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

Transfers Was This Week, But Everyone Stayed!!!

December 15, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter:

Dayene, Dayara, Chayene, Shayara, Isabela, e Joacim estavam na Igreja!!! Joacim vai ser batizado esse Domingo e nós vamos convidar Iago ser batizado esse Domingo também! Eu amo ver os filhos de Pai Celestial arrependendo para ser batizados. Nós estamos muitos animados para batizar essa transferência!

Goggle Translation:

Dayene, Dayara, Chayene, Shayara, Isabela, and Joacim were in the Church! Joacim will be baptized this Sunday and we will invite Iago to be baptized this Sunday too! I love to see Heavenly Father's children to be baptized and repenting. We are very excited to baptize this transfer!

So, Transfers was this week, but everyone stayed!!! I get to train still. And Elder Bean is a great District Leader.

Yay! I Love That Movie!!! I got a letter from the Potts! Please thank them for me! I need to reply today to them. And I am glad you got to join in the rescue. We are all dear to the heart of The Shepherd.

This Sunday the Elders Quorum President asked what Christmas traditions we had to remember the Savior, and I talked about how my mother always put Nativities throughout the house and Dad would read the passage in Luke about The Birth.

What a wonderful opportunity you had to juxtapose two very different Christmas events. How bright is the contrast between a work Christmas party and a Christmas Activity of the Church! We also had a Zone Christmas Party, which was awesome. I got sunburned! hahaha playing volleyball. We watched an adorable video of these Brazilian children re-enacting the nativity story. I'll have to send you the link.

Also, Pedro and Gisele held their Wedding Reception at the Church. There was a huge turnout. People from out of state came including her parents. And I even got to speak English with some dude from England. We took pictures, which are on her camera so; I'll forward them as soon as I can. Everything was perfect! I didn't get to sing like they wanted because the microphone wasn't working...saved by the bell! Haha. But seriously it was awesome! Gisele told me in 1 year they will go to the temple to be sealed as a family. They invited me to attend if at all possible. I Love fading into the background to notice how the gospel transforms people's lives. We really did nothing. We just invited. They were the ones who made the changes and it was The Savior who atoned for them.

Hahaha, oh Dad. I'm glad you guys got a visit from a Seventy! Yeah, Sundays offer a different sort of work than the rest of the week.

You got it! I'll try and shop for a Presépio today!

As for now the plan is to spend Christmas at Acassio's. We will probably Skype from there after lunch about 2 a clock our time, but I am not sure. Is it possible for Ashley and I to speak with each other? If you know her schedule please let me know! :)

Thank you for your kind words.  I am just trying to do The Will of The Lord.

I am not sure what will happen, but I hope you know that whatever happens, my only desire in all of these things I've done has been to bring honor to My Heavenly Father, second to my family, and then to the Stake which I represent which is the Salem, Oregon Stake.

Merry Christmas,

Love,

Élder Weaver

This Week Was Great!

December 8, 2014

Dear Família & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Obrigado por suas respostas! Essa semana foi ótima! Joacim estava na Igreja e ele tem um data por batismo dia 14! Vamos tentar marcar uma data com Iago também que estava esse Domingo. A maioria dos outros que estavam na Igreja infelizmente não são casados legalmente. Vamos trabalhar para a caramba! 

Google Translation

Thanks for your answers. This week was great! Joacim was in church and he has a date for baptism on the 14th! We will try to arrange a date with Iago also this Sunday. Most others who were in the Church unfortunately are not legally married. We will work to hard!

Yes! I can. Sister Young collects Nativities like you do, so she might know where to find one. She Loved the Wise Men tie you gave me by the way! Thank You :)

I did! We have new pass-along cards with the link to He Is The Gift, and that's been working out pretty well.

Thank you for sending that to Jake for me!

No! I missed it, but I'll download The Christmas Devotional and so I'll listen to it later!!

We had 7 investigators at church this week! I think it was my record. One of them has a baptismal date marked for next week! He is an old man named Joacim and he is sweet.

Your comments remind me of what I read in Alma 26 today:

 5 Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did   ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall   be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.

 6 Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day;  yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall be gathered together in their  place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall  they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth  to carry them.

 7 But behold, they are in the hands of the Lord of the harvest, and they are his; and he will raise them up at the last day.

I especially LOVE verse 7. Our recent converts are a precious priority. President Hinckley once spoke of how they need 3 things: 1. A Friend, 2. A Responsibility, and 3. Nourished in The Good Word of God. We truly need to take care of all of them. That they might "go no more out" (Alma 7:25).

I believe it. I can tell, just through the emails, that Allison is changed.

We were born in a good country.

Thank YOU for your scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 21. I was called upon serious reflection...

This Christmas Season we really should focus more on the Savior.

Yesterday, after teaching 3 lessons in a row with our awesome Ward Mission Leader, Acássio, we were talking about how wonderful the teachings of The Savior are. How He taught simply, and firmly, yet many did not or would not understand. But He kept His course. For instance, when speaking to the Jews He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19) They thought He was talking about the temple structure, but in reality He was referring to His Body as a Temple, and how after 3 days He would be Resurrected. Or when the Jews claimed superiority to other people due to their direct lineage to Abraham and their "rights" to the Covenant established with him. Jesus replied, "Before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:58) The Hebrew name Jehovah means "I am" or "The self-existent one", or in other words, here Jesus The Christ taught that He was "the great I am" who conversed with Moses. Or when He was tried before a corrupt nation and when questioned He kept His peace. Like the centurion present at the Crucifixion we know that, "Truly this man is The Son of God" (Mark 15:39).

Brother Johnson is sweet! I always loved his gospel principles class. As a missionary I have learned a lot about how to teach.

I am glad you got to watch White Christmas. I Love that movie. Also, the church website has "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens available for download. I may listen to it to invite the season; Allison might like to know this as well. I am dreaming of a White Christmas. Not in snow...that would be a little unrealistic here, but in white in Baptisms. Gisele and Pedro were finally married and baptized...the same day. I will send pictures as soon as I get them!

Merry Christmas!

I Love You All!

Feliz Natal!

Élder Weaver

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 24, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Letter To Mission President

Essa semana a gente foi protegido muito do mão do senhor. Membros e missionários na aula Cariacica trabalhavam juntos para ensinar nossa pesquisadora Brenda. Temos a meta de batizar ela depois a Igreja no Domingo que vem. Eu estou muito feliz pelo batismo de Pedro e Gisele dia 4 de Dezembro! Eu nunca tinha um pesquisador que marcou o próprio reunião batismal deles! Eles são bem especiais. E eu estou feliz a ver Élder Ferreira de novo. Washington e Damiana foram na Igreja também e vamos marcar uma data por eles essa semana!

Google Translation

This week we were protected much of the Lord's hand. Members and missionaries in Cariacica class worked together to teach our researcher Brenda. We have the goal of baptizing her after church on Sunday next. I'm very happy for the baptism of Peter and Gisele December 4! I never had a researcher who scored the own baptismal theme! They are very special. And I'm happy to see Elder Ferreira again. Washington and Damiana were also in the Church and we set a date for them this week!

His new companions name is Elder Barros (Bah-Hooz).  

Acassio! He is stellar! We had a good meeting with him and Bishop yesterday. He knows what it's like to serve a mission and so he knows how to meet our needs in coordination with the ward. He's like me; he talks like an old man sometimes. His wife is really nice too. She calls herself my "black mom" hahaha.

It's funny you should mention that. We have new pass-along cards that say, "He is the Present" with a picture of The Savior. And Elder Bessa goes up to people and says, "Hey have you received a present yet today? No, well here's one just for you..."

Our Sacrament meeting was good too. Washington showed up at the last second even though he was really tired. It was nice to get to partake of the Sacrament this week.

Oh, Mother. Thank you for your kind words. I too, am touched by the story of the Brother of Jared. The Lord could have made any way for them to get to the Promised Land, He could have invented an airplane, He could have parted the ocean, but He chose to send them through a stormy sea with light in their barges and all this to test their faith.  "Off to the rescue we'll hasten..."

I received your package! Thank you so much! The Mint Oreos are already gone ;) The gummy bears and cinnamon bears are still there, but not for long. I LOVE the CD from Vocal Point. They added another verse to "Danny Boy" that is not included in the original. It is way good. I appreciate all you do to support the Lord’s work and me. Sometimes I wish I knew just how to show my gratitude.

The Ensigns have also been a great source of study and spiritual nourishment.  Sadly, I need to go, but may His Spirit be with and bless you this week, and forever.

Love,

Élder Weaver

And thank you so much for the package!!!

These should be some familiar faces!

My friends from Colatina.

Elder Branco is still my Zone Leader

and I see him almost every day!

And Sister Benítez is training now as well!    

We Had A Great Week! Andreia & Rebeca Were Baptized!

November 3, 2014

Dear Family, (The Most Important Social Unit) and Friends,

Mission President Letter

Tivemos uma ótima semana! Andréia e Rebeca foram batizadas!!! (Aquele da Cervada) Elas têm respostas bem fortes do Evangelho. Essa semana eu vou trazer mais membros lá para integrar eles na Ala Cariacica. Foi um privilegio ter você e Sister Young lá! Esse sábado nós temos duas datas marcadas por Wilmax e Gezieu. Vamos trabalhar bem para realizar essas metas juntos com a ala.

Google Translation

We had a great week! Andreia and Rebecca were baptized !!! (That's Cervada) They have very strong responses to the Gospel. This week I'll bring more members to join them there in Ala Cariacica. It was a privilege to have you and Sister Young there! This Saturday we have two dates scheduled for Wilmax and Gezieu. We will work well together to accomplish these goals with the wing.

Thank You so much! I will get it all in ASAP! I was very pleased with the visit I had with President Young.

I am emailing from 10:30 our time. I am not sure how many hours separate us now. It's summer now, or will be soon they say.

Wow! I didn't know that Marisa got called to Boston! That's crazy! Everyone here has family in Boston. It's ridiculous. It makes no sense.

I am glad Halloween was swell for y'all! Halloween is also Elder Cervantes' Birthday!

Andréia and Rebeca

As you may have read, we had a baptism!!! Andréia and Rebeca! I took pictures this time and I'll send them in. They are really special. Andréia is the mom and Rebeca is her 8-year-old daughter. She is so great! When she learned about the Word of Wisdom she stopped drinking coffee immediately and started drinking Cervada (it's this substitute made of corn or wheat or something that many members drink here). She came to Church twice. We invited her to be baptized on Saturday during the first visit and she accepted! She loved the story of a boy with sincere questions who received answers and identified much with him. She has gone through hard times like all of us, but she has always sought Jesus Christ. She had always seen missionaries passing by her home (because it lies on the way to church) and she wanted to know what they do, but never asked. Elder Branco (my buddy from Colatina, last companion, and current Zone Leader) did an exchange with us one day and he decided to talk to her and Rebecca when we passed by their house. Her Facebook page is filled with posts from the church website and she watches conference talks after work. She also tells everyone at her work about her baptism and the church. She read parts of The Book of Mormon that we didn't even assign to her. She wants to be a Visiting Teacher soon. And she thinks it would be neat if Rebeca decides to serve a mission one day.

In other news Gisele and Pedro (my two friends who will marry soon in order to be baptized) moved to Marcilho. We helped with the move. It was a sad day for me, but I think it will be for the best. The ward there has more youth which will be a good support for my 3 recent converts Rafaela, Gabriel, and Laura.

Haha, that's good to know about Cathy and Nani! I'll come to them when my wife wants to decorate the house for the holidays.

That sounds like a wonderful activity! For Young Women in excellence, we did something similar with our District in the MTC. We found out much about one another, and grew to trust each other from this activity.  I like it when Dad shares that testimony. I am always reminded of the song "I Fall Asleep Counting My Blessings (Instead of Sheep)" from White Christmas. In Kansas, Sister Bell gave each of us a gratitude tablet (a notebook) and each day we write 3 things we are grateful for. I still use it, and reflect on it from time to time.

Thank you for that story. I have always been touched by that story. We watched it in the MTC. A video where President Hinkley recounts the tale, I would like a picture of that crossing in my home, one day, when I have a home of my own.

I Love You All So Much! I am anxiously awaiting the work we will do together for those on this side of the veil and on the other. This side of The Sweetwater Crossing and on the other. We will save ourselves with all our dead. And we cannot stop, until the work is done.

I will get everything in, I Promise.

The Savior Already Suffered The Atonement. He will never condemn us for coming to him. As Sister Bell once put it, he will say, "Thank You for coming to ME for help, and not some other source."

May we ever come to Him is my plea, prayer, and invitation,

For All Of Us,

Love, Your Sweetwater Son,

Élder Weaver

Yesterday, For Instance, Was A Miracle

October 27, 2014

Mission President Letter

Essa semana foi bem especial! Gisele, Pedro, Andrea, e Rebecca estavam na Igreja! Andrea e a filha dela Rebecca vão ser batizadas esse Sábado! Eles mostraram um arrependimento sincero e tiverem experiências bem especiais no Evangelho. Vamos continuar ajudar eles e encontrar mais novos pessoas a ajudar.

Google Translation

This week was pretty special! Gisele, Peter, Andrea and Rebecca were in church! Andrea and her daughter Rebecca will be baptized this Saturday! They showed a sincere repentance and have special experiences in the Gospel as well. We will continue to help them and find more new people to help.

Dear Family & Friends,

Some areas do get way into it, but I think around here it's not too big. Hahaha! I'm glad y'all get the quadruple "F"! We are going to enjoy a family night I think on Halloween, but it won't be for the holiday.

I am grateful that Jessica gets to be home during this time. She has such a bright smile and helpful spirit. She was there when I entered the MTC.

Planning is vital.

Yesterday, for instance, was a miracle. We needed Andrea and Rebecca to come to Stake Conference. They might have come anyway, but we arranged a member to drive them in the rain. I couldn't understand everything he said, because the rain was so loud, and I'm not a native speaker, but he showed up in the nick of time. She has quit coffee and wants to be baptized with her daughter. She has had marvelous spiritual experiences including dreams and she is progressing well.

The Church is rolling forth like the stone that was cut out of the mountain without hands. And will continue so on. And on.

I do! Yes, I hear from Steven and Michael just about every week. That will be good for Jake to go to school! I am excited for him. I heard from McKay Noll this week as well! I do hear from Elder Cervantes every once in a while. And Elder Chun from Kansas Guys. You have to meet him when he gets home. He is HILARIOUS! Like almost as funny as Ashley and Allison.

Thanks for the package!!! I'll let you know when it comes in!!!

So, I had my Ecclesiastical Endorsement from President today, and I hope to get it all sent in ASAP! I will try and get the Transcripts in as well. If I need help I will let you know! Thanks! I am so excited that I can be applying to BYU!

I had a dream that I had an interview with the Savior this week. He had on a white and purple robe. For some reason we were in the Primary room. He told me that everything would be okay.  He Did Love Us First,

If The Savior Stood Beside Me Would I Do The Things I Do?

Love,

Élder Weaver

At District Meeting

Off to the right it says, "The Mission Will Be Fulfilled!"

Mom, you will laugh at how I still sleep like this sometimes...

my companion took a pic of me sleeping 

like this and was confused so he asked me about it later.

DUUUUUUUDEEEEE!!! NO Way!

October 13, 2014

Letter to Mission President

Rafaela, Gabriel, e Laura foram confirmados esse Domingo! O Bispo foi muito feliz para participar.  Vamos continuar ensinar os pais Gisele e Pedro para ser batizados depois o casamento deles. Encontramos alguns novos. Ajudamos Sérgio e Vanilda mudar casa. Eles vão na Igreja o Domingo que vem. Também eu completei o questionário, e eu estou animado pela visita de Élder Mazzagardi. 

Google Translation

Rafaela, Gabriel, and Laura were confirmed this Sunday! The Bishop was very happy to participate. We will continue to teach Peter and Gisele parents to be baptized after their marriage. We found some new ones. Sergio and help change Vanilda home. They will in the church next Sunday. I also completed the questionnaire, and I'm excited by the visit of Elder Mazzagardi.

To The Best Family Ever & Friends,

DUUUUUUDEEEE!!! NO way! I am so happy for Anna! Sister Kahn will Love the mission I'm sure and Sister Weaver can give her all of the ins and outs of the mission! This is the Lord's Work.

Also, small world, my ward secretary, Rafael, served in the Campinas mission with Jason Christensen!!! He told me that Jason is married now! Tell him parabens if you see him!

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Did the Remington's go? Yeah, I think that's an EFY song he did a rendition of. Bahahahahaha ahahashaha hahaha. No. I probably won't be able to see it. As a missionary anyway.

Hey ! My mission secretaries said that they received a letter from my college this week. It was probably the transcripts you sent? Elder Garcia said it's in the mission office. I can sign it still if you want. You're going to hate me...but please don't forge the signature. When I began my application I signed an Honor Code where I promised that I would not lie. The Lord will provide a way.

I'm glad to hear Jake is doing well. Can you do me a favor? He is moving, so can I send y'all a letter to him and Allison or someone can forward it on to whatever his current address will be by the time the letter arrives? Thanks!! :)

Thanks for the reminder. I'll start next P-Day...because I won't have access on the day it's opened.

Yes! For the box, I would Love:

1) Contaccttttt Sollluttttioooonn! If you can, it's way expensive here...along with everything else. Don't believe people when they say South America is cheap. Every Brazilian in the mission says that Espírito Santo has more taxes than any other state and the cost of living is way high.

2) Roll-On Deoderant

3) Ensigns, English, old (preferably) if they're not too heavy.

Everything else I think y'all know ;) "If you know what I'm sayin'!" I learned how to say that in Portuguese this week. My companion taught me. And I taught him in English. It's: "Se é que você me entende!" Bahahahaha!

I usually put my music on a flash drive or SD card and have a sound box I put it in. I think any music by an LDS artist that's inspirational is kosh...the rules are kind of fuzzy with the new President, but I'm sure MoTab, Jenny Oaks Baker, Hillary Weeks, anything like that would be fine.

Hahahahaaha. This internet café is playing "Human" by The Killers right now...Brandon Flowers is a member...but probably don't send me any of his music until after the mission. Haha. "......AND I'm on my knees looking for the answer: Are we human? Or are we Dancer?...."

Anyways. I'm glad that talk helped. I will repeat something a primary instructor told me in Kansas, "One day at Church I asked myself, 'When can I just give up on this child?' The Spirit then whispered to me, 'You can give up on that child when the Savior would give up on that child.' And that would be NEVER!"

I'm glad you had the AP's over for dinner. Just like the story of Elijah and the widow. Our cupboards will never run dry if we feed the servants of the Lord.

I wish obedience was a thing in our mission...it's sort of not...President Young and I had a Lovely visit the other day, and he promised me that will change. I hope I am here to see that change realized...but it might take a lonngggggggg time to uproot the foul mission culture that has been brewing here. Since before I even got here.

You asked me about the differences. Well, with all due respect for an ordained servant of the Lord...put quite simply: I didn't feel the Spirit with the last one. But with this one I do. I hope one day you can meet President Bell and him. Yeah, he speaks pretty well.

Mother, thank you for teaching me to Love everyone. Rich or poor, bond or free, black or white, popular or nerdy, happy or alone. I think that is one of the greatest qualities you taught your children. How to talk with just about anyone. That's important. Don't ever down-play that.

So, I don't have everyone's email. But please tell everyone I Love them and wish them well. I am looking forward to speaking with Chelsey in Portuguese. Mom, Dad, parabens! Thanks for sticking through it and making our family a fun family along the way.

I hope Uncle Brent heals up.

And I was fasting for Josh on Sunday. Tell him I Love him. He'll be all right.

I am sorry I have to be short. But I hope you can still feel the care I have for all of you. And forgive me of anything I may have thought, said, or done wrong. I want you all to know I Love You. And Heavenly Father loves us all.

Love,

Élder Weaver

My District Leader bought a bunch of fruit.

Lifebouy...I remembered a Christmas Story
 and thought of you and Dad quoting this!