e-mail
March 12, 2012
Hello Mom and Dad!
It sounds like you guys had a pretty good week. Sorry that you were sick on your birthday dad, that's no fun, but I hope you had a great day! But yeah it sounds like you guys had fun!
My week here was good. We taught alot, and had two baptisms planned this weekend... Rawane for Saturday morning, and Lucas for Sunday after church. All throughout the the week we made sure to contact them and teach them. On Friday we went over to Rawane´s house to confirm Saturday and have her mom sign the papers, but she wasn't sure she was ready!!! She knows that the Book of Mormon is true and that the church is true, but she´s afraid to change, so we taught her more about following Christ´s example and said we´d stop by later. We went back before going home and she said that she wasn´t ready!!! So no baptism for her this past week. But yesterday was great! We went to church and our district leader gave Lucas his baptismal interview. Then after church, we went to the Stake Center in the city center and had his baptism. It was great! Alot of the members from our ward came and it was really nice. My companion did the baptism and I got to be one of the witnesses. I´ll try to get a picture on but the computer is being dumb right now.
So yeah, everything in Maringá is going great. Tonight is transfers though, and I thought that I would have the same trainer in the same area for the first 12 weeks, but I guess not. Elder Moreira said that usually the person being trained gets transferred I guess... so don´t send anything else to the house because I guess there is a possibility of me being transferred tomorrow.
I think I´ll get the package and stuff at the beginning of April because we get our mail every month after the leader´s meeting in Londrina. So hopefully I get it then. Last week though, I got mail from Amy Tingey and Mariah Kearsley (sem. council) and the valentines card that mom sent. They just asked how things are going and all that so I´m going to write them back today. I hope that next month I get more cards and all that ha ha, possibly in a different area... ha ha.
Usually on P-days we wake up, study until 11, head up to e-mail, go to the market to get food, go home, write letters, and sleep ha ha. We haven´t ever gone to do any thing else. Elder Moreira is interesting and gets set in one way and won't change, so we never adventure to find short cuts or go do anything fun really. I´m looking forward for changes , maybe if I´m transferred it´ll be a little more fun and interesting, but I don't know...I guess we´ll see.
This last week was great and the baptism was fun! Now I can't wait to be the one in the water with the investigator doing the baptism!!!
Thank you for everything you do! I love you guys! Tell Alec, Jackson and the pep hi for me and tell everybody else I say hi! I love you tons and hope you guys have a great and safe week!
Love,
Elder Halpin
Monday, March 12, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Week 14~Happy Birthday Dad
e-mail
March 5, 2012
Hello!!!
March 5, 2012
Hello!!!
First off that's good to hear that Elder Petersen isn't back home! I thought that they had sent him home...
So yeah, this week was good. Some of the days we have gotten stuck in some downpours, but sometimes it´s fun... ha ha. I think I will be with my first companion for 12 weeks because he´s my trainer, then after that nobody but the president knows who is being transferred after every 6 weeks.
It sounds like you had a great time in NYC dad. That is way fun that you were able to go see Van Halen, how was Madison Square Garden??? I hope you have a great birthday this week!
Sam´s going to England?! that's way sweet! I´ll write him this week, ha ha and yeah, now just Seth! Has Alec thought about starting his papers yet???
Thanks for sending the package! I hope I get it soon... ha ha. I got that post card from Hawaii on Saturday at the house so it worked!
Tell Emerie congratulations for me and that I love her! Also let her know that this is the beginning of the road of happiness for her, and that Heavenly Father is very happy with her right now!
This past week we met a lot of people and a lot said they´d come to church, but only like 5 came, which is still a lot! Lucas, a 14 year old accepted to be baptized this Sunday! We only have like 20 minutes with him everyday this week though because he works and then goes to school... Rawane is really good too, she wants to be baptized and go to the temple some day, but her pastor talks bad about us, so that's tough. I pray for her and all of our investigators every day!!! We met a very receptive family with 2 kids, we taught a members mom and brother, then had a family night with Valeria´s (less active) family, 2 kids (members) and dad (non-member, investigator), and we had waffles, sorvete (ice-cream), and brigadeiro (chocolate sauce). it was really fun. All together, we have about 40 people in our teaching group, and every day it grows! so yeah, I hope and pray every day that we are able to convert them all, but if not now, I know that we are planting seeds...
Tell Dave and Jill that I hope Elder Holt is OK. Can you get me his mission home address and I´ll write him in the future, along with Marlowe´s and Dillon´s addresses as well? Thanks.
That is awesome the Jazz are finally doing good! How´s Gordon Hayward playing? Oh, and send me a March Madness bracket when they come out and then tell me who wins every game..ha, ha Thanks! Also sometime soon, in the next package send tons of peanut butter, that's my favorite thing to eat at night, a pb and j ha ha.
Thank you for all that you do. I love you guys so much. Tell Alec, Jackson, and Peppy hi for me, and spread my love to everybody. Have a great week and again Feliz Anaversario Dad!!!
Love,
Élder Halpin
Week 13 ~ Zone Conference
e-mail
February 27, 2012
Hello!
This past week has been interesting... Just the usual stuff from last Monday through Wednesday, then 4 other elders stayed in our house Wednesday night because we had zone conference on Thursday. It was AWESOME! We ate good food and President and Sister Tavares spoke to us and trained us with the AP´s all day. I still had no idea what was going on though...ha ha. And it was cool because I got to see another elder that was in my district in the CTM, and Elder Kaelin as well so that was sweet! I´ll send a picture, oh did you get my pictures last week?
Friday was interesting because I told my companion that I need more help and all that, but he got mad and it was just kind of a crappy day! Oh well though. Things are good now, but it is really hard sometimes with him because its always his way or the highway... But yeah, it's confusing sometimes because I know this is the time to learn, but I don't feel like I´m learning much... oh well though I've just gotta make it work.
We still don't have any baptisms, but I think we have one lined up this week...? Yesterday we had investigators with great potential in church so that's good. Rawane´s family is really funny and fun to be with. Her mom calls me `her boy´...ha ha, so they are really sweet and we´re helping them progress. Do you know a Megan Falling or something like that back home, because she said that she has a friend in Holladay!
Walking is going good, but still just a ton every day. I don't know what I weigh now, but my clothes are good. We only have a washing machine and air dry everything. I do my laundry... ha ha.
Yep we´re really close to that cemetery, but the pool you see on google earth isn't in our yard, but another house behind us... its a really big house for missionaries too I guess... ha ha.
Are you serious that Elder Petersen was released??? that sucks! I loved having him in my district!!! That is super scary though. (Elder Petersen was in Chandler's MTC district, and contracted Dengue Fever...He was in the hospital for a few days, and then released to be on bedrest at home. I told Chandler this and Chandler assumed he was sent home...to the United States. I should have been more specific...he was sent home to his apartment, and has since returned to his everyday work schedule!)
No I haven't gotten the reebs yet, but sometimes my stomach hurts from hunger so that's no fun. Last week I was having a hard time going to the bathroom but its better now.
Yeah, I can't wait to get back and see Hunger Games ha ha. I bet it´ll be sick. Yeah, I think it is probably best just to send stuff to the mission home and not my house because you never know how long it´ll take to get here and I could be somewhere totally different by the time it arrives... but I don't know ha ha. Yeah time flies! It's gone really fast, but I just cant wait to know the language. That's good my friends are keeping in touch, I´m still waiting for letters though! ha ha. Did Sam get his call yet??? Who won the dunk contest during the all star weekend?
Well yeah, it's tricky sometimes, but this is the work of the Lord and everything is possible through Him. I pray so hard when the times get tough and make it through them with a smile most of the time. I cant wait to baptize somebody too!!! Thank you for all that you do! Have a great week! Have fun in New York Dad, and tell the boys and pep HI for me!
Love,
Elder Halpin
P.S. If there is room in the package could you send my Brazil jerseys??
February 27, 2012
Hello!
This past week has been interesting... Just the usual stuff from last Monday through Wednesday, then 4 other elders stayed in our house Wednesday night because we had zone conference on Thursday. It was AWESOME! We ate good food and President and Sister Tavares spoke to us and trained us with the AP´s all day. I still had no idea what was going on though...ha ha. And it was cool because I got to see another elder that was in my district in the CTM, and Elder Kaelin as well so that was sweet! I´ll send a picture, oh did you get my pictures last week?
Friday was interesting because I told my companion that I need more help and all that, but he got mad and it was just kind of a crappy day! Oh well though. Things are good now, but it is really hard sometimes with him because its always his way or the highway... But yeah, it's confusing sometimes because I know this is the time to learn, but I don't feel like I´m learning much... oh well though I've just gotta make it work.
We still don't have any baptisms, but I think we have one lined up this week...? Yesterday we had investigators with great potential in church so that's good. Rawane´s family is really funny and fun to be with. Her mom calls me `her boy´...ha ha, so they are really sweet and we´re helping them progress. Do you know a Megan Falling or something like that back home, because she said that she has a friend in Holladay!
Walking is going good, but still just a ton every day. I don't know what I weigh now, but my clothes are good. We only have a washing machine and air dry everything. I do my laundry... ha ha.
Yep we´re really close to that cemetery, but the pool you see on google earth isn't in our yard, but another house behind us... its a really big house for missionaries too I guess... ha ha.
Are you serious that Elder Petersen was released??? that sucks! I loved having him in my district!!! That is super scary though. (Elder Petersen was in Chandler's MTC district, and contracted Dengue Fever...He was in the hospital for a few days, and then released to be on bedrest at home. I told Chandler this and Chandler assumed he was sent home...to the United States. I should have been more specific...he was sent home to his apartment, and has since returned to his everyday work schedule!)
No I haven't gotten the reebs yet, but sometimes my stomach hurts from hunger so that's no fun. Last week I was having a hard time going to the bathroom but its better now.
Yeah, I can't wait to get back and see Hunger Games ha ha. I bet it´ll be sick. Yeah, I think it is probably best just to send stuff to the mission home and not my house because you never know how long it´ll take to get here and I could be somewhere totally different by the time it arrives... but I don't know ha ha. Yeah time flies! It's gone really fast, but I just cant wait to know the language. That's good my friends are keeping in touch, I´m still waiting for letters though! ha ha. Did Sam get his call yet??? Who won the dunk contest during the all star weekend?
Well yeah, it's tricky sometimes, but this is the work of the Lord and everything is possible through Him. I pray so hard when the times get tough and make it through them with a smile most of the time. I cant wait to baptize somebody too!!! Thank you for all that you do! Have a great week! Have fun in New York Dad, and tell the boys and pep HI for me!
Love,
Elder Halpin
P.S. If there is room in the package could you send my Brazil jerseys??
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Week 12~Anything is possible through HIM!
e-mail
February 20, 2012
Hello!
So ya this week went much better. Still a little difficult at times because like dad said: Latins think they know everything... so yeah, but oh well I´m just staying chill and I will help him and just sit back and try to learn. OK so I´ll answer the questions...
My address is:
Elder Robert Chandler Halpin
Ri Flamengo # 188
Vila Mapumby, Maringá - PR
cep: 87005 - 180
Brazil
This is the home address and you could probably send the package there if you haven´t sent it yet because we still have two months, but usually people have their stuff sent to their home only for the first few weeks of a normal transfer then to the mission home...
We share our house with 2 other elders. Elder Bohne (americano) and Elder Prado (Brasilhero) are in our house with us. They are fun to have there because like dad said, its nice to have others to talk too.
I am not in the ward that meets by the park, but we´ve had district meetings there. I´m in the Centro Civíco ward and we meet in a building on rua Riberro Roch... something like that, but they are building a new ward house somewhere right now...
The investigators are good. No baptisms yet, Lucas was gone for carnival, like the whole world is gone right now ha ha. But the people are good. lots of people progressing... eh the language is coming along OK...
Yes I am using sun screen and my shoes are good.
The bathrooms in are house are good once we cleaned them because the elders before us left us a huge mess to clean. There are ants here and there, other bugs but not too many. My sheets, towels, etc. are good...
(I asked him a lot of questions in our last letter, and he obviously responded to them...hence, so many quick answers that are very random!)
Wow Jimmy is back already? that was fast! Yeah, my testimony is growing the same way. I love it here, sometimes its hard but I know this work is the work of God and anything is possible through Him!
HA HA Madagascar! That's way sick! I´ll write Peter and congratulate him! What language will he be speaking? NO I didn´t know Jeff had a girlfriend ha ha. Tell Sam I hope his call is to Londrina! ha ha. If Wes was in my ward at all ask him who he taught and all that, OK?
Things here are going better, I just wish I was fluent ha ha, but I know God is helping me with learning too. I love you guys and thanks for the pictures they´re great! I´ll try to get pictures on, but if not I guess I´ll send you the card, or print some out and mail them.
Thanks for all you did por exemplo... food, cleaning, listening, etc. I have realized all that you did for me, Alec, Jackson, and our friends. I love you guys so much and am so grateful for everything. Tell Al, Jack, and peppy hi.
Love,
Elder Halpin
February 20, 2012
Hello!
So ya this week went much better. Still a little difficult at times because like dad said: Latins think they know everything... so yeah, but oh well I´m just staying chill and I will help him and just sit back and try to learn. OK so I´ll answer the questions...
My address is:
Elder Robert Chandler Halpin
Ri Flamengo # 188
Vila Mapumby, Maringá - PR
cep: 87005 - 180
Brazil
This is the home address and you could probably send the package there if you haven´t sent it yet because we still have two months, but usually people have their stuff sent to their home only for the first few weeks of a normal transfer then to the mission home...
We share our house with 2 other elders. Elder Bohne (americano) and Elder Prado (Brasilhero) are in our house with us. They are fun to have there because like dad said, its nice to have others to talk too.
I am not in the ward that meets by the park, but we´ve had district meetings there. I´m in the Centro Civíco ward and we meet in a building on rua Riberro Roch... something like that, but they are building a new ward house somewhere right now...
The investigators are good. No baptisms yet, Lucas was gone for carnival, like the whole world is gone right now ha ha. But the people are good. lots of people progressing... eh the language is coming along OK...
Yes I am using sun screen and my shoes are good.
The bathrooms in are house are good once we cleaned them because the elders before us left us a huge mess to clean. There are ants here and there, other bugs but not too many. My sheets, towels, etc. are good...
(I asked him a lot of questions in our last letter, and he obviously responded to them...hence, so many quick answers that are very random!)
Wow Jimmy is back already? that was fast! Yeah, my testimony is growing the same way. I love it here, sometimes its hard but I know this work is the work of God and anything is possible through Him!
HA HA Madagascar! That's way sick! I´ll write Peter and congratulate him! What language will he be speaking? NO I didn´t know Jeff had a girlfriend ha ha. Tell Sam I hope his call is to Londrina! ha ha. If Wes was in my ward at all ask him who he taught and all that, OK?
Things here are going better, I just wish I was fluent ha ha, but I know God is helping me with learning too. I love you guys and thanks for the pictures they´re great! I´ll try to get pictures on, but if not I guess I´ll send you the card, or print some out and mail them.
Thanks for all you did por exemplo... food, cleaning, listening, etc. I have realized all that you did for me, Alec, Jackson, and our friends. I love you guys so much and am so grateful for everything. Tell Al, Jack, and peppy hi.
Love,
Elder Halpin
Monday, February 13, 2012
Week 11 ~ A LOT of walking
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.
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 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
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