"When the rain comes, they run and hide their heads"

  Greetings citizens of the email list, hope everyone's been having a wicked amazing week! I'll try and keep this here email shorter so that I can keep playing the comp in Phase 10 (guys I'm winning), but as far as weeks go I'd put these week in that of the A -tier category!

      So first of all, holy freakin rain dude. Apparently we've got some weepy willy clouds here in Brazil man cause these clouds just keep the water comin, this week especially. There was a point where we got caught in a storm and the lightning was RIGHT over our heads. Like there would be a flash and then the sound would hit us IMMEDIATELY, which means it's mad close. It also sounded like a cannon went off dude, thunder is loud as tar. We can't swim out here on the field but dang I'm sure we could convince people we went for a swim the majority of these days with how wet we were showing up to lessons. Every inch of the body soaked, besides the very top of my hair (thanks umbrella ), everything unprotectd in my bag got laid to waste, and, in the words of Elder Emett, my socks and shoes were like water balloons that I was walking in. 

      Speaking of Elder Emett, had ANOTHER division with the guy this week! Dude popped off mightily, and the improvement he showed since the last time we had one was gigantic. So grateful to know him as well as so many other strong missionaries who teach me so much, and who are such examples for me (Elder Doman if you're reading thoughts on a divison?)

      As far as the work is a-goin, Elder Lokham and I have been focusing on getting the members way more involved, and it's been paying off big time. We've got such great members of the ward, who are super willing to help us out whether it's organizing stuff, finding new folks to meet or teach, and meet us where we need them. I feel super priviledged to know everybody here, and to be able to work with them, they have been such miracles to us! Speaking of miracles, we had the baptism of young Miguel this week! It was such a beautiful thing to get and see, there was a noticable glow and happiness on his face after he was baptized that only comes through the comfort and peace that the holy ghost brings. Super amazing to see his faith and determination to start his own journey down the covenant path! 

      This week I read some more of 1 Nephi, which is full of legendary and insightful tales. Wanted to share a scripture as well as a thought from 1 Nephi 16, about misfortune and attitude:

18 "And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow, which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food."

      Now I won't lie, this was a solid fumble on Nephi's part. He and his family were traveling out in the middle of nowhere, and Nephi accidentally broke their source to get food. Because of this, his family got super hangry and everyone started complaining. But let's see what Nephi does when misfortune comes his way. 

23 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?" 

      I'm sure Nephi was just as tired and hungry as everybody else, but instead of in that moment asking the Lord why so many difficulties are happening to him and his family, his trust did not waver for an instant. He did what he could do to rectify his error, and immediately turned to his father for the next direction. What I took from this story is that hard times will come. Sometimes they're caused by us to ourselves, and other times they're unprompted and unxpected. No matter the difficulty, the Lord will ALWAYS always be with you. He will always stay by your side, to direct you and to help you grow and learn. Earlier in this same chapter, the Lord places the Liahona right outside of Lehi's tent, literally at his feet. If the Lord wanted to, he could have made Nephi a new bow in an instant to provide for his family, but because Nephi had the opportunity to doubt and had to have faith, it made his decision to trust in the Lord all the more meaningful. I bear witness that the Lord is in our lives. He knows us, and he is in the details of everything that we cannot see. As I strive, and as we strive to better serve him and to have unshakable faith, I know that we can be blessed even as Nephi was, and see the Lord's hand in every situation of our lives. 

      Well guys, if you haven't guessed already based on what I'm doing right now, I like to talk about the Gospel. Maybe I didn't write this as short as I'd have liked, but I'm sure I'll still take the dub in Phase 10. I hope the message helped, and that those that read take it to heart, even for just the future of today. Until next week, look for the miracles! And I'll do the same. Peace out people, stay safe, love you all

Email Title is from the lyrics of The Beatles’ “Rain,” from their album “Past Masters”

Lotta pics this week sorry in advance 

1. 5/24 

2. Comp is the Pokémaster 

3. Batismo 

4. Brazilian Pancakes (basically soft tacos)

5. Service 

6. Division with Elder Emett ️

7. Out here in the Bosque

8. 

9. Yes sir aye aye captain