July 6 - JUNGLE FEVER

Hey again everybody! This week my personal partner in crime Elder Babcock got hit with the jungle flu. By jungle flu I mean a crippling migraine and a fever! The poor guy was bedridden for 2 days, despite wanting to get up and work. We had an online CLM this week, and while we were participating Babcock said he was at a legit 10/10 pain level. Felt like his head was gonna pop. That night we rushed bro to the Hospital so the doc could see whats makin' him tick. Doc said he was good but had to get his rest up, so that's exactly what we did! Right after Babcock got some unpleasant shots...

Youch. The American spirit manifested itself brightly this fourth of July. The day itself was nothin' special, but that night we were cruising through the streets inviting friends to church, when all at once we passed by this burger place and caught a glimpse inside. Inside this restaurant, there sat a hamburger that was, kid you not, the size of a basketball. We had passed by in such a rush we didn't even register what we'd seen until 5 seconds afterward, but once the image sunk in, we both came to a stop and looked at each other. Same crazy idea. Hungry + 4th of July excuse + "last night together" reasoning = super hamburger bought

We got it to go so they divided it into 4 parts. From the picture it doesn't look like anything special but you guys, it took like 10 minutes to eat a forth. And we felt so bad after hahaha we couldn't even finish the rest and gave the leftovers to the sisters, so uh yeah. Forth of July spirit achieved! We used our INDEPENDENCE to buy those hamburgers gosh dang it I got some other real funny flicks from the week with a good story behind 'em

SANTA CLAUS: We literally found Santa Claus in real life. We saw this guy while we were crossing the street and immediately knew we had to ask to take a photo with him. Ask Elder Babcock to confirm if you don't believe me, but when we went to greet him he LITERALLY let out a "ho ho ho," but it was so natural for him. Didn't even get the chance to ask what list I was on, shucks.

CADÊ O MEU DOLLAR: These are the Pismels. Paula and Joelson, they are the best. Since Elder Babcock or any american for that matter stepped foot in Milagre, Paula asks for American Money any time she sees us. For our last Sunday together, he finally delivered the cargo and she was so happy she just about hugged Babcock and whirled him around. For any Americans reading this who are called to Milagre in the future... beware of Paula. Your money IS at risk. Other goodies

TRYING CHICKEN FEET

TRYING TO VISIT SOMEONE BUT NOT HAVING ENOUGH STARS TO UNLOCK THE LEVEL

WISHING JAMILLY A HAPPY BIRTHDAY You guys 'twas a great time with Bebe Coca, but the chapter has ceased and the next one commenceth. We recieved transfers ast night and not only will I be traveling for my last transfer, I've gotta hitch myself a BOAT to get to a city called Barcarena! There I will find my comp Elder Albuquerque (already very good friend of mine) and the miracle working shall commenceth at once. But before that starts I wanna relish on one of the big takeways I had during these last 3 months. JOY! Something we've focused a lot on is having joy, despite circumstances. President Ferreira shared with us this last week that problems and discouragement are 2 completely separate things. Having problems? Everyone's got them.. but becoming discouraged is a whole other can of worms. We can choose to have a good attitude despite any problem going on around us, it's a decision that we make. President Nelson shared, "The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." Joy and Spiritual Survival, 2016 Make Christ your center! Have faith that everything happens for a reason, and that nothing that you do or that happens around you can change the most important fact of all: that you are a beloved son or daughter of a loving God. That he HAS a plan for you! And as you immerse yourself into getting to know him better, you will come to this knowledge more fully. This is the church of joy. Not momentary joy, but a genuine, real joy. That doesn't always mean joy in the moment, but momentary joy isn't the joy that the Savior offers. I invite each of you to ponder on what things in your week are stealing from YOUR joy, and involve the Savior in removing those things from your life. As you do, you will find that in the very same hour that you decide to do this, you will have more joy. In the name of Jesus Christ amen. ELDER HILLSTEAD 🎇