Hey so i was just about to send my full email and I lost it all. I
don't have time anymore. But I love you and thanks for the email. Next
week will be better. It was a tough week, but this one will be better.
I am doing good and just looking to finish strong. Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
May 21, 2012 - 21!
Hey family,
Thanks to all that send birthday wishes! Its hard to believe that I am 21! That seems so old! Thanks for the package mom! You did great on the treats! I think I will be able to finish it off!
We did have a wedding and baptism this week! It was just great! I will attach some pictures!
Today we are going to a chácara, which is like a farm. We are going to meet up with Elder Ramos and his companion. They are in Araçatuba, another city but we are getting together today. We are going to have a churrasco! It will be fun!
It was a better week. We found a great family, José Mauro and Irene. They received us really well. They were a missionary contact. They felt the spirit super strong during the lesson. They werent able to go to church. Hopefully this next week!
As I thought this week, I thought about how I might not be reaching my potential with my current circumstances. But then I realized that maybe the Lord wants me to reach my full potential is his eyes, and that is only possible through trials. So the Lord is blessing me with trials to help me truly reach my full potential. I am learning more patience than ever!
Time is up, but I love you all. I am grateful for the perfect family I have and to be a missionary right now! The gospel is true! Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
Thanks to all that send birthday wishes! Its hard to believe that I am 21! That seems so old! Thanks for the package mom! You did great on the treats! I think I will be able to finish it off!
We did have a wedding and baptism this week! It was just great! I will attach some pictures!
Today we are going to a chácara, which is like a farm. We are going to meet up with Elder Ramos and his companion. They are in Araçatuba, another city but we are getting together today. We are going to have a churrasco! It will be fun!
It was a better week. We found a great family, José Mauro and Irene. They received us really well. They were a missionary contact. They felt the spirit super strong during the lesson. They werent able to go to church. Hopefully this next week!
As I thought this week, I thought about how I might not be reaching my potential with my current circumstances. But then I realized that maybe the Lord wants me to reach my full potential is his eyes, and that is only possible through trials. So the Lord is blessing me with trials to help me truly reach my full potential. I am learning more patience than ever!
Time is up, but I love you all. I am grateful for the perfect family I have and to be a missionary right now! The gospel is true! Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
May 14, 2012 - Happy Mothers Day
Hey family,
Well it was definitely great to talk to you all! Our family is just full of mothers now haha. Glad to hear that everyone is well! My conversational skills have definitely gone way down I think haha! It was good just to SEE you guys and get to watch. Hopefully we can get the family together soon. I love you all very much!
I am doing well. I wasn't being very positive last night, but I am doing good. Things will work out and these last weeks will be great! My companion is a good guy and a good missionary. I just need to get to know him a little better and work on my conversational skills.
Zone conference will be good tomorrow. Definitely excited for that! This week we are going to work hard. We have a baptism of a man whose family is members and he is the only one who isn't. He will be getting married and baptized this week. He has been waiting for over a year! It will be good!
The kitchen looks good! Thanks for the pictures! Congrats to Tyson and Cristy for Graduation and the baby!
I love you! Have a great week! The gospel is true!
Elder Hawkley
Well it was definitely great to talk to you all! Our family is just full of mothers now haha. Glad to hear that everyone is well! My conversational skills have definitely gone way down I think haha! It was good just to SEE you guys and get to watch. Hopefully we can get the family together soon. I love you all very much!
I am doing well. I wasn't being very positive last night, but I am doing good. Things will work out and these last weeks will be great! My companion is a good guy and a good missionary. I just need to get to know him a little better and work on my conversational skills.
Zone conference will be good tomorrow. Definitely excited for that! This week we are going to work hard. We have a baptism of a man whose family is members and he is the only one who isn't. He will be getting married and baptized this week. He has been waiting for over a year! It will be good!
The kitchen looks good! Thanks for the pictures! Congrats to Tyson and Cristy for Graduation and the baby!
I love you! Have a great week! The gospel is true!
Elder Hawkley
May 7, 2012 - Birigui
Hey family,
Well I was transfered. I am at the rodoviária right now waiting to catch a bus to my new and last area, BIRIGUI. I have heard it is super hot haha. My comp will be Elder Silva. He is a Brasilian and we were in the MTC together. I dont know him very well. I have one more transfer than he does. I was not expecting to be transfered and it was a hard hit to swallow. It was a blessing to be comps with Elder Boren and we will be friends for life. But I trust in the Lord that he has a special plan for me, whatever that may be. I will do my best in this my last transfer. I dont have very much time because I have another 5 hour bus ride ahead of me haha. I woke up at 430 to get a bus from São Carlos to Ribeirão at 600 this morning. Its going to be a long day. But thanks for the email and pictures. Rachel, You looked beautiful! I love you all and will talk to you on Sunday! I should be able to make a quick phone call on Saturday to set up a time. I dont know if I will be using Skype or not yet. I love you all very much! The gospel is true!
Elder Hawkley
Well I was transfered. I am at the rodoviária right now waiting to catch a bus to my new and last area, BIRIGUI. I have heard it is super hot haha. My comp will be Elder Silva. He is a Brasilian and we were in the MTC together. I dont know him very well. I have one more transfer than he does. I was not expecting to be transfered and it was a hard hit to swallow. It was a blessing to be comps with Elder Boren and we will be friends for life. But I trust in the Lord that he has a special plan for me, whatever that may be. I will do my best in this my last transfer. I dont have very much time because I have another 5 hour bus ride ahead of me haha. I woke up at 430 to get a bus from São Carlos to Ribeirão at 600 this morning. Its going to be a long day. But thanks for the email and pictures. Rachel, You looked beautiful! I love you all and will talk to you on Sunday! I should be able to make a quick phone call on Saturday to set up a time. I dont know if I will be using Skype or not yet. I love you all very much! The gospel is true!
Elder Hawkley
April 30, 2012 - Hey
Hey family,
So, tell us about your week. Hopefully you were able to find some new investigators and the ones you have been teaching are still progressing. So glad to hear about Luis's baptism. Isn't it amazing how the gospel can change someone's life and make it so much better!!!
Thanks for the updates and the pictures! Things are going good here in São Carlos! This week flew by. Unfortunately we didnt teach very much this week, but what we did teach was awesome! We are working with 3 families right now:
1. Fábio, Elizangela, Giovani, and Gabriel. Giovani is a friend of a member. He is 14. We finally taught the whole family this weekend. They are super special. We taught them the Restoration and they accepted to read and pray. Only Giovani went to church this week though. They dont go to any church but have lots of family values.
2. Ricardo and Paola. They are next door neighbors to a lady in our ward. We taught Paola a couple of weeks ago and then werent able to find her again. We had met Ricardo but not taught him. We passed by Saturday night planning on inviting them to come to church. We knocked on the door and Ricardo invited us to come in. It kind of caught us by surprise. We taught the first lesson again and Ricardo talked about how he had gone to many churches but always felt that something was missing. They said they would read and pray. They couldnt go to church on Sunday because Ricardo had to work. They need to be married too.
3. Aline and Thiago. We contacted this couple during the week in the street. They simple accepted straight up. Hahah kind of wierd after lots of rejections. We went and only Aline was there. But she really liked the message of the Restoration and accepted to be baptized. They couldnt come to church either and also need to be married.
So these are three awesome families that we are working with right now! Please include them in your prayers!
We had interviews with Presidente this week. It's always good to be with Presidente and learn from him. He is a good man. The mission is struggling as far as baptisms. When it comes down to there are lots of missionaries who dont want to be completely obedient and dont want to work very much. Im grateful for my comp. But President came down hard on the zone and it was definitely needed. It was kind of hard for me because Elder Boren and I are doing everything possible to help the zone. But things will work out. President said that he is happy with us and to just keep doing my best. Good to hear. I asked him how to have a greater influence and he said that the only thing to do is to keep being an example and invite others to follow.
Transfers are next week. 99% Sure I will stay here in São Carlos with Elder Boren. Super stoked!! This will be my last transfer. Yikes! Time is flying by. I am just trying to stay focused and give it my all. There is nothing better than serving the Lord full time!
I spoke in Sacrament Meeting this week. I talked about faith and about the importance of faith in every aspect of our lives and especially missionary work. I felt like it was one of the better talks that I have given. And get this. . . Elder Boren and I sang a duet in Sacrament Meeting hahahahah. I have really grown to enjoy singing in parts. We sung (without piano) Sweet Hour of Prayer. The first verse was Elder Boren singing the melody and Me singing the base. Then we switched. The base was a cintch. The melody was a little high for me and I started shaking a little bit ahah. I think my voice may have cracked once but oh well. It was fun.
I know that the Church is true! We are led by living prophets and apostles today! Jesus Christ leads the Church! He is our Savior! The Book of Mormon is true! Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
PS do you like our new study glasses??? Hahah they dont have a prescription. We got them cheap at a street fair!
So, tell us about your week. Hopefully you were able to find some new investigators and the ones you have been teaching are still progressing. So glad to hear about Luis's baptism. Isn't it amazing how the gospel can change someone's life and make it so much better!!!
Thanks for the updates and the pictures! Things are going good here in São Carlos! This week flew by. Unfortunately we didnt teach very much this week, but what we did teach was awesome! We are working with 3 families right now:
1. Fábio, Elizangela, Giovani, and Gabriel. Giovani is a friend of a member. He is 14. We finally taught the whole family this weekend. They are super special. We taught them the Restoration and they accepted to read and pray. Only Giovani went to church this week though. They dont go to any church but have lots of family values.
2. Ricardo and Paola. They are next door neighbors to a lady in our ward. We taught Paola a couple of weeks ago and then werent able to find her again. We had met Ricardo but not taught him. We passed by Saturday night planning on inviting them to come to church. We knocked on the door and Ricardo invited us to come in. It kind of caught us by surprise. We taught the first lesson again and Ricardo talked about how he had gone to many churches but always felt that something was missing. They said they would read and pray. They couldnt go to church on Sunday because Ricardo had to work. They need to be married too.
3. Aline and Thiago. We contacted this couple during the week in the street. They simple accepted straight up. Hahah kind of wierd after lots of rejections. We went and only Aline was there. But she really liked the message of the Restoration and accepted to be baptized. They couldnt come to church either and also need to be married.
So these are three awesome families that we are working with right now! Please include them in your prayers!
We had interviews with Presidente this week. It's always good to be with Presidente and learn from him. He is a good man. The mission is struggling as far as baptisms. When it comes down to there are lots of missionaries who dont want to be completely obedient and dont want to work very much. Im grateful for my comp. But President came down hard on the zone and it was definitely needed. It was kind of hard for me because Elder Boren and I are doing everything possible to help the zone. But things will work out. President said that he is happy with us and to just keep doing my best. Good to hear. I asked him how to have a greater influence and he said that the only thing to do is to keep being an example and invite others to follow.
Transfers are next week. 99% Sure I will stay here in São Carlos with Elder Boren. Super stoked!! This will be my last transfer. Yikes! Time is flying by. I am just trying to stay focused and give it my all. There is nothing better than serving the Lord full time!
I spoke in Sacrament Meeting this week. I talked about faith and about the importance of faith in every aspect of our lives and especially missionary work. I felt like it was one of the better talks that I have given. And get this. . . Elder Boren and I sang a duet in Sacrament Meeting hahahahah. I have really grown to enjoy singing in parts. We sung (without piano) Sweet Hour of Prayer. The first verse was Elder Boren singing the melody and Me singing the base. Then we switched. The base was a cintch. The melody was a little high for me and I started shaking a little bit ahah. I think my voice may have cracked once but oh well. It was fun.
I know that the Church is true! We are led by living prophets and apostles today! Jesus Christ leads the Church! He is our Savior! The Book of Mormon is true! Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
PS do you like our new study glasses??? Hahah they dont have a prescription. We got them cheap at a street fair!
April 23, 2012 - Hey
Hey family,
Thanks for the email! Sounds like everyone is just great! Glad the family was able to get together! Thanks for the packages and the shirts!
Pictures:
1. Our English Class this last week! Haha, the only person that came for the 2nd week in a row was Luis Feranando. Haha but it was good to see how he was doing. We taught him how to pray in English. We still have hope!
2. Luis's Baptism! He was baptized Sunday morning before the meetings and asked that I baptize him. The ward had new baptismal clothing so I decided to try it out too haha.
Things are going good here in São Carlos! Things with Elder Boren are still amazing! We baptized Luis (barely) which was awesome. He showed up way early on Saturday and nobody was at the church so he left haha. We ended up doing it Sunday morning so that he could get confirmed. It was super stressful but it worked out.
Luis is great! He is the first baptism of a man (older than 18) on my mission! He is completely changed. He stopped drinking and is really committed to following Jesus Christ and keeping the commandments. He is super funny and we are always laughing. He is pretty crazy as well but intelligent.
We are still struggling with new investigators, but we know the Lord will bless us. He is already starting to. We have some families that seem super receptive that we plan to start working with this week! There have been some obedience problems in the zone that we are having to resolve but I guess that is part. Elder Boren and I are learning and growing as we try to find solutions to the needs of the missionaries in the zone.
I know that the gospel is true! I have been studying my Patriarchal Blessing a lot lately and it is wonderful how much the Lord loves us and is willing to help us! The gospel is true and really has all the answers! I love you all so much and hope everyone has a great week!
Elder Hawkley
Thanks for the email! Sounds like everyone is just great! Glad the family was able to get together! Thanks for the packages and the shirts!
Pictures:
1. Our English Class this last week! Haha, the only person that came for the 2nd week in a row was Luis Feranando. Haha but it was good to see how he was doing. We taught him how to pray in English. We still have hope!
2. Luis's Baptism! He was baptized Sunday morning before the meetings and asked that I baptize him. The ward had new baptismal clothing so I decided to try it out too haha.
Things are going good here in São Carlos! Things with Elder Boren are still amazing! We baptized Luis (barely) which was awesome. He showed up way early on Saturday and nobody was at the church so he left haha. We ended up doing it Sunday morning so that he could get confirmed. It was super stressful but it worked out.
Luis is great! He is the first baptism of a man (older than 18) on my mission! He is completely changed. He stopped drinking and is really committed to following Jesus Christ and keeping the commandments. He is super funny and we are always laughing. He is pretty crazy as well but intelligent.
We are still struggling with new investigators, but we know the Lord will bless us. He is already starting to. We have some families that seem super receptive that we plan to start working with this week! There have been some obedience problems in the zone that we are having to resolve but I guess that is part. Elder Boren and I are learning and growing as we try to find solutions to the needs of the missionaries in the zone.
I know that the gospel is true! I have been studying my Patriarchal Blessing a lot lately and it is wonderful how much the Lord loves us and is willing to help us! The gospel is true and really has all the answers! I love you all so much and hope everyone has a great week!
Elder Hawkley
April 16, 2012 - HA HA
Hey family!
Haha liked the creative title! (Our last email said we were Home from Roma) Thanks for the email and the pictures! Looks like you guys had an awesome time. Family time is the best thing in the world! Be it in dusty Oklahoma or Elegant Rome ahah. The email was super good for some reason. Not exactly sure why, maybe because it was full of information and lots of good news.
Comments:
-Im stoked for Trey Barlow! I'll write a letter to him and send it to you guys to give it to him. It's going to do miracles for him and his family!
-Awesome about Rachel's scholarships. So far shes following my footsteps haha.
-Package Ideas: Mac & Cheese, Reeses, Honey Roasted Peanuts, 1 jar PB, PB Crackers, Fruity candy, Orange Cupcakes, any other inspirations.
-I sent an email to Rachel wishing her a happy birthday!
Pictures:
Here in Brasil for easter they give these big chocolate eggs. Irmã Sandra gave us these eggs. Super tasty!
Well things are still going good here! I love Elder Boren and everyday is an adventure with him. We are working hard and always striving to help the zone.
Luiz is doing good and should be baptized this Saturday. Daniel didnt go to church and unfortunately isnt doing what he needs to to prepare for baptism. We found lots of new people to teach this last week and hope to have lots of baptisms in May. Presidente Prieto is asking the mission to focus a lot on less-actives. He was here in São Carlos this last Saturday and we talked with him a little bit. He told Elder Boren and I that we will stay one more transfer together. So if that actually goes down, I will finish here in São Carlos with the best kid ever, Elder Boren!
This last week was good. I had a hard time focusing at times. Haha it seems like everytime I write home saying that I am focused, it ends up being a hard week to focus ahah. I guess that I need to be more humble haha.
Not sure what else to say. Any ideas on what else to talk about in emails?
Call everyone and get me a list of anything anybody would want here from Brasil so I can start looking.
I love you all very much. I am so greatful for the gospel in our lives and the blessings it has brought to our family. I know that the gospel is true. The scriptures bring the spirit as we study them. I know we have a living prophet and apostles today. I love to listen to their words on the mini speaker each morning. Things have a way of working themselves out when we press forward in righteousness. Its going to be a great week
Elder Hawkley
PS Tell Pehrson to start exercising because we have a pull up bar and hes going down in arm wrestling here in 2 months haha
Haha liked the creative title! (Our last email said we were Home from Roma) Thanks for the email and the pictures! Looks like you guys had an awesome time. Family time is the best thing in the world! Be it in dusty Oklahoma or Elegant Rome ahah. The email was super good for some reason. Not exactly sure why, maybe because it was full of information and lots of good news.
Comments:
-Im stoked for Trey Barlow! I'll write a letter to him and send it to you guys to give it to him. It's going to do miracles for him and his family!
-Awesome about Rachel's scholarships. So far shes following my footsteps haha.
-Package Ideas: Mac & Cheese, Reeses, Honey Roasted Peanuts, 1 jar PB, PB Crackers, Fruity candy, Orange Cupcakes, any other inspirations.
-I sent an email to Rachel wishing her a happy birthday!
Pictures:
Here in Brasil for easter they give these big chocolate eggs. Irmã Sandra gave us these eggs. Super tasty!
Well things are still going good here! I love Elder Boren and everyday is an adventure with him. We are working hard and always striving to help the zone.
Luiz is doing good and should be baptized this Saturday. Daniel didnt go to church and unfortunately isnt doing what he needs to to prepare for baptism. We found lots of new people to teach this last week and hope to have lots of baptisms in May. Presidente Prieto is asking the mission to focus a lot on less-actives. He was here in São Carlos this last Saturday and we talked with him a little bit. He told Elder Boren and I that we will stay one more transfer together. So if that actually goes down, I will finish here in São Carlos with the best kid ever, Elder Boren!
This last week was good. I had a hard time focusing at times. Haha it seems like everytime I write home saying that I am focused, it ends up being a hard week to focus ahah. I guess that I need to be more humble haha.
Not sure what else to say. Any ideas on what else to talk about in emails?
Call everyone and get me a list of anything anybody would want here from Brasil so I can start looking.
I love you all very much. I am so greatful for the gospel in our lives and the blessings it has brought to our family. I know that the gospel is true. The scriptures bring the spirit as we study them. I know we have a living prophet and apostles today. I love to listen to their words on the mini speaker each morning. Things have a way of working themselves out when we press forward in righteousness. Its going to be a great week
Elder Hawkley
PS Tell Pehrson to start exercising because we have a pull up bar and hes going down in arm wrestling here in 2 months haha
April 9, 2012 - JAW DROPPED, MOUTH WIDE OPEN HA HA
(We went to Italy and didn't tell him til we were there.)
Hey Family,
Haha I was completely caught off guard. At first I read it and
chuckled to myself and thought haha nice try. But then I kept reading
and realize you were being completely serious. Haha I freaked out. I
cant believe this haha. But Im happy for you guys. I was talking to
Elder Boren the other day about how you were going to be in Utah this
month. (Thinking about that, from what it sounds like its all play and
no work for this month of April haha). I told him that you were the
ones missing out haha because Im here with an awesome missionary doing
the Lords work. Not much more I could ask for. But all of this
definitely proves the truth we all thought that Rachel is the most
spoiled haha. But thats the way it works. Like I said Life is going
great here. President Prieto once told about how when one of his
daughters was on the mission their family traveled a lot. Then she
came home and they stopped traveling so much ahah. It was because he
says that as you serve as a missionary, the blessings go to your
family. When you get home, the Lord starts blessing you hah.
Elder Boren is my favorite comp. Elder Ramos and Elder Ilustre are
super close behind. Elder Boren and I are working as hard as we can,
the hardest I ever have. And we are working efectively. We both have a
good vision of the work. He is always happy and we are always joking
but working hard. The Lord truely loves me and I am blessed to be with
him right now. We are always fighting to serve each other. We race to
iron each others shirts or make each others beds and its just great. I
love Elder Boren a ton. He gets home in December and we are going to
be buds for sure after the mission.
The work this week progressed a lot. We found lots of families to
start teaching this week and are stoked. We are working with Daniel to
try and help him stop drinking and smoking and get him baptized at the
end of this month. We are also working with a guy named Luiz Fernando
and he just needs to stop drinking.
The zone is doing alright. We know that everyone including us needs to
be doing more. We are trying to pass a bigger vision of the work to
our zone. We want to focus on helping everyone have a bigger group of
investigators. We are going to do 2 divisions per week with the elders
in the zone.
Interesting side note. For breakfast we have been drinking avacado
smoothies Oh SO GOOD! Just put avacado, milk, and sugar (maybe a
little ice, also good with banana). It is delicious. Never would have
thought of that before. Lots of things like that that I am learning.
Also my dinner 99 % of the time is cookies and ramen noodles. I love
it haha. Probably not too healthy but Im getting along well.
I love this work and know that It is true. The Lord requires much of
us but is willing to give us all that he has. Pretty good trade if you
think about it. Heavenly Father loves us and wants what is best. I am
thankful for living prophets and apostles and the teachings that come
through them by revelation. I love you all and am happy to hear that
everyone is happy and healthy. Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
Hey Family,
Haha I was completely caught off guard. At first I read it and
chuckled to myself and thought haha nice try. But then I kept reading
and realize you were being completely serious. Haha I freaked out. I
cant believe this haha. But Im happy for you guys. I was talking to
Elder Boren the other day about how you were going to be in Utah this
month. (Thinking about that, from what it sounds like its all play and
no work for this month of April haha). I told him that you were the
ones missing out haha because Im here with an awesome missionary doing
the Lords work. Not much more I could ask for. But all of this
definitely proves the truth we all thought that Rachel is the most
spoiled haha. But thats the way it works. Like I said Life is going
great here. President Prieto once told about how when one of his
daughters was on the mission their family traveled a lot. Then she
came home and they stopped traveling so much ahah. It was because he
says that as you serve as a missionary, the blessings go to your
family. When you get home, the Lord starts blessing you hah.
Elder Boren is my favorite comp. Elder Ramos and Elder Ilustre are
super close behind. Elder Boren and I are working as hard as we can,
the hardest I ever have. And we are working efectively. We both have a
good vision of the work. He is always happy and we are always joking
but working hard. The Lord truely loves me and I am blessed to be with
him right now. We are always fighting to serve each other. We race to
iron each others shirts or make each others beds and its just great. I
love Elder Boren a ton. He gets home in December and we are going to
be buds for sure after the mission.
The work this week progressed a lot. We found lots of families to
start teaching this week and are stoked. We are working with Daniel to
try and help him stop drinking and smoking and get him baptized at the
end of this month. We are also working with a guy named Luiz Fernando
and he just needs to stop drinking.
The zone is doing alright. We know that everyone including us needs to
be doing more. We are trying to pass a bigger vision of the work to
our zone. We want to focus on helping everyone have a bigger group of
investigators. We are going to do 2 divisions per week with the elders
in the zone.
Interesting side note. For breakfast we have been drinking avacado
smoothies Oh SO GOOD! Just put avacado, milk, and sugar (maybe a
little ice, also good with banana). It is delicious. Never would have
thought of that before. Lots of things like that that I am learning.
Also my dinner 99 % of the time is cookies and ramen noodles. I love
it haha. Probably not too healthy but Im getting along well.
I love this work and know that It is true. The Lord requires much of
us but is willing to give us all that he has. Pretty good trade if you
think about it. Heavenly Father loves us and wants what is best. I am
thankful for living prophets and apostles and the teachings that come
through them by revelation. I love you all and am happy to hear that
everyone is happy and healthy. Have a great week!
Elder Hawkley
April 2, 2012 - Hey
HEY FAMILY!
Well I have great news! I was not transfered! and that is only half the part. Elder BOREN is my new companion!!!!!! We lived together for 2 transfers in the office. He is a stud and we are so excited to get to WORK! He is from Boise, ID. He is at least a head taller than me. He likes to go hunting and be in the mountains and play lacrosse and went to University of Utah before the mission (he cant be completely perfect haha just kidding). He has been on the mission for 1 year and 4 months.
Questions:
So how was your week?
This week was alright. Zone Leaders Council was awesome. We learned a lot about how we can find more people to teach. The new focus of the mission is RESCUE! As we work with less actives, we will bring them back and teach their friends and family. We listened to a training given to new mission presidents last year by Elder Hinckley. He talked about how normally the more active the members are the less referals they will give. Unfortunately it is true. He jokingly said that recent converts and less actives havent learned yet that they are supposed to be afraid to share the gospel haha. So the focus is on less actives and working with referal from less actives and recent converts. We are stoked. That is what the prophet wants. We went bowling as zone leaders, which was fun too. I didnt do very good, but did get a strike. Conference was great!
Were you able to watch all of conference? In English or Portuguese?
Yup, we watched all the sessions. The only session we werent able to watch in English was priesthood session. But Conference was amazing. I learned so much and had my questions and doubts answered. The promise is true that if we go with specific questions, they will be answered. Either by the spirit or by the words of the speakers. The gospel holds all the answers and is true!
Did you finally receive the package? Have you been able to do what Pres. Bean suggested on your feet?
I did get the package! I havent done anything specific. But the desenex foot powder is doing miracles. I have some other alergy on my foot that I got checked out by a doctor and will get some medicine. haha unending foot problems.
How did the English class go? Hope that you had lots of people show up.
Well, once again it was a bust haha. Not 100% but 99% a bust haha. We put out lots of flyers. One college student came up and asked us about the class and said that he would be able to stay the next week. He seemed like a cool guy and we invited him to Conference. We will continue on
Glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Thanks for getting me signed up for classes. I honestly havent thought about it that much. I normally just write thoughts like that down and then forget and get back to work. That is my goal. Thanks for all the updates and pictures. Beck looks like a super cute kid haha. That´s great that Tyson will be graduating! And I cant believe that Rachel is almost 18! Wow april is here. Time is flying by. I saw my flight itinerary home the other day. Dont know if you got anything but I will get home on the 20th around 9:30 in the morning.
Pictures:
-bowling with Elder Ramos (it was his first time and he beat everybody ahah)
-pizzaria with the zone after conference
-ZONA SÃO CARLOS AT GENERAL CONFERENCE (***MOM SEND THIS TO THE LIAHONA. WE GOTTA BE IN THE MAY 2012 LIAHONA! haha
Our area is super slow going. We desperately need people to teach. The zone is having a hard time. But I know that this week will be better. Its going to be a great week. Tomorrow we have District Meeting and Elder Boren and I are going to prepare a training and pass some new ideas.
President Prieto came to the zone to give a training about the doctrine of christ. He reminded us that the gospel is not just for our investigators but for our lives. We must have faith, repent, renew our covenants, follow the spirit, and endure. He told us to FORGET OURSELVES and let the Lord take care of our families, girlfriends, friends and all other things. It was perfect.
I love you all so much! I know the gospel is true! We are led by a living prophet! Jesus Christ is our perfect example! Have a great week and be happy!
Elder Hawkley
Well I have great news! I was not transfered! and that is only half the part. Elder BOREN is my new companion!!!!!! We lived together for 2 transfers in the office. He is a stud and we are so excited to get to WORK! He is from Boise, ID. He is at least a head taller than me. He likes to go hunting and be in the mountains and play lacrosse and went to University of Utah before the mission (he cant be completely perfect haha just kidding). He has been on the mission for 1 year and 4 months.
Questions:
So how was your week?
This week was alright. Zone Leaders Council was awesome. We learned a lot about how we can find more people to teach. The new focus of the mission is RESCUE! As we work with less actives, we will bring them back and teach their friends and family. We listened to a training given to new mission presidents last year by Elder Hinckley. He talked about how normally the more active the members are the less referals they will give. Unfortunately it is true. He jokingly said that recent converts and less actives havent learned yet that they are supposed to be afraid to share the gospel haha. So the focus is on less actives and working with referal from less actives and recent converts. We are stoked. That is what the prophet wants. We went bowling as zone leaders, which was fun too. I didnt do very good, but did get a strike. Conference was great!
Were you able to watch all of conference? In English or Portuguese?
Yup, we watched all the sessions. The only session we werent able to watch in English was priesthood session. But Conference was amazing. I learned so much and had my questions and doubts answered. The promise is true that if we go with specific questions, they will be answered. Either by the spirit or by the words of the speakers. The gospel holds all the answers and is true!
Did you finally receive the package? Have you been able to do what Pres. Bean suggested on your feet?
I did get the package! I havent done anything specific. But the desenex foot powder is doing miracles. I have some other alergy on my foot that I got checked out by a doctor and will get some medicine. haha unending foot problems.
How did the English class go? Hope that you had lots of people show up.
Well, once again it was a bust haha. Not 100% but 99% a bust haha. We put out lots of flyers. One college student came up and asked us about the class and said that he would be able to stay the next week. He seemed like a cool guy and we invited him to Conference. We will continue on
Glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Thanks for getting me signed up for classes. I honestly havent thought about it that much. I normally just write thoughts like that down and then forget and get back to work. That is my goal. Thanks for all the updates and pictures. Beck looks like a super cute kid haha. That´s great that Tyson will be graduating! And I cant believe that Rachel is almost 18! Wow april is here. Time is flying by. I saw my flight itinerary home the other day. Dont know if you got anything but I will get home on the 20th around 9:30 in the morning.
Pictures:
-bowling with Elder Ramos (it was his first time and he beat everybody ahah)
-pizzaria with the zone after conference
-ZONA SÃO CARLOS AT GENERAL CONFERENCE (***MOM SEND THIS TO THE LIAHONA. WE GOTTA BE IN THE MAY 2012 LIAHONA! haha
Our area is super slow going. We desperately need people to teach. The zone is having a hard time. But I know that this week will be better. Its going to be a great week. Tomorrow we have District Meeting and Elder Boren and I are going to prepare a training and pass some new ideas.
President Prieto came to the zone to give a training about the doctrine of christ. He reminded us that the gospel is not just for our investigators but for our lives. We must have faith, repent, renew our covenants, follow the spirit, and endure. He told us to FORGET OURSELVES and let the Lord take care of our families, girlfriends, friends and all other things. It was perfect.
I love you all so much! I know the gospel is true! We are led by a living prophet! Jesus Christ is our perfect example! Have a great week and be happy!
Elder Hawkley
March 26, 2012 - Hello
Hey family,
Thanks for the email and pictures! The kitchen and the bathroom turned out super good!
Questions:
Did Patricia get baptized? How about Luiz Fernando?
Patricia was baptized! Finally haha. Elder Mesquita and I found her almost 4 months ago. Daniel needs a lot of work. We waited to baptize her until this last Sunday because he wasnt going to have to work. But he ended up not even going to church. Luiz Fernando was going good, and we had an interview marked for him. We taught him Friday and Saturday was going to be the interview. But he completely disappeared. We dont know where he is. We havent found him at home yet. He didnt go to church either. So we will see what happens.
How is your english class going? Did the flyers help?
We unfortunately werent able to have english class. We had a stake missionary activity. It was a good idea, but not super well planned. It was a tour of the stake center. But no members were involved. It was up to us, the missionaries, to get investigators and recent converts there instead of members bring their friends. We are having a hard time finding people already hah. So there wansnt a big turn out at the activity and thus not very productive. Oh well. But we are super excited for english class this week and we are looking to have a good turn out. Our Ward Mission Leader is awesome. He got back from his mission a little over a year ago and we are always laughing together. His name is João Copete. He is going to hand out our flyers on the college campus that he goes to today.
This week was full of opposition here in the City of São Carlos. Baptisms falling left and right, my comp has a sinus infection and we went to the hospital (sidenote: hospitals here are soo sketch haha), elder ilustre got pink eye and couldnt work for 5 days, other companionship problems. Hahah what a week! But we continue on. I'm doing everything I can to have a positive attitude and have lots of faith. Last night I didnt do very well, but I am ready to go now!
We have Zone Leader Council tomorrow in Ribeirão Preto. It should be super good. I always love being able to learn and hear new ideas and see how to improve. That is definitely something I have developed on the mission: a hunger to learn how to do better and apply that.
In our area we are still struggling with finding people to teach and to get the members involved. Even though things were bad this week, hope is shining for this week. This week will be full of general conference! English Class! and finding new people! WooHoo! haha
Transfers are next week. I would love to stay here. I would be happy to end my mission here in this area. I love the members here. It would be cool to get to know another area though. We will see.
I am hoping to get my package tomorrow. My feet need it! haha
I know the church is true. I am so greatful for the oportunity to listen to a prophet's voice this next week. It is a great blessing. I love listening to the conference talks on my ipod during exercises and as I get ready in the morning. I konw that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. I know that the church is true. Even though we must gain a testimony through a witness of the Holy Ghost, the church just makes sense. It is true.
Any word on my flight itinerary? You should have gotten it already.
Have a great week! I love you all so much! Be safe and keep the commandments!
Elder Hawkley
Thanks for the email and pictures! The kitchen and the bathroom turned out super good!
Questions:
Did Patricia get baptized? How about Luiz Fernando?
Patricia was baptized! Finally haha. Elder Mesquita and I found her almost 4 months ago. Daniel needs a lot of work. We waited to baptize her until this last Sunday because he wasnt going to have to work. But he ended up not even going to church. Luiz Fernando was going good, and we had an interview marked for him. We taught him Friday and Saturday was going to be the interview. But he completely disappeared. We dont know where he is. We havent found him at home yet. He didnt go to church either. So we will see what happens.
How is your english class going? Did the flyers help?
We unfortunately werent able to have english class. We had a stake missionary activity. It was a good idea, but not super well planned. It was a tour of the stake center. But no members were involved. It was up to us, the missionaries, to get investigators and recent converts there instead of members bring their friends. We are having a hard time finding people already hah. So there wansnt a big turn out at the activity and thus not very productive. Oh well. But we are super excited for english class this week and we are looking to have a good turn out. Our Ward Mission Leader is awesome. He got back from his mission a little over a year ago and we are always laughing together. His name is João Copete. He is going to hand out our flyers on the college campus that he goes to today.
This week was full of opposition here in the City of São Carlos. Baptisms falling left and right, my comp has a sinus infection and we went to the hospital (sidenote: hospitals here are soo sketch haha), elder ilustre got pink eye and couldnt work for 5 days, other companionship problems. Hahah what a week! But we continue on. I'm doing everything I can to have a positive attitude and have lots of faith. Last night I didnt do very well, but I am ready to go now!
We have Zone Leader Council tomorrow in Ribeirão Preto. It should be super good. I always love being able to learn and hear new ideas and see how to improve. That is definitely something I have developed on the mission: a hunger to learn how to do better and apply that.
In our area we are still struggling with finding people to teach and to get the members involved. Even though things were bad this week, hope is shining for this week. This week will be full of general conference! English Class! and finding new people! WooHoo! haha
Transfers are next week. I would love to stay here. I would be happy to end my mission here in this area. I love the members here. It would be cool to get to know another area though. We will see.
I am hoping to get my package tomorrow. My feet need it! haha
I know the church is true. I am so greatful for the oportunity to listen to a prophet's voice this next week. It is a great blessing. I love listening to the conference talks on my ipod during exercises and as I get ready in the morning. I konw that Thomas S. Monson is a living prophet. I know that the church is true. Even though we must gain a testimony through a witness of the Holy Ghost, the church just makes sense. It is true.
Any word on my flight itinerary? You should have gotten it already.
Have a great week! I love you all so much! Be safe and keep the commandments!
Elder Hawkley
March 26, 2012 - Ideas for Classes
I'll get this out of the way already. Here's some ideas of possible classes:
-A class about geneology
-portuguese (to test out)
-learning spanish already knowing portuguese (heard that a class like this exists)
-english (basic)
-humanities (what I didnt take)
-Church History 2 (with Susan Black)
-D & C (Brother Todd Parker if possible)
-Translation class (learn how to be an oral translator or translate material)
-notehand
-photography/film making (I'm interested in it a little and especially slow motion film)(like making videos on a computer)
-pilot??
-aviational science (learn about flying/airplanes)
-career class (to decide a career, I'm still super super lost haha)
-other GE's
Thanks
-A class about geneology
-portuguese (to test out)
-learning spanish already knowing portuguese (heard that a class like this exists)
-english (basic)
-humanities (what I didnt take)
-Church History 2 (with Susan Black)
-D & C (Brother Todd Parker if possible)
-Translation class (learn how to be an oral translator or translate material)
-notehand
-photography/film making (I'm interested in it a little and especially slow motion film)(like making videos on a computer)
-pilot??
-aviational science (learn about flying/airplanes)
-career class (to decide a career, I'm still super super lost haha)
-other GE's
Thanks
March 21, 2012 - Travel Home Itinerary
Flight home information!!!!!!
CHURCH TRAVEL CWT DATE 21MARCH12
50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST AGENT VH/VE BOOKING REF 62Q6J8
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150
TELEPHONE: 801 240-5111 HAWKLEY/RYAN EDWARD 203314-R
FAX : 801-240-5115
MISSIONARY TRAVEL
BRAZIL RIBEIRAO PRETO MISSION
SERVICE DATE FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
_____________________ _____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______
DELTA AIR LINES 19JUN SAO PAULO SP ATLANTA GA 930P 635A
DL 104 TUESDAY GUARULHOS INTL HARTSFIELD JAC 20JUN
U ECONOMY TERMINAL 1 TERMINAL S
NON SMOKING DINNER NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 10:05 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767-400
SEAT 37B NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
DELTA AIR LINES 20JUN ATLANTA GA OKLAHOMA CI OK 820A 934A
DL 1802 WEDNESDAY HARTSFIELD JAC WILL ROGERS WO
U ECONOMY TERMINAL S
NON SMOKING NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 2:14 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING (DOUGLAS) MD-88
SEAT 18C NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
HAWKLEY/RYAN EDWARD 203314-R
ETKT:DL/006 7036203882
CHURCH TRAVEL CWT DATE 21MARCH12
50 EAST NORTH TEMPLE ST AGENT VH/VE BOOKING REF 62Q6J8
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84150
TELEPHONE: 801 240-5111 HAWKLEY/RYAN EDWARD 203314-R
FAX : 801-240-5115
MISSIONARY TRAVEL
BRAZIL RIBEIRAO PRETO MISSION
SERVICE DATE FROM TO DEPART ARRIVE
_____________________ _____ ______________ ______________ _______ ______
DELTA AIR LINES 19JUN SAO PAULO SP ATLANTA GA 930P 635A
DL 104 TUESDAY GUARULHOS INTL HARTSFIELD JAC 20JUN
U ECONOMY TERMINAL 1 TERMINAL S
NON SMOKING DINNER NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 10:05 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING 767-400
SEAT 37B NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
DELTA AIR LINES 20JUN ATLANTA GA OKLAHOMA CI OK 820A 934A
DL 1802 WEDNESDAY HARTSFIELD JAC WILL ROGERS WO
U ECONOMY TERMINAL S
NON SMOKING NON STOP
RESERVATION CONFIRMED 2:14 DURATION
AIRCRAFT: BOEING (DOUGLAS) MD-88
SEAT 18C NO SMOKING CONFIRMED
HAWKLEY/RYAN EDWARD 203314-R
ETKT:DL/006 7036203882
March 19, 2012 - Hello
Hey family,
Thanks for the emails! Sounds like everybody is doing great!
A couple of questions:
-How will it be for me to sign up for classes? Will you have to do that? I have thought about some classes I would like to take.
-How is the housing contract going?
-Do you know anything about an All Sports Pass?
Just so you know I am NOT trunky haha. Just wanting to know.
So this last week was tough. We definitely could have done a lot better. Im just glad to be able to start a new week and look to do better. What a blessing the Atonement and the Sacrament are in our lives. I couldnt keep going without them.
Question? Did that fireside with the mission president ever happen? If so, how did it go?
So this week we had a wedding! haha It was a cool experience and great to see this family get married. Patricia should be baptized on Sunday! We are also continuing to teach Luiz Fernando. He is a great funny guy. But he is super committed to what he says he will do. He is preparing to be baptized on Sunday as well. We are also teaching Vitor. He is 17 and he lives with his Aunt and Uncle who are members. His little sister Thais was baptized recently and he is just awesome. We can only teach him on the weekends though. But he has a strong desire to learn and has been to church three times now. So we have some awesome people that we are teaching. But this week we are going to focus on finding more famlies.
We started our english class haha. 2 people showed up. Both members. One was a 9 year old kid haha. So we have changed tactics. São Carlos has 3 colleges, all of which are in OUR area. So we made tons of flyers and handouts saying "Free English Class taught by 2 American Missionaries" haha. The Elders Quorum Pres in our ward (he's 23) said that they did this on his mission and they filled up the sacrament meeting room. So thats our goal! We are stoked! Its going to be a great week!
Pictures:
-A blury picture of a crazy storm that rolled in.
-Some pictures of the wedding of Daniel and Patricia. Everyone says that their little boy, Daniel Jr, looks just like me ahah.
I love you family. Thanks for all you do! The gospel is true!
Elder Hawkley
Thanks for the emails! Sounds like everybody is doing great!
A couple of questions:
-How will it be for me to sign up for classes? Will you have to do that? I have thought about some classes I would like to take.
-How is the housing contract going?
-Do you know anything about an All Sports Pass?
Just so you know I am NOT trunky haha. Just wanting to know.
So this last week was tough. We definitely could have done a lot better. Im just glad to be able to start a new week and look to do better. What a blessing the Atonement and the Sacrament are in our lives. I couldnt keep going without them.
Question? Did that fireside with the mission president ever happen? If so, how did it go?
So this week we had a wedding! haha It was a cool experience and great to see this family get married. Patricia should be baptized on Sunday! We are also continuing to teach Luiz Fernando. He is a great funny guy. But he is super committed to what he says he will do. He is preparing to be baptized on Sunday as well. We are also teaching Vitor. He is 17 and he lives with his Aunt and Uncle who are members. His little sister Thais was baptized recently and he is just awesome. We can only teach him on the weekends though. But he has a strong desire to learn and has been to church three times now. So we have some awesome people that we are teaching. But this week we are going to focus on finding more famlies.
We started our english class haha. 2 people showed up. Both members. One was a 9 year old kid haha. So we have changed tactics. São Carlos has 3 colleges, all of which are in OUR area. So we made tons of flyers and handouts saying "Free English Class taught by 2 American Missionaries" haha. The Elders Quorum Pres in our ward (he's 23) said that they did this on his mission and they filled up the sacrament meeting room. So thats our goal! We are stoked! Its going to be a great week!
Pictures:
-A blury picture of a crazy storm that rolled in.
-Some pictures of the wedding of Daniel and Patricia. Everyone says that their little boy, Daniel Jr, looks just like me ahah.
I love you family. Thanks for all you do! The gospel is true!
Elder Hawkley
March 12, 2012 - Focus
Hey family,
Thanks for the emails and the pictures! Sounds like everyone is doing
great! Glad dad was able to fly this week and that you all have had
some time to enjoy one another´s company. All of the many blessings
that our family has and has received are a result of the true and
restored gospel.
This week was good. The assistants came and gave a training to the
zone for district meeting. It went well. Then the assistants divided
with Elder Harris and I. It was good. I could learn a lot from Elder
Beck (Assistent). You would think he is american, but he is from
Florianópolis, Brasil haha. Good guy and great missionary.
The zone should have had 4 baptisms this week, but ended up with 0. It
was dissapointing, but 2 of those 4 should be baptized this week. But
overall the zone is doing well. It looks like we will be able to meet
our goal which is awesome.
In our area things were good as well. We had a good number of people
at church. Alex went again and finally his wife Elaine went. We need
to find out how she liked it, but it was good to see the whole family
there. We found a man named Luiz Fernando this week. It is hard for us
not to laugh sometimes in the lessons because he talks with so much
slang that we have never even heard. But he is progressing well and
has a lot of faith.
Unfortunately, Daniel is not reading the Book of Mormon and not
praying and didnt even go to church. The Lord blessed him with a new
job and he says he has the desire to stop smoking and drinking and be
baptized, but isnt doing what he needs to in order to stop. We will
keep offering our help and showing support but it depends a lot on
him. Patricia is super ready to be baptized and they will be married
on Wednesday! PARTY! FIRST WEDDING HAHA!
The Glenn's are an awesome family. I guess Bro. Glenn is some type of
scientist and has been here on and off for almost a year now. He
reminds me of dad (and not just because he's bald haha). His wife has
been with him a lot of the time too. He served a Spanish speaking
mission and does pretty well with the portugues. Sis Glenn doesnt
speak hardly anything haha and she's fine with that. There are a
couple of people that speak english in the ward. Sis. Glenn will go
back to the states for good this week. Bro. Glenn will finish his work
here in Brasil in June of this year. We went there Saturday night to
visit them and they fed us dinner which was nice. Bro Glenn shared a
message with US about D&C 31 and the blessings of missionary work. It
was sweet! Sis. Glenn brought a friend to church yesterday. Such a
great example! She met a lady that speaks a fair amount of english at
a crafts class here in São Carlos. She found out about her friend's
life and some bad experiences with the catholic church. Her friend
commented with her that she is really close with her church members
and Sis. Glenn told her (AKA: bore her testimony) that it is that way
in all our churches. The Glenns invited her to dinner with another
member and then brought her to church yesterday. We will follow up
today. Just another awesome example of missionary work.
Thats an awesome story that Cody told. I can definitely do better
about ALWAYS sharing the gospel. A lot of the times we are so selfish.
We feel like we deserve a rest. But as we forget ourselves we will
forget our problems, help many other people, and be happier.
I am glad to say that even though I will be home in a little over 3
months, I am staying focused on my purpose. Things are improving
little by little, but I am the happiest I have ever been on my mission
I would say. I just dont want to lose any time. My companion is
awesome, just trying to help him keep going too and be positive. There
is always something that we can complain about and always something
for which we can be grateful. We must have an Attitude of Gratitude.
This last week we spent a lot of time knocking doors and contacting
people and trying to help the members and it was a good week. We want
to find more families to teach, but the Lord will provide in his own
time.
I know that the church is true! Jesus Christ lives and is our Savior!
Only through him and his restored gospel can we have an eternal family
one day! I am stoked for General Conference here soon! I know that we
are guided by living prophets and apostles.
Have a great week everyone and thanks for the love and support. BE HAPPY!
Elder Hawkley
Thanks for the emails and the pictures! Sounds like everyone is doing
great! Glad dad was able to fly this week and that you all have had
some time to enjoy one another´s company. All of the many blessings
that our family has and has received are a result of the true and
restored gospel.
This week was good. The assistants came and gave a training to the
zone for district meeting. It went well. Then the assistants divided
with Elder Harris and I. It was good. I could learn a lot from Elder
Beck (Assistent). You would think he is american, but he is from
Florianópolis, Brasil haha. Good guy and great missionary.
The zone should have had 4 baptisms this week, but ended up with 0. It
was dissapointing, but 2 of those 4 should be baptized this week. But
overall the zone is doing well. It looks like we will be able to meet
our goal which is awesome.
In our area things were good as well. We had a good number of people
at church. Alex went again and finally his wife Elaine went. We need
to find out how she liked it, but it was good to see the whole family
there. We found a man named Luiz Fernando this week. It is hard for us
not to laugh sometimes in the lessons because he talks with so much
slang that we have never even heard. But he is progressing well and
has a lot of faith.
Unfortunately, Daniel is not reading the Book of Mormon and not
praying and didnt even go to church. The Lord blessed him with a new
job and he says he has the desire to stop smoking and drinking and be
baptized, but isnt doing what he needs to in order to stop. We will
keep offering our help and showing support but it depends a lot on
him. Patricia is super ready to be baptized and they will be married
on Wednesday! PARTY! FIRST WEDDING HAHA!
The Glenn's are an awesome family. I guess Bro. Glenn is some type of
scientist and has been here on and off for almost a year now. He
reminds me of dad (and not just because he's bald haha). His wife has
been with him a lot of the time too. He served a Spanish speaking
mission and does pretty well with the portugues. Sis Glenn doesnt
speak hardly anything haha and she's fine with that. There are a
couple of people that speak english in the ward. Sis. Glenn will go
back to the states for good this week. Bro. Glenn will finish his work
here in Brasil in June of this year. We went there Saturday night to
visit them and they fed us dinner which was nice. Bro Glenn shared a
message with US about D&C 31 and the blessings of missionary work. It
was sweet! Sis. Glenn brought a friend to church yesterday. Such a
great example! She met a lady that speaks a fair amount of english at
a crafts class here in São Carlos. She found out about her friend's
life and some bad experiences with the catholic church. Her friend
commented with her that she is really close with her church members
and Sis. Glenn told her (AKA: bore her testimony) that it is that way
in all our churches. The Glenns invited her to dinner with another
member and then brought her to church yesterday. We will follow up
today. Just another awesome example of missionary work.
Thats an awesome story that Cody told. I can definitely do better
about ALWAYS sharing the gospel. A lot of the times we are so selfish.
We feel like we deserve a rest. But as we forget ourselves we will
forget our problems, help many other people, and be happier.
I am glad to say that even though I will be home in a little over 3
months, I am staying focused on my purpose. Things are improving
little by little, but I am the happiest I have ever been on my mission
I would say. I just dont want to lose any time. My companion is
awesome, just trying to help him keep going too and be positive. There
is always something that we can complain about and always something
for which we can be grateful. We must have an Attitude of Gratitude.
This last week we spent a lot of time knocking doors and contacting
people and trying to help the members and it was a good week. We want
to find more families to teach, but the Lord will provide in his own
time.
I know that the church is true! Jesus Christ lives and is our Savior!
Only through him and his restored gospel can we have an eternal family
one day! I am stoked for General Conference here soon! I know that we
are guided by living prophets and apostles.
Have a great week everyone and thanks for the love and support. BE HAPPY!
Elder Hawkley
March 11, 2012 - Letter from Greg and Shawn Glenn
Dear Hawkley family,
My wife and I are on a work assignment in Sao Carlos, Brazil and have had the pleasure of meeting your son, Elder Hawkley. I thought you might like to know how well he seems to be doing here in Sao Carlos. We had your son and his companion over for dinner a couple of nights ago. We are happy to report that he has a very healthy appetite but still looks slim and trim from all the walking he does here. I also do a lot of walking in this city and I can tell you that I have never felt unsafe here. This is a nice area so please do not be concerned over his safety in this city. We are always impressed by how well the missionaries grasp the Portuguese language and your son is no exception. I am sure the missionaries here are blessed with gift of tongues. My wife and I struggle to try to learn the language and your son just rattles it off without giving it any thought. He sounds like a native. We asked Elder Hawkley to say a prayer which he did in English since we are still trying to learn Portuguese. We smiled when he struggled a little with a few English words.
Today, Elder Hawkley and my wife and I sang a hymn in English in the Relief Society meeting. The person playing the piano had a difficult time hitting the right keys so not many of the sisters were able to hear the nice voice your son has. We were just happy to get through it and we were appreciative that your son was willing to support us by singing on short notice. The members of the ward have grown to love your son. I wish you were able to be here and see him in action. You would be very proud of him and his dedication in serving the Lord in Sao Carlos. I know what a sacrifice it is to be away from your son for 2 years but I also know the blessings are priceless. Your son has really impressed us with the leadership qualities he has developed and in his testimony of the gospel. Thank you for your support and sacrifice in sending your son so far away to serve the Brazilian people. May the Lord bless your family through his service.
Sincerely,
Greg and Shawn Glenn
My wife and I are on a work assignment in Sao Carlos, Brazil and have had the pleasure of meeting your son, Elder Hawkley. I thought you might like to know how well he seems to be doing here in Sao Carlos. We had your son and his companion over for dinner a couple of nights ago. We are happy to report that he has a very healthy appetite but still looks slim and trim from all the walking he does here. I also do a lot of walking in this city and I can tell you that I have never felt unsafe here. This is a nice area so please do not be concerned over his safety in this city. We are always impressed by how well the missionaries grasp the Portuguese language and your son is no exception. I am sure the missionaries here are blessed with gift of tongues. My wife and I struggle to try to learn the language and your son just rattles it off without giving it any thought. He sounds like a native. We asked Elder Hawkley to say a prayer which he did in English since we are still trying to learn Portuguese. We smiled when he struggled a little with a few English words.
Today, Elder Hawkley and my wife and I sang a hymn in English in the Relief Society meeting. The person playing the piano had a difficult time hitting the right keys so not many of the sisters were able to hear the nice voice your son has. We were just happy to get through it and we were appreciative that your son was willing to support us by singing on short notice. The members of the ward have grown to love your son. I wish you were able to be here and see him in action. You would be very proud of him and his dedication in serving the Lord in Sao Carlos. I know what a sacrifice it is to be away from your son for 2 years but I also know the blessings are priceless. Your son has really impressed us with the leadership qualities he has developed and in his testimony of the gospel. Thank you for your support and sacrifice in sending your son so far away to serve the Brazilian people. May the Lord bless your family through his service.
Sincerely,
Greg and Shawn Glenn
March 5, 2012 - Hey Family
Hey family,
Thanks for the pictures and emails this week! Always great to hear and
see how everybody is doing. Thats awesome that Cody is back! What are
his plans now haha? Whats his hair like? Haha I remember he just
buzzed it before the mission. How are Colten and Tyler doing? Funny
about the english. Elder Harris and I made some goals and we are now
speaking more portuguese than english which is great.
As far as the soccer jerseys, tell Tyson to get 2 jerseys that fit
well on him. These missionaries are definitely shorter than Tyson. So
it shouldn't be big on Tyson, but not super super tight either.
I still haven't gotten the package yet. Not sure when it will get to
me. I may have to wait a couple more weeks until transfers. My feet
are doing alright. Haven't gotten much better. I may call Sister Prieto
to try and get some pills that stop fungus growth. Another missionary
was telling me.
How are Kelly and Helena doing?
BAD NEWS OF THE WEEK. So we were trying to follow up with
Kelly and it was going good. She was reading the book of mormon and
only needed to pray. But she got in a fight with her mom and decided
to go to her church and she felt that she received an answer that she
should continue where she was at. This was all done by telephone too.
I talked with her for a while and encouraged her to pray and told her
that God had sent us to their family for a reason. In the end, she
said she would pray but didnt want to meet with us anymore. BUMMER.
Its so sad/frustrating. But thats agency. I guess that is how Heavenly
Father feels with us lots of times. But hopefully one day she can
accept the gospel.
How is Alex? Have you met his "wife"? Was she receptive as well? Hope so.
Alex actually is doing great. He came to church again with his 2
little boys. We talked with his wife and she normally would go to an
evangelical church (with screaming and speaking in tongues stuff
haha). But seeing as they are here in the city for only 4 months and
she is working she hasnt been going to church. She is curious to visit
and little by little we are working with her. Alex has a problem with
everything in the Word of Wisdom except tea. So its going to be a long
process. But he has so much desire to change and just loves coming to
church. We are happy to help him.
Did you have any investigators at church today?
Patricia came and Alex and a members brother. Patricia is the mom
of Milena and the wife of Daniel. They will be married next week and
for sure she will be baptized. We really want to baptize Daniel, but
he hasnt stopped smoking or drinking yet. I know I dont fully
understand addictions, but its frustrating. He says he has desire, but
isnt doing the things he needs to in order to stop. Please pray for
him!
We did have a baptism this week. We baptized Petrick. He is 12 years
old and has been coming to church alone for a while now. We didnt have
to do much for him to be baptized. His parents watched the baptism and
Elder Mesquita and I actually taught them when we were here, but it
wasnt a great lesson. But we are feeling more confident and plan to
start working again with his parents. They know lots of members in the
church.
So this last week was good but definitely not as good as last week
haha. We had Zone Leader Council on Tuesday which was good. Tuesday
night, Elder Harris, Elder Ramos and I went and visited
recent-converts in Iguatemi. It was awesome to see some members and
recent-converts. Unfortunlately it looks like many of my baptisms
there arent very active. Silvana and her family havent been going to
church. She had such a strong testimony and because of some bad
experiences, has fallen away and doubts a lot. But we will keep trying
to strenghten her. On Wednesday we had a leadership training meeting
with the zone leaders and district leaders. Also way good. Thursday we
had a zone meeting, which went well. We passed some stuff from the
meetings. We did bad in trying to talk to everyone and in looking for
new people to teach. But we are excited and ready for this week!
The zone is doing really well. The zone had 4 baptisms this week and
we should have 4 more this week. We are stoked to reach our goals!
Pictures from the week:
-Lunch at Vô Lolas
-Cleaning the baptismal font with our baptism
-BAPTISM DAY
I love you all and pray for you and hope everyone has a great week!
Elder Hawkley
Thanks for the pictures and emails this week! Always great to hear and
see how everybody is doing. Thats awesome that Cody is back! What are
his plans now haha? Whats his hair like? Haha I remember he just
buzzed it before the mission. How are Colten and Tyler doing? Funny
about the english. Elder Harris and I made some goals and we are now
speaking more portuguese than english which is great.
As far as the soccer jerseys, tell Tyson to get 2 jerseys that fit
well on him. These missionaries are definitely shorter than Tyson. So
it shouldn't be big on Tyson, but not super super tight either.
I still haven't gotten the package yet. Not sure when it will get to
me. I may have to wait a couple more weeks until transfers. My feet
are doing alright. Haven't gotten much better. I may call Sister Prieto
to try and get some pills that stop fungus growth. Another missionary
was telling me.
How are Kelly and Helena doing?
BAD NEWS OF THE WEEK. So we were trying to follow up with
Kelly and it was going good. She was reading the book of mormon and
only needed to pray. But she got in a fight with her mom and decided
to go to her church and she felt that she received an answer that she
should continue where she was at. This was all done by telephone too.
I talked with her for a while and encouraged her to pray and told her
that God had sent us to their family for a reason. In the end, she
said she would pray but didnt want to meet with us anymore. BUMMER.
Its so sad/frustrating. But thats agency. I guess that is how Heavenly
Father feels with us lots of times. But hopefully one day she can
accept the gospel.
How is Alex? Have you met his "wife"? Was she receptive as well? Hope so.
Alex actually is doing great. He came to church again with his 2
little boys. We talked with his wife and she normally would go to an
evangelical church (with screaming and speaking in tongues stuff
haha). But seeing as they are here in the city for only 4 months and
she is working she hasnt been going to church. She is curious to visit
and little by little we are working with her. Alex has a problem with
everything in the Word of Wisdom except tea. So its going to be a long
process. But he has so much desire to change and just loves coming to
church. We are happy to help him.
Did you have any investigators at church today?
Patricia came and Alex and a members brother. Patricia is the mom
of Milena and the wife of Daniel. They will be married next week and
for sure she will be baptized. We really want to baptize Daniel, but
he hasnt stopped smoking or drinking yet. I know I dont fully
understand addictions, but its frustrating. He says he has desire, but
isnt doing the things he needs to in order to stop. Please pray for
him!
We did have a baptism this week. We baptized Petrick. He is 12 years
old and has been coming to church alone for a while now. We didnt have
to do much for him to be baptized. His parents watched the baptism and
Elder Mesquita and I actually taught them when we were here, but it
wasnt a great lesson. But we are feeling more confident and plan to
start working again with his parents. They know lots of members in the
church.
So this last week was good but definitely not as good as last week
haha. We had Zone Leader Council on Tuesday which was good. Tuesday
night, Elder Harris, Elder Ramos and I went and visited
recent-converts in Iguatemi. It was awesome to see some members and
recent-converts. Unfortunlately it looks like many of my baptisms
there arent very active. Silvana and her family havent been going to
church. She had such a strong testimony and because of some bad
experiences, has fallen away and doubts a lot. But we will keep trying
to strenghten her. On Wednesday we had a leadership training meeting
with the zone leaders and district leaders. Also way good. Thursday we
had a zone meeting, which went well. We passed some stuff from the
meetings. We did bad in trying to talk to everyone and in looking for
new people to teach. But we are excited and ready for this week!
The zone is doing really well. The zone had 4 baptisms this week and
we should have 4 more this week. We are stoked to reach our goals!
Pictures from the week:
-Lunch at Vô Lolas
-Cleaning the baptismal font with our baptism
-BAPTISM DAY
I love you all and pray for you and hope everyone has a great week!
Elder Hawkley
