A Week in the Life

What if I told you I had written the most entertaining piece of literature in history? Your eyes are not deceived folks this really is the most entertaining email ever written! But the catch is that you've got to read the WHOLE thing to find out just why it's so good (this is what we in the writing business call a hook). But another week has passed and gone! This week I was inspired by the other soldiers of the missionary squad to write the email throughout the week instead of just on Monday. So this email is gonna have a bit of a different structure, but let me take you on a magical mystery tour of a week in the life of yours truly.

Tuesday: 

Good day! We had some good lessons, saw a dog who I’m 99% sure was rabid with rabies, and there was a gorgeous sunset holy cow. I also had the opportunity to teach a couple of little kids while Elder McLane was teaching someone on the street, which was super awesome. They were kind of talkative so I cut them a deal that if they listened reverently to a lesson for 3 minutes then I'd speak English for them (kids always ask us to speak English and then have big reactions to it it's awesome.) They got their English and I got an opportunity to teach, it was a win win. 

Wednesday: 

Morning started out good but the afternoon was pretty sleepy. Every day here from around 2-5, I kid you not everybody takes a midday nap. The streets are deserted. The evening was great though! We met a bunch of new people, this couple got married and their house was blasting American 80s music to celebrate which was much appreciated, and me, the comp and Moisés finished the day off with glasses of miscellaneous fruit juice. 

Thursday:

Today I got kinda disappointed in myself for not working as hard as I could have. In the morning I had a great personal study, then we had the rare opportunity to eat at a restaurant for lunch (I got kinda sick after but I lived), but for the part of the day we were talking to people, my head just wasn't in the game. By the end of the day I felt like I could have done or learned more, and was disappointed that I didn't focus more. But I learned my lesson, and now I know that a day of hard work equals a day of both more success and more satisfaction. 

Friday: 

Met up with the District today which is always a grand time. A bunch of Elders destroyed a bottle of Nutella like a group of cavemen which was pretty inspiring. President Ribolla told us that if we meet our Baptism goals for this month, he'd have us over at his house for a barbecue in December to celebrate. Therefore, November will henceforth be known as Grindvember. But today was good! Good amount of walking, talking, and we started our fast for the week, which means that both the blessings and tomorrow's lunch will be bountiful. 

Saturday:

Saturdays have consistently been great days here and today was no exception. We went to the dentist, cleaned the casa, made burgers and then hit the road in a good mood. We spent basically the entire evening running around asking everyone we knew or were talking with to come to sacrament meeting tomorrow, and a lot of them said yes! So fingers crossed, we'll see tomorrow if the dream comes true or not. The highlight of the day was when we were just chilling talking to this guy and he leans over and just pulls out a blue bucket full of chicken guts to show us. It was indeed disgusting.

Sunday:

Best day of the week in my opinion (slightly bias), but a lot of people we asked came to church! They said they dig it and would try to keep coming in the future. Twas a great sight to see. Also our ward finally got a bishop which was huge (we haven't had a Bishop since I've gotten here). After church we went over to a members house for lunch, I tried crab for the first time (see photo 4,5) and made a huge crabby mess, and then us and the new Bishop went on a late night adventure to this family's house and they were all sweet people. They said my Portuguese was sounding good which was so incredibly appreciated.

Monday: 

The very day I'm reporting this to you, the Reader. We went to the airport so that I could get legalized to be here in Brazil, and now I am! I think it means I’m allowed to get arrested without any repercussions now, right? Either way, the rest of the day hasn't happened yet, but let me try and predict the future of how today will go: I’m gonna send this email out, clean the house, find a dusty treasure map, follow it and find the lost Amazonian treasure in the depths of the jungle, which, fingers crossed is a new scripture case cause my current one is pretty old. 

Well you guys that’s just about the half of it. In between all the fun experiences and memories were times I felt connected with my Heavenly Father, and that my purpose here is one day closer to being fulfilled. This week, a lot of time throughout the day I would just ask myself the simple question of what would Jesus do? Genuinely such a simple question, but reflecting on your actions both past and present and clarifying whether or not they were in accordance with what the Lord would want you to do is something really valuable. For me, it helps me try to be kinder, have a wider perspective, and work harder. And for anyone reading, I have no doubt asking that simple question as many times throughout your day as you can remember (and following through on the ideas you get) will drastically change your day. Try it folks! Double dog dare ya. That’s the spiritual thought, reminder and invitation for the week. But thank you guys a lot for reading as per usual, I know this email’s a fatty but it was fun to do a bit of a new format. As always thank you to any and all people whom have emailed me throughout the week, it’s always super appreciated, and if anyone ever wants to tell me about their life I always want to hear. Love you guys, até a proxima semana.

1. The subs calling 

2. 1111111111

3. Hecka nice sunset 

4&5. Eating at the Krusty Krab

6. Awesome artwork outside some church

7. Our favorite restaurant 

8. I think I take the award for poverty sandwich (shout-out Elder Hendricks)