Week 14

Hey everyone!

Well, as of tomorrow (Dec. 3), I've been out for 5 months! In some ways it's felt longer than that, but looking back it's hard to believe!

Last week we had a multi-zone conference (my 3rd so far) and I got a stack of letters, so thank you! I don't think I've told you guys about conferences and all yet, so here you go: Every Tuesday morning we wake up early and take a 45 min bus ride to Tatui to our district/zone meeting, where we discuss the missionary work in the area, address difficulties, and do practices. When that's over, we hurry and catch another bus back to Itapetininga in time for lunch. Multi-zone conferences are usually every 3 months and are in Sorocaba, about an hour bus ride. About half the mission is there, we get to hear from President and Sister Martins. Generally, we receive instruction, important news, and any changes to the mission that have happened, like the fact that we are no longer allowed to use backpacks :(   I was anticipating that, and so I've been observing what people use here, and I have yet to see a male with a side bag, aka a purse. But when our leaders, in this case the First Presidency, ask us to do something, we do it! Without complaining! So yes, I bought myself a man purse. I have yet to use in on my shoulder yet, my dignity requires that i carry it in my hand.

Maybe I forgot to tell you guys: yes, it is Christmas here. The day after Halloween the mall was fully decorated and had a big Christmas tree in front. I have yet to hear a Christmas song in Portuguese however, everything that is played in public is in English.

As far as teaching, this week was difficult. We taught a ton and found a bunch of new investigators, but almost every single one of our return appointments has fallen through. On Friday, after a long day of disappointments, Elder Agnelli and I started to make our way back to our house.  We got there a little early, and while it would've been easy to justify going in and collapsing on the couch, we decided to try to talk to some people near our house. This alone is difficult because the neighborhoods close by are pretty nice and don't have many people in the streets at 8:30 at night. But we went, and ended up finding the best family and teaching the best lesson I've had so far on my mission. I've got high hopes for them! The blessings we receive when we are working hard!

Well, thats all I've got for now, See you all soon


Ate mais!

Elder Carr