52nd Letter 3-17-14

Pictures: 1-River Uragaina. 2-A memorial by the river that says “I am proud to be a missionary.”

Familia,

Again thank you so much for your awesome letters, prayers and support you all send to me! I have the best family in the world! I hope all of you are doing awesome and continuing to see the blessings in your lives multiply everyday you are faithful! I hope you are all being blessed with missionary opportunities! I love all of you and miss you MUITO! This week was a little different and sad.  We ended up not having the baptism because Arce needs some more time to prepare. The rest of the week was all right, but didn't see too much success. This week we will continue to work hard and I know we will receive the blessings the Lord has in store for us. A little about what happened this week.

Monday, you all know how Mondays are, always awesome!  So we moved into our new house today and got everything organized. The house is big and echoes when we talk because of the lack of furniture to observe the sound. I like the house a lot though. It is a lot closer to everything and I feel the relationship with the members had improved already! Tonight we taught Bruno and Bruna´s cousin a little about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Arieo is a non-member, is 17 and really open to hearing our message.

Tuesday, had an awesome district/zone meeting with our district. The Zone Leaders and 2 sisters gave some awesome training! I can finally understand almost every single word so it is very nice to hear and share my comments with he district. Today we taught Arce Lesson 3 (The Gospel of Christ) and about tithing. The lesson went awesome and he accepted the commitment to pay tithing. He asked us about the baptism some more and told us he would buy two pairs of white underwear. Ha-ha. He was very excited for baptism today! Also, taught 2 LA families and the lessons went very well. Then taught Helen a New member about the BOM. The missionaries that taught her didn't do too great of a job... A lot of the work here in Sâo Borja is fixing/ strengthening the recent converts that were taught too fast and horribly. This is why we have many LA members here because many people wanted to be baptized in the past and the missionaries taught them in two fast weeks and then baptized them without them even having a testimony. Maybe this is the work that is needed here in Sâo Borja right now.

Wednesday, today is where Arce was very different! We showed up in his house and the first thing he said was ´´I will not be baptized!´´ we were both very shocked as he walked to pick up the pamphlets and BOM to give back to us. We talked with him for a bit and he made many excuses of why he isn´t ready and why he doesn't want to join or church. Someone had to have talked to him because the day before he was completely ready. By the end of the discussion he was much more calm and listened to us a little. But still he doesn't want to be baptized or go to church anymore. We are going to give him some space for a bit and talk to him again this week. The rest the day went all right. We were pretty down for a bit, but brushed it off and continued working. Taught Marisa more about the BOM and also taught a LA family. Then taught Luis and Elesa a little more about the Gospel restored. Had an awesome family night with Frenando and Mechela. They are awesome and I think are almost reactivated! Cezar has work all this week so we won’t be teaching him tell next week.

Thursday, went to teach Mateus, a LA teenager in our ward and found his family there. We taught them and asked many good questions that opened their eyes and sparked a desire to hear more. Had a crazy lesson with Irmá Rosa. She has many problems with the church members. I made a paper with a list (unfilled) of blessings we receive from going to church every Sunday and another list of blessing we get by staying home and not going to church and at the bottom of the page had goals of when and how she will return to church. We talked with her about this and showed her how to fill this paper out and invited her to do so tonight. She was very disrespectful to us about all this.

Friday, had a great weekly planning as well as a great lunch. Saw Ana Machada, who was very sick the past two weeks. She is doing better now though. Today we worked a lot in the more dead part of our area and taught many LA families.

Saturday, today was a pretty good day. Taught Maria Edwardo a little more and also Luis and Eliza. Some one was shoot in their neighborhood the night before so they were a little down, but very open to our message. Kind of interesting how trials or scary situations sometimes open people hearts. Tonight we had a talent show in our branch and it went very well. Had a lot of non-members and LA come. Elder Gois and I juggled limes and then Eggs. Once we were done juggling the Limes we threw them into the crowd and then picked up eggs (cooked) and juggled them. The crowd didn't know they were cooked so when we threw them into the crowd they were all pretty scared. It was pretty funny!

Sunday, church went great, but didn't have any investigators, which was kind of sad. After church we had a great lunch and contacted a lot of people in the street! Tonight we read a chapter with Nara and Elder and it went very well!

I am looking forward to the miracles we will find this week! This work is hard, but truly is life changing in a great way! This week we will focus on working with the members a little more as well as contacting referrals with them.

Mom, thank you for your prayers for this branch’s investigators. Marley, Cezar, Arce, and Cristiane all need blessings to receive the gospel and have the strength to repent. That is awesome about your Spring break with he Family all in town. I am excited to see the new music video of the Piano Guys in Brazil. I don’t know if I can see it until after my mission though. I will see. I think it would be awesome if you and Dad picked me up here after the mission. We will see if it all works out! Is Dad okay?? Awesome about your visit in Provo as well. Amy will love the college life. I am glad you are learning new things about the gospel everyday Mom! I get to experience the same thing here! I love learning now! Mom, I never got the valentine package. Ha-ha don’t know what happened with it. And I have the same address. We pick up the mail once every week in the city. Thank you for the awesome photos. Emme is SO CUTE so is Dad. I love you Mom!!

Dad, don’t be dying on me man! Just playin'.  I am glad the colonoscopy went well! The weather here is cooling down, but is very humid still. It rained all night last night, which cooled things down even more!:) I love the rain! Dad, you can write as much as you want! You are right about mom, she is awesome! I hope I can find a girl as awesome as her! That is NUTS! Breck bought a Ferrari! Super cool! I think you are right about the package being eaten by a Brazilian. Ha-ha. Transfers are every 6 weeks and I don't know if I will be moved. Maybe…I feel the same way about transfers as you described. I am building some strong relationships here, but a new area would be cool! Thanks for everything Dad! Love you!

Family, I love you guys so much! A chapter in the BOM I read this week was 2 Nephi 25! This chapter is awesome! Read verses 23 and 25! : )

Love you guys!

Elder Hauck

51st Letter 3-10-14

 Pictures: 1-Chorraso Party!!  2-After the party (It was Luise's birthday, father of Jonathan)

Minha Bonita Legal Melhor Familia,

Another great week here in Brazil! Elder Gois and I had some great success! I am starting to be able to teach a lot better and my accent is a little better. It feels so much better to have people understand me and I can usually understand them! The relationships are growing much faster!:) This week we got Arce on date for the 15 of March to be baptized! We are super excited for him and the progress he has made. We moved into a new house that is actually in our area, I think Pres. will be putting another companionship here in Passo next transfer. The house is cool, but we have no sink, oven, microwave, or table... ha-ha

Monday, P-days are always good!:) Got a lot done and even had time to make more cookies! Elder Crandall packed up his stuff and left to his new area. This night we had a great lesson with Sofia, a new member here in São Borja. She is super nice, but her family has some problems. She loves our visits!:)

Tuesday, had a great district meeting where we learned a lot about baptismal invites. It really is important that we invite with love and clarity. We focused a lot on this and want to use it during the week! This helped a lot with Arce´s baptismal invite. We taught Cézar the rest of the Plan of Salvation, his wife and him love the messages we have! They really study the pamphlets and Cézar is pretty far in the BOM!:) Adriana and her family dropped us. I think her husband said something. We also found out that her husband has two wives.... Adriana and another wife live with him and this is why they have so many kids.... I think Adriana really knows this church is true though. Kind of sad. We taught Mateus and Maria Edwardo also, Mateus is super cool and Maria is sweet, but I don’t think she wants to be baptized.

Wednesday, today we had much success! First during studies we really thought a lot about Arce and felt that he is ready for baptism. We looked at two dates in March and prayed and asked Heavenly Father which date is best for Arce. We both received the date 15 of March! So we went and taught him! We explained about baptism and why we need to, also about the priesthood authority. He understood all of it and he accepted the baptismal invite! He is awesome!!:) Later that day we taught Ariston and Norma! After the lesson they let me ride one of the horses! It was super cool! I will need to get a picture with them and send it to you. Amy will appreciate this!:) We then taught Marisa and Nately. We taught them more about the BOM and baptism. Invited them to be baptized and they want to. We will work with them to find a date that is right. This night we taught Marley about Baptism. We need to get her to have a stronger desire to be baptized than to smoke. Very difficult, but I know she can do it. Pray for her.

Thursday, another awesome day, taught Arce about the word of wisdom. We thought he might have had a problem with drinking, but he doesn't. He says he doesn't have a problem with any of the things! We were pretty happy about this! We then taught a few people, but the Lesson with Cézar went well! We finished up The Plan of Salvation. He will come to church again as well! We contacted a potential investigator, but he isn't interested. That night we had a great lesson with Jonathan’s family. He is a member, but his mom and dad aren't. They want to be baptized, but have a lot of problems to work out.

Friday, today was a little slower. Didn't have too much luck. Taught Erraclades  and Arce again. Talked with Arce about his baptism and he is very excited! We then had a great lesson with Frenando and Mechela. I don’t know if you remember but they have a problem with the leadership of our branch. We talked a lot about it and helped resolve their concerns. A powerful question was, if they taught the Savior has confidence in these leaders? Their was many tears and they said they would come to church!:)

Saturday, taught Arce again, this time about tithing. He doesn't understand it too well right now, but we will explain it better this week when we meet with him. We will teach him everyday this week. Had to spend some time working on the new house. Like talking with the owner and sorting everything out. Later this day we taught Cézar and Rosa about the Gospel of Christ. It went very well! We invited them to be baptized as well, but Cézar wants to prepare more. We feel like he is ready, but when I explained this to him he kind of got frustrated. We then taught Cristiane and Helen and that night had a great lesson with Nara. She opened up to us a lot more!:)

Sunday, church went super well! I gave Arce one of my ties and he wore it to church, Cézar came with a suit this time, and we had a lot of LA there as well! Frenando and Mechela came. I was very excited to see them. I think it has been 2-3 years since they have been in the church. The chapel was actually somewhat full today! Was a very good change! When they announced Arce´s baptism he gave the First counselor a thumbs up, above his head. Was super funny!:) We had a great lunch with Jonathan and his family. Chorrasco!!:) While we were eating a fight went on in the house next to them. The wife chased the husband out of the house with a knife and almost stabbed him in the chest. Was seriously 1 inch away. This was crazy to see...We had to back up all our stuff today to move tomorrow (today/Monday).

I am so grateful for these blessings that I am receiving here! I love this service that I am able to be a part of! Really doesn’t matter where you serve, but how you serve! My testimony is growing a lot and my foundation is more of Christ everyday! I am so grateful for my family and the love and support they give me! I miss all of you so much!

Mom, Spring Break already!! CRAZY!!  I can´t wait to hear all about your spring break. Amy is going to live at BYU housing! The craziest thing that happened during Carnival was a fight in front of our house. The people that live in front of us had a party all night. In the morning something happened and they were all yelling and one kid threw a brick and hit a kid in the head. Someone called the cops and they calmed everything down. It was pretty nuts, but kind of funny. This was the craziest thing that happened during Carnival. It sounds like the Family is doing awesome! That is so cool about Dresden´s call! Paris, France will be awesome! When does he go? Mom...you are an angel for helping that man at church! I love you. That story is amazing! You are a true servant of the Lord! I love the photos! : )

Dad, that is awesome about all the new youth getting their calls! Especially Drez! We are still receiving a lot of new missionaries every transfer. I think it is between 20-30 arriving and 10-20 leave to home. Awesome Michael Ammon got home! Crazy how fast time goes. Being accustomed to the work here really is a blessing. We don’t do too much service here, usually only proselyting. I kind of wish we had more service opportunities besides the few people working on their yard and such. My favorite thing to do on P-day is probably email. The river is super close and we are going there today! : ) I have adapted to the water pretty well and don’t have any problems with my body. I am going to start running to the river and back every morning. When I get home we need to start running together! : )

I love all of you so much! Tell everyone I miss them!

Elder Hauck (Haucky) This is how they say my name here. Howkee!

50th Letter 3-3-14

 

Picture: During Carnival here in São Borja they write all over the streets with paint. It is pretty cool!

Dear Family,

Another great week here in Brazil! I am loving the weather now that it isn't so hot and I am learning the language! The people here are awesome and I am building some strong relationships with them. I will be staying here another transfer and I don’t think I will be District leader. I think President messed up and sent me a letter -haha. Or he just was joking with me -haha. No, but this week went very well and we found a lot of success!

Monday, after emailing my super cool family and doing all the stuff we have to get done on P-day we went and taught Marley about the Atonement and repentance. The lesson went very well and we were able to ask her many inspired questions to help her realize she can use the Atonement in her life. The lesson was very powerful and she felt the spirit very strong. It is difficult though because she has a ton of motivation when we are there, but when we leave her family doesn't help at all and her family is very mean to her... She really wants to stop smoking, but the family is making it hard for her..

Tuesday we had a great district meeting where we talked a lot about questions and how asking inspired question is key. I have noticed this a lot here. The teaching is much more difficult with the lack of education these beloved people have, so we have to ask many questions to see if they understand. Taught a good amount of people today. Jennifer doesn't want to live the Law of Chastity and doesn't want to keep all other commitments so we had to drop her. She knows this church is true. Taught Atiade and Eloy The Restoration. It went well, but they don’t listen when we teach them. It is very difficult! Had a super good lesson with Cesar (Seizer) and talked more about The Plan of Salvation. He loves the Plan and he is interested to learn more every day! Also taught Maria, a 10-year-old girl that has two super inactive parents. 

Wednesday, taught Arce more of L.2 and it went very well! He is a BOSS! He always keeps his commitments! Kind of cool to that we teach him in his Bar and a lot of people are drinking around us and hear our message. Bars here are different and a lot more open to the street. We then taught Elias and he doesn't want to be baptized or even attend our church. He is a lot more closed off now. Maybe later in his life he will accept. Taught Rotine again. Lessons with him are always exciting. He talks a lot with his pastor so he always asks us question that are kind of hard to answer, but my mission in Colorado helped a lot with this. This night we taught Airiton and Norma, the family we ran into when it was raining and they called us over. They are very interested and receive us very well! At sometimes it is hard to teach there though. For some reason we don’t feel the spirit strong with them and always have to push through the lesson.

Thursday was my 1-year mark! Wow! It has gone by way to fast.. Now time is counting down! Kind of scary if you ask me. What better to do on your 1-year mark than to teach many people! We taught Jair, Airiton and Norma, the 2 LA brothers, Marisa Borja, which was a super good lesson, and this night we taught Cesar with Henrique and his wife (2 super solid members). The lesson with Cesar and Rosa went very well! We taught about our life on earth and the atonement! He loved both of them and asked many questions. He really wants to understand. So does his wife Rosa. The spirit was super strong and the members helped a ton! Probably the best lesson we have had with Cesar and Rosa. I know they felt the spirit today and I think they know this church is true! After they made us Cachorro quiente or Hot Dogs. They were super unhealthy and good! They load the hot dogs with mayonnaise and ketchup and other meats. Also had a little celebration with Elder Johanson and ate a Twix candy bar.

Friday I had a comp. exchange with Elder Johanson. It went very well and I was able to show him my area. We had a lot of success and taught a lot of people. Helped resolve some LA concerns and teach Atiade and Eloy. The lesson didn't go too well, because they really didn't want to understand. Very difficult teaching some people here. When they want to understand they will.

Saturday,Carnaval begins... Everyone is a little more crazy and have their music super loud! We had a great lunch with President Vladimir and his family. Taught Jusay again and he was super negative as always -haha. He told us the story of when he was 15 a guy tried killing him and shot him with a shotgun. He has shrapnel marks on his neck and upper arms. Pretty crazy! The more crazy part is that later in his life he killed the guy that tried to kill him with the shotgun... Very Crazy... to cheer up the day we taught Arce and we didn’t even have to invite him to come to church he asked us! Ha-ha! Then taught Adriana about the BOM and invited her to church, also taught Cristiane´s family and after taught Marley with Irmão Jair. Went super well! Jair is helping us a lot! He use to be LA but through missionary work we reactivated him!

Sunday, Church went great. Arce, Marley, and Adriana´s family all came! The members were pretty surprised I think. They are going to have to get used to it though. I think before they never had too many investigators attend church. Taught Caroline and the lesson went very well, she is a smarter girl. Then talked with Nara and Elder about the importance of families. They were kind of mad we showed up during carnival because they want to focus on the worldly things for 4 days... That is what Carnival pretty much is now. It used to be a big culture thing where every state would have traditions, but now its just drugs, sex and Rock and roll -haha!

This week was a good week and saw some more progress with our investigators and LA members. One thing I have really noticed this week is how much the Holy Ghost helps me speak Portuguese. If I don’t have the spirit with me I really cant speak too well, but with it I can speak smoothly and with a good accent. And one lesson this week said I am talking a lot better and have a better accent now. I was glad to hear this because it really is frustrating at time to speak so they can understand. I am grateful for the challenges I have though because they make me stronger!

Mom, I haven´t yet received the package. I hope they didn't steal it, haha. Sounds like the weather there is getting better as well! Good to hear. This quote by Russell Ballard is great. Especially now during carnival. The Members here are strong and have activities to not let Carnival; the worldly things get in the way of our righteousness. I love the picture of all the siblings together! Are family really is awesome! Good work with all your scripture studies! I have learned to love being a student of the scriptures!

HAPPY LATE BIRTHDAY STEPH! We got to celebrate together!

Family, I hope you all are doing super well and loving the gospel we have in our lives! Continue to do what is right and seek missionary opportunities! They are out there!

Love,

Elder Hauck

49th Letter 2-24-14

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Pictures: 1-Me with President and Sister Parrela, 2-Michael, Gabriela and me with Chemarrou.

Animada Familia!

Your prayers have worked! This week went super good!! We found a bunch of new investigators and taught a lot of people. We taught a new investigator named Siezer and he is super solid! He came to church and stayed all 3 hours! He is reading the BOM and his family is perfect too! He reminds me of my dad! He is super intelligent and really ponders about our message! I am very excited for him and the growth he has already made and will continue to make. I could see Siezer being a leader in the Church. Also, the weather was super nice this week. We had a lot of wind and rain! My companion and I are getting along great and working hard. I think the branch here is starting to really trust us! I can’t believe I am almost to my year mark! Tà Louco!! (OK CRAZY!)

Monday I had a very good P-day and didn't feel too homesick! P-days are hard cause once we finish all our necessary stuff we just sit around. This day went good though. Got all the things done and even washed my clothes in the shower, because the washing machine is broken. Wow does it take forever to hand wash clothes! That night we taught Frenando and Mechela. They are super nice, but we can’t figure out the reason they won’t come to church!  Also, we taught Vauley, who is a bit timid when he is around us...I don’t know why. Also received some solid referrals this night.

Tuesday we taught a lot of people today after a super good District Meeting! I really think this DM helped pump us up for the week! Elder Johanson did a good job! Contacted Marley who was a former investigator. She wants to stop smoking and she wants our help. She had a baptismal date, but couldn't stop smoking in time. Taught Irma Rosa and shared the talk by Pres. Uchtdorf "Come Join with Us."  I think this talk will help her a lot. That night we taught Cristiane and she wants to be baptized soon as well. She just needs to get married.

Wednesday, This day was AWESOME! First we taught Arce about the BOM and gave him one to read. Then taught Seizer and his friend the Restoration. I don’t think I have ever had a lesson go as well here in Brazil like it went with these guys! It was perfect! They both were listing to us and understood what was going on and more importantly why we needed a restoration of the gospel. They got very excited when we got to the part where we explained about after Christ died and many of the Apostles and members were killed as well. They wanted to know what happened. So we told them and the spirit was so strong! The spirit entered Siezer’s mind and helped him understand the importance of our message. I think he knows it´s true now!  Really was an amazing experience and really brightened our week! After that we continued with success and taught 2 less-active families. The lessons went very well. This day really changed my view of these people and the power of our message here.

Thursday, another successful day! We were walking to a less-active family’s house when it started to rain a ton! We ran under a tree and a family that was nearby called us over. We sat under their "patio" for a bit and after the rain stopped we taught them a little of our message. They want us to come back (family of 5). We then got to our less-active member home and he had a referral for us and took us to the house and taught with us that very day! Super cool! The lady we met is super nice but has some bad medical problems. That night we taught a few other people and planned another member-present lesson with Jair.

Friday, ANOTHER great day! Ha-ha. First we taught a new investigator named Duda (15). She is super cool, but her family doesn't like us for some reason. Then we taught Adriana about the Restoration and the lesson went pretty well. As good as it can get with 3 baby girls running around wanting mommy’s milk. After this we taught Siezer and his wife. We briefly talked about the Restoration with her and then talked about the BOM and invited them to read it. Siezer said he would come to church but not his wife. I think he wanted to make sure we aren’t some crazy church. Then we taught the other Adriana with 3 girls and the lesson went okay. She has a hard time understanding things. The rest of the night went super well and the weather was nice and rainy!

Saturday, you can guess it, another sweet day! Taught Arce again and also Marley with Jair. The lesson with Marley went super well and she cried a lot. She feels the spirit strong with us and knows she can stop smoking! Rained like crazy and I didn't have an umbrella so I just walked in the rain...Bad idea, because it rained a ton! I got soaked! Ha-ha. It was all fun though! That night we taught Irma Rosa about the talk by Pres. Uchtdorf...She read it but didn't really apply it. It is very difficult working with less- actives here.

Sunday, we showed up to church and were surprised by Siezer waiting for us at the front gates. He was dressed all nice and excited to be there! He is a boss! Church went great and I think he felt welcomed. Some of the members here don’t know how to be friendly so that kind of bugged Elder Gois and I. The rest of the day went very well and we taught Nara about the same talk by Pres. Uchtdorf. Hopefully she actually reads it and applies it. This night we had a family night with Cristiane´s family and Pres. Vladimirs family as well. It went super well! The Spirit was very strong and I think Cristiane´s boyfriend really liked the Restoration video. After we had great lasagna!

The week really was great and got me cheered up to work even hard this coming week! I feel strongly that Siezer and is family will join this church! The work here is improving and the members are helping more. The language is coming a lot faster and I am starting to think in Portuguese. Things are looking bright! : )

Mom, I have not yet received the package. Hopefully nothing went wrong. Mom, you are awesome! So yes, carnival is starting up here and already is a little crazy. We are supposed to be very careful during this weekend. I don’t really know why they have carnival, but just to go crazy. I think here it is just an excuse to do whatever you want and not worry about it after. IDK. That is awesome about the new stake presidency. Those are good men. Funny to think Shaye is only less than 500 miles away from me. I wonder what his opinion will be when he returns. I will answer your 3 questions next week. : ) Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me! The house looks beautiful! I love you Mom!! Miss you a ton.

Dad, ha-ha, sounds like your week was pretty crazy! Cool you got to speak with Elder Johnson in Norwegian! I bet it was nice to have all the family in town! I love the pictures!! : ) You are exactly right about the work here, Dad. The members are the key! Right now they aren’t helping a ton, but I think things are changing! We will see.

Steph, I hope you have a great birthday!!

I love you all so much and miss you all! Take care of yourselves and strive to be better every day!
Elder Hauck

The scriptures I like this week: 2 Nephi 10: 14, St. John 6:64-69, and D&C 121:36

48th Letter 2-17-14

Photos: Elder Dias was transferred to Santa Maria because of health reasons so we took these pics.

Minha Bonita Familia,

Another great week here in Brazil! This week was a lot cooler and we received a lot of rain! To be honest it was kind of cold and I wanted the heat to come back. Ha-ha. Now it is back and I can sweat like crazy again. : ) This week we had some progress with our investigators and LA members. Also, had a great zone conference that went very good!

Monday, we had a nice relaxing p-day and got a lot of things done. Sometimes P-days are more busy than other days. That night we saw Von and had a great conversation with him. He is a lot more relaxed when we aren't way uptight and only there to get him back t church, but more to be his friend. Through this we will get him to come back! Also, had a great family night with Bruna e Bruno and 2 LA´s. Went very well and could tell the LA´s liked it a lot. Gave Bruno a tie of mine and he loves it. Ha-ha I will need to get a pic with him.

Tuesday we had some good success. After district meeting we had lunch and then taught Carline (LA), then Allyson’s familia (LA) and Adilson (Non - Member) Odilso is very cool and is very open to us, even though his brother is a pastor at the Assembly of God church, which is pretty popular here. When we walk by the chapels they have a person out front that always gets a little nervous as we walk past him, ha-ha. I don’t know why he does. I think he thinks we will enter or say something. I don’t know.

Wednesday morning we had a service project that went super good. We helped a school her sand down the building and tables. It was nice to get some service! I miss it. Later that day we taught Jair (LA) and then found a few new investigators, a family (seizer e Rosa) and contacted Adriana, a referral from the sister. They both were super nice and open with us. Maybe some potential! The other Adriana lives on the same street. We had her on date but she didn't make it to church so we have to move it back.

Thursday we had a normal morning and then taught Elias more about the Restoration. He has concerns of leaving his church and feels like he would betray his family and heart to leave. Very complicated. Do any of you have ideas to help him? He already knows this church is true. We taught a few more less-actives and tried contacting a few referrals.

Friday we woke up at 5:20 and got on a bus to San Gabriela for the Zone conference. The Zone conference went so good! I could understand almost everything and this made it a lot better. I learned a lot from this! President Parrela is so inspired. You can tell he is a great leader and will continue to climb as a leader of the church. He had so much love towards everyone. So amazing! You guys need to meet him. I talked with him a bit and he said some very nice things to me. Had a great lunch there as well. It was a buffet so I ate a ton! We returned home late that night.

Saturday we didn't have much success. We did invite a lot of people to church, but many of them didn't come. We taught Jennifer about prayer, but she doesn't want to pray about this church because she doesn't want to keep the commandments. It is hard teaching her. I think we will try talking more about the commandments with her. Had a great English class and after the primary had an activity where we helped out. It was pretty fun!

Sun, no luck with investigators to church, but had a few LA´s, which is always good! The meetings were powerful and I am sure they felt the spirit. Had a great lunch and after taught Rotine (15) he is a special investigator. He wants to convert us t his church, ha-ha. He said he would go to our church 7 times if we will go to his 7 times. Also, he said we needed to only read the Bible, fast every week, pray a whole night once a month and pray (the Sermon on the Mount) 3 times a day. It was pretty funny him trying to invite us to do this. We told him we will keep with our schedule and program of study, prayer and fasting and maybe we will visit his church. We have to ask president and I think he will say no…it was pretty funny. He also talked about how when he reads the BOM he feels someone pulling it out of his hands. We think it’s Satan doing this but he thinks it is God. He is very confused. We will continue to help him and hopefully he will come to church. The week went very good though and I learned a lot!

Mom, Thanks for the great letter! Also, for your worthy heart! I am glad you had a great time on the cruise with Amy and all her friends. I am very sad t hear about Aunt Kim.... I will be praying for her a lot! That is cool you got to talk about the work I have done so far. I will read these scriptures when I get home! Tell the ward and family thank you for the prayers! I am sure the work here will change in no time! I have not yet received the package, but I think I will tomorrow. Mom, I love you so very much and miss you! Thanks for all you do. MY MOM IS THE BEST!

Dad, Thanks for the letter. In the picture last week with the cake is our whole zone. Sisters Seal, King, Claret, and Carvalho, and Elders Soares da Silva, Mateus, Dias, Crandall and Johanson. Yes, my health is a lot better and I have a lot more energy. The heat really is the only problem now. But that will go away soon. I received a letter that I will be district leader this next transfer...kind of nervous. Love you dad!! Miss you.

Family, You all are so amazing. Keep in mind all the blessings you have in your lives. Heavenly Father truly loves all of us! I hope you all have a great week!

Love, Elder Hauck

47th Letter 2-10-14

 Photos from My Birthday

My Family,

Another super hot day here in Brazil! This past week it almost hit 45 Celsius, which is like 114 degrees Fahrenheit. I have never sweat so much in my life! Ha-ha. But all is well! : ) This week we had pretty good success. I am learning Portuguese a little faster and I have become pretty accustomed to Brazil. Elder Gois and I are getting along well and working hard. The branch is struggling and our investigators are pretty weak... We find a lot of new investigators every week, but when we go back to teach them again they are weak and don’t want us to came back. It is very hard to stay motivated. President Parrela wants us to each get a baptism here this month and we will continue to work hard and I know Heavenly Father will bless us with someone.

Monday was a pretty boring P-day. We mostly just cleaned the house and slept. It is pretty much all we have the energy to do. The work here is very challenging. This night we met a lady that said she had a dream of herself in a fire and 4 Mormon Missionaries came and helped her out of the fire. She explained that the missionaries looked like us and that the dream represented her being held back by Satan in the fire and us trying to help her escape. It was very cool to hear this story and I hope it is true. We explained the importance of our message and that is would help her. She said we could come back whenever. We did go back another day and she had her son lie to us to say she was not there... A member saw her came outside right after we left. I don’t understand why so many people lie here... This night ended well though. Remember Ana Paula? She is an investigator that wants to be baptized, but has to wait 3 months (a new rule our mission has for investigators 9-18). We met her parents, though, and they received us very well! Answered a lot of questions and I think they like us.

Tuesday we had district meeting and then went to the Vila that afternoon. Taught Jennifer about baptism, Adriana the rest of the Restoration, Irmá Rosa about Missionary work, and that night we found two new investigators that seem promising. Super hot here every day and is very hard to talk to people in the streets, because no one wants to wait in the sun and get fried. The heat makes it challenging.

Wednesday, today went pretty good. Had a great lesson with Elias and invited him to the family night on Friday. He is a great guy and needs to be a member. The rest of the day we tried a lot of people, but didn't have too much luck.  That night we did teach Frenad and Mechela and it went well. Dropped a few of our investigators today as well.

Thursday, today went pretty good as well. Saw Jair and talked about the family night we would have. He was pretty excited for it! We then went and saw Nara and her family. Allysn, the son, was very sick so we gave him a blessing. I think he has something wrong with his stomach. That night we taught Elias and followed-up on if he would come to family night.

Friday, today was a better day. Still super hot, but had more success. Had a great lunch with Michael and Gabriel. They talked about how if I return with my parents they will feed us lunch (chorrasco- BBQ). We then taught Karlyn about the Plan of Salvation and Adriana about the BOM and invited her to be baptized on the 22^nd of February. She said yes, but I don’t feel like she is ready... She is really lazy about it all and isn’t excited. This night we had an awesome family night! Went so well! Had Elias and his wife there, all the members that we invited and Jairs daughter’s boyfriend who is German and super cool! The spirit was s strong during the Restoration movie and the Testaments after. I think they all felt the power of our message.

Saturday, in the morning we went and contacted a referral we received. It was kind of funny what happened when we got there. The Mom was super nice and let us sit down with her and we shared a little of our message. Her son arrived and she started talking bad on him while he was standing right with us. He drinks and so she was saying how evil he is and how he needs our help. They got to the point where they were almost yelling at one another. Ha-ha. We bore our testimonies that our message would help them and said we would return another day.  Later that day we taught Jusay and invited him to church, but he flaked again. The learning English class is pretty good here. It is fun being able to help people learn English.

Sunday, went to go pick up Adriana, but she was not there...Kind of weird because all her kids were there. Church went well, though, and we learned a lot about Noah and The Arc and more cool stuff in the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price. Had a great lunch after church and saw a few investigators. Was very hot and sweat through all my clothes, ha-ha. A storm finally came through for only 10 minutes and it was crazy! Took the electricity out and ruined a few things in our house, like the washer and microwave. It was very hard to sleep with no fan so Elder Johanson and I talked for a while about the mission.

I have been thinking about ways to help the area that I am in and really am having a hard time figuring out what they need. Can you all please pray for the people of Sâo Borja that they will open their hearts to our message and follow Christ?

Mom, thank you for the great letter. I hope you have a great time with the Jetettes on the cruise. They do not celebrate Valentines Day here but have something kind of like it; it is a day of boyfriends and girlfriends. It looks like Emme is having a blast with you guys! She is so CUTE!!! : ) I love you Mom and hope all is going well!

Dad, I am glad you can tell I am adjusting to the work here. We pretty much only talk Portuguese here, as far as with the American missionaries, but on occasion we will talk a little English. It feels weird talking in English sometimes. Ha-ha. The French toast is one of the highlights of the day! I haven´t really developed any new tastes. I like rice and beans a lot now and f curse the meat here is usually very good! They have this drink called Terere that is very good! I don’t know how to explain it besides saying its almost like wheat grass. I am glad Millie is keeping you company while mom and Amish are away. I do remember Taylor Murdock! That’s is awesome!! Sounds like you have some exciting things coming up dad! : ) I love you s much Dad! Thank you for all you and Mom do for me. I miss you guys!

Love, Elder Hauck

46th Letter 2-6-14

Photos: 1-Mateus and me, 2-After the first day of hard work with Elder Gois, 3-French toast!

Dear Family,

This week was GREAT! Elder Gois and I got a lot of work done! We are getting a long great and the branch trust us a lot. Things here are looking a lot better. I am feeling a little more at home every day, but feel a little down at times. Really have to keep busy at all hours to not get homesick. Work really is the secret to missionary success. Also, this week we received a bunch of referrals from members and found 6 new investigators! Elder Gois and I have a competition to talk to 5 people in the street about our church and invite them to do something (read a pamphlet, come to church etc.,) every day. It is working very well! I have seen the blessings already.

Monday, after emailing the best family and friends ever we went and had lunch, shopped for our food for the week and just hung out together. We cleaned the house very well and organized things. That night we had a family night with Irmà Rosa Bruna and Bruno and we were supposed to have Jennifer with us as well but she couldn't make it. It went well though!

Tuesday, we had great studies and then had Zone Conference. ZC went super well and I learned a lot. They taught us some new teaching techniques. That really helped us a lot. Had hot dogs as well, which are a lot different here. They cut up the hot dog and put it in a pot with tomato sauce, beef, and vegetables. It is pretty good! That night after the ZC we had a lesson with Elder and Nara. It went pretty good but we need to resolve his concerns... Nara wont return t church unless Elder come with and is baptized.

Wednesday, we taught a lot of people today and had a lot of success. Found 1 new investigator named Rosa. Got 2 investigators progressing and taught some less-actives as well. Lucio, Aline, and Irmâo Henrique all gave us referrals! :) Referrals are super rare here and super good!

Thursday, we taught quite a bit today as well. Talked with Elias and Juão for quite awhile and it went very well. We figured out how we can reactivate a less active member through these two. Today we walked a ton. I am getting very used to walking and it´s kind of cool. We speed walk most the time too because we have a lot of ground to cover and not much time.

Friday, we had a great weekly planning and made some great new goals. I made a new map of the area and organized the area book. Most area books here are a disaster. Contacted a referral today and got 3 new investigators, a family of 3! The family has a son who knows his doctrine. He is only 15 but goes to a Seventh-day Adventist Church. It was kind of cool to open up the Bible and Book of Mormon with him and answer his questions. Even if he would misinterpret the verses every time.

Saturday, today we contacted a ton of people. Found some new investigators, including a super solid one named Adriana! We invited her to church and she said yes. Talked to a lot of people in the street and seriously just worked super hard. Don’t know if I have worked as hard as I did this day ever before. Plus we were fasting so we were about to die! Ha-ha. I dint know if it is smart to not drink water while working in this heat. What do you all think? It is about 110 degrees here. I was super tired this night and slept like a baby.

Sunday, Adriana and her 3 daughters came to church and they loved it. Besides the part when Lara, her youngest daughter, got her arm stuck in the box that holds the hymn books...ha-ha. Elder Dias, one of the zone leaders got very sick and had to go to the hospital so we had Elder Crandall with us for the day. It went well and he helped with my teaching a lot. The teaching here is very different. I have been just teaching the same way as I did in the US, but here I cant do that. They aren't smart enough...We missionaries have to give them a little bit at a time and teach it as simple as we know how.

This week went very well and I learned a lot from my studies, companions and from the members of this branch. I am so glad things are getting better here and that the language is coming. Thank you all for your prayers and love. Sorry my spelling is horrible.

Mom, thank you so much for the great letter and photos. You may have to review this email and correct some misspellings. Sorry…ha-ha! That is so awesome about Amy and the Jetettes! Academic All-State as well! Wow!! Golden Child! ;) Really though, Amy congratulations and keep working hard! Little miss Emme is so CUTE! The picture with her and the random other little girl at the per store is super funny! Mom, I am glad you are learning so much as the Gospel Doctrine teacher. It is cool how we learn the same things here as you all do there!

Dad, things are getting a lot better. Definitely with my health that is for sure. Elder Gois is from a city near Porto Allegra. His whole family is members and he has always been a member. It is hard at times having to refer to him when I don’t know a word. I think it gives him a lot of confidence…Sometimes maybe a little too much, ha-ha. Broncos...Wow! They let me down. I think it was because I left Denver. That is interesting about the church retention around the world. South America does have a hard time keeping converts. We have a lot of less-actives that don’t even understand what a covenant is.Thank you for the great photos!

I love all of you s much! Hopefully I can get some photos off to you guys! : )

Love, Elder Hauck