I Have Been Transferred!

March 16, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

I have to be quick, but I will try and send more later. I have been transferred :( I Love Cariacica! But as Lido would say, "just one more shot oughta get it...one last time before we quit it..." Hahahaha. I'll send more pictures, too!

I Love YOU,

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

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

Carnaval Was Pretty Mellow Here.

February 23, 2015

Dear Family & Friends,

Mission President Letter

Elder Barros e eu vamos ajudar Lorraine cumprir o compromisso de ser batizada. Ela precisa ler e orar sobre O Livro de Mórmon. Também nós vamos ajudar Jarbes preparar-se ser batizado e receber nossas visitas. Temos Adriana e Gilson também que querem ir na Igreja Domingo que vem.

Google Translation

Elder Barros and I will help Lorraine fulfill the commitment to be baptized. She needs to read and pray about the Book of Mormon. Also we will help Jarbes prepare to be baptized and receive our visits. Adriana and Gilson also want to go to church next Sunday.

Carnaval was pretty mellow here. Our mission isn't that huge into Carnaval. Most people leave for Minas, or Rio, or São Paulo for Carnaval because they think there's nothing to do here.

Yup, my VISA's set!

Hi Cathy!

Thanks, Mom. We'll be sure to take care when we get home from our missions. And I want to stay single for at least a year or two before I get married.

I am happy for Chris!!! Please send them my Love.

Ahhh, I hope Dad feels better. No one likes being sick. Especially when you have work to do.

Yeah, The Discovery Center sounds sweet! :)

Aw, I'm glad to hear that the ward is growing.

Mom, Thank you so much for that last thought about the Shoeman! I felt the Spirit. I know that what you said is true.

Can you do a favor for me? I would Love a recipe on how to make pancakes. Someone here wants to know how.

I hope you all have a Lovely week. I really am happy to be a part of our family, forever. Let me know how I can serve you.

Love,

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