Email From His Mission President In Brazil!

From: Brazil Vitoria Mission ‪<2010186@ldschurch.org>‬

Date: Wed, Dec 18, 2013 at 10:16 AM

We are very grateful to have Elder Weaver with us in the Brazil Vitória Mission.  He arrived yesterday from The Kansas Wichita mission.  Although a little tired due to an early plane flight, he was anxious to begin his service in the mission field.  After a session of training, we met with all the missionaries for lunch and an afternoon interview.  Once again, it was a pleasure getting to know your son and we look forward to serving with him as we invite others to come unto Christ and enjoy the blessings of the gospel.  If in the future you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

President and Sister Araujo

p.s. Monday is our Preparation Day.  As such, you should expect an email this coming Monday.

Transfer To Vitoria

December 18, 2013

Hi Family & Friends,

We did not get an email from Austin this week, but even better....he called and we were able to chat for a bit while he was on a long layover in Atlanta.  He flew from Atlanta tonight to Sao Paulo and then from there, he took another flight to Vitoria.  He sounded awesome and so excited to get down there.  He is sure going to miss his last mission president.  It was cute, he said President Bell said when he was driving him to the airport, he felt like he was taking his own son to the airport for his mission.  Very sweet!  He was traveling with a small group, which I am thrilled about and seemed to be in very good spirits.  What a joy it has been to hear of his experiences thus far.  He was supposed to get down there on Tuesday morning, but one great thing...we get to talk with him once again on Christmas hopefully.  I hope he will have connections to do Skype, Face Time or something like that.  

Missionary work is awesome and it continues to go forth everywhere!

Kristin Weaver (Momma)

Some Stellar Things Happened This Week

To: Family & Friends,

Isn't that address great? :) I think he is the same mission president as listed in the package, President Bezerra (Portugues for "Calf"). I really can't think of anything else you'll need. I'll try and give you more details when I get a chance to email on my next available P-Day. I'll try and send more pictures, too :)

So, some stellar things happened this week. President Bell took me out to lunch with Elder Johnson, Elder Ives, and Elder Waite (from Newton). I was arranging to meet with him before I left and his car was getting serviced so we met him at a Firestone in Wichita and he was like, "Are you Elders hungry?" and the answer to that question is always "Yes!" so he took us out to Logan's for lunch. It was so much fun! I haven't told anyone in the ward I'm leaving yet. I've only told Troy. I'll tell some others, but I'll just let most everyone else find out, ha ha. I Love President Bell so much. As far as I know, yes! I can phone you in the airport. My itinerary says I leave Wichita at 11-ish AM and land in Atlanta at 2-ish so, it looks like I have a layover in Atlanta for a bit, so I think I'll call you from there while I'm still in the states. I don't know the time difference I think its 3 hours ahead of Oregon. So, I might call around 3 or so Atlanta time on Monday the 16th. I'm not sure why the address was different. Here's what my call packet says:

Elder Austin Earl Weaver

Brazil Vitoria Mission

Avenida Joao Baptista Parra, 633

Salas 1501/1502

Edf. Enseada Office, Praia do Sua

29052-123 Vitoria - ES BRAZIL

Phone: 55 27-3325-3703

I hope this helps. I am so glad to hear Ashley gets to go through the Temple on January 4^th. There is not a greater Christmas gift she can give to her Savior.

Our mission has a goal of getting 40 baptisms before Christmas. They're calling it "Noche Blanca!" It's the greatest gift we could think of to give to the Savior in remembrance of his birthday (even though that's in April, but you know what I mean).

We had some crazy things happen this week. We got a voice mail from President Bell sent to all missionaries saying that due to the number of missionaries in service Elders have their time reduced to 18 months and Sisters to 12 months, effective January 1st. Elder Johnson and I went quiet, but we prayed and felt a reassuring feeling of peace that everything would be alright. Then an hour later we got a voicemail from our Zone Leaders saying it was not real!!! President Bell and the Assistants came up with this as a training exercise. They said they wanted it to be a wake-up call to help us understand that anything can happen and we ought to serve our best because our missions, and lives, are short. It was wonderful! They likened it unto Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. Even though the Lord stopped him from doing it, He wanted to see Abraham's willingness. Even though it wasn't real, I know that if President Monson had received revelation for missionary service to change I would be okay with it because he is a prophet of God, and I have a testimony of the gospel.

I'm glad to hear you got to help someone in the snow and ice. Thank you for depositing those checks. I haven't found the adapter yet, but I'll look at Wal-Mart today when we do our shopping. The Devotional was great. We tried getting investigators and less-actives there but no bites. It was a really great message. I am glad to hear Dad gets so much vacation. He deserves it. I'm glad he's finally found a job that treats him right. I think that's about all, I'll try and send more pictures shortly.

Before I go, you must know that Jesus Is The Very Christ. The gospel is true. It is just as true in Wellington as it is in Brazil. I am SO grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve here. I have come to Love in ways I did not think I was capable. Israel is everywhere. I don't have much to say, but just know that I Love all of you, and your spirits are with me. The Holy Ghost reminds me from time to time of your Love.

Na Manha Quieta, Nevoenta,

Quando a lua ia a cama...

Vou ser amarrado para casa em tempo.

Fique Amorosos,

Teu Filho,

Elder Weaver

December 9, 2013 Letter To President Bell

Letter to President Bell:

President Bell,

This week was fantastic! We did not get in to see Shay as we planned. She cancelled due to an appointment she had in Topeka, but we hope to see her this week. Mario and Christy read the Introduction pages of The Book of Mormon with us. They committed to finish the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith on their own. Richard showed more interest than I have ever seen with him when we restarted The Book of Mormon with him and Bonnie as well. Lancy is still on date for Noche Blanca, however he still has the flu, so we will try him in a couple of days hopefully. We are working on starting a scripture study class in Harper County. We appreciate all of your advice and help regarding the work here. Elder Johnson is still on track with his lessons. He plans on passing off lesson 2 with Elder Kempter on Friday after District Meeting.

I am so glad I have the opportunity to serve in the Great Kansas Wichita Mission! I have loved every day here, and I promise to serve as best I can the rest of this week. Thank you for your kindness. You and Sister Bell were one of the great reasons I was reassigned to Kansas. I Love You!

Com Amor,

Elder Weaver

This Thanksgiving Was Awesome!

December 2, 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

This Thanksgiving was awesome! I'm glad to hear y'all's was good too. Sister Mock fed us lots. We gave her "strength and honor" hand shake her son, Will, would give her before he passed away in military service.

As far as an extra P-Day, President Bell did not say anything about that, but he did tell me quite in advance (about 3 and a half weeks) to prepare. That is very helpful. Thank You for asking, but as far as I know right now I'll just need you to standby because I'll probably box up and mail to you all of my excess things I can't take on the plane (sweaters, jackets, etc.). So, if you would keep that safe in my room or someplace, that would be great! Also, I need to buy a new electrical adapter, although I'm not sure if my mission uses them or not. I gave mine to Sister Tenney before she left because she couldn't find and buy one in time while she was in Kansas. I can probably find one at Wal-Mart or something while I'm here though. I'll let you know next week if I need one. Thanks!

Ha ha! That's so funny you put my picture on a plate. Elder Holbrook's older sister got married a couple weeks after he entered the MTC, so his folks made a cardboard cut-out of him and took pictures of him at the wedding. Glad to know the dogs didn't kill each other. You are brave for going out on the Blackest of Fridays. And I am glad to hear the two of you got to go to The House of the Lord :)! Such a special place. Yay! Snow!!! The Temple is a lovely place, and I WOULD LOVE to Live There! YAY for ASHLEY!!! I cannot wait to read her email!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing that quote with me. Elder Nash of the Seventy said something similar to us: "Hold nothing back from The Lord!"

No, I am NOT ready for the spiders, but I'll go anyway :)! No, I have not emailed Elder Evans yet about it, but I will pretty soon. Yup, no need for the warm clothes. :) That's good to hear from the ward. Yes, I have been brushing up on my Portugues. Here's Jakes email address, (I do communicate with him frequently): jacob.theriault@myldsmail.net

He is doing pretty well.

I would love to write Ryan, I just need to know his address or email or something. Thanks!

Fique Bom!

Com Amor, Sempre,

Elder Weaver

The President's Report

December 2, 2013

RE: The President’s Report

President Bell,

We had a great week! We found 3 new investigators. Shay was a referral from the Goulds, a less-active family. They all came to church this Sunday, which we were very excited about. Shay wanted to learn about the Plan of Salvation, so we taught that lesson to her first, and we will finish teaching that on Saturday.

We put Lancy back on date for the 24th, Noche Blanca. He has been trimming down his smoking and he says coffee is no longer part of his diet. We will teach lesson 4 in more depth to prepare him for baptism and we look forward to seeing him progress.

Mario and Christy invited us over after Thanksgiving. They were also celebrating the birthday of a child they lost. They released balloons with birthday wishes on them into the air, and they asked us to offer a prayer that they would make it to him safely. We were honored to do so. Much of Christy's family was in town as well and we were able to offer some insight into the church while we ate and talked with them. We concluded by sharing a Thanksgiving message centered around President Monson's talk "I Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee." We were not able to put them back on date, but hope to do so this week.

We also finished up the new member lessons for Nathan who we also helped move. He'll be in the Great Bend Ward. We called his new Bishop to make sure he is welcomed there.

Our other new investigators are Chris and Justin who came to us as a referral from Mormon.org. We invited them to our ward Christmas activities, and we look forward to their progression.

I am so grateful to be a missionary in The Great Kansas Wichita Mission and in the world! I look forward to meeting with you soon.

Te Amo!

Elder Weaver

I GOT MY VISA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 25, 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

President Bell called me on the 21st and told me my Visa had arrived that morning! I am so stressed and excited and nervous and joyful, I can't describe it. Everything is so perfect. I Love being a missionary.

Alvin was such a miracle this week. I love The Book of Mormon. Every time I feel angry or upset or sad, The Book of Mormon has the answers I need. The Book of Mormon does not change my circumstances magically for me, but it changes ME to make it through whatever circumstances I may be in.

Yes, we are having Thanksgiving with Sister Mock and her family this week. Isn't she so nice? I would love for all of you to meet these people someday. We are actually a ward, but no you don't need to yell at Bishop Porter or anyone ;).

Sounds like you have quite the plans for Thanksgiving. That is wonderful you will feed the missionaries possibly and their investigators. Brother Maxwell always feeds us and I know those missionaries will never forget you. Please send the family and everyone my Love. (Also, I laughed profusely due to your usage of the terminology: "sketchload"). I LOVE THAT QUOTE. President Snow really knew how to put it, didn't he? I believe Eliza R. Snow was his sister, right? Thank you for sending me that.

Also, YES! I got your package!!! I Love the decorations. I pray that you will forgive me if I don't eat it. It is not because I am not grateful or do not like it, but I think there are a couple of people in the ward and investigators who I could give them to who need them more than I do. One in particular does not have much family or friends in town. I hope you don't mind me giving it to them?

It was nice to read the Church news in there, too. Lead, Kindly Light really is a good one, isn't it?

That's excellent Brent and Sherri got to see Elder Bednar. I Love Him. Tuttle? I may have heard that name around actually. I don't remember meeting her, sorry though.

I am so excited for Ashley!!! I cannot wait to find out. She will do great anywhere.

Thank You for your wishes. I pray that each of us may remember President Monson's "An Attitude of Gratitude" this year and always. I really do Love you all, so much.

So, about the V-word :) I leave on December 16th at around 3:00 PM I believe, more details to come. Elder Johnson is the only other person who knows. I will be sure to send you more pictures after we take them.

A little about my companion: He's hilarious. He's registered with the international thespian society. He has Ciliac's Disease so he can't eat gluten, anything from a cow (including Beef), corn, soy, peanuts...or much of anything really. Actually he can eat quite a bit still, it just makes our dinner appointments exciting, ha ha.

Remember, God Loves You.

Love,

Teu Filho Verdadeiro e Fiel,

Elder Weaver

Weekly Letter To President

November 25, 2013

RE: Weekly Letter To President:

President Bell,

It's great to be a missionary! One major highlight this week was Elder Johnson and I found Alvin and Katy. They were not in Anthony. I had a feeling they might have moved to Alvin's house in Bluff City because I knew he was working on it. We had no idea where he might be, but we prayed to be led to find him. It took us a while to find Bluff City in the first place (it's one of the smaller towns we cover). We started walking down the road on the way to a less-active member's house, on the way we saw an old building and Elder Johnson said, "I'll bet he lives there." We walk up, and I recognize Alvin's dog.  We knock on the door. No answer. "Alvin!" He comes to the door and then leaves. We get worried, but then he walks around the back of the house and says, "You found me!" We had a good visit with him and Katy was asleep, but we count it a miracle that we found them at all. Like Ether 6:4 says, we 'commended' ourselves to God and He took care of the rest.

We went over the first half of the baptismal interview questions with Lancy. He does not know if he is willing to live the Law of Chastity, but he still wants to be baptized. We hope to teach that Law more fully so the Spirit may prompt him that this is a commandment that will bless his life.

Elder Johnson is coming along in the 12-week program and will hopefully get his first lesson passed of with me this week.

One of our biggest focuses was finding this week. We met some new potential’s and weeded through the area book. We hope to visit more less-active members next week.

I Love being in Kansas and wherever the Lord wants me!

Thank You for all you do.

Love,

Elder Weaver

Elder Johnson Has A Lot Of Great Ideas

November 18, 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

Elder Johnson has a lot of ideas and he'll be a great asset to the ward and the work. He's from Dallas, only 15 minutes away from us! He actually took institute from Brother Gambrell as well which I think is kind of funny. No, Elder Johnson was called to the Kansas mission. Elder Holbrook was originally called to the Missouri Independence Mission, but he was reassigned to Kansas when the mission formally came together. I am still in Wellington and I am not cold yet, thank you though. I got a sweater and a jacket if things get dicey. But it's actually been pretty warm still. Whoa! I'm glad Nani's toe is no longer causing her pain. Yes, that sounds like the dream team with Bishop, Dad, and Brother Kahn. By the way could you send me Bishop Jackson's email address, so I can thank him for helping me out so much? Thanks.

Cathy and Nani do a lot for us, I hope they understand how much they are appreciated. Aunt Sandi sent me a letter in the mail the other day with a picture of us at Disneyland :). That seems like so long ago and crazy how time flies. I'm glad Dad always had a Plan. I'm also glad you were able to get away from work.  I Love you; Mom and I love Alma and Amulek. Ammonihah was not exactly an easy area, not that anywhere is, really.

When I was back in Bel-Aire I got to visit with the Gondas, Whalbruchs, Crandalls, and Sister Harris. I was also glad to find out that Sister Beus will be serving in Bel-Aire this transfer. I was worried that after Elder Holbrook left, Sister Harris would fall through the cracks, but I know she is in good hands. Something funny that Sister Sirmans sent me: "The Church is true, the book is blue, and Moroni is on the ball!" That made me smile.

Also, allow me to share with you an email from Elder Wilson back in the MTC:

"Elder Austin Weaver!!

How are ya! Hope you are doing well. Where are ya again? Are you in Brazil Yet?

Anyway, we listened to some Christmas music today and "White Christmas" came on and I thought of you instantly!

Love ya and hope you are doing well!!

Love,

Elder Wilson"

That made me feel really good, too! :) Elder Reinhardt is in Brazil and sent me a picture of a tarantella just chilling on the side of a wall. I almost went into cardiac arrest.

I know I say this a lot, but I really do Love President and Sister Bell. I believe one of the reasons I came to Kansas was to meet them. They just make you want to be better. Jesus is The Christ. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is true.

My almost 3 days with Elder Holbrook was wonderful. I really felt like we were different people and it was nice to see how his training had affected my missionary work and probably the rest of my life. Elder Hudrlik is doing good as well. I made some new friends, and it was good for me to say good-bye to the area. Elder Nichols is hilarious!  Everything happens for a reason.

I Love the song "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief." Sometimes we are this man, and sometimes we are the man giving help. And in reality, we are only serving The Savior.  Another one, "Lead, Kindly Light." This may have become my favorite hymn. Amid the encircling gloom, the Lord is there. Ether 6:5: Sometimes the Lord takes us through the stormy ocean before we get to the Promised Land.

Stay Lovely.

Love,

Elder Weaver

Weekly Letter To The President

November 18, 2013

President Bell,

This week was crazy! Transfer weeks usually are. I was glad to be Elder Holbrook's companion once again. What a great missionary. I think Elder Johnson is adjusting well. He and I have been working on his 12-week. He has not yet invited someone to baptism. A lot of our investigators were not home, but I hope to help provide him with ample opportunity to pass off that application in proselyting this week.

Alvin and Katy are still nowhere to be found, but we'll keep stopping by. Lancy has been sick and we have not had a chance to see him. Mario and Christy was also working during the days we were in Wellington. We were able to teach Dave in Caldwell all of Lesson one and he accepted the invitation to read and pray about The Book of Mormon. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. We visited many less-actives including Sister Noland and the Slaughters in Harper. We have also been helping the Bishop locate names on the roster who may or may not still live in our ward. Elder Johnson has many good ideas for working with the Ward leadership and other members. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve here in this ward and as a trainer.

Love,

Elder Weaver

Elder Nash of the Seventy Meeting Was So Inspiring

November 11, 2013

Re: Basta dizer ola!

Dear Family & Friends,

That is so excellent to hear about Brother Sadler and Brother Kahn. I am sad to see Brother Sadler leave, but I know he's close by. Yes! Alex, I've been writing him. I hope to hear from him in Uruguay soon! Ha ha, yeah the plaque,...I don't care, as long as it's up there before I show up, I don't mind. Family night with Ryken sounds way fun. I am so pleased with Allison's decision to further her education. She will do so great. I will definitely remember Nani in my prayers.

Elder Nash's meeting was so inspiring. He is from Lynnwood, Washington actually. I got to shake his hand and talk with him briefly. He gave all of the Elders hugs :) and I took sooooo many notes. He did a lot of training on visits and following up. He and President Bell both stressed The Book of Mormon. They said it would not cut it to just know or believe The Book is true. We must have a deep and abiding testimony of its divinity. He exhorted us to study the "Questions of the Soul" section of Preach My Gospel, so a lot of my personal study time has been dedicated to that. You could tell he loves us. He said, "That's ridiculous! How can I Love you when all I did was shake your hand? But, when I met each of you I received bits of insight and revelation concerning each of you, and I love all of you!" It was an amazing meeting. He said when he starts a new assignment he used to wonder, "Can I love these people as much as the people in Lynnwood or some of my other assignments. But with each opportunity to serve he finds that he does develop that same love for each group of people he has been called to serve.

Today was a roller coaster. Elder Evans and I packed up and left. There were 3 other Visa waiters going to Brazil. I Love Elder Evans! I have learned so much from him. My goal before I go to Brazil is to be happy to serve there, but very very very sad to leave, so sad that I cry. I want to come to Love this area and these people to the point that it brings me to tears. And guess what? Because I would be companion-less for 2 days since transfers aren't until Wednesday, I am a temporary companion with Elder Holbrook. I pick up my new companion, Elder Johnson, on Wednesday, and guess what? I'm TRAINING!!! He's brand new. I am so excited and nervous but I hope to do the best I can. Elder Holbrook is going to another area this transfer, but for the next 2 days I'll be in Bel-Aire. I Love Wellington! I Love Being a Missionary! God Lives. I know Him. I am working on getting to know Him better.

That is excellent that Sister Sharon met Trevor. Elder Evans tells me so much about that guy.

I Love Y'all! Fique suave!

Com Amor no Lar,

Elder Weaver

Weekly Mission President's Letter

November 11, 2013

RE: Weekly Mission President’s Letter

Presidente Bell!

It was great seeing you this morning. I hope Elder Evans got off well. This week has been tremendous. Much of our focus was placed on Less-Active members. We visited The Rossmillers who had a pretty terrible week, but they seemed to feel better after we shared Ether 6:5 and talked about overcoming the storms of life with them. We also visited Joey, who fell away from the church shortly after his youth years. We gave him a copy of The Book of Mormon to him since it had been so long since he's read it. We feel that he may be gay and asked the ward council to be sensitive as they visit Joey. We found much potential this week. On the downside, Jared dropped us because his mother said she did not approve of him meeting with us anymore. We told him to keep reading The Book of Mormon and call us if things change. I feel like the area is definitely being prepared for more work. A few people got dropped and others are coming out of the woodwork. Sheryl and Forrest did not come to church but we had a quick lesson with them. We are going to teach them in a member’s home for our next lesson so they can feel the Spirit and be less distracted than they would be in their own home. I am excited and nervous to train Elder Johnson. I am so grateful I get to spend 2 days in Bel-Aire with Elder Holbrook. I am so grateful Elder Evans and I were companions. He helped me become a better missionary. I am so glad to have met Elder Nash. I will reflect upon the notes I took from that meeting often. I am so glad to be here. Thank you for being so marvelous.

Te Amo,

Elder Weaver

I Can Not Believe It Is November Already

November 4, 2013

RE: I Can Not Believe It Is November Already

Dear Family & Friends,

Yea, I got a sweater at Wal-Mart. In fact Elder Evans and I now have dual sweaters :) Comp-Unity, Matching Status!  Also, Elder Holbrook let me take an extra jacket from my last area, so I am set!  I cannot believe it is November already, nice. 

Y'all would Love the members we live with. The Brundages are so nice. Brother Brundage had a son serve in Holland and he lived with members for a while there, so that is why they house missionaries now. Brother Brundage is also the mayor of Argonia and he owns a shop in the basement that services those "items" that Dad recently picked up. He would probably like it down there. That's hilarious that you only got 3 trick or treaters. Peace and quiet this year and sadly, no, we did not have a baptism this week because Katy has still not been to church.  (They have to come at least 2 Sundays before their baptism). Hopefully that will change. That reminds me,

Sister Mocks was so fun. Like I stated in the letter. Also, we listened to the Mormon Music Channel together, and "Homeward Bound" came on. Elder Evans and I totally jammed out. He's been keeping his Visa a secret. Only myself and Elders Chun and Arend know. Funny thing about Elder Chun, he came the transfer after me, and Elder Holbrook and I had to "watch" him while he waited for his new companion. He refers to Elder Holbrook as his "Daycare Daddy!"

I Love our District so much. I know exactly what you mean about hearing other's testimonies just at the right time. When I was in the MTC, I picked up a notebook where I record notes from meetings and other spiritual thoughts, I call them my "small plates". Never fear, we always have things we could improve on. It is not too late.

If you wish to have a habit of holding family scripture, you may still do so. Thank you for all of the times where we DID. I hope I can pass that on to my new family as well. That is a comforting thought. Whenever I am worried because I am inadequate or whatever I am reminded that this is not my work, but the Lord's. He does all the "heavy lifting" as one of my missionary leaders once put it. We are just his hands, like you said.

I have been working like mad to try and get the area down for when I have to take over, or, take the lead I guess in following the Spirit in this Wellington Ward. Our Ward covers most of Sumner and Harper Counties. So, we got a lot of ground to cover. But we're going to find, we're going to teach, and we're going to baptize. That's what we do in this mission, and that's what I'm going to do. Tell Allison everything will be all right. Tudo Bem! She can make it in to BYU-I.

I'm excited to find my new companion. And I'm joyful to hear from Elder Nash of the Seventy as he tours the Mission.  Perseverar Ate O FIM!

ETHER 12 (especially verse 4) - Elder Evans and I have been relying on Faith (fe) a lot lately. After sharing this scripture that Sister Mock showed and read with us, and felt the Spirit that it brought, Lancy, Mario, and Christy all accepted the invitation to be baptized and on a specific date!

Miracles happen AFTER we exercise our faith.

I Love You All!

Elder Weaver