An "uneventful" week? 9 June 2014

Well, this week wasn’t too eventful. On Thursday night I got sick again. ha I woke up and threw up a ton but by Saturday I was fine. ha It was just like a stomach flu or something. A few good things happened though. Three of our investigators went to church and loved it. One lady we took cried during Sacrament meeting. Also, F., my recent convert got the Priesthood and next Sunday he is going to bless the Sacrament. (We gave him a white shirt and tie to use :)) 

Also, we were able to finally make an appointment with a man named F. that’s been going to church for a few months now, but he has never let us go by his house. ha (I think he is scared of us!) But yesterday he gave me and Elder Bell, Brasil jackets that are sweet and we marked a day to go by and make cookies with him and watch the movie on the restoration. He is super nice and his daughter is already a member, so he has been going with her these past few months. We really want to help him become a member and I know he already knows the church is true. 

Also, I just got an email from one of my recent converts in Tamandaré, A. . . . remember him? He just told me that he started working on his mission papers!!!! Woo! And it sounds like this month I’ll get to see D’s endowment, too!!!

Mom, those talks sound splendid. I miss our ward . . . I think everything works smoothly there. That will be nice to have a three-week “break.” ha, I’ll be praying that all goes well with your foot :)   I’ll for sure do something for Elder Linzey on his b-day. I’m currently poor, so if you put money in my account that would be great. And yes there are quite a few things I’d like to get before I leave . . . most for you guys. I already have a good amount of souvenirs, but there are a couple things I need to get for you all.

Dad, it’s good to hear the garage is coming along. The power rack looks pretty cool . . . you think it’s as strong as a metal one, though?? Elder Linzey is adjusting well . . . He’s really funny and has the same sense of humor that Sam [one of Reece’s best friends] does, so we get along well.

Ryan, I liked the Corvette pic. ha Maybe you could trade the Civic in? And congrats on the diploma. It’s official now. You need to get it framed. ha Is that other pic of the girl you’ve been dating? She’s kinda of cute, but I think you could probably do a little better, Bro. But whatever makes you happy, man.

Ryan's third picture.

I’m sure you will pick up quite a few things [Portuguese] on our trip . . . just try and get down phrases to start off and vocab, too. Do you know what day we are going to leave? There are lots of people that would be more than willing to let us stay with them. ha

Remi, it’s summer!!! Woo! What are you going to do with all your free time??? Don’t let Dad forget about all the work he needs to do in the garage. ha 

Well, I’m attaching some pics...

Love you all,

Elder Miller

What Flu? June 2, 2014

Well, there is a ton of stuff I need to say this week!!

First off.... HAPPY B-DAY, RYAN!! I sent you an email already but I’m saying it again in this one! Love you, Bro.

Also, this week I got SWINE FLU! It was awesome. ha Remember how I said I was feeling sick last Monday... Well, it got worse and I had to go to the hospital and I found out that it was H1N1. haha And while I was there I got three prescriptions and two shots … in the… And to make it even better, a young cute nurse was kind enough to give me them. It was awkward and it hurt so bad. ha But I’m all better now and I’m back in ship shape. I think I was blessed with a quick recovery.

Also, while I was sick we found a DOMINOS PIZZA in the phonebook that delivers to our area, so we got two pizzas!!!! It was so good. I couldn’t taste it very well, but it still made my week. I’ll send a pic.

Dominoes Pizza in Curitiba!

Comfort food for a sick Elder.

This week Elder Loyola was transferred. The new Americans who got their visas came and Elder Loyola went to finish his training in another area and we picked up Elder Linzsey. He’s from Boston, Massachusetts and he is way cool.

This week we found an awesome family of 6 that went to church. Also, we confirmed G., and his mom and little sister (who is 8 :)) went to church to see his confirmation.

Yesterday, there was a stake conference for another stake, in our chapel (They used ours because it’s huge.) and then our meetings were at 3 in the afternoon. I taught gospel principles for the 4th time in a row, and lots of people told me they liked the class afterwards. 

Then later I noticed one of the investigators from Autodromo (my last area) was there and I knew the missionaries were teaching him. He had been to church like 6 times but didn’t want to be baptized. I asked him if we could talk and I interviewed him for like an hour and a half and answered a bunch of questions he had, and then I invited him to be baptized and he accepted! It was like a miracle baptism! ha And the Elders were stoked when I called them to tell them he accepted the invitation to be baptized! ha He was baptized at 10:00 o’clock last night! (We got permission. ha)

Mom, congrats on the 50-miler you two are bosses!

Dad, the cabinets look great! You have skills!

Ryan, happy b-day again!!

Remington, you’re awesome, Bud! 50 MILES! ha [Cycling Merit badge for Boy Scouts] That’s crazy!!!

Well, I love you all!!!

Elder Miller

Beleza! 26 May 2014

Elders Loyola, Miller and Bell with A., who was baptized last week and confirmed this week.

Beleza!

Well, this week was good. We confirmed A., and we baptized a 16-year-old named G. . . . It was a miracle. ha 

We were trying to baptize 35 in our zone . . . and the two people we wanted to baptize  in our area fell through..(One went traveling and the other's parents didn’t want to let her be baptized) . . . So we didn’t know what to do. But we three fasted from Wednesday to Thursday and the on Thursday night we stopped by the church to use the bathroom, and they were having seminary and the teacher said, "Elders, we have a reference for you!" G. was there and when they introduced us to him I was surprised, because I had seen him at church a few times and at seminary and I thought he was already a member. We talked for a minute and then we grabbed a class room and started teaching him. After the prayer the first thing he said was, "I really want to get rid of my sins and feel closer to God." haha I was like "Amigo, have you ever heard of baptism?" haha We taught him for a while and then again on Friday and Saturday, and then on Sunday night he was baptized!!! Miracles. ha His family went and they all loved it and cried a lot. Now, on Thursday we have an appointment to teach them too. :) Yes!

Elders Loyola, Miller and Bell with G. and the friend who baptized him.

Our zone was the highest baptizing again this month. We had 40 baptisms . . . (We only baptized 9 this week . . . 15 people that had dates didn’t end up being baptized . . . 9 were pushed back to next week and 6 just got lazy.) I think there is a lot of room for improvement in our zone. There are lots of missionaries that didn’t baptize and a few that baptized a lot. I want to have a month were every missionary baptizes in the zone! That [would] be cool!

Unfortunately, today I’m sick. It’s getting cold here and I woke up this morning feeling really poopy. I took some medicine and ate three oranges . . . So hopefully I get better soon. ha

Mom, you’re a trooper. Good luck on the 50-miler! That’s going to be a challenge for sure. Way to stick out the last couple miles after your crash. Ha And yes I got the pic of the missionary putting on armor. I hung it up on the wall where I study.

Dad, you guys eat like kings. haha You’re going to build the power cage or buy one?? 

Ryan, I’ve heard lately that the best beaches in Brasil are in Natal . . .  Have you looked at tickets, yet?? There are lots of people in Curitiba excited for our visit now. ha

Remi, way to tackle 25 miles. You’re a trooper, bud! I hope the 50 goes well today. Don’t give up! And the project? How’s it going?

Well, I love you all. It’s crazy I only have three months left. Please, keep me and my zone in your prayers . . . We need them!!

Elder Miller

Oi from Curitiba 19 May 2014

Well this week was good.

We baptized A. this week, he is a 70-year-old man who loves singing hymns and he is super funny. ha. His wife passed away in June and I know we knocked his door for reason. He has really enjoyed hearing the messages and the gospel has helped him a lot.

When I was baptizing him his legs came out from underneath him and we almost went down together, but I got him back up thankfully. ha... He’s a heavy guy.

Also, this week Moroni Torgan [The first Mormon elected to Brazil’s Congress.] came and visited our mission. He knows his stuff!! It seems like he has memorized the standard works. haha It was an awesome experience and a real spiritual boost!

He helped us set a baptismal goal for this coming week, in a leadership meeting with just us zone leaders, and we set a goal of 232 baptisms this week... which is a ton. But it was prayerfully considered and received by revelation, ha so we are going to work hard to make it happen!

I didn’t get the email this week from the family. Just from dad... IDK if it didn’t send [We did re-send it.] or what...but write me back if you get this email within the next hour. [We did that, too.] ha

Well I love you all,

I’ll try and send a pic of the baptism,

Elder Miller

Elders Loyola, Miller and Bell with A.

Post Skype P-day 12 May, 2014

No explanation needed.

No, wait--no explanation ...came with this photo.

Well, it was great to Skype you all. It flew by and it feels like we didn’t get to talk much...* I think we all were tired. But that’s alright. It won’t be long now till I’m home and we can talk more then. haha

This week was a good one. I’m loving my companions. Elder Bell [From Idaho.] is really spiritual and Elder Loyola [From the Amazon area.] is hilarious and really smart. 

Elder Loyola (we think).

F. was confirmed as I said last week. Tomorrow he is going to come with us to Zone meeting. I think he’s gunna go on a mish!! He’ll have to wait a year but I could see it happening. 

We might baptize this week. We’ve been teaching a 70-year-old man name Ag. and he has come with us to church twice now and participated in a few activities... but he might take another week or two. ha. 

Al. and M. came to see me as I said on Sunday. They bought a new car and were excited to show me their "blessing from God." ha They are such an awesome family. I love them! My mission has been so blessed. Wow.

Mom... Remi’s COH [Eagle Court of Honor] will be cool...We’re saying a reception for me or for Remi’s COH?? [Both. We only have 6 days!]  Just make rice and beans if you want Brasilian food. ha I loved the Mother’s Day pics, Mom... I’m so blessed to have you as my mom. I mentioned Alma 56 yesterday on Skype. I love that chapter. The mothers prepared their boys from early on, so that in that crucial moment of battle their faith didn’t falter... and they courageously defended their families and freedom. Those mothers had such a crucial role in the story, and so it is with you, Mom, in my story. You helped me prepare since I was little for this spiritual battle I am fighting... and needless to say, I would not be here in the mission if it wasn’t for you. You truly are the best mom I know. I look up to you, I admire you and I love you so very much. Thank you mom!!

Dad, I loved your email... Skype flew by and it felt like I didn’t even talk to you guys.* ha I’m sorry it’s been a stressful week... Grandma looks nothing like she did last time I saw her. :( I hope I get to see her again. She and you all are in my prayers. Your office looks awesome. You really are a successful guy, you know. haha. I’m glad to see my painting made the cut, too. ha. And you are way skinny pops! Congrats!!!

Ryan. You look like a rich business man already ha. I’m so stoked we are going to travel Brasil together. It’s going to be so fun, Bro!!! I was told by a few members the nicest beaches here are in Natal... but you can do the research.

Remington!! It was good to see you, Bud. You are so big. I’m excited for your court of honor. Keep working hard ok?! And did you buy anything at Zumiez?? Buy bigger shorts. [Still the long-distance Fashion Police!] haha 

Love you all, I’ll send some pics!

Elder Miller

*We felt like we didn’t get to talk much either. We spent a good chunk of our time on Skype calling/re-calling each other; our connection kept getting dropped. L

Brasilian Pizza, My Zone, My District and a Baptism 5 May 2014

Brasillian Pizza

So this week was pretty good.

We baptized F.!! He is awesome and was an elect! ha We found him only two weeks ago and now he is already a member of the church :) I’ll send pics!

F's Baptism

Elder Moody left this morning. It made me a little trunky, ha but it’s all good. And currently I’m with Elder Bedford, Elder Cesar da Silva, Elder Lima and Elder Failes in an area called Emiliano Pernetta (in my zone). It’s cool because I was already comps with three of them! Tomorrow at 5 o‘clock I’ll pick up my new comp. I’m still zone leader, district leader AND now I’m going to train too, ha. We will be in a trio so it should be a fun transfer :)

On Sunday SKYPE :) I think about 3-4 o clock my time I’ll be signing on so be ready!

Mom, the package is at the Correis Central, and I have to pay 80 Reais [about $36 US] to take it out :( ha I think I will because I really want Pop Tarts haha. I forgot about the “all kinds of Mexican crap [to make Reece walk all over Publix]” story. haha [A few years ago Reece went to the store for me to buy stuff for a new enchilada recipe. That quote is what Reece added to the bottom of my list!] Sorry your recipe didn’t turn out well. I vaguely remember the Fresno [Temple] Dedication ha. I forgot I shook Ballard’s hand though, that’s cool! ha I remember watching one at a stake center, too... but I don’t remember which temple it was [Nauvoo or Palmyra. We were reminiscing because we were able to attend the Ft. Lauderdale Temple’s Dedication on Sunday. ].

Dad, tell Grandma I love her. I miss her and I really hope I get to see her when I get back. It’s sad she will be in the nursing home now. Is it close to Lakeland? Can’t wait to talk on Skype! Minha nossa. I’m stoked! Hey, fun fact: last night, I was reading "Dia de la Defesa" in Spanish. I understood it perfectly. I just need to get better at speaking it. It’s a mock trial of two Mormon missionaries… it’s awesome and its full of scriptures that are great for teaching.

Ryan, glad to hear the sales are going well still. I feel like I know some of the guys on your team... is there a Michael on your team? The guy in the black sweatshirt? Glad to see you’re still enjoying the blackened chicken, strawberry, walnut, and feta cheese balsamic vinaigrette salad ha. I want one, too, dang it.

Remi, how did you hurt your hand in P.E.? You were jumping up to touch a beam? haha It sounds like you touched it! [A sprain.] ha Way to pass of your Cooking [merit badge] though, Bro! Keep up the excellent work!

Well, I love you all and I sent some pics (Brasilian pizza, my zone, my district and F.'s baptism)

Love, 

Elder Miller

My Zone

My District

Lost in Translation 28 April 2014

So this week was good.

We didn’t baptize the three boys, because they moved to another area, :( but it’s for the better. They will be living with their aunt who is a member of the church and shortly they will be baptized.

On Monday we found a young man... F. who is 20 years old, while we were knocking doors. He is super elect and we took him to church this Sunday and he loved it. When we were teaching him, he told us after the first vision that "all his doubts were cleared up." We are for sure going to baptize him this Sunday :) and we had a few other investigators too!! I think May will be a good month!

On Saturday we went to the temple because our mission reached the baptismal goal! We had to wake up at 5 so I was a little grump at first ha... but when we got there I ran into A.!! He was there taking out endowments for members in his family... (Since he took his endowment out he has woken up every Saturday at 4 in the morning and done three sessions) it was so good to see him there. He gave me a name of a member of his family and we sat together and ate lunch together afterwards, too :)

Last night we went to Pinhais to do a baptismal interview and a young girl I interviewed last week asked me to baptize her and her brother did too... so I got to baptize... BUT the girl is scared of water... so it was complicated. I baptized the boy first and then the girl... but it took about 30 minutes of gentle coaxing (is that a word? I think it is ha) one of the sisters put on baptismal clothes and got in the font too. haha It was awesome. We said a prayer with her and then started talking with her. It reminded me of teaching Remi how to swim. The water was FREEZING and I had to kneel down with her. But finally she was baptized and it all worked out.

Mom, sorry I didn’t understand your essay idea ha... I thought you wanted it to be like a funny quote thing…you are a great mom! [I did want funny, but he called me an “old, knitting cat lady!” Humph! I crochet!] You can pull something mushy out of my letter though. [I got a great letter this week for my birthday--all is forgiven!] I’m excited for art classes... they should be fun! And yep it’s Elder Moody’s last email! ha He’s a little trunky! And yeah, he is a way nice guy.

                   

And that sounds like you and Remi are having fun on your adventures. That gator was BIG. Minha nossa. How do you plan on tackling the 50 miler? Good luck! ha

Dad, I didn’t get the pics of your weight set? Have you started using it yet? It sounds like you made good progress on the garage. I’m excited to see how it turns out. 

Ryan, way to go on the sales bro!! You are going to be rich at this rate!!! If you want to buy me a welcome-home Lamborghini, feel free to do so. Are there any cute girls in your ward?? And I was happy to hear Belmont has a good amount haha. We can do lots of contacts and get referrals and what not to expand our teaching groups. ha

Remi you are a trooper! Way to ride 12 miles (12 right?) [No, 25!] you’re almost done!!! If you finish before I get home I will give you a sweet present!!! From Brazil!!!

Love you all,

Elder Miller

ha No, I don’t have any pics. Next week I will, though. Actually, I have one but it’s a little inappropriate. ha It this popular construction company here... but nobody knows what it means in English ha. Elder Eddington, that went home a few months ago, sent it to me. ha