This Week Was Great!

March 2, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Essa semana foi ótima! Jarbes estava na Igreja e está fazendo passos essenciais para tornar um membro fiel. A gente vai trabalhar bem esta semana que vem para achar novos pesquisadores.

Google Translation

This week was great! Jarbes was in church and making essential steps to become a faithful member. We will work well this week to find new investigators.

Thanks so much for the recipe! A sister here is going to try and make some. I think we can substitute for the ingredients that fault.

Well, I didn't get into BYU, but that's okay. Life is full of little disappointments. But at least I made it into Idaho. Maybe the Lord has another plan for me there.  Maybe they'll let me into Clown College like DJ in Full House. Or maybe I'll apply somewhere else! I've thought about Weber State or U of U and also, University of Oregon. Or maybe I'll just be a beach bummm....?...do you think I could grow dreadlocks? Or maybe I'll be a professional surfer for a living? It's a good thing you sent those mint Oreos. I'll be relying on their comforting powers during this interesting time. Haha, no one can frown with Oreos in their mouth! :)

Unfortunately, I have still not found a Nativity. I have tried but they only have statues of Maria. Fetching Catholics...But I'll look some more.

Dudes. I've turned into a genuine hippie! When I get home to Oregon, I'll fit right in. I've started using Vegetable-Based soap! I think it's Biodegradable, but I don't know yet.

It's interesting you shared that experience with me. Something similar happened. President Young came to the Cariacica Fast and Testimony meeting and he shared the experience he had of interviewing Joaquim. He also said that he visited recently with a Seventy and showed him a picture of the Legend Joaquim. He expressed his gratitude to me and another missionary. It was really weird. I would have preferred he didn't use my name. John 5:41 "I receive not honor from men." This is one of my favorite scriptures, so short and yet so true. Jesus Christ taught so well. There really was never a better teacher. And we learn much about Him and His Teaching Styles in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Guys, there's no point hiding how I feel. I am so HAPPY! :) "A mission is a trial and a test...it shows you the worst, yet, teaches you the best...", as Sister Tenney once taught me.

I really miss President Bell. I will never have a President who is equal to him. That might sound harsh. There might be many good men who are as righteous or just as him. But none will ever be the same.

Guys, "I have moved, and I've kept on movin'. Proved the points that I needed provin'. Lost the 'Friends' that I needed losin'. Found others on the way." I will be so different when we reunite. My goal has been and forever will be for you to not even recognize me when we are brought face to face. The nose might be the same, perhaps even the eyes, and crooked ears. But You will see something new.  If I saw myself through your eyes, perhaps I would be more generous.  I am glad the VHS brought you back in time.

"And remember the truth that once was spoken: 'To Love another person is to see the face of God.'"

Apologize for the literal application:

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as

for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the "glory of men" which your Zone Leaders served that were on the other side of the mountains, or the Assistants to the President in whose mission you dwell. But as for me and my District, we will serve The Lord.

We use Preach My Gospel.

I Love You All,

Élder Weaver

The Coldest I Think I've Ever Seen It Was 17 or 18 Celsius or 62.6 Degrees

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Nossa semana foi ótima! Joaquim recebeu O Sacerdócio Aaronico. A gente vai marcar uma data com Lorrainy, Adriana e Gilson. Vamos trabalhar com força!

Google Translation

Our week was great! Joaquim received Aaronic Priesthood. We will arrange a date with Lorrainy, Adriana and Gilson. We will work hard!

Visa's all taken care of! I'm good to go! Got it renewed.

The coldest I think I've ever seen it was like 17 or 18 degrees celcius...so like 62.6 Farenheit. Elder Branco said he was "freezing" hahaha.

Yeah, so plans changed and President approved us to email on P-Day!!! Yay :)

Thanks Mom! I'll be sure to dig around my desk when I get home. I am so glad the Church has made such good use of technology.

I am glad she is doing better! I Love Her so much! I am here for anything you all need!

I looked again on BYU, but still no word. I hope I am looking on the right part.

I am glad the sister was able to be baptized!

Boy do I have stories to tell! Dad will have a good laugh at least. I just hope you all know I am doing what I feel is best.

Whoa! Aguiar is a Brazilian last name, too, I think!

Thanks for the scripture. It was sweet!

I found something awesome in my personal study:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/08/dating-academy-teaching-children-about-relationships?lang=eng

An article about teaching your kids about dating. So, when Ashley and I get home, we should try this for one of our Family Home Evenings. I think it would be hilarious! Because...well we are arriving at that age you know...we'll need to be ready to...you know...get married and stuff.

Sorry it's short. Next week will be better with the crazy stories from Carnaval! haha.

I Love You,

Elder Weaver

Our Week Was Great!

February 9, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Nossa semana foi ótima! Eu e Elder Barros achamos uma família onde todos são membros menos um. A gente começou ensinar ela, Lorraine, e ela quer saber que a Igreja é verdadeira. A gente está ajudando ela para ser batizada e confirmada. Também uma outra família menas ativa tem uma pessoa que nunca foi batizada, Vanessa. A gente está tentando trazer todo mundo para a Igreja. Também nós recebemos bastante referências com muito potencial. O Joaquim foi entrevistado para receber O Sacerdócio Aarônico também! :)

Google Translate

Our week was great! Elder Barros and I found a family where all members accept one. We began teaching her, Lorraine, and she wants to know that the Church is true. We are helping her to be baptized and confirmed. Also another active Menas family has a person who has never been baptized, Vanessa. We're trying to bring everyone to the Church. We also received some references with great potential. Joaquim was interviewed to receive the Aaronic Priesthood too!

Hahaha! Thanks so much, Cathy! You are the grooviest! I know it's crazy how fast time flies! I hope all is well at home and at work and in New York, and Arizona, and all of those other places you get to visit!

I am so glad to hear that Allison enjoyed herself! I know, Mom, congratulations! Two 21 year olds...if you put that together that's like one 42 year old :) Crazy, huh?! My birthday was awesome! I got to teach a friend of Jackeline and Felipe's. He is atheist, but we will help him put faith in God. Afterwards we played charades as part of a family night! Hahaha. This was actually yesterday not my actual birthday. Also yesterday, my ward mission leader, Acacio and his wife Adriana the president of the Relief Society told me I had to come to their house. I thought it would just be a family night with some of their friends or our recent converts, but when I showed up, Elder Sewell said..."oh they left..." and I was like "uh-huhhh....?" I walked up with Elder Barros and entered their house and just around the corner they all burst out and shouted, "Parabéns para você!" It was really nice they made me a cake and everything. Acacio used three matches as candles and we all partook (: There is a tradition here in Brazil that when it's your birthday you have to give the first slice of cake to your favorite person. I gave it to Acacio but told him he had to share it with Adriana. Hahaha! It was really nice. (:

Thanks for the update on BYU-Idaho and BYU. I'll keep checking! I am excited! (:

Thanks also for telling me about the letters I will try and get more if that's okay! (:

Yeah, Joaquim is a stud. We had a miracle happen this week and I'll tell you when I get back, don't let me forget! (:

Hahaha! Yes, Mom I'm eating fine :) I just LOOK skinny. The camera takes away ten pounds. It's just from walking around a lot. The members feed us well here.

Mother, Thank You for your positive outlook on everything. Truly we WILL see Josh again.

"7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

 8 But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

 9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is end less, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death." Mosiah 16

" 5 Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and that he was slain by the Jews, and by the power of the Father he hath risen again, whereby he hath gained the victory over the grave; and also in him is the sting of death swallowed up." Mormon 7:5 

"14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king."  Alma 22:14

These are just a few of my favorite scriptures on the subject. I am so glad everything went well. Josh has received a worthy departure.

I am glad you sent me that statement from President Marion G. Romney.

This week, I had been praying that our Ward would receive a new Elder who would be obedient and good. The next day after one of these prayers, The Lord sent us Elder Sewell. This is his last transfer, but he is working hard. He is the answer to this prayer. The Lord sent him. He baptizes the right way. He follows The Spirit. I am brought closer to Jesus Christ because of his example.

Thank you for everything.  I hope you all have a great week.

Love for this special Valentine's Day,

Your Son,

Élder Weaver

I'm Very Happy To Stay In Cariacica For Another Transfer!!!

February 2, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Eu estou muito feliz para ficar em Cariacica por mais uma transferência!!! Eu senti O Espírito Santo muito forte ontem a noite no Batismo. Espero que eu possa ser útil para Deus ainda aqui. Essa semana Lorraine (filha de um menos ativo) estava na Igreja e nós vamos começar ensinar ela O Evangelho Restaurado! Ela mora num bairro longe, mas eu acho que dá para marcar uma data para o batismo!

Google Translation

I'm very happy to stay in Cariacica for another transfer!!! I felt the Holy Spirit very strong last night at the Baptism. I hope I can be useful to God still here. This week Lorraine (daughter of a less active) was at Church and we'll start teaching her the Restored Gospel! She lives in a neighborhood away, but I think we will to set a date for baptism!

Ahhh, thank you! 21 is so...OLD! Ewwww. :) But that's okay.

February 7th? No, it's not a coincidence. Actually coincidences aren't real. Brother May, a leader of mine from the MTC, once told me that coincidences don't exist. It's a myth. A word we use to describe something that isn't real. Everything happens for a reason.

Send The Pukahi's, Trish's Family, and all of the Weavers my Love, please.

Elder Weaver, Joaquim and Elder Barros

I attached some photos of Joaquim the legend of 71 years old. Bishop is going to interview him this week to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.

I'm glad to hear Allison is feeling better! I'll talk to her in a little bit. I am glad.

Thank you for your thoughts!!! President Packer holds a special place in my heart. Truly the feelings of regret can be washed away through the operation of The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In one of the Ensigns you sent me I read a story about fireflies. The author became disoriented one day in South America. He saw a firefly and thought it was the North Star...(yeah the North Star does not appear in South America, only the Southern Cross and others). He compared that to obstacles and temptations how; we must not be deceived by what is up close for those things, which matter most. Things far beyond, even eternal things.

Yesterday was a special, landmark day. Pedro received the Melchizedek Priesthood and shortly after he came to our Chapel in Cariacica and baptized his brother in law. President and Sister Young were there in time to make the ordinance. He gave me a big hug. It felt nice. My joy was bursting over. Like Ammon, I felt my joy exhaust and exceed my strength. Although Gisele and Pedro live in the Sister's area now, I know the Lord will take care of them. Gisele is on the activities committee and Gabriel has received the Aaronic Priesthood if I am not mistaken. The Lord knows the end from the beginning! In one year they will go to the Temple and be sealed as a family. And it all started by a simple, faith-filled street contact. Imagine if fear would have gotten the best of us? You just have to open your mouth. I do not say this to receive recognition, but rather to express my gratitude and infinite Love for my Father in Heaven. He has been so good to me and to my friends.

After the baptism there was a sweet multi-stake training meeting. I saw youth, adults, and friends I had served with in Serra and Colatina! They surprised me. It was great to reunite in Cariacica.

Now, I must go, but I hope to return better than I left. I will make 21 the best year so far. Thank you for starting this Journey with me.

Love,

Your Son,

Élder Weaver

Doctrine and Covenants 130:2

We Are All Here For A Reason, On The Earth

January 12, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Essa semana foi boa. A gente cortou alguns pesquisadores para focalizar mais em outros. Eu e meu companheiro vamos focalizar muito em achar novos e trazer-los para a Igreja. Vamos incluir mais os membros. Temos algumas visitas com membros marcados já! Eu e meu companheiro serviremos ao Senhor.

Google Translation

This week was good. We cut some researchers to focus more on others. My companion and I'll focus a lot on finding new and bring them to the church. We will include more members. We have some visits with already marked members! My companion and I will serve the Lord.

We are all here for a reason, on the earth. I hope you are all well. I am glad to hear about football! (haha, you know me well). 

This might be a Glimpse Into Gethsemane for her. But she can take it. If she couldn't, The Lord wouldn't have given her this right now. 

Man, I am whipped! I am not gonna lie. I feel like Irmão Felipe when he got home and slumped on the couch and cried, "Please, Take Care of ME!!!" hahaha.

Joaquim is firmer than ever in the Gospel. We also found a new ride for him to Church that will work out well than the last one. We are also visiting Andrea more because she is kind of lonely without Rebeca there. She had to go visit her Dad in Minas or someplace.

I am quite anxious to delve into the Elijah Project, I'm not gonna lie. Sounds like a good way to get the ward focused. We have a ward integration activity coming up this week, too. It should be fun! :)

I've already said this before, but our Ward Mission Leader is a stud! He's planning the activity with our help. I also got to participate in a blessing of a ward member recently that was very spiritual.

Tell Nani I wish her well. I hope everyone travels safe. Any news on Josh? I have been praying for him. Tell Cathy safe travels as well. I wish the best for everyone!

Thank You so much for the insight! I like President Uchtdorf's quotes. And from The Book of Mormon: " 18 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.

 19 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men.

 20 Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity." (Moroni 10:18-20)

Have a Good Week!

Love,

Elder Weaver

It Was So Good To See All Of You One Last Time On Skype!

December 29, 2014

Dear Familía & Friends,

It was so good to see all of you one last time on the Skype ;) For, the next time will be in person :)

Mission President Letter

Joaquim foi confirmado e ele falou como ele sentiu O Santo Espírito do Senhor descer sobre ele. A gente vai focalizar bastante em achar novos pesquisadores. E aqueles que nós temos vamos ajudar eles a cumprirem os compromissos deles. Esse Domingo Everton e Ana devem estar na Reunião Sacramental.

Google Translation

Joaquim was confirmed and he spoke as he felt the Spirit of the Holy Ghost descending upon him. We will focus rather on finding new researchers. And those that we have we will help them to fulfill their commitments. This Sunday Everton and Ana should be in Sacrament Meeting.

It was good to talk it all out with you guys! There aren't any other people I trust as much as the members of my family! :) You really are THE BEST!

I ended up speaking on Genesis 22 and the great sacrifice that Abraham made of his son Isaac. It didn't seek in before, but I learned that Moriah, the land where that sacrifice was made, is the same place where Jesus Christ was Crucified (Golgotha). The name only changed because of the great difference in time. Each of us should make a sacrifice to show our love for God this New Year!

We have to go home at 7 o clock, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!

Yes! I loved to see Ashley as well. That was a once in a lifetime experience! :)  I am so glad you got to see Grandma and Grandpa! Please send them my Love! I hope to see them soon, too!

And send Josh my Love. I have been praying for him. I Love him.

I hope Allison Loves it! She will. This is good. As Angels and Airwaves once put it, "...sometimes it comes with a Shove..." :) Allison will thank you for all of your tender nudging down the road, because that is your purpose as parents. To set your children on a course that will lead them back to their Heavenly Father. Bishop Porter told me that once.  And thank you for your help on setting goals! I will certainly apply this to 2015! This year will be the best one yet!

I Love each of you so much. And boy do I have stories to tell you when I get back. As Gadalf said, "You'll have a tail or two to tell by the time you come back."

Bilbo, "But you never promised that I would come back."

Gandalf, "No, and if you do...you will NOT be the same!" :)

You have probably noticed, but...

I am not the same.

Not completely.

Love,

Elder Weaver