stuff you need, other than the food (ha ha). And I have no idea where you guys need to send stuff, I still have no idea whats going on here! and I guess you have to have street numbers and not just names so just send everything to the mission office for now...
Elder Robert Chandler Halpin
Brazil Londrina Mission
Rua Higienopolis, 1100, Sala 61
Centro
86020-911 Londrina - PR
Brazil
and if the President gets mad or anything thats ok because I have no idea where else to send things, so yeah just send everything there because at worst we´ll get it once a month when the leaders have a meeting there...
Yep, I wrote Brother Walcott so I don't know when it will get there. I am also going to write Jeff Witt today. I still don't know how to get pictures to you, I forgot my camera this week, so next week I´ll try sending some to you, but if it doesn´t work than yeah, I´ll just send you the card, but we´ll see what happens next week...
We have taught a lot of people and found new people by guess how... knocking doors so it does work! Then there are other references from some of the members. We had a commitment for baptism yesterday from Luiz, but then he called us and said he wasn´t ready. On Saturday we have a baptism date for Lucas, so I have faith that he sticks to it! There is a family with a less active mom, two kids who are baptized and come to church every week, and their dad isn´t baptized so we´re teaching them about families and everything. Ruwane has come to church with us twice and is progressing well, and I hope she will commit to baptism soon, plus we met her mom the other night and she loves us and wants us to teach her too. Then Lucelleni is reading the Book of Mormon, has come to church with us once, but smokes, so we´re trying to help her there. Then yeah, just lots of others so its good right now, we just need to help them take the next step.
Thats good that Cy did good. Tell him hi and bye for me if you see him, and get me his address, and I´ll write him sometime. That is awesome that Sam and Peter got there papers in! I can't wait to hear where they go. Just continue to tell everybody hi for me, and share my love. I know that this gospel is true and this is the best work on this planet, even though it gets tough sometimes, and I know that God will help me through the rough times! I love you guys so much and thanks a ton for all that you have done and do for me and our family. Tell Alec, Jackson, and peppy hi for me. I love you!
Elder Halpin
P.S. Dad, can you tell me some of your mission stories, because I want to know what you would do, and all that.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Week 9 & 10 ~ Welcome to Meringa!
e-mail
received Monday, February 6, 2012
Hello!
So yeah, this has been a long two weeks not being able to talk to you guys! We woke up Tuesday morning at 3 o clock, got in a van, and went to the airport. It was a great and very fast last week at the CTM. We had a lot of meetings and orientations. One day it was all in Portuguese, and I could not understand much (ha ha). We did all the fun travel prep. stuff and packed. Now being out I realize how easy of a time we had there. Free food, no walking and all that.
We had about an hour long flight from São Paulo to Londrina. When we got there, President and Sister Tavares along with the AP´s and Zone Leaders were there to pick us up. We went to the mission home, which is on the 11th floor of a big aparment building, and ate breakfast. Then we went over to the chapel to start interviews and orientation stuff. I got my credit card which we get 120 reals every 1st and 15th of the month. I then had my interview with President Tavares which was cool because he gave me a blessing. Then we went back up to the mission home and ate lunch. It was good~chicken and rice and ice cream and all that. Then we went back to the chapel to find out our trainers and areas. People were going to places like Foz do Iguaçu, parts of Londrina, back up near São Paulo and all over. I am in... MARINGÁ! It is just south-west of Londrina. My trainer is Elder Moreira. He is from São Paulo and is fluent in English, so that's good because I need all the help I can get. We were heading out that day, so we said our goodbyes to everybody and all the friends from the CTM, and then we went to the bus station and took about a 3 hour ride to Maringá, Centro Cívico area. Our house is on a Rua de Flamengo, but I can't rembember what house number. I´ll write it down and tell you next week ok? And yeah, we´re supposed to have packages sent to a members house, but we don´t know which house we want them sent to yet. I´m not sure about mail though, for now just tell people to send it to the Londrina office for now I guess, but yeah President Tavares specifically said not to send packages to the mission office, so we´ll get an address for you to send things to next week.
Its been a pretty tough week! I have no idea what anybody is saying outside of church topics, and everybody talks super fast. But when we teach lessons, I feel comfortable and can at least get the lesson across. We have 48 received contacts, made 25 contacts, 15 new investigators, 4 lessons with less active or recently baptized, 6 investigators making progress, 18 lessons taught, 4 attended sacrament meeting and 2 commited to baptism!!! So things are going great I guess... I don't know though because I have no idea what is going on half the time (ha ha). Oh yeah, I think our area is bigger than the Salt Lake valley! It can take us up to an hour of walking to get to a neighborhood to tract and teach, so it is ALOT of walking!!!
Its good to hear it was a good stake conference! I hope Ann is doing o.k... thats a pretty tough situation. Share my love with the Ostlers, and let them know of my gratefulness for their family and examples.
I saw Daniel a few time here and there in the CTM, and got pictures and all that so that was great! Tell everybody hi for me and keep having fun with everybody!
Well, I need to go... things here are great and crazy. I love this work and love the people of Brazil. I can't wait to understand the language, but I know that I can get little things across at least. Thank you for all you do. I´ll let you know where to send packages hopefully next week... I love you guys and hope you have a great week. talk to you soon.
Love, Elder Halpin
received Monday, February 6, 2012
Hello!
So yeah, this has been a long two weeks not being able to talk to you guys! We woke up Tuesday morning at 3 o clock, got in a van, and went to the airport. It was a great and very fast last week at the CTM. We had a lot of meetings and orientations. One day it was all in Portuguese, and I could not understand much (ha ha). We did all the fun travel prep. stuff and packed. Now being out I realize how easy of a time we had there. Free food, no walking and all that.
We had about an hour long flight from São Paulo to Londrina. When we got there, President and Sister Tavares along with the AP´s and Zone Leaders were there to pick us up. We went to the mission home, which is on the 11th floor of a big aparment building, and ate breakfast. Then we went over to the chapel to start interviews and orientation stuff. I got my credit card which we get 120 reals every 1st and 15th of the month. I then had my interview with President Tavares which was cool because he gave me a blessing. Then we went back up to the mission home and ate lunch. It was good~chicken and rice and ice cream and all that. Then we went back to the chapel to find out our trainers and areas. People were going to places like Foz do Iguaçu, parts of Londrina, back up near São Paulo and all over. I am in... MARINGÁ! It is just south-west of Londrina. My trainer is Elder Moreira. He is from São Paulo and is fluent in English, so that's good because I need all the help I can get. We were heading out that day, so we said our goodbyes to everybody and all the friends from the CTM, and then we went to the bus station and took about a 3 hour ride to Maringá, Centro Cívico area. Our house is on a Rua de Flamengo, but I can't rembember what house number. I´ll write it down and tell you next week ok? And yeah, we´re supposed to have packages sent to a members house, but we don´t know which house we want them sent to yet. I´m not sure about mail though, for now just tell people to send it to the Londrina office for now I guess, but yeah President Tavares specifically said not to send packages to the mission office, so we´ll get an address for you to send things to next week.
Its been a pretty tough week! I have no idea what anybody is saying outside of church topics, and everybody talks super fast. But when we teach lessons, I feel comfortable and can at least get the lesson across. We have 48 received contacts, made 25 contacts, 15 new investigators, 4 lessons with less active or recently baptized, 6 investigators making progress, 18 lessons taught, 4 attended sacrament meeting and 2 commited to baptism!!! So things are going great I guess... I don't know though because I have no idea what is going on half the time (ha ha). Oh yeah, I think our area is bigger than the Salt Lake valley! It can take us up to an hour of walking to get to a neighborhood to tract and teach, so it is ALOT of walking!!!
Its good to hear it was a good stake conference! I hope Ann is doing o.k... thats a pretty tough situation. Share my love with the Ostlers, and let them know of my gratefulness for their family and examples.
I saw Daniel a few time here and there in the CTM, and got pictures and all that so that was great! Tell everybody hi for me and keep having fun with everybody!
Well, I need to go... things here are great and crazy. I love this work and love the people of Brazil. I can't wait to understand the language, but I know that I can get little things across at least. Thank you for all you do. I´ll let you know where to send packages hopefully next week... I love you guys and hope you have a great week. talk to you soon.
Love, Elder Halpin
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
8 is GREAT!
e-mail
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
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
Friday, January 20, 2012
Week 7~ Goodbye President and Sister Clarke
Oí!
Another week here in the CTM... Not much happens, as you probably know by now. This week was President and Sister Clarke´s last week so they left yesterday, and the new President of the CTM spoke to us on Sunday. It was an awesome experience though, because it was the last time we sang "Called to Serve" with them here. The choir also sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" which was really awesome. I´m going to miss them because I could really feel the love that they had for us.
Earlier this week, one of our teachers went after his dream job and quit here, so we got to hear his conversion story. As the investigator he was playing himself, and while he was growing up he was an atheist. It was really hard to teach him, but when we heard that the key to his conversion was love, it opened my eyes to how simple it can be sometimes... I´m going to miss him a lot. He was a fun guy.
Today has been a great p day. The temple was amazing as it always is. When we got back, we threw our laundry in and went out to the city. A few of us from the district went to Rodizios, and it was just as good as back home (possibly even better)! Afterwards we went to the supermarket and to the tie shop, so nothing to exciting.
The language is coming along great! We´re starting to become close with lots of the natives. The other night we had lots of time and I spoke to a group of Brazilians for about an hour, so that was super fun!!! Sometimes its funny because they´ll come and surround you asking who your favorite soccer team is, and its crazy because they all have their favorites and tell you who to like, I love it though!!! So yeah, I can´t wait to get into the field, because I feel like even though I don´t know the language and I am not fluent, I know I´ll be able to make it and teach and have a good time with the people.
That is a great theme for the YM-YW´s this year! Sometimes during lab I´ll watch some videos from lds.org, and on it I found the new Strength for Youth site. It is super awesome! I love the experiences I have here, and no I don't think I need you to send anything with Daniel... But can you keep your eye on my bank account because last week they said there was no money on the card at the supermarket, but then the next day it worked perfectly at the police station, and it also worked today at the distribution center... so just make sure it's working fine please. Oh yeah, the police station was great! I got the year extension, but I don´t know exactly when it will expire. I hear that sometimes you might have to go home a transfer early because of visa extensions, so I´ll let you know when I find out. And yes the doctors do give you medicine so I´ve been a couple times, but most of the days I feel so much better. A couple days I have had a gnarly headache, but I think it's because one of the guys in my room gets up at 6 am, so his alarm wakes me up. Then, right at 6:30 when we´re supposed to get up he turns on the lights!!! It is really annoying! So hopefully my companions in the field wont do that.
It looks like you are having a great time at Hawaii Pai!!! I´m a little jealous, but at the same time not so much because Brazil might be a little sicker ha ha. I hope that you had an awesome time and that you get home safely!
Well that's all from this week... I hope this coming week is a great one for you back home!!! I love you all so much! Tell Al, Jack, and Peppy hi for me! I love you guys and can't wait to hear back from you next week.
Love,
Elder Halpin
Another week here in the CTM... Not much happens, as you probably know by now. This week was President and Sister Clarke´s last week so they left yesterday, and the new President of the CTM spoke to us on Sunday. It was an awesome experience though, because it was the last time we sang "Called to Serve" with them here. The choir also sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" which was really awesome. I´m going to miss them because I could really feel the love that they had for us.
Earlier this week, one of our teachers went after his dream job and quit here, so we got to hear his conversion story. As the investigator he was playing himself, and while he was growing up he was an atheist. It was really hard to teach him, but when we heard that the key to his conversion was love, it opened my eyes to how simple it can be sometimes... I´m going to miss him a lot. He was a fun guy.
Today has been a great p day. The temple was amazing as it always is. When we got back, we threw our laundry in and went out to the city. A few of us from the district went to Rodizios, and it was just as good as back home (possibly even better)! Afterwards we went to the supermarket and to the tie shop, so nothing to exciting.
The language is coming along great! We´re starting to become close with lots of the natives. The other night we had lots of time and I spoke to a group of Brazilians for about an hour, so that was super fun!!! Sometimes its funny because they´ll come and surround you asking who your favorite soccer team is, and its crazy because they all have their favorites and tell you who to like, I love it though!!! So yeah, I can´t wait to get into the field, because I feel like even though I don´t know the language and I am not fluent, I know I´ll be able to make it and teach and have a good time with the people.
That is a great theme for the YM-YW´s this year! Sometimes during lab I´ll watch some videos from lds.org, and on it I found the new Strength for Youth site. It is super awesome! I love the experiences I have here, and no I don't think I need you to send anything with Daniel... But can you keep your eye on my bank account because last week they said there was no money on the card at the supermarket, but then the next day it worked perfectly at the police station, and it also worked today at the distribution center... so just make sure it's working fine please. Oh yeah, the police station was great! I got the year extension, but I don´t know exactly when it will expire. I hear that sometimes you might have to go home a transfer early because of visa extensions, so I´ll let you know when I find out. And yes the doctors do give you medicine so I´ve been a couple times, but most of the days I feel so much better. A couple days I have had a gnarly headache, but I think it's because one of the guys in my room gets up at 6 am, so his alarm wakes me up. Then, right at 6:30 when we´re supposed to get up he turns on the lights!!! It is really annoying! So hopefully my companions in the field wont do that.
It looks like you are having a great time at Hawaii Pai!!! I´m a little jealous, but at the same time not so much because Brazil might be a little sicker ha ha. I hope that you had an awesome time and that you get home safely!
Well that's all from this week... I hope this coming week is a great one for you back home!!! I love you all so much! Tell Al, Jack, and Peppy hi for me! I love you guys and can't wait to hear back from you next week.
Love,
Elder Halpin
Friday, January 13, 2012
Week 6~I Love The Brazilian People
Email
January 10, 2012
Oí!
So things here are going good. I´m feeling a little bit better, but I think I got a sinus infection the other night... oh well though, and no you cant just stay in your room mom ha ha! (unless your dying). Usually by the time class comes around I feel better. Its the mornings that are tough because I don´t like mornings much.
Thats awesome that the girls stopped by! What did they say? Whats going on with everybody back home? I don´t hear much except a couple e mails from Seth, his dad, and Lee. I also sent Dallin and Tim a Christmas letter, but I don't know when they´ll get it. Our exit date is the 31st, so three more weeks from today! Even though sometimes it is tough, I love my companion and district. Like I´ve said, he and a couple guys in my district are just wound up a little too tight and sort of dont know how to relax, oh well though. It will be sad, but exciting to leave! A little scary too because Portuguese is crazy! I can still understand most, and I can speak a little better each day and week. There are some awesome guys in the district too! I just dont know how to download the pictures to send because the computers here don't have a slot for the card, and over at Cheneys it costs money. I like Elder Carrell, he is our district president and he's fun to have around.
Thats good to hear Alec did good on the test, and hopefully their grades come out good. Tell Alec and Jackson I love them and miss them, and can't wait to hear what happened in school and graduation and all that good stuff that´ll happen soon. Thanks for the updates on the scores! Stupid Alabama!!! oh well though ha ha.
P days here are fun. The temple is very nice, small though, and today we saw the baptismal font which was way sick. I love the spirit I feel in there. Then we come back, eat, do laundry, e mail and go and grab stuff we need from the shops around. I love the Brazilian people. They are so fun, and the Brazilian elders are crazy!!! I love them all!
Eu amo voces!!! Talk to you next week. Have a good one!
Love,
Elder Halpin
January 10, 2012
Oí!
So things here are going good. I´m feeling a little bit better, but I think I got a sinus infection the other night... oh well though, and no you cant just stay in your room mom ha ha! (unless your dying). Usually by the time class comes around I feel better. Its the mornings that are tough because I don´t like mornings much.
Thats awesome that the girls stopped by! What did they say? Whats going on with everybody back home? I don´t hear much except a couple e mails from Seth, his dad, and Lee. I also sent Dallin and Tim a Christmas letter, but I don't know when they´ll get it. Our exit date is the 31st, so three more weeks from today! Even though sometimes it is tough, I love my companion and district. Like I´ve said, he and a couple guys in my district are just wound up a little too tight and sort of dont know how to relax, oh well though. It will be sad, but exciting to leave! A little scary too because Portuguese is crazy! I can still understand most, and I can speak a little better each day and week. There are some awesome guys in the district too! I just dont know how to download the pictures to send because the computers here don't have a slot for the card, and over at Cheneys it costs money. I like Elder Carrell, he is our district president and he's fun to have around.
Thats good to hear Alec did good on the test, and hopefully their grades come out good. Tell Alec and Jackson I love them and miss them, and can't wait to hear what happened in school and graduation and all that good stuff that´ll happen soon. Thanks for the updates on the scores! Stupid Alabama!!! oh well though ha ha.
P days here are fun. The temple is very nice, small though, and today we saw the baptismal font which was way sick. I love the spirit I feel in there. Then we come back, eat, do laundry, e mail and go and grab stuff we need from the shops around. I love the Brazilian people. They are so fun, and the Brazilian elders are crazy!!! I love them all!
Eu amo voces!!! Talk to you next week. Have a good one!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Week #5~Happy New Year!
Email
January 3, 2012
Hi Everybody!
Things here this week were OK... I got sort of sick and had a cold, but one day I felt terrible. Sort of like the flu, I guess. But now I´m feeling much better! On New Year´s Eve, we only had one class and then had free time. We watched a movie about a football team that started winning after they relied more on God in their lives. After that, we had a snack with some brownies and stuff so that was way yummy. Then we stayed up until midnight and the city blew up! It was super crazy, kind of like a war zone, because you could see flashes in the clouds off in the distance. It was super awesome!!!
It's a little tough sometimes with my companion because he is just so perfect all the time, and studies nonstop. He is a great guy and all, but he just doesn´t know how to have fun. It's really tough for me sometimes, because even when we chat after dinner and stuff, he´s in the corner reading out of the dictionary! He also expects way too much out of me, and thinks that I should have his study habits, so that gets sort of frustrating sometimes. But we talk it out, and work to be better.
My Portuguese is improving, I guess. A few of us started to translate the Livro de Mórmon that they gave us when we first got here, so today I bought a hard back one, and a nicer set to have in the field and I´ll use the one they gave us to write in and study the language. It´s starting to get a lot easier to speak as well.
I´m glad to hear that things are going good. That was a great and crazy win for us (*U of U football). I hope you had lots of fun on New Years, and did some crazy fireworks! I like all the score updates too! Crazy stuff in the games, I guess, but things here are just pretty much the same. Thanks for the updates, and know that things here are fun and great. I love you guys so much, and can't wait to see you NEXT YEAR! (Ha ha). Continue to tell everybody I love them. Thanks for all you do.
Love,
Elder Halpin
January 3, 2012
Hi Everybody!
Things here this week were OK... I got sort of sick and had a cold, but one day I felt terrible. Sort of like the flu, I guess. But now I´m feeling much better! On New Year´s Eve, we only had one class and then had free time. We watched a movie about a football team that started winning after they relied more on God in their lives. After that, we had a snack with some brownies and stuff so that was way yummy. Then we stayed up until midnight and the city blew up! It was super crazy, kind of like a war zone, because you could see flashes in the clouds off in the distance. It was super awesome!!!
It's a little tough sometimes with my companion because he is just so perfect all the time, and studies nonstop. He is a great guy and all, but he just doesn´t know how to have fun. It's really tough for me sometimes, because even when we chat after dinner and stuff, he´s in the corner reading out of the dictionary! He also expects way too much out of me, and thinks that I should have his study habits, so that gets sort of frustrating sometimes. But we talk it out, and work to be better.
My Portuguese is improving, I guess. A few of us started to translate the Livro de Mórmon that they gave us when we first got here, so today I bought a hard back one, and a nicer set to have in the field and I´ll use the one they gave us to write in and study the language. It´s starting to get a lot easier to speak as well.
I´m glad to hear that things are going good. That was a great and crazy win for us (*U of U football). I hope you had lots of fun on New Years, and did some crazy fireworks! I like all the score updates too! Crazy stuff in the games, I guess, but things here are just pretty much the same. Thanks for the updates, and know that things here are fun and great. I love you guys so much, and can't wait to see you NEXT YEAR! (Ha ha). Continue to tell everybody I love them. Thanks for all you do.
Love,
Elder Halpin
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