45th Letter 1-27-14

Familia,

I have never prayed so much in my life! Haha. This week went very good! I have become accustomed to Brazil and the culture quite well. I feel a lot more confident then the first transfer. Definitely a great blessing that the Lord has blesses me with at this time when I am training a new missionary. I have seen a jump in the language as well with the new assignment to train Elder Gois. He is a great missionary and a goof! I think we will have a great transfer together. He doesn't speak English, besides a few words. He is from Parana, which is very close to us. Just one state over. He is 18 and he is helping me a lot with the language. This week we had a lot of success! I don’t know if it was just because we are both new to the area or if God has changed this area, but we found 4 new investigators this week.

Monday, after emailing we ate and then went to the Chapel and watched the Testaments and played board games. Elder Silva and I saw a few people so he could say good-bye and we then had dinner with Fatima and Marcio.

Tuesday, we woke up at 4:30 and got ready for the long bus ride. Took the bus from Sâo Borja to Santa Maria (5 hours), got there and meet up with all the other transferring elders and trainers. We then had lunch at McDonald’s!! That was super good! : ) Went to the hotel and they said we could do whatever we wanted today so we went throughout Santa Maria, which isn't too big, but super cool! It was super nice to be able to relax for a while.

Wednesday, we woke up and had the great hotel breakfast before going to our trainers meeting. President Parrela and his wife are awesome! Haha. We then had the meeting where we meet our new companions. We had 20 new missionaries. We then got on the bus and headed back to Sâo Borja. We arrived home at about 9:30PM and Elder Gois was having some problems with his leg cramping and he was a little nervous for the next day because we walk so much. He asked me to give him a blessing and I did it in Portuguese…Very cool!

Thursday, Elder Gois is doing great and he could keep up with the work we needed to do. Went to a lot of members homes to introduce Gois to them and we also found a new investigator. His name is Arce. He is super friendly and an elderly fellow. Talked a little about our beliefs and he invited us to return. The rest of the day we taught a few investigators, but not much progress with them.

Friday, today was a success as well. As we were walking to the Villa that is super far away we ran into 2 men under a tree and we talked with them about our church. They told us to come back as well after we taught them part of the Restoration. When I was talking with Arce and these two men my Portuguese came out smoothly. Definitely felt the power of God working through me. I could also understand quite a bit of what they were saying! At the Villa we saw a lot of less-active members and after the good weather came in! RAIN! : )

Saturday, I slept super well with he cool weather. The whole day was overcast and it was nice to not be sweating all day long. Haha! Had lunch with a part member family and during the lesson I don’t know what happened, but I was prompted to invite the non-member Dad to be baptized. He was hesitant, and said he needed to prepare more. I felt like he is prepared. Kind of awkward, but I believe it went well. We then saw a few less-active members and found a few potential investigators, but didn't have too much luck. Finished the night’s work teaching Kelly and Katlin, but they are both pretty weak. Had a night of ice cream here and it was awesome!

Sunday, church went great! We had Kirstena and Marina there, who are investigators. We had a great lunch and then went and taught Arce again. The lesson went super good!! He started crying when we talked about how the gospel blesses families. Elder Gois invited him to be baptized, but he has a problem because he believes he was already baptized. I tried to resolve the concern with the little Portuguese I know, but we will have to return and explain more of why Baptism is essential.

I am so grateful for this opportunity to train. President must really trust Elder Johansson, Elder Arrendando and I for letting us train already.

Mom, about missionties, I don’t know if I would have time to write back on that system, but receiving letters like that would be cool. If it cost money I don’t think its a good idea but if its free then why not. : ) I don’t think I really need anything right now, but I will continue to make a list of things I may need and get it to you. This week I have prayed a ton! Every day I am a little nervous about the language, because I have to take charge, but I know that Heavenly Father is helping me so much. AMY congratulations!! Great work Amish! : ) I love the Pictures!

Dad, The language is much better now. Every day it gets a little better. People can actually understand me a little better, but I have to talk slow. My companion is awesome and I understand that I shouldn't be too pushy, but he already is a pretty hard worker. I hope that doesn’t go away. My health is much better and I feel a lot more comfortable here. I know how to eat now.: ) I make French toast almost every morning with 2 bananas on top! : ) I will send a picture. That is awesome you met Elder Polatis. He was a good missionary here. I didn't know that about President Parrela, coming to Saint George frequently. That is cool! Thank you for the sports update!

I love all of you so much! I can´t believe I am almost half way done with this amazing service I get to do as a servant of the Lord! : )

Have a great week.

Love,

Elder Hauck

44th Letter 1-20-14

Photo: Our house.

My Beautiful Family,

This week has been super hot, but super good! We found some new investigators, made some great progress with one of our investigators and some less-actives as well, and I found out I will be training a new missionary this upcoming transfer! CRAZY right? I cannot even speak Portuguese yet.. I thought it was a joke when they first told me. So ya, I will most likely have a new Brazilian with me next week. Transfers are tomorrow and I well be going to Santa Maria to have a meeting with the President and pick up my new comp. Please keep the prayers coming. I am going to need them! haha. I really am excited though and know this will help me as a missionary and to learn the language quicker. I received the package, Mom and Dad. Thank you very much! These people love the gum and the Tums are being used as well -haha. When I gave the pack of gum to Elder Soares Da Silva it was like Christmas. He saw his name on it and was like Bah (WOW!!).

Monday, After emailing we went to work and taught Nara a good lesson. She had her daughter and a friend there who are both non-members. After that we had a family night planned with a family, but they forgot about it and actually were out of town... so we had to tell out investigator it was cancelled. These things happen a lot here and it is hard for me to get used to. In Colorado we would have appointments at a specific time and place and here its like, "Come by whenever and I may be here or may not." Much more laid back here, which is a good thing at times.

Tuesday, we had district meeting and it went well. Lunch was good and after we got to work. It was a super hot day, every day this week was super hot and we didn't get any rain.  Taught Jennifer about the importance of praying to receive an answer. It was super cool because I took the lead and spoke for a good 5-7 min and she understood me! It was a good lesson and I think she is growing a testimony. This night we had a Family Night with Fatima and her family. They had 2 non members there who both are 12 years old and very interested. We watched the Restoration movie, bore our testimonies, had some jokes, and then ate cake! : ) Went very well!

Wednesday, this morning we went and helped Jonathan and his family move. We got to wear our normal clothes so that was nice. We helped them for a good 2 hours and then had lunch. After lunch and planning for the day we got out and met the new family in the ward that moved from Uragiana. They are super cool! Saw a few other members and less-actives as well. Kind of a slow day.

Thursday, we had a lot of success today! Saw a bunch of less-actives and resolved some concerns, and had a great member present lesson with Jennifer and Bruna. We watched the Restoration movie and all bore our testimonies. Bruna´s testimony was very powerful and I think it touched Jennifer. We received our first referral here! Also had a lesson with Karlyn and talked about the BOM and read with her. She is 15 years old and is pretty solid, but is pregnant and doesn't want to do much.

Friday, Another super solid day. Saw a lot of less-actives and a few investigators. The lesson with Nara went very well. She opened up to us and explained how she wants to feel like she did when she was baptized again. We told her we could help her. We got her some goals in her life and hopefully when we follow-up she will be doing better. Family night is a big thing here and we spend a lot of time planning them so the families can invite investigators.

Saturday, again a good day. Saw a few less-actives and found a new investigator! We were walking down the street after lunch and a man was sitting on the corner. He asked how we were and I went up and talked to him..or tried. He couldn't understand me too well, but it ended very well! We shared a little about our beliefs and even had a prayer with him in his home. He went through a divorce recently and is lonely. That night we had the English learning class and it went well. Had 2 investigators there! When I returned home I found out I was going to be training a new missionary.

Sunday, Church went great and Elder Silva and I talked in church on missionary work. My talk was almost 15 minutes and the members said they understood a lot of it. It was pretty cool talking in Portuguese at a podium. Lunch went very well and we saw a lot of people that Elder Silva wanted to visit before leaving. We then got to watch the devotional which was very cool!

Overall a great week with a lot of growth! I am grateful for the opportunity I have to stay here and train a new missionary!

Mom, I am feeling much better now and am not having any problems with my stomach. I love you very much Mom! The package was in perfect condition and I love all the things you gave me! : ) Thank you so much! I strongly believe that the priesthood blessing I received helped. I think I will be fine now. I will let you know if I have any other problems. I am glad you and Dad had a great time in San Antonio and that your science education presentation went well! That is awesome you got to teach on the Holy Ghost in Sunday School! The Holy Ghost really is a huge part in this work. I have noticed when my studies aren't as affective in the morning the Holy Ghost has a harder time working through me. I am excited to play games with the family every Sunday when I get home!:) Do you know of a way to make granola bars? Also mom. You should look into Mission ties. Some missionaries' families have it and it works well.

Dad, I think the problem was from the water and food. I think my body has come accustomed to it though now. I can drink the bottled mineral water, but it is expensive and offends people. They love to make juice with the water here. Funny you ask about the other Elders, because they all got sick as well. We had 2 this week that had the same thing I did. I think it is our water. The language is still coming slowly and I am gonna be pushed big time with the Greenie. I love a challenge though! Go Broncos!!! You will have to send me a great sports update for the Super Bowl! Who took College Football?

I love all of you so very much! Thank you for all your support and prayers!

Love,
Elder Hauck

43rd Letter 1-13-14

Dear Family,

This week was a pretty good week. Had my birthday, taught some good lessons with my companion, and improved in the language a little more. First, thank you all for the birthday wishes. I really appreciate it! I feel of your love while I am here and it really helps motivate me! I hope all of you had a good week this past week. This week we worked a lot with less active members. We have like 100 members in our branch, but only 40 are active. Most the less active members are like investigators and know very little about the church.

Monday, after emailing and getting our food we went to the chapel and played basketball on the court behind the building. That was very nice and took a lot of stress away! We then taught Raul for the last time because he has to move to Urigiena for his military service. He is a super cool guy and said he would find the missionaries there and talk more with them. We then had family night with Lazero and his family. It went super well until we got attacked by a herd of mosquitoes.

Tuesday, today was a super good day. The elders in the house surprised me and sang to me and after district meeting the sisters surprised me with cake and a present! They sang to me there as well! These missionaries here are awesome! The present was a little Rio Grande de Sol key chain. We then had lunch and the rest the day went pretty normal, which was good cause I don't like much attention. We saw a few less actives and one investigator.

Wednesday, had studies and lunch and spent the rest the day teaching people. We had some luck but our investigator decided she doesn't want to be baptized yet. That was kind of a downer. We saw some good people though and maybe made a little progress with the less-active members.

Thursday, had lunch with one of the counselors to President Parrela. The sisters from São Borja were there as well and we had some good food. We met a new less-active member who is actually the Branch President's brother.  Everyone here is related in some way. I think we have a total of 3 families in the whole São Borja area -haha. We taught Raul`s sister and she is very interested, she used to have a baptismal date, but something fell through. She wants to be baptized still and she has been doing what we have been telling her to do, like reading and praying.

Friday, we had weekly planning and then worked really hard today. We saw five less-actives and had a member present lesson with Jennifer. The lessons all went super well and that night Luscio, a member, took us to meet 2 other less-active families. Luscio is a great member and knows how to do member missionary work. We need more like him! We also taught Irma Rosa who is super cool! She has had a lot of spiritual experiences in her life that are quite amazing! She has a strong testimony, but something is keeping her from coming to church…

Saturday, we had another hard working day and saw a bunch of less-active members to invite them to church. We got to give an elderly lady a blessing and that was cool to do in Portuguese. Today it rained a ton and I love the rain! I get soaked a lot of the time, but it feels refreshing... haha! That night we had family night with Frenando and Michele and it went well. We had some good food after, but I think I got food poisoning from it because the next day was not good.

Sunday, everything was normal until the middle of church when I threw-up 2 times...stomach started hurting really bad and I became super tired. A lot of the members showed a lot of love for me. The whole day we stayed home, because every time I would stand up I would get dizzy and my stomach would kill. It was a pretty rough day. Members stopped by to see how I was doing, which was very nice of them, but I was out of it so I didn't see any of them. After a few hours it started to get a little better. That night I got a blessing and the sickness went away! It was the first time in my life where I needed to ask for a blessing of health and now I know how powerful they really are! I was very scared there for awhile because Sister Parrela and the Elders were talking about me maybe having to go to the hospital. I am good now though. I really have to be careful here with what I eat.  Rough way to end the week, but I think this week will be better.

Mom, don't worry about my health here too much. I wish I could have received a birthday kiss and hug from you as well Mommy! Kind of feels weird not being a teen any more. I remember when I was a immature teenager -haha. Thank you so much for the prayers Mom and family! I love all of you so much. The Gospel Doctrine class is the same here and I am learning a lot of cool stuff! The goal you have of Love, Understanding and Championing each other is awesome, Mom! : )  I haven´t received the birthday package yet, but hopefully I will tomorrow. Tell everyone thanks for the birthday wishes.

Dad, you are right, as each day passes I get a little more comfortable and confident in myself and the area. It is definitely harder here than it was in Denver, but I know this challenge is for me. Thank you for telling me about the Elder in South Africa. I think of missions there a lot when I think I have it rough here. The house we live in is actually pretty nice! I will have to take some pictures and send them next week! All 5 elders are super cool and we all get along. Routine is pretty much the same as in Denver, but no dinner.. : (   Haha, you know how much I love food! My companion and I are getting along better as well! Everything is getting better.

I love all of you so very much! Keep doing great things in the U.S. and spreading the love to all!

Love,

Elder Hauck

42nd Letter 1-6-14

Photos: I love the rain storms in Brazil!

Dear Familia,

This week went much better than the past weeks. I am finally starting to feel at home and not so much homesick. The Portuguese is still rough at times, but I know I am being blessed for my efforts. The new year is here and I am excited to spend the whole 2014 year serving the Lord. This week it rained a ton and I loved it!!

Monday after emailing everyone we went back home and mostly slept and hung out. I made a side bag out of some stuff I had. it is kinda ghetto, but it works and looks good -haha. That night we taught Raul, who is super cool! He is 24 and loves the gospel. He has to go serve in the Military, though, so he leaves this week. Kinda sad about that. His family likes us as well so I think they will be baptized soon.

Tuesday, a lot of the families were together so it was kinda hard to find much to do.  We had District meting and I could finally understand a good portion of it. Studies went well after and we did get to see Irma Rosa and teach her about prophets. She gave us a bunch of snacks too! : ) The other 4 missionaries and I had hot dogs to celebrate the new year and that night we didn't sleep too well. People had music blasting and fireworks going until like 1:00AM! The fireworks here are super loud and there isn't much insulation in the homes to quiet the noise. It was very interesting though.

Wednesday,  again families were all together and was kinda hard to teach, but we did see a few members and less actives. Jonathan and Mateus are 16 and super cool. I like teaching them because they really listen to me when I try to speak. Met with the branch missionary leader that night and discussed the work over some food. : )

Thursday, today was a super slow day. Only taught 1 less-active member and I got some stomach pains again.. so I called Sister Parrela and she helped a lot. I have to be very careful with the food down here because my stomach is pretty weak.  We spent a lot of time walking around trying to find people to talk to, but not many people are too interested to be honest. I really wish I could talk better Portuguese.  None of them wanna talk to a grown man who talks like a baby -haha.

Friday, today we went on exchanges. Elder Johansen and I were together! Yep, two big time greenies! It was a rough day, but we actually did alright! Taught 2 lessons to non-members and talked to a lot of people in the street who laughed at us most the time we talked to them -haha. One lady was super mean to me when she couldn't understand me... ha.

Saturday, watched the ``Hastening the Work of Salvation`` video with the missionaries and then had our studies. We taught Andraclease and the rest of that day we didn't have too much success.  Did go to the learning English class and helped out investigators.

Sunday, super good day today. Had church and it went great! We are studying the Old Testament and I am excited because I never study too much from there. It has a lot of the Pearl of Great Price mixed in, which helps explain things. Fast and testimony meeting went well and I bore my testimony. We taught Elying and her family. They are super cool and love talking to me about America. We also taught a few less-actives. That night we had a fireside where the Branch President talked about member missionary work.

Mom, thank you so much for being so amazing! You are a great example of a righteous, loving, kind, peaceful, helpful, strong woman! You are so awesome! Thank you so much for everything you have blessed me with. You are right, we have been so blessed! Being here in Brazil really has opened my eyes to all the blessings I have received. Thank you so much for everything Mom! You are a great example in all aspects of life! I cried when I read your letter, so thanks.

Dad, you are exactly right! Things have gotten better! Much Better. I had those same feelings of negativity, but have to remind myself to suck it up and work on. I am finally getting used to the culture and the homesickness is dying down. Awesome to hear John Matuauto is back and doing well! I remember when we would home teach them! That was very fun! Sounds like the northern hemisphere is super cold! The work here is very different. To be honest, the things I can take from serving in Colorado are being bold, talking with everyone, loving others, teaching the doctrine, and helping them make commitments. Like I said when we Skyped, they are lazy and don't care too much for religion. They don't care to much of the Bible either, so the knowledge I received in Colorado about our belief in the Bible isn't too much help, but the Book of Mormon helps a ton. The work is very different here. Transfers are every 6 weeks. My companion and I are getting along a lot better. I think it is because we can communicate a little better now. I am learning a lot of patience. Love you Dad.

Amy, Steph, Jeff, Cam good luck with school and everything!! Amanda and Shaye good luck with work and being famous! : )

Hope all of you have a great week!

Love,

Elder Hauck

41st Letter 12-30-13

Photos: 1- I love the storms! 2- Me at the Churrasco! Very hot day!

Dear Family,

What a crazy past week I have had. Christmas was great here! We had many parties and people were a lot more welcoming! Of course the best part was Skyping the Family on Christmas day! You all looked beautiful! This week was awesome, but super difficult as well.. I think I know what it feels like to be home sick now... I don't like it at all. I feel very alone here and I am not used to that. I know it will get better over time, though! Just need to keep pushing forward.

Wednesday (25th), after Skyping and emailing the family we went into the park nearby and sang Christmas Hinos (hymns).  A lot of people enjoyed them and we got a decent sized crowed listening for awhile -haha. I have never been much of a performer so it was kinda cool! Really missed you guys after seeing you on Skype.  Also, was very dehydrated so I need to start drinking more water.

Thursday, was a pretty good day but was slow. We walked to a bunch of different members' homes and investigators' homes. Didn't have too much luck. While we were walking a man yelled at us and said he wanted to hear our message. So we went to his casa and taught him the Restoration. I tried teaching parts or saying little things, but I was having a hard time. Plus I don't think some of these people like it when they have to wait for me, cause I talk slow…ha. The lesson went okay though and the man and his mother said we could come back.

Friday, today went a lot better. Had studies and weekly planning. Then we taught a lot of people. Jennifer, the lady we had on date, doesn't really care to much about the church. We need to help her get a testimony, if she wants one. We met a super cool less-active member! She had me bare my testimony in English so she could just feel the spirit. Super nice lady, but has some doubts in the church we need to resolve. After seeing a few other less-actives and members we went to the New Year activity at the church, which was very cool. They always give us a ton of food when we leave the parties!

Saturday, Super hot day today.  We saw a few people today and the visits went well. Elder Silva and I kinda got irritated with one another. He is selfish sometimes…ha. That night we had a class where members and nonmembers could learn English. Radrog and his sister came and I think they really enjoyed it!

Sunday, church went great, but we didn't have any investigators come. After lunch we went to Rodrigos and taught him lesson #1. It went very well and I taught a lot better then usual. Words flew out of my mouth smoothly and I think they could understand! : ) We then went to a class where we learned sign language. I guess some members and non-members are deaf here and it helps to know it. After we went and taught a less-active lady who was super nice!

Overall I have learned a lot this week. My Portuguese is coming surely but slowly. It is really teaching me patients. I am so grateful for all of you and the prayers you offer for me. I really do feel them at this time where I am very lonely.  I love all of you so much and hope you have a great end of the year!

Mom, I was so glad to see you! The family looks so happy! I will send you a list of some things I need for my birthday. I hope your birthday went well! Sorry I forgot to say it! Dad, my companion and I are doing well. We sometimes get frustrated with one another, but that is just because of the misunderstandings -haha. There are a lot of culture differences, but I am starting to get used to them and see that these people are very similar to Americans, they just speak a different language. I think that is what has been hard to adjust to. Thanks for the awesome photos.

Love you so much!
Elder Hauck

40th Letter 12-16-13

 Elder Soares da Silva and I walking

Fatima´s home for Almoço

Querido Família,

Wow!! haha, I finally get a second to sit down and relax! The past week has been insane! I will briefly go through what happened in this email. 

Brazil is amazing! The city I am in is Sâo Borja in the Passo Ramo (branch) we have like 60 members in our Ramo. The Brazilina people are so nice here. They aren't scared of us and they actually will talk to us and stuff -haha.  It is so hot and humid here. I sweat like a gallon of sweat a day! The food is AMAZING, the drinks are good, and the fruit is great; best mangos e bananas!  The language is really stressful and I try to not overwhelm myself. My companion, Elder Soares da Silva and I live with 4 other missionaries in a house, which is a nicer house compared to the others. Elder Johansen, from the MTC, is with us and sometimes the other elders really push us to learn the language, which is good, but gets stressful at times. The whole experience is very humbling.  Mom, I am sorry I didn´t get to call. I will explain why in the rest of this email.

Alright, so Monday President Toombs picked me up and drove me to DIA. I flew out of Denver at about 1:30 PM, by myself, which was very different. I should have called home while I was waiting for the plane, but I thought I would have time in Atlanta, so I talked to some people waiting at the terminal. The plane left late and I got to Atlanta and had to figure out where to go, which was kinda fun to do by myself. At the terminal I found 2 elders from the same MTC district as I and a few other missionaries. On the plane I ran into Elder Melendez. The plane was suppose to leave at 6:58, but it ended up leaving at like 8:00 PM. The flight was so long! Elder Hinkel and I sat by one another and talked about our missions and what not. 

The next morning we landed in São Paulo at about 9:00 (over an hour late) and missed our flight from there to Porto Alegra. São Paulo is huge!! When we flew in you just see buildings everywhere! I took some cool pictures. Some people from church travel were there and they helped redirect us. We arrived in Porto Alegra at about 5:00 PM and got on a bus to Santa Maria. We arrived in Santa Maria at about 9:30 or so and I got to meet President Parrela. He is super nice and we could all tell he had a strong spirit about him. He is also super funny! The time here is 5 hours ahead of Utah, I think. That night we stayed in a hotel next to a church building.

Wednesday, we had a great Café da Minha and then met in the chapel and found our new companions. Elder Soares da Silva is from São Paulo and has been out 6 months. We then were taken out to eat at a restaurant, which was pretty good! The mission office is right in the middle of the city and is super nice! I guess a member donated it to the church. Santa Maria isn´t a huge city, but it's still pretty big. We then had to do some visa work and get our pictures taken. In the streets there are stray dogs running around and people wearing very little clothes.  Stayed another night in the hotel.

Thursday, breakfast was great again and we then went and did some more visa work and got our finger prints. Presdente Parrela talked to us and gave us these 6 scrolls to success, that is on paper and he told us to read them.  We then finally got on a bus and headed out to São Borja. When we got there we took a taxi to our home. Looking out the window I saw a ton of people that are very poor, dogs that area messed up and the drivers are crazy here! Sorry, my mind is so tired -haha. But ya, I have seen some very humbling things already! The people are so nice here, though! It frustrates me that I can't speak well cause I wanna say things to them. The language is coming, though.. just slow. That night we went and talked to the branch mission leader. I understood like 3% -haha. My companion doesn´t speak any English, so it´s lonely sometimes -haha.

Friday, I woke up and ate some bread. I didn´t get much sleep because of how hot it was in our room! I am getting more sleep now though. The mornings are hard cause my mind is working a lot slower, but at night I can understand and speak Portuguese a lot better! Today we had a zone meeting and I understood like nothing. Elder Lapray is in our zone so I got to chat with him for a bit the meeting lasted about 5 hours and we then walked home. We walk a ton each day because our area is huge. We then talked to a bunch of members that night. One family was super cool! The mother's name is Fatima. I got to share a bit on the Atonement and they said I spoke good and that they could understand me.. That night I slept a lot better.

Saturday, today was super hot! We walked a ton and saw a lot of people. I got to say somethings in the lessons but I talk like I'm 4 so I think it gets old for some people -haha. Almoço with Fatima and her family was very good! The beans and meat here are so good! They also have a potato salad with egg which is great as well. The rest of the day we taught and walked. Bruno and Bruna are a married couple and are super cool! Bruno helped me a lot with the language and was very nice to us. That night I felt like the Portuguese was coming much better. I could understand a lot more and could speak better. Slept great too!

Sunday, Church was great! Walking there and back home I almost died of heat though! -haha. Elders quorum was first and then Sunday School and then sacramental. We had a great lunch with some members and then got to teach some more! That night we went to the Christmas devotional, which relaxed me a lot. I am finally staring to not feel so stressed. 

Overall I love it here! It is definitely going to be hard, but I know I am suppose to be here. Pray for me to learn the language. I feel that once I learn it I will feel a lot better.

Mai, I did receive both packages and I will open the envelope one on Christmas Day! We need to figure out when I am going to Skype you guys!  Hopefully it works out!

I love all of you so much!!

39th Letter 12-2-13

My Visa is in!!!!! I am going to Brazil soon!! I can not even think straight right now! I am kinda shaking with excitement!:) Whooooo BABY!! haha, Okay so this week was a great week! Had a lot of investigators show up to church and had a lot of food during Thanksgiving! So I could be leaving to Brazil the 9th or 16th of December!! This is CRAZY!

Alright, so Monday was P-day and we got to email all of our friends and family! Had lunch and then went and had our Zone P-day at the Stake Center. We played Basketball and Volleyball there and it was fun! The AP's came and it was a blast! Had a great dinner and then taught the Kubics. The lesson went very well and we got to really build the relationship with them. I didn't know this but Ranea calculates the square footage of a home for it's taxing and I told her how it sounded cool what she does and she was kind of shocked -haha. I explained how I love construction work and building things and she is gonna see if we can ever help her out.

Tuesday, studies went very well and Elder Ruiz's teaching is doing a lot better! I am gonna have to help him a lot so he can take over this area! We then taught Braylan and studied some stuff out of Preach My Gospel with him. He then came with us to teach Isiah about tithing and fast offerings. It went very well and Isiah is progressing a lot each day! A lady named Ethel, we ran into, called us and needed some help transporting some money to her son. We accepted the offer and delivered the money. The son was a nice man and received us well. Got a good referral for some other missionaries! His son died a few months ago and they are going through a hard time. We then had dinner and we then went and taught Ethel. To our surprise she said she had already been baptized. We got her information to see if the Church still has her records and are now waiting for them to get back to us.

Wednesday, today I hit my 9 month mark. WOW! It was a very good day, though! We went and served at the Food Bank and even got to deliver some Thanksgiving boxes to a Lutheran church nearby. After that we went and taught Nilly the first few points of Lesson 1, with Brother Johnson, and it went very well! She has been so prepared for this! She talked about how she feels something is missing in her life and that this may be it. I had the privilege to testify that this was what she was looking for and that this would bring her peace, happiness and she would feel whole from this! She is amazing! We then taught the Hanks more of the Restoration. Then had dinner and after we went and read with the Terrazas family. They are an awesome family! That night was pretty intense with Rodney. So we talked more about the Godhead and he really was just confused on his stand on the Trinity. He then brought up the Book of Mormon and how he watched a video at his church that shows the BOM has no archaeological proof and that because of that it is false. I couldn't help but laugh a little when he said this. I explained to him that there was archaeological proof, but that none of that truly matters when it comes down to it. We explained to him we don't need any physical  evidence, besides the book its self, to know that it is true! He argued with us a little and to be honest I actually started to get a little mad. I bore my testimony and told him I would die for this book! He looked at me with a puzzled face and things calmed down after that. We told him to do his studies and to actually pray to find the truth. That was a pretty cool experience!

Thursday, Fist time going through the holidays without the family is kinda weird! To be honest I felt a little homesick today, it being Thanksgiving and all. It was still pretty fun though. We had district meeting so we didn't get to play football in the morning. That was kind of a bummer. Thanksgiving dinner was super funny! Imagine the Christmas Vacation dinner they had together and it was close to that. We had it with the Bollocks and Sister Romans, who is blind, and the Hanks came as well..The dogs were running under the table and Sister Romens sounded and acted just like Aunt Bethany, and Brother Hanks is like Uncle Eddie. The conversations went from talking about their dog stories to talking about their kids walking in on them naked and stuff…it ruined my appetite very quickly! haha. It was still super funny!

Friday, went to ARC for awhile and then had weekly planning before going to dinner with the Haymond's. We then tried a few referrals and ended up walking into a young atheist girl who was very nice, but very confused. Talked with Ron about the importance of our message and then got a serious text from Dustin about some concerns he needs help with.

Saturday, Had a great morning and then got to help the Huntleys move a few things. We then went to ARC and helped out. One of the helpers there really appreciates our help. We then had dinner with the Erikson's, which was good. We then went by to see all of our investigators to invite them to church.

Sunday, ward council went great and then to our surprise Ranea showed up as well as Isiah and Amanda! Fast and Testimony meeting went very well and I got to say the closing prayer! Sunday school went great with Amanda and Isiah. We then had studies and then went to dinner at the Rabideau's. It was super good and I even saw a glimpse of the Broncos game!:) haha. We then taught Eli and read with the Terrazas family.

Mom, I did receive that package and we shared the popcorn and M&M's with the Hanks! :)  I am excited to receive the package you sent and you should probably be expecting a package from me as well soon with all the stuff I don't need in Brazil. Great work by being a good member missionary. In the ward I am serving in the members are slowly picking it up and helping out in this great work! Thank you for the pictures as well. They are awesome! :) I sure missed you this Thanksgiving!

Dad, Sounds like the family had a great Thanksgiving week! I bet the house decorations look awesome on the new house! What a great surprise for me to receive my visa! I am so excited to go, but am sad to leave these amazing people here...I have met so many amazing Elders, Sisters, Members, and Non-members! This is seriously the time of my life!

Family, I LOVE you all so much! Thank you so much for all your prayers and fasting for me! I really have been blessed beyond what I deserve. These blessings help me work more diligently everyday! I am so happy and proud to have the Lord for my support as well as my family! Thank you again!  I know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. I know that He lives and He helps me everyday! I love this gospel and the amazing chance I have to share it!

I love you guys!!

Elder Hauck