January 30, 2012 - Cidade Aracy

Hey Family,

Thanks for the email and the pictures. I attached a couple of pictures. This morning we hiked up this hill that over looks our area. One of the pictures is just to show you what the housing structure is like. This would be an example of a poorer area. Its interesting though, because a lot of times the houses can be pretty nice inside haha. Smart idea. . .why waste money on the outside of the house hahahah. It was a quick and easy hike and it was great to get out a little bit.

The transfer went fine, but it was definitely a tough week haha. We werent ready for the transfer and things were starting to go so good in our area. This week we tried to get to know the area and some members and see how the investigators of the other missionaries were doing. It looks like for the most part we will be starting from scratch though. We didnt have anybody at church this Sunday. There was a lady that I interviewed a while back that goes to church every sunday, doesnt want to be baptized yet. Here in Brasil lots of missionaries try to pressure a person like that. I think it leads to a lot of problems. I know that reading the Book of Mormon with here and encouraging her, she will feel the Spirit reveal to her the need to be baptized.

The members here are very animated haha, sometimes a little nuts at church, but oh well. There are definitely more families here, so that is exciting. We are looking to teach a lot this week. The area is about half the size of our last area haha, but still about an hours walk from one side to the other. It is a ward here.

The apartment is nice, just needed to be cleaned. I did get the package with the footballs and deodorant and tinactin. Thanks! How much were the footballs? (The lady wanted to know)

Rachel - Congrats on the prom invite! Have fun and be safe! (Mom must be loving this haha. I laughed about the interrogation. . better you than me haha) But more importantly, Im so proud of you for being a good and example and for sharing the gospel! You are an example to all of us, including me! Keep it up! You never know what seeds you will plant! Hows the job hunt going? and the home life?

Well things are going good. Changes are necessary but not always fun. We must trust in the Lord and his plans for us. I love you all so much! Thanks for the love and support and have a great week!

Elder Hawkley

January 23, 2012 - What a Week

Hey family!

Well lots of news, some good and some bad! Starting with the good:

We had a baptism yesterday! We baptized Milena (14). Milena is the daughter of Daniel and Patricia, the couple we are teaching that need to get married. It was great! She is already participating in Young Women's activities and everything. Daniel stopped drinking and is smoking less and is doing well. Patricia is ready, just needs to get married.

The conference with the Apostles was awesome! It was great to feel their spirit and learn from them. We stood as they entered and they shook each one of our hands. Elder Jensen spoke first about the power of the word of God and asked us to read some chapters in the Book of Mormon. He spoke in Portunhol (Português and Espanhol (Spanish)). We understood though. Elder Anderson spoke next (in portuguese). He talked about the difference between having a testimony and being truly converted. He said a testimony is a spiritual confirmation that something is true.  Conversion he said is the ability to follow the Christ. Interesting. He talked about how conversion can sometimes take a little more time and that as we involve members in the teaching we will help more people become converted. Elder Ballard then spoke in english. He started off telling us that the 1st Presidency loved us. He said that they know that missionary work isnt always the easiest thing and that it takes courage and faith. He said that they were proud of us. Man it was nice to hear that. Elder Ballard told us "You Gotta Be Good, You Really Gotta Be Good". He focused on how we need to know the lessons and how to teach them well. He also talked about how we can find people to teach more effectively through the very people we are teaching. It was an awesome experience. We werent able to ask any questions, but thats okay. I know that I was taught by 2 Apostles of God. It was neat to be with them and see them as I recognized their voices. They were serious but funny as well.

As far as apartments. My vision on the mission has really changed. The houses on the mission arent always good. I remember thinking that Tysons apartment was terrible haha. But now It would be great! haha. For me a shared room would be cool, in between new and old is fine, probably closer to campus??, 350 probably sounds like a lot. I dont know though??? Its hard to know what I want right now. My vision is the cheaper the better hahahah but with quality. I trust you guys.

So this morning a little after 8 as we were studying I got a call from President Prieto. He said that Elder Mesquita and I were going to be emergency transfered. We are going to be switching areas with the Zone Leaders starting tomorrow night. At first president was going to put me as Zone Leader, but he told me that he didnt want to separate Elder Mesquita and I yet. I told President that the work was going well, but he said that there wasnt any other way and also that in the future they were going to put the zone leaders in our area (because our ward is the Stake President's ward). But it has been a hard day. I love our area and love the members in our ward. Yesterday we had a ward council meeting and the Bishop is super happy with us and the other members and we had some great ideas coming for activities and how to help the ward. We will be going to an area called Cidade Aracy. I have been there twice and like our area better haha. It stinks to be transfered from this family we are teaching. I know that they will be baptized and seeing as we will remain in the city, we should be able to participate still. But everything will work out.

We didnt find any new investigators this week! We are working so hard and even were able to teach some people, but they didnt accept the invitation to learn more. Oh well, we continue on.

So it was a week of ups and downs. Thats life. I love you all so much. I know the gospel is true! Thanks for the love and support. Have a great week

Elder Hawkley

I wasnt able to send pictures again. I´ll keep trying though!

Commenting on the line "in the mission the houses arent always good": the houses are good, just usually dirty, but you get used to it. The only thing that matters is that it is clean haha.

January 16, 2012

Hey family,

Thanks for the package and the pictures! Everyone looks great! And
yes, Rachel looks super old hahaha, but very pretty. I´m taking a
machete to BYU with me hahaha.

Thanks for the email info and the advice from Pres Bean. The feet are
actually doing a lot better. But I´ll take the advice.

We are excited to have the apostles and leaders with us on Saturday.
Elder Mesquita and I are praying and thinking of questions we can ask
if given the chance.

The division with the Zone Leaders didnt end up happening. Oh well,
probably in the next couple of weeks.

I sent some pictures to you and Pehrson in case it didnt work. Hope
you like them.

The work is going. We struggled to find people again this week haha.
Lots of patience. But it will eventually work out. We are planning and
working hard and trying to do our best. Our family went to church
again. We are going to baptize the daughter this sunday and we are
going to try and mark the wedding this week. But they are doing great.

We had a ward activity. It was a cake contest. For the prize, we got a
big box and wrapped it and left it in the hall in the church. Elder
Mesquita told everybody that it was something from Portugal. Everyone
got excited. The big box had lots of smaller boxes and the prize was
some candy from Portugal. There were teams and every team had to have
a non member. It was a good turn out. The members had a lot of fun.
Elder Mesquita and I did a skit of the day of missionaries. Everything
went wrong and then in the end we received a referral haha. There were
a couple non members, but none of them wanted us to visit them haha.
But it was good.

Well my time is out. But I want you all to know that I love you so
much. That I am doing well and learning and growing. Im not perfect
but not none of us are. Have a great week and I´ll try and write
better and send pictures again next week! Have a great week!

Elder Hawkley

PS Dad, do you have any Plans for Recent Converts in the ward? Like a
"Convert Action List" or something? If you please send it to me. Love
you

January 9, 2012 - Parabéns para você!!!

Hey family,

Parabéns para você Mãe! Happy Birthday Mom! Hope it was a good one!
Thanks for the pictures. The truth is that I need to take more
pictures haha. I will do better and send more. Looks like you guys had
a blast with Beck!

This week was pretty crazy haha. Lots of things changed in the
mission. That whole "firm and possible" thing doesnt exist anymore.
Now we have to work always thinking in thet next three weeks. Its good
in a lot of ways. In this system, the investigators are baptized on
the third Sunday (or saturday). It is a way of not losing focus on
investigators and if done right leads to weekly baptisms. The only
thing that was hard this week was that it also came with lots of added
stress and pressure from above. But as of right now things are okay,
so we continue on. We also found out that on the 21st of this month
(January) we will have a meeting with Elder Neil L. Anderson, Elder M.
Russell Ballard, Elder Jensen of the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder
Claudio Costa (Area President) and Elder Mazzagardi of the Seventy.
Its going to go a spiritual powerhouse. Im super excited to be able to
learn a lot. It will be interesting to see what they will say to us. I
know that we will meet with them in the morning and then in the
afternoon they will have a meeting with the Stake Presidents and
Bishops in the mission area.

I received an email from the secretaries (my last comp Elder Ilustre
haha) called the "Trunky Email" (as we called it). They just want to
confirm the information for my return home in June. Oklahoma City
Airport? You guys aren't coming to get me right? (I prefer this) And I
need President Bean´s information (home address, email, telephone).
It'll be here quicker than I want it too haha.

This last week was rough. We need to find new people to teach. We did
contacts and knocked doors for 3 or 4 days last week without a lot of
success. But with renewed faith we will continue on. I asked the Zone
Leaders for a division with me this week to maybe give me some ideas
and see that we really are working hard. The Zone Leaders are good
guys. Today I had a great conversation with one of them as I passed
the numbers from this last week. Just sometimes they arent very
understanding, but I guess we all are that way a little bit.

I'm striving to teach more by the spirit and work with more love. We
choose to feel the spirit. If the truth is being taught and we arent
feeling the spirit, we need to change something (be it our attitude or
our actions).

Training is going well. It is definitely tough at times. But I will be
staying here for this next transfer and we will continue learning and
growing together. Elder Mesquita is great. He helps me out a lot to be
positive.

If you could send somethings to me please (it could be in an envelope)
-Deodorant (stick)
           I am using some gel stuff (antipersperant) and its making
me sweat and itch like crazy haha. It you could send 2 or 3 sticks of
stick JUST deodorant and not antipersperant

-a couple tubes of Tinactin
-Also a lady in our ward wanted to see if you could send 2 footballs.
She said that the price wouldnt be a problem. (but you could send this
in a separate package, the deodorant and tinactin is a little more
urgent)

We are working with that sister still. She had a good week and stopped
smoking, but ended up not going to church. We have to see what
happened. She is doing good though.

Sunday we had a family come to church! We are helping the dad stop
smoking and drinking. He is having a pretty hard time. They also need
to get married before can be baptized. We may mark the wedding this
week (it would be my first wedding! HAHA). But they are going good.
The mom has a daughter (13) and toghether they have a 2 year old.

Well I love you all so much and appreciate the prayers and love and
support. You are the Best! I know that the gospel is true and that it
is the path to happiness! Heavenly FAther Loves us. Have a great week!

Elder Hawkley

PS. Tell Tyler and Morgan good look for me.

January 2, 2012 - Hey Family

Hey Family,

Happy New Year!!!!! 2012!! Glad to hear that the reception went well
and that you were safe. Haha, I cant believe the story about the
truck. Glad that it worked out though. Did you see anybody from New
Jersey at the reception?

This last week was better in relation with dealing with pressure.
Thanks for your prayers. I am sure that they helped me to try and be
happy and calm. The mission is full of ups and downs. The ups are
SUPER up and the downs are SUPER down. It is interesting how quick
that can change. Right now Im doing pretty good though. Trying to do
my best.

These last 2 weeks were pretty frustrating though because of the
holidays. People traveled, had family activities and it was hard to
find new people. We have some good families, but not many ended up
going to church yet. Lots of patience. But now things will get better.
People will come back from travels and start to work again and will be
able to go to church.

For new years the stake had a dinner on New Year´s Eve. Pres Prieto
gave us permission to go. So we went and ate and talked with the
members and other missionaries in the zone and a member took us home
afterwards. It was good.

It has been interesting to think about how 2011 was and how 2012 will
be. 2011 was a good year. It was a year of growth and learning. My
testimony was strengthen and gospel knowledge increase. I made
friendships that will continue through the eternities. I gained
experience that will help me throughout my life in and out of the
church. 2012 will also be a great year. It is wierd to think that I
will be returning home, but good too. I know that it will be an
adjustment. My life will take a 180 degree turn. But it will be a good
year as well. I'm greatful for the Savior and the oportunity we always
have to start over. Fortunately we dont have to wait for a new year to
change. We change always repent and change. Each week we can take the
sacrament and commit ourselves to do better. I know that I am not
perfect but that I can progress and become perfect through Jesus
Christ.

We taught a lady a couple weeks ago who has a daughter that in
inactive and doesnt live with her anymore. We hadnt focused a lot on
her, but we went back this week and she told us how she had felt
something when she prayed. We helped her understand that it was the
Holy Ghost and that it was an answer from God. She accepted that and
said that she needed to go to church to get to know before committing
to be baptized. She was the only person that went on Sunday! She said
afterwards that she wants to be baptized. We werent able to mark a
date, but tomorrow we will! She needs to stop smoking and so that is
the next step. It truely was a miracle!

I love you all so much! Have a great week and let 2012 be the best year yet!

Elder Hawkley

December 26, 2011 - Pictures

1. Elder Ramos and I with the Christmas tree. The Prieto family has a
tradition where they decorate their Christmas tree with chocolate
truffles. So they put 6 truffles for each missionary on this tree.
(almost 1000 truffles haha).

 

2. Me with my zone (São Carlos)

3. Elder Ramos gave me a soccer team jersey from his state. (team name
is Grêmio). I would like for you guys (maybe Tyson and Cristy) to see
how much a jersey from the team Real Salt Lake costs. I would like to
get him something and he had mentioned this. Please see what you can
do.

December 19, 2011 - Bruna

 

Hey family,

Well it was a great week here in São Carlos! We had a baptism! We
baptized Bruna (23). Other missionaries found her knocking doors when
the zone came to our area. Her husband is/was a less-active member
that everybody in the ward knows. She went to sacrament meeting last
week and we baptized her after the meetings yesterday. It was great!
After sacrament meeting (which here in São Carlos is first, just like
the US), she said that she just felt good. She participated in Gospel
Principles and like Relief Society. Her husband went to Elder's Quorum
with us. The baptismal service was simple but great. Quite a few
members stayed after to support us and they were super reverent, which
is always important. They have 2 little kids, a 6 year old girl and a
little boy with less than a year.

This week we were a able to find more people to teach. It's amazing to
see how the Lord blesses us and leads us to those who are prepared as
we diligently search. We found a little family. A wife and husband
that aren't married but have a little baby blond boy (I think is 2
years old). Also the wifes daughter (14) from a previous marriage
lives with them. On sunday the wife and kids came to church and liked
it a lot. We may just mark a wedding this week haha. We went with a
member to teach their neighbors. The member just knew them by sight
and talking here and there. He didn't even really know their names.
But we went with him to try and set up an appointment. We set up and
went to teach them with the member. It is a family from Bahia (NE
Brasil) with 8 CHILDREN hhah. They liked the message and werent able
to go to church yesterday, but said that they will go next week!

We ate lunch at our Bishop's house yesterday. It actually went really
well. Bishop said that the members and leadership are liking us and that pretty soon some of
those referrals should be coming through. The 1st counselor teaches at
a University here in São Carlos and I guess he has been talking to one
of his fellow professors about the gospel. Bishop said that hopefully
soon we should receive that referral! That was really good to here,
that our work has had some results. We are trying to work a lot
through referrals and less through street contacting. The most
effective is to work through both methods. The members in our ward are
super great! I hope I stay here for at least another transfer.

This last Wednesday we had an District Leader Council. In the mission
there is a monthly Zone Leader Council where the zone leaders receive
training and meet with President. For the first time this last week
was a District Leader Council. It was super good. All the district
leaders in the mission went to Ribeirão to receive training from the
Assistents and Presidente. I was having a hard time with the pressure
from our Zone Leaders here in São Carlos to throw people into
interviews and baptize everyone on the 2nd Sunday that they go to
church. I was praying really hard for direction and answers. When
President Prieto got up to speak, what he said answered almost all of
my questions. My worries and fears were calmed and my desire to work
renewed. I know that the Lord hears and answers our prayers. He knows
each one of us. I also renewed my testimony that Presidente Prieto is
inpsired of God.

Our Zone Leaders are good guys.  I am seeing that there are 2 ways to motivate. 1.
BURN or 2. TEACH WITH LOVE. Both lead to results, but when you teach
with love and instruct and encourage, friendships are built and the
results continue for a longer period of time.

Today we will go to Ribeirão Preto. We will have the CHRISTMAS
CONFERENCE tomorrow! We are super excited. I will be a narrator in the
program and sing in a choir. I was the one who picked the program on
the internet and translated it to Portugues. On the mission I have
gained a greater love of singing and less fear of singing in front of
people. Maybe I even sing better?? haha

Glad to hear that everyone is doing great! I cant wait to talk with
you all next week! I think we probably will be able to call on
Saturday to figure out a time. (Please make sure there is money on the
calling account. Make sure everyone will be able to skype as well
(PB&K, TC(BY))

I love you all and know the gospel is true! Life is going great! Have
a great week and remember the true meaning of Christmas. The season of
giving. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ gave everything. Let us do
our part to give as well and let us continue giving after the season
of Christmas.

Elder Hawkley

PS. I did'nt get to watch the Christmas Devotional. What you could
send would be awesome!

December 12, 2011 - Hey

Hey family,

Well thanks for the email and pictures! Everybody looks and sounds
good! I am confident that the Lord is taking care and blessing each
one of you!

Your questions:
1. Companion - Elder Pedro is awesome. I couldn´t have asked for a
better companion to train. He is always happy and humble and patient
with me. He is obedient and likes a clean house too haha! He is new
and learning. This week I learned a lot about patience. There were a
couple times that I got frustrated but kept it too myself. But I
realized that I was expecting too much out of him and seeing faults. I
feel like I have really learned a lot about being a dad, even if that
seems wierd. A dad has to be patient with his child and accept how the
child acts (if no correction is necessary). There are things about
Elder Pedro that are different from me. But they aren´t bad things. As
I have learned to let the little things go and not expect perfection,
things have gone more smoothly on my part of the companionship.
Sometimes he thinks he knows better than me, even though I have more
time. In these situations I am learning just to be more humble (not
easy at times haha). For example yesterday we were going from lunch to
the chapel and he had the map. I told him it was one way and he said
it was the other. I went with him and it turned out I was right. We
lost a little bit of time, but I didnt get mad and he said he was
sorry and that he got confused. It all worked out in the end.
2. Training- I talked a little about this above. It has been a growing
experience. I have been used to an experienced companion. Now I have a
companion who wants to work but without a lot of experience and
knowledge. It is working out though. I have seen that I know a lot and
how I also have soooo much more to learn.
3. Area - Our area is one of the better off areas here in são Carlos.
There are hills, poorer areas and richer areas. The weather is nuts
but good here. It gets cold at night and hot during the day and
usually rains during the afternoon.
4. Ward - The name of the ward is São Carlos 3 (3rd Ward). The
attendance is usually 130. The lunches have been amazing this last
week hahah! The members seem to be handing out a lot of Book of
Mormons, but we need more addresses haha. The stake president had a
meeting with the missionaries here in the zone/city last sunday and he
is very focused on missionary work. Our bishop is a good guy, but not
really focused on missionary work. We are still looking to gain more
confidence from the missionaries.
5. Referrals- we have been contacting referrals. Only a few have been
good. We found a super prepared man named Elton, but he isnt married
yet and we are waiting to go teach him again
6. Package - I opened the socks in the package that I have! Thanks so
much! I have lost socks (or they have been stolen...not sure) over
time and half have a hole in the heel.

This last week was good. We worked hard. But our numbers werent very
good. Thats frustrating. We are working hard, but there is always
pressure do get what is called standard, a certain goal in the key
indicators every week. I know that we are doing our best though. We
found some people to teach this week and had a woman whose husband is
less-active came with her husband! That was good.

Christmas conference should be next week. But President Prieto told
the mission 2 weeks ago that if we dont have 136 baptisms (1 per
missionary) by next week he will cancel the conference. The mission
hasnt been baptizing very much, last month was 73. So the pressure is
on everyone to baptize. I dont like that at all. The mission rule to
baptize someone is that they have to go to church 2 times. So the
pressure is that if someone went to church, they should be baptized
after the meetings on the next sunday. So the pressure is that we have
to baptize this woman next sunday. I dont know what to think. I dont
think that every person will be ready to be baptized in 2 weeks and I
dont like the pressure. I understand working with goals and that some
missionaries need pressure to work, but Im not one of them. I love the
mission, but sometimes I wish I could enjoy it more. I feel like if I
didnt have this pressure, I would be happier and realize that there
are lots of ways to help people as a missionary, though the key
indicators are most important. I pass a lot of time worring about
meeting these goals and feeling like Im not doing good enough even
though Im doing my best.

But everything will work out, just frustrating at times. I love the
work and being here in Brasil. The work is true.

As far as Im concerned we will be able to use Skype for Christmas and
there are some people here in the ward that said that we can use their
computers. So start thinking about a time for Sunday the 25th! Can´t
believe Christmas is almost here.

Next week I will send pictures for sure! I love you all and hope you
have a great week. I am learning and progressing here in Brasil!

Elder Hawkley

December 5, 2011 - Hey

Hey family,

Thanks for the email and the pictures. Everyone is looking good!

I got one package so far. Hope the other one comes too! Thanks a lot!
I got the one with some presents and lots of candy. Are the socks
wrapped?

That´s cool to hear about Zach Wynne! Thats where he was called to the
first time wasnt it? Thats inspiration!

So this week has been LONG haha. We got to our area Tuesday night.
Wednesday we went to district meeting and then lunch and then went and
looked for people to teach. Thursday we went back to Ribeirão so that
my comp could go to the Polícia Federal and get registered and came
back that night. Friday we looked for people to teach and visited some
members and the same on Saturday. Church was good yesterday. This
morning we got the zone together (6 elders and 4 sisters) and played
soccer. Then we ate lunch at an irmãs place. Her name is Vovô Lola
(Grammy Lola). She gives the missionaries lunch for free on pday and
the missionaries eat lunch quite a bit at her house during the week.
She makes take out lunches for people to eat. Shes way funny.

Other details... My comp is called Elder Pedro. He would have been
Elder Mesquita but there already is an Elder Mesquita. His name is
Pedro Miguel Baptista Castro Mesquita. There is already an Elder
Batista, an Elder Castro and an Elder Mesquita. haha so it was Pedro
or Miguel. Things are going really good. The Lord blessed me a lot
with him. He is obedient and came on a mission to work. He was
baptized 6 years ago with his mom. He doesnt have any brothers or
sisters and has always lived with his mom. He is funny too. The
Portugues accent sounds so wierd haha. Same words, but way different.
Like New York and TExas ahaha.

Our area is so big. There are 5 areas in São Carlos and I think our
area covers about 1/3 of the entire city. The ward is strong, 130 this
last Sunday. But it is funny because there are twice as many high
priests than elders.

The sisters in my district are good. They are both brazilian. They are
working hard. They asked for a lot of stuff from me when I first got
here and went to Ribeirão. They were needing a cell phone (theirs had
gotten stolen) and so I helped them with that.

This week was hard. We taught a total of 3 lessons and didnt find
anybody to teach yet. The elders that were here didnt do well with the
area book. The area is big and lunches are a ways a way. It was hard
for me to know where to start. Lots of  feelings of fear and worry and
inadequacy and homesickness haha that I felt in the first couple weeks
of the mission returned. Im doing a lot better now though. Its hard
starting a new area and training. Lots of responsability. But it will
work out. The other missionaries here in the zone are great. We have a
couple of referrals from the members to contact which is way good.
This week is going to be a lot better!

The house is so dirty. The toilet is so bad that neither I nor my comp
have gone poop at home yet. We have been using the church. We are
going to clean it today haha. finally!

I love you all so much! I wish I could give you a big hug haha. But I
know that the message we carry is true and that the Lord is by our
side. We are not alone as we serve him, although it can sometimes seem
like that. Knowledge of the Plan of Salvation changes everything. It
makes the hard times and difficulties easier. We can understand better
why we have them.

Have a great week!

Elder Hawkley

November 28, 2011 - It's a BOY!

Hey family,

Well, I found out last Thursday that I'm going to be a dad haha! I will be training. And what's more is that I will be training the only missionary coming from Portugal! Haha I'm super stoked! From what I understand the people in Portugal speak portugues as well, but  with a different accent and some of the words we use have different meanings to them. It will be awesome! Presidente Prieto served his mission in Portugal as well. I will be going to a city called São Carlos and from what I hear the field is white. I'm ready to work. A missionary that will be training too is leaving that area. He was with a missionary that didn't want to work very much and I guess the members said that they have some referrals, but will wait for that one missionary to leave. So, I'm going to go there and work hard and get these referrals. Elder Wright, one of the financial secretaries, worked in the area that I'm going to before he came to the office. He loved it and told me lots of cool stuff about the area. I'm so excited to get back to the field and be able to serve the Lord full time. I will be a District Leader in the Zone. In my district, there is only one other companionship, and they are Sisters, haha. So at least I wont have to do divisions haha. But from what I hear the sisters there are working hard. In our zone there are 10 missionaries, which isn't very much. Including me, there will be three missionaries training, another elder and one sister. We will be a young zone, but ready and excited to work. It will be a great transfer! Last transfer was introduced a new training program. Trainers and their new companions will now stay together for 12 weeks (2 transfers). During this period, we will have one hour of personal study and 2 hours of companion study. It is pretty structured what we should study in these 12 weeks and what should be our goals with our new companions. The purpose of this new program and our purpose as trainers is to train our companions in such a way that they are able to train another missionary at the end of this time period. The Lord is providing his missionaries with many new techniques and technologies to help us in our service to him. Each companionship now has a personal DVD player to watch training dvd's. Elder Boren, other financial secretary, served a little in the states and said that the Zone Leaders there have laptops at home. The Lord is putting more and more trust in his missionaries so that we have a chance to serve him more effectively.

How's scott doing? And Elder Bean? If you could, it would be cool to receive their emails.

Thanks for the updates about the wedding! Please send more pictures when you can! Sounds like Murphy's law is taking effect with you guys. But don't worry, it will work out. How's the new truck doing now? Can you say Warranty!/?! (I hope so) How is the new couple doing?

In two days, I will make 1 year and 5 months since I left home. Can you believe it? The time has gone by so fast! It doesnt even feel like it has been that long! I'm glad I have the time left that I do to keep learning and progressing. I watched a mormon message the other day by Elder Nelson. I like how he said that we shouldn't demand too much of ourselves, but that we should demand is improvement. That is so important to remember, especially as a missionary. We only finally figure out what we are doing after experience. That is why the Lord sent us here, to learn through our experiences. There are things that are impossible to describe to teach, that we learn only through experience.

It has been a blessing to serve in the office. Some of the things I learned from Presidente Prieto:
-In the mission, the Lord blesses our families. After the mission he blesses us.
-If you are having problems with comp (or spouse for that matter), go home say a prayer and talk until the problem is fixed
-Families that regularly hold FHE may have children that fall away, but they those children will eventually come back.
-I have learned a lot about the workings of the Spirit
-Through his example, I have seen the importance of patience and how it is an essential attribute in loving people.

From Elder Ilustre I learned the importance of humility and patience. He never got mad or frustrated with me, no matter how stupid I was. From Elder Wright, I learned the importance of being happy and positive. In EVERY situation there is something good to find. It may be stupid, but at least that will make you laugh. Elder Boren was an example of growth, of learning how to do better and then changing and putting it into practice. These elders have become my brothers. I love them and know that our friendship will continue after the mission.

I have been writing Elder Bean and Elder Hardy. They are my best friends! Their words of encouragement and support have been so great! Now that I leave the office, pdays will be better and I will have more time to write them back haha. They seem to be doing so well and the Lord for sure is blessing them too!

In our area, I grew a love for the members. They became my family. That family seemed a lot better this week, but ended up not going to church. I know that they will be baptized one day. The Lord led us to anohter family in need. We were walking one Sunday to see that family. They called us and canceled. We were a little bummed and standing in the shade in a park. A man came accross the street and asked us if we were mormons? We said yes and invited us to his home to drink some water. He said that he had been baptized in the church in the United States. He talked a little but then had to leave. Before he left, we talked with his mom who said she had painted a painting of Moroni (the one in the Book of Mormon kneeling) for a sister missionary that she liked (she is not a member). She asked us if we wanted to see the painting. We said yes, so she took us to a friend of hers house to see the painting. We went to the friends house and saw the painting. It was super good and about 3 feet by 4 feet. We started talking to this lady's friend. The painting was a good oportunity to explain about Moroni and the Book of Mormon. The lady who made the painting went home and we got to know the friend (an 86 year old senhora) and her son. She showed a lot of interest in the church. Her son told us how his wife is dying of cancer. We talked about the Restoration to his mom and then testified quickly about the Plan of Salvation to him. The spirit was strong. We now have a baptismal date with the mom and the son is open for our visits. For now they are without time as they care for the son's wife. I know the gospel will help them and that the Lord led us to them. He know's his children individually and loves everyone of us. He doesnt want to see us sad, but it is part of the plan. Our job to keep the commandments so that no sadness that comes is a result of our actions.

I love the gospel and the answers that it gives us. I know that it is true. The Book of Mormon is true. The church is true. Families can be forever. We have a living prophet!

I love you all and thanks so much for the support! Hope all is well and I want you to be happy.

Elder Hawkley

November 23, 2011 - 9 Hawkley

Hey Hawkley Family (being 9 as of now),

It was great to be able to talk to all of you as well! Glad to hear that everyone is doing well!

So how was the wedding? I want details! A play-by-play with pictures haha

Were you guys able to get to know Cristy´s family? How was it?

What are the plans for the next couple of days?

Everything is going good here. I still don´t know my transfer haha. I´m going nuts. But I'm pretty sure that I'll be going to Zone Leader. I'll be happy with either that or training as a District Leader. It will be awesome!

Today President and the Assistants are traveling to the zones to give trainings. So for our pday, we will be going to the mission home to hang out. I love that house! President has let us use it every once and a while as he travels.

Things in the office are crazy! We have lots to do! But the office has taught me a lot of diligence. As we are diligent and always look for something to do, we will be happy and get a lot done. I noticed that with Tyson and Pehrson as they came home from their mission. They we always doing something. It kind of frustrated me at times haha. But I can totally understand now.

Anybody in the family, including mom and dad, have an interest in leather scripture cases? For a quad its about $60. For 2 separate its about $80. I think im going to get some.

Our area is going good. Its still a little slow going, but it looks like the members are getting excited and that the work pretty soon will start to take off. Haha, it seems like things will start to work out just as Im leaving. Not being prideful, but I know that it is a result of our efforts. So I dont have a reason to be sad.

NEXT EMAIL WILL BE MONDAY AND WILL CONTINUE THAT WAY. SO ITS BACK TO WRITING EMAILS ON SUNDAY NIGHT! Haahah thanks

I love you all and know that we are in the truth. Have a great week!

Elder Hawkley

November 16, 2011 - Hey

Hey,

Thanks for the email mom! Haha or you spent 2 hours typing that email on your phone or you are getting good at the cell phone keyboard!

So what happened to the bug? Is the new truck like the blue one but a different color?

That's awesome about Zach Wynne! The mission will be so good for him. It will change his life (as it has mine) and the life of his future family! Let me know where he goes.

As far as the phone call, I think Sunday would be better for us. I could call around 8:30 here (3:30 there). What do you think? Would everyone be able to be there? Also I think it would be better just to call. I lost the information about the AT&T account. I need the number to call (for Brasil and the States to have in the future) and the user # and password and all that stuff again. And don't forget to put money on there.

That is unfortunate to hear about what happened to Rachel and her friends. That is great that they held their ground though. On the mission it is normal to have many experiences like that. Although sometimes it can be easy to get angry, these experiences have strengthened my testimony. I feel the spirit testify when I bear my testimony. Maybe its because I'm super stuborn haha, but I walk away with a greater conviction to testify and continue on. Even though it doesn't seem to have an effect on them, these experiences can help us. I think a lot about Joseph Smith and the opposition he and the early saints experienced. They knew what was the truth. They didn't let anything or anyone discourage them. They pressed on.

In the office here things are pretty busy. We are getting the normal tasks done and also have Christmas to prepare for. A part of me would like to pass Christmas in the office with President and his family. That for sure is one thing that I miss. But I know that I need to get out of the office. I only have 5 more transfers left and I want to be able to give everything and serve full-time in the area. President said that in the office we are asked to go the extra mile and we really are. We have every responsability that the other missionaries have, and then our responsabilities in the office. It has been a time of growth and joy. There were many hard times as well. But as we continue on, the hard moments fade with time and the good memories stay. It is hard to remember but we important as we all have trials and difficulties.

The family that we have been working with is good. The mom knows the gospel is true and wants to be baptized. The dad is the problem. We found out through the family in a different ward that gave us the referral that the dad doesnt know what he wants yet. Apparently he knows the changes that will have to take place in his life if he were baptized. We havent taught the commandments yet but he read quite a bit of Gospel Principles. He knows that he would have to stop drinking. I dont believe that he is an alcoholic. Im sure that it has more to do with the fear of losing friends and having to change his lifestyle. As he feels the spirit and as we explain why God gives us commandments and the blessings that come from them, I am sure that he will accept. Maybe it will take some time. He lives a busy lifestyle as well and needs to read the Book of Mormon. That answer that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet is essential. They will be baptized. The question is when. I really want to see them get baptized. It is still possible, but we will do what is best for them. Even if I am not a part of it, I know that I will have played a part.

The gospel is true. The Book of Mormon is true. Jesus Christ is our Savior. Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. Family is the best. I love you all so much. Have fun preparing for the wedding and take lots of pictures!

Elder Hawkley

Ps. We decorated the office yesterday haha
Oh and last week we went to Presidents house in the morning and we all made an American Breakfast - Eggs with bacon and cheese, pancakes, hash browns, fruit. It was awesome! I feel like President and Sister Prieto are like parents and the other missionaries in the office are my brothers. We are one big family! It is great!