Guys, I Had A Super Sweet Experience

April 13, 2015

Oh Família & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Afonso e Marcos Vinícius vão ser batizados dia 19! Também Jaqueline e Marcilene tem datas marcadas por dia 26. Vamos esforçar o máximo possível fazer nossa parte. Obrigado por tudo.

Google Translation

Afonso and Marcos Vinicius will be baptized 19! Also Jaqueline and Marcilene has scheduled dates by day 26. We will strive as much as possible to do our part. Thanks for everything.

Hahaha, no not exactly there's more to tell you! But how did he send it?! Was it in the mail or email? You guys know me; I don't like talking about myself.

Guys. I had a super sweet experience. I was sitting in my room, studying, and I listened to some talks I had missed from the Conference. I listened to the smooth voice of our beloved prophet and he shared an experience of a full-time missionary that although he may have been speaking of someone else, I felt that he was speaking exactly and directly to me. I Love How The Spirit Works! :) It was during his talk on Temples.

I am glad y'all had a good time!

There will be a lot for me to catch up on. I thought of the song "Lead, Kindly Light" when it says, "Those angel faces smile, whom I have Loved, long since and lost a while."

Well, Elder Holbrook is probably getting ready to go back to Utah State? I think it is. The Aggies. And Elder Branco sent me some pictures of him and his fiançé. And Elder Chun will come home just about one transfer after me.

No, I have not been to a hospital here, which is a big blessing from our Heavenly Father!

The work is going good. We decided to work closer to the chapel to bring more people to church. I tried sending pictures last week, but it didn't work! I'll try again, though.

Thanks! Sounds good, I look forward to receiving my new speaking assignment.

I wish I could send more, but I just want all of you to know I Love you.

Heavenly Father really does want the best for us.

Love,

Élder Weaver

Buckle Your Seat Belts Because There Is Even Better Up Ahead!

March 9, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Essa semana nós achamos Taís, Vera, e Railane. Também Jarbes e Paulo estavam na Igreja! A gente ajudou Paulo mudar casa, e ele recebeu nossas visitas. Ele gostou da ideia de profetas modernas e O Livro de Mórmon. Nós vamos visitar a família de Alex com mais membros para integrar eles com a ala e ajudar Lorrainy cumprir o compromissos dela. Jarbes também aceitou nossas visitas também marcado por Terça.

Google Translation

This week we found Thais, Vera, and Railane. Also Jarbes and Paul were in the Church! We helped Paul move house, and he received our visits. He liked the idea of modern prophets and the Book of Mormon. We will visit Alex's family with members to integrate them with the wing and help Lorrainy fulfill commitments it. Jarbes also accepted our visits also marked by Tuesday.

Right now it's 3:00 PM. But normally I email in the morning 10-ish am.

That was so nice of Sister Burrows. I cannot wait to talk with her and Bro B in Portuguese! That explains my confusion over the box. I am so glad! :)

BYU-Idaho. I have never had a problem with it. I've been thinking about it and maybe I could do 2 years at Idaho. Get a bachelors degree and then after transfer to BYU for a Masters program, which would take another 2 years...what do you think? I really am not concerned about the track. If it is easier for you (and Dad, haha) I can go Winter/Spring at the same time as Allison. Who knows maybe we would even have a class or two together! :) Yeah, I'd kinda prefer off-campus. (I need my wings!) Also, I want to know if they accept my Associate's Degree. I hope I really will be a transfer student. I also thought about that in summer semester, but I want to see Ashley and the trip and, yeah.

You have no idea how happy I am that you contacted the Wonderful Kansas Wichita Mission! :) I want you to see EVERYTHING! I Love President Bell.

Oh, Mother. IF only I could explain to you everything that has happened within the last 2 years. The mission is a great school. It's a trial and a test. It shows you the worst and yet, teaches you the best. I have suffered, snapped, and sickened. And yet, it shall still be called the best 2 years of my life up to this point.

But buckle your seat belts because there is even better up ahead! :)

I Love Elder Holbrook, Elder Chun, and Elder Sewell.

Also, that reminds me, Elder Holbrook asked if I would have a homecoming? I don't even know what that is, but if I am to have one, do you know what day? He said that if his Sister's baby has not arrived yet, he wants to come.

You will need to help me remember to share the gospel when I get home. I am so glad you like sharing the gospel. Don't ever let that dim.

I Love you more than mint Oreos. I Love you more than beans and rice. I Love you more than Lego’s.

Ether 6:4

 4 And it came to pass that when they had prepared allmanner of food, that thereby they might subsist upon thewater, and also food for their flocks and herds, andwhatsoever beast or animal or fowl that they should carrywith them—and it came to pass that when they had doneall these things they got aboard of their vessels or barges,and set forth into the sea, commending themselves untothe Lord their God.

Sometimes, after all has been prepared, we just have to go.

I am preparing a sweet letter for you guys. I think you'll like it.

I Love You,

Élder Weaver

I Am Not Trunky; I have Plenty To Do Still!

January 26, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Elder Barros e eu estamos achando bastante novos. Os membros estão dando muitas referências também! A gente vai contatar todos possíveis! O Bispo conhece um rapaz com muito interesse em ser batizado. Ele foi na Igreja ontem e a gente vai ensinar ele a manhã! Eu acho que ele tem potencial a ser batizado essa transferência ainda!

Google Translation

Elder Barros and I are thinking fairly new. The members are giving many references too! We will contact all possible! The Bishop knows a guy with great interest in being baptized. He was in church yesterday and we will teach him in the morning! I think he has the potential to be baptized this transfer yet!

I know! They called me too about the flight plans! As The Mormon Tabernacle Choir once put it: "Home is a special kind of feeling!"

However, I am not trunky ;) I have plenty to do still. "...They are seeking to be brave they have precious souls to save..." As Eliza R. Snow put it.

Thanks for checking on that BYU stuff for me.

Wow, sounds like they are pumped for the Super Bowl! Here, they always let fireworks off whenever a game is played. They even let fireworks off after Brazil lost to Germany, hahaha!

Yes, I have. Everyone refers to it this way. When you start your mission you are "born" in an area and then you "die" when you go home. And when you train you refer to your trainees as "son" or "daughter". Likewise your trainer is "dad" or "mom". My Dad is Elder Holbrook and I have 2 sons, Elder Johnson and Elder Barros. Also when I was in the MTC the president there paraphrased The Book of Mormon saying, "And that same spirit which doth possess your body here in the MTC will be in you when you go off into your mission fields!"

Yeahh! I remember one time Jason took us to a similar place called "Sky High" I think, in Portland. I have been explaining Oregon to my son. He thinks it's hilarious.

I LOVE PATRIARCHS!!! Joaquim was actually friend of our Stake Patriarch. Patriarch Samuel is his name. He lives in our Ward, Cariacica. I almost have completed 6 months here. I truly love this area.

That is sweet! I didn't hear about that! Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission!? :) Que legal, parece como uma notícia que o trabalho está continuando!  Google Translation: That's cool; it seems like a story that work is continuing!

Thank You for your comments :) I cannot wait for Wiliane to go on a mission, and Cleiton, and then to see Penha and Manoel get married, and in one year Pedro, Gisele, Rafaela, Gabriel, and Laura will be sealed as a family! :) Andreia will go to the temple in one year and Rebeca will continue in the Primary! :) Bishop said that this Sunday he would interview Joaquim to receive the Aaronic Priesthood! :)

A little bit later Elder Barros and I will go on a visit with Irmão Felipe to visit Penha. Pray that it goes well! We will teach her the first lesson about The Restoration.

I wouldn't be here on the earth if it wasn't for my Mother and Father. I Love you both! Just a little longer.

I only hope to have made you pleased with me.

All The World Is Filled With Love, When There's Love At Home,

Love,

Élder Weaver

I Hope Your Anniversary Was Special

October 20, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Essa semana foi ótima! Sérgio e Vanilda estavam na Igreja. Também Andrea e Rebecca foram. Eles tem muito potencial ser batizados essa semana ainda. Vamos fazer tudo para ajudar eles e também Gezieu ser batizados. 

Google Translation

This week was great! Sergio and Vanilda were in church. Also Andrea and Rebecca were. They have so much potential to be baptized this week yet. Let's do everything to help them and Gezieu also be baptized.

I'm glad to hear about your flowers!!! I can believe it! I hope your Anniversary was special. I'm glad their Christmas will be white. I have a goal for a White Christmas. Not in snow, but I would Love to see more people dressed in white to enter the eternal shores. It is funny. Ashley will be freezing and I will be boiling just like Dad and Uncle Aaron.

Yeah, there are a few internet cafés. Libraries aren't really a thing here, so we have to pay for computer time.

I don't know why, but the Zone Leaders didn't have my letter from Pierce but I will call Elder Garcia about it later. I did however receive another letter from my Beloved Sister Harris vesting one of her many wigs. She said she likes the new missionaries. Elder Holbrook is in the office now, so he gets to see her often. I hope she gets baptized this transfer if she has not been already.

That's so good to hear about Jason! I heard he moved to Southern Oregon. Rafael liked Jason a lot.

Yeah, I'm really not sure what it is. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that people are more prepared to receive the gospel, and so because of that many missionaries think they can lower the baptismal standards in order to maximize the number of baptismal services held every transfer. There are other things as well, but I feel like this new president will clean things up. At least, I sure hope so.

I am sorry to hear that about Sean. Yeah, the first day I got here a missionary told me, "Look at the white handbook! It bends!" Qualifications for Baptism are treated more like "Suggestions for Baptism" Here. Preach My Gospel is more of a "good idea" than a manual for how the Lord's Kingdom is to be established and brought to His Children. Rules are seen as restrictions by many people. It is sad. One day, maybe, I will have the courage to tell you the whole tale. But for now I will say, "As for me and my house. We will serve the Lord."

I believe I did make an oath when I entered the MTC.

Yes. President Bell is a Utan. I believe he and President Young are from Salt Lake. But I don't think they knew each other.

Please wish Nani a happy Birthday from me, and I'll try to send something in (Late) but hopefully it will arrive.

I hope Cathy finds something she loves and please tell her how much I love her.

I did get the email from Annette and I Loved the pictures. I am glad the boys got to go to the homeland. I hope Hawaii was everything they hoped. And I hope Jessica gets the answers she needs. I have some of my own I need. I hope she receives the support of our family with following whatever answer the Lord sends to her.

Christmas sounds fun for all of you! I am so excited for all of you!!! Tell Allison I wish her well!

Mom, you already are a missionary! You know how to talk with anyone! Which is what missionary work is all about. The gospel will flow more freely from people like you who show a genuine concern for others whom we may not even know that well. My companion does a really good job of that.

Thank you for that pioneer message. Mr. Emerson may not have been a member of the church, but I think he was an inspired man.

Mother I Love You.

I wish I could write more.

But I send the rest of my emails to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask that He carry them forth to all of you,

With All The Love

From Your Tiny Son,

Élder Weaver

We Had A Baptism!

June 16, 2014

The Mission President Report:

Cleiton foi batizado!!! Ele tinha apoio do Presidente dos Rapazes e outros membros la também. Vamos continuar ensinando Sarah, Melissa, e Samuel. E nós vamos continuar encontrando novas pessoas a ensinar e batizar.

(Google Translation)

Cleiton was baptized! He had support from the President of the Boys and other members of her too. We will continue teaching Sarah, Melissa, and Samuel. And we will continue to find new people to teach and baptize.

Dear Family & Friends,

WE HAD A BAPTISM!!! Cleiton! I'll try and get the pictures from my companion. He has a lot I need to send to you.

President only mandated that we stay inside on the days of the games where Brasil is competing. We had our first game on Thursday...you should have seen it. It was nutz!! People were launching off fireworks after every goal (Brasil only had 3). We stayed inside all day that day. The rule was we had to be home 2 hours before the game and stay in until the end of the night. We all dressed up in our Brasil stuff and ate junk food. It was very fun! :) Our next game is tomorrow...MOM'S BIRTHDAY!!!...the 17th of June... ;) No, I didn't forget. 2 P-Days this week! :) Mom, tomorrow all of Brasil will celebrate your birthday with you :)

We also had a wonderful Zone Conference this Wednesday, and I got to see Elder Cervantes!!! He had 10 Baptisms this transfer! We were talking all about it. He is serving in Vila Velha right now...it's one of the Zones closest to ours. We talked for like 2 hours it was great! After the conference there's usually food and Soccer and Volleyball and other sports. It was also way fun! I also talked for a while with Elder Bybee. He is the best friend of Elder Holbrook, my trainer from Kansas. We swapped stories about all of the crazy things he has done!

I don't think he served a mission there, but he was an Area Seventy over South America for a while and so I believe he spent a lot of time in Brasil. I think he also oversaw the translation of the LDS version of The Holy Bible in Spanish, but I could be wrong on that one.

Jake's email address is: jacob.theriault@myldsmail.net

Wait, I thought this was your 29th Birthday...you must have done the math wrong! :)

Yes, I can certainly give you a shirt. My companion's Mom got me one, which will probably fit you. (Yes, I'll send her a thank you letter.)

Transfers are the 8th of July, but President leaves the 27th. President Araújo is from Fortaleza. I think this last Zone Conference was his party. His final remarks were, "Elders and Sisters I'm going to talk about something I always talk about with you: Baptism. The thing is this:...ah-uh.ahh......just baptize everyone! And if your new President gets here and says you shouldn't do that...just remember: I was never here!" He always had a sense of humor. I'll have to show you my imitation of him when I get home. He was pretty hilarious!

I am glad Nani got to see her friends!!! Hey do the Conover’s have any kids in Brasil? My mission? I thought I saw a missionary who looked like a Conover, but I could be mistaken...that's good you guys got to reunite. I am also glad to hear it felt strange being guests. I am so glad we live in Salem now. I tell everyone I am from Oregon, because THAT is my home. In Brasil they think it's weird because to them you are "from" where you were born and you can never change that, but in the US we have the privilege of reinventing ourselves. Salem is the place for our family right now.

I am glad to hear Dad got to do what He wanted. I am also glad we live in a country with that right. Here, it is against the law for citizens to bear arms. Bishop is a good pal. I hope he is continuing to bless the ward.

Yes, and remember the words of the Savior when He said that blessed are we when we are persecuted for His name's sake. I know how you feel.

Mom, I had a lady in Kansas tell me that Elder Evans and I are going straight to Hell. While in the very moment we each felt the Spirit testify to us that if we stay our current course, we would enter the Celestial Kingdom. Here, too, in Brasil we have been anointed with persecution. I will share with you the favorite scripture of my professor, Brother Rosemore from the MTC:

1 Nephi 19:9  And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.

I LOVE THIS SCRIPTURE! Jesus Christ. HE is our perfect example in all things. I am so glad to as President Monson says, "Dare To Be a MORMON!" I love and admire all of you, so much! :)

Okay, I'll let you know when I get the package! Those are words of wisdom! :) Thank you for your thoughts. I will certainly, "GET REGULAR" this week! :)

Mom, You are an angel. And though we cannot embrace right now, I hope you feel my presence with you. WE, all of us, have been sealed in a family relationship that cannot be broken. Only through our own negligence or direct disobedience is that possible. But, I trust that as we continue keeping our covenants we will be together forever. God Always Makes Good On The Promises He Makes.

You and Dad were OUR missionaries. We learned the gospel from You. And You Invited Us To Be Baptized By Proper Priesthood Authority! :)

You Deserve Your Best Birthday Yet! :D

With all of the love in Kansas, Brasil, and the rest of the Universe,

Your Son,

Élder 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

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

Transferred To A New Area Called Wellington

September 2, 2013

Attention People of the World: My Address has changed!!! My New Mailing Address is: 606 Bryana Dr., Argonia, KS 67004

I have been emergency transferred to an area called Wellington! We got a call from the AP's last Thursday telling us that I was to leave and had to pack and say goodbye to the only area I have ever known in 2 days! Such is a mission.

I said goodbye to Sister Harris. That was probably the hardest thing I have had to do on my mission so far. She almost cried, but put on a good face for Farrell and everyone else she had over that day. Also, Mom, Sister Harris wants your cell phone number so she can call you? Can I give it to her? If not I understand. We then got a call from the AP's again, shortly after I told Sister Harris this. They said, "Well, now there's only a 50% chance of Elder Weaver leaving, so tell him to not worry about packing his stuff yet, but he and Elder Allen will have interviews with President at 9 AM Saturday morning." Okay then.

I decided on Thursday night that we needed to go out. We were debating if we should or not, because Elder Holbrook wasn't feeling too well. We walked to the hood to find Big Momma, she wasn't home but Ed referred us to Destiny and we taught her all of Lesson 1 and committed her to come to church. We consider finding her a miracle. I felt that my work in Bel-Aire was, or really could have been, finished then.

We meet with Pres. Bell on Saturday. He tells me I WILL be serving in Wellington and interviews each of us separately. Wellington is an hour away from Bel-Aire and President approved me to drive the truck down there (keep in mind I hadn't driven since I have been out on my mission, because normally you don't get driving privileges until after training). I was told that my new companion would be Elder Evans (yes that same Elder Evans I emailed you about)! He is a Visa waiter also, both to Brazil, we BOTH came out on the same day, and neither of us have finished our 12-Week training yet! President told us we will finish training each other! Doesn't the Lord work in mysterious ways?! The reason for this transfer is Elder Evans' last companion (Elder Motes) had to go home for a family emergency, and he needed to be replaced. So, I have to go, but I will write more later. I Love President Bell. He is truly inspired. 

Eu amo voces!

Elder Weaver