Well it has been awhile since I last posted, sorry! Nonetheless, Elder Rodriguez is doing good and growing each day. He his still in the same town with the same companion. I thought that I would post a letter that Elder Rodriguez sent to my Uncle and Aunt since the letters that he sends to me are mostly his wants and needs( I thought that I would have two years free of that, oh well).
Dear Aunt Joan and Uncle Klaus--
First off, I heard that Clint and Maryanne got the baby! How exciting to have a new family member. They must be crazy with happiness. About the writing letters, its OK. It just takes awhile for the letters to get to us because we only get them when the mission president comes down or during transfers, which is every 6 weeks. So its usually my bad, with the letter writing.
I heard about the blog, but I only been on it once, we are not really allowed to go onto other sites but, that might be one exception.
I love it here. It is funny that you say the field is ready to harvest because today I was reading in Jacob 5 about the Lords vineyard, then I compared missionaries to the servants. I like that section! My old companion, Elder Lyman left and now I have a Brazilian, his name is Elder Onofre and he is from Rio de Janero. He is real nice and loving. We have two baptisms in our area so far, which is great!
The area which I am in is called Murechal Rondom, and the city or my district is Bauru. I love the people here, especially the members of the ward. They are all real nice. We try to have fun activities every P-day but this P-day we are writing letters to our families. Next P-day we are going to the zoo. I also try to take pictures on P-days as well.
Well I'm not roasting nor chilling here, but more like dripping! It tends to rain a lot in my area but on the days that it is not raining it can get hot. In our area we walk but when we go to the Internet cafe or to our district meetings we take the bus.
At church we attend a ward or an alag. There is a pretty good amount of members who attend. On a regular basis on Sundays or Domingos, we have about 150 members show up. It stinks because we are the only missionaries in our area but I guess it is alright because that means we get a greater opportunity to teach more people.
My companion and I live in a small 3 bedroom house, one room is our study the other kitchen/laundry/bathroom and the other our bedroom. We don't get asked out for dinner a bunch but we have lunch with members everyday except for our P-days, so we do just fine.
It sounds that everyone is doing fine over there in Arizona. Yesterday I went on splits with an Elder from Arizona as well. Mesa in fact! I thought that was neato! Well Aunt Joan I think I answered all your questions. Thanks for the greenie package but by the time I received it I was not considered a greenie. I'm in my second transfer already but the package was a great moral booster. Well whenever you feel the need to write a letter you know who to write too!!
Love Elder Jordan Rodriguez
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
September 21, 2009
Iguazu FallsHey Mom!
Well this week did not go so good. I had a pimple under my arm and it became infected so bad that it affected my whole arm. So I had to go to the hospital and give myself treatments at night and take medicine. but I'm OK. I will spare you the gross details but the ordeal is not going to stop me from doing the lords work. Another bad thing happened was that the last would-be baptism did not happen so now I only have two under my belt but on a happy note is that we have so many investigators now that I have a native companion. His name is Elder Onofre and he is from Rio de Janerio, which is pretty cool. I'm speaking fluent Portuguese now(with a lot of errors). I learned that I may be here in the city of Bauru for 6 months or longer. If all the missionaries in the Londrina area get a baptism we will all go to the Christmas Conference at the Iguazu Falls, they are huge falls that were shown in the last Indiana Jones movie. That's nice that you helped AuntieAnn move, I figure that is you help people that when you need help they will help you. Our church building is the second largest building in our area, the first is the market. I love all the members here, they are super nice. All of them call me "menudo" or "Ricky Martin" because I told them that I am Puerto Rican, it's pretty funny. I really like Elder Onofre even though he is a neat freak. He is always going around cleaning everything but I love the guy. Our area is real humble as well( in referring to Cousin's mission in Mexico). The temple is 7 hours away right now so we don't get to go to it. Well please tell everyone hi and I love them. Love Elder Rodriguez
Well this week did not go so good. I had a pimple under my arm and it became infected so bad that it affected my whole arm. So I had to go to the hospital and give myself treatments at night and take medicine. but I'm OK. I will spare you the gross details but the ordeal is not going to stop me from doing the lords work. Another bad thing happened was that the last would-be baptism did not happen so now I only have two under my belt but on a happy note is that we have so many investigators now that I have a native companion. His name is Elder Onofre and he is from Rio de Janerio, which is pretty cool. I'm speaking fluent Portuguese now(with a lot of errors). I learned that I may be here in the city of Bauru for 6 months or longer. If all the missionaries in the Londrina area get a baptism we will all go to the Christmas Conference at the Iguazu Falls, they are huge falls that were shown in the last Indiana Jones movie. That's nice that you helped AuntieAnn move, I figure that is you help people that when you need help they will help you. Our church building is the second largest building in our area, the first is the market. I love all the members here, they are super nice. All of them call me "menudo" or "Ricky Martin" because I told them that I am Puerto Rican, it's pretty funny. I really like Elder Onofre even though he is a neat freak. He is always going around cleaning everything but I love the guy. Our area is real humble as well( in referring to Cousin's mission in Mexico). The temple is 7 hours away right now so we don't get to go to it. Well please tell everyone hi and I love them. Love Elder Rodriguez
Monday, September 14, 2009
September 14, 2009
Well Elder Rodriguez has been doing really good out in the mission field. As of August 4, 2009 he has 3 baptisms under his belt(literally, he makes a notch on his belt for each baptism). Jordan says that it has rained a lot and that the food is great. Here is an excerpt of his letter that he sent today(via email): Dear Mom and Ivan----
It's hard to say what happens because there is so much to tell but I will tell you this, blessings do really come true. I have been praying that you would be financially well and that Chloe could get a job then the next thing I know you get money in the mail and there's a good chance that Chloe will be hired. All I can say is that you better get on your knees and thank you know who cause that is huge! I am excited to get the package, my companion, Elder Lyman was transferred and I have no one to speak English too or music to listen to when we are going to sleep. My new companion is Brazilian and its pretty intense cause I feel that I'm still not good with the language or my surroundings. However, I'll do OK. I have been traveling with the LEZ's zone leaders to other cities to do interviews. One last thing, I have not seen a monkey yet but once I do I'm jumping on it and throwing it in my backpack! Love you Elder Jordan Rodriguez
It's hard to say what happens because there is so much to tell but I will tell you this, blessings do really come true. I have been praying that you would be financially well and that Chloe could get a job then the next thing I know you get money in the mail and there's a good chance that Chloe will be hired. All I can say is that you better get on your knees and thank you know who cause that is huge! I am excited to get the package, my companion, Elder Lyman was transferred and I have no one to speak English too or music to listen to when we are going to sleep. My new companion is Brazilian and its pretty intense cause I feel that I'm still not good with the language or my surroundings. However, I'll do OK. I have been traveling with the LEZ's zone leaders to other cities to do interviews. One last thing, I have not seen a monkey yet but once I do I'm jumping on it and throwing it in my backpack! Love you Elder Jordan Rodriguez
Monday, August 17, 2009
August 17, 2009
Elder Rodriguez goofing around, as usual!.jpg)
Hey Mom!
I'm good! I have a lot of emails to write so this is gonna be short. Today for P-day I might buy a guitar or a pipa(kite). They have crazy kite battles like on the Kite Runner!! This past week we ate lunch at this lady's house and she served us this substitute coffee and it was gross. I tied to make it taste better by putting sugar in it but she just filled it with more coffee stuff so I had to drink even more of the gross stuff. Tell Aunt Shellie that I met up with the elder that she and Kyle knows. Its crazy that his mom and Aunt Shellie are like best friends. He also knows Danielle and a lot of people that we knew from our old ward( our old neighbor from Corona). The baptism went well and I will send more info on that next week. Here are a few pictures, I will send more. I love you
I'm good! I have a lot of emails to write so this is gonna be short. Today for P-day I might buy a guitar or a pipa(kite). They have crazy kite battles like on the Kite Runner!! This past week we ate lunch at this lady's house and she served us this substitute coffee and it was gross. I tied to make it taste better by putting sugar in it but she just filled it with more coffee stuff so I had to drink even more of the gross stuff. Tell Aunt Shellie that I met up with the elder that she and Kyle knows. Its crazy that his mom and Aunt Shellie are like best friends. He also knows Danielle and a lot of people that we knew from our old ward( our old neighbor from Corona). The baptism went well and I will send more info on that next week. Here are a few pictures, I will send more. I love you
Monday, August 10, 2009
A short note to Grandma Bev
Hey Grandma--
Yup out in the mission field and it is awesome! Know wonder LaVonne didn't want to leave New Zealand. There is a bunch of hills here and I get blisters and shin splints like crazy but it is worth it. My companion, Elder Lyman is awesome as well. He is from Colorado and has been out for a year so far. He helps me out a lot. Now for some successes, We made 15 contacts today to people on the street. I teach a good chunk of the principles to investigatos and we are baptising a lady this week. I never thought that we would get a baptism this quick. I will give you the details after it happens-----Elder Rodriguez
Yup out in the mission field and it is awesome! Know wonder LaVonne didn't want to leave New Zealand. There is a bunch of hills here and I get blisters and shin splints like crazy but it is worth it. My companion, Elder Lyman is awesome as well. He is from Colorado and has been out for a year so far. He helps me out a lot. Now for some successes, We made 15 contacts today to people on the street. I teach a good chunk of the principles to investigatos and we are baptising a lady this week. I never thought that we would get a baptism this quick. I will give you the details after it happens-----Elder Rodriguez
Out in The Field!
Dear Family-----
I'm still alive and well. We flew down to Londrina at 3 in the morning then had lunch with the president. The took a 4 hour bus ride to Bauru and have had an awesome 6 days so far. The language is finally entering my head and my companion, Elder Lyman is pretty cool. While going to visit with some members yesterday we saw a couple of Toucans, so that was pretty cool. The days are long and I get tired by the end of the day. I have blisters but at the end of the day it is well worth it! Oh ya, I forgot that we are baptizing a lady this week. Never thought it would be this quick, crazy huh?!?! I will take pictures of the baptism. I heard that Brayden is having a good time too, saw the pictures. Well I will send you the rest of my adventures in the mail!! Love you Elder Jordan Rodriguez
I'm still alive and well. We flew down to Londrina at 3 in the morning then had lunch with the president. The took a 4 hour bus ride to Bauru and have had an awesome 6 days so far. The language is finally entering my head and my companion, Elder Lyman is pretty cool. While going to visit with some members yesterday we saw a couple of Toucans, so that was pretty cool. The days are long and I get tired by the end of the day. I have blisters but at the end of the day it is well worth it! Oh ya, I forgot that we are baptizing a lady this week. Never thought it would be this quick, crazy huh?!?! I will take pictures of the baptism. I heard that Brayden is having a good time too, saw the pictures. Well I will send you the rest of my adventures in the mail!! Love you Elder Jordan Rodriguez
29/07/09
Dear Family----
This is the last letter to you from the MTC. Went proselyting again, in the rain but it was still fun. We got out all our Books of Mormons. We talked to some bums( homeless people) and to some other people but it was all good. We also went to a city walk which was like Wall Street of Sao Paulo so we were talking to a bunch of business people. I'm definitely going to get a hot wife because it rains like crazy here. It has been raining for 4 days straight. We went to the temple this last P-day and I bought some nice Portuguese scriptures with a case that has the Sao Paulo temple on it. My Portuguese is coming along OK, I guess but I will really find out when I leave the MTC. Man, I cant wait to get out of this MTC! I am really excited to go out into the field. I also hope that my companion is cool. Last Tuesday I sang a solo for a devotional and I thought I did OK, it was real cool. I am going to ask if I could do another solo this Sunday for a prelude. Don't worry about me, I have Heavenly Father on my side along with Jesus Christ. That's as good as a bullet proof vest! ----Love Elder Jordan Rodriguez
This is the last letter to you from the MTC. Went proselyting again, in the rain but it was still fun. We got out all our Books of Mormons. We talked to some bums( homeless people) and to some other people but it was all good. We also went to a city walk which was like Wall Street of Sao Paulo so we were talking to a bunch of business people. I'm definitely going to get a hot wife because it rains like crazy here. It has been raining for 4 days straight. We went to the temple this last P-day and I bought some nice Portuguese scriptures with a case that has the Sao Paulo temple on it. My Portuguese is coming along OK, I guess but I will really find out when I leave the MTC. Man, I cant wait to get out of this MTC! I am really excited to go out into the field. I also hope that my companion is cool. Last Tuesday I sang a solo for a devotional and I thought I did OK, it was real cool. I am going to ask if I could do another solo this Sunday for a prelude. Don't worry about me, I have Heavenly Father on my side along with Jesus Christ. That's as good as a bullet proof vest! ----Love Elder Jordan Rodriguez
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Elder Rodriguez has Arrived in the Mission Field
Dear Family of Elder Rodriguez,We are writing to inform you that on August 4, 2009, Elder Rodriguez arrived very well in the Brazil Londrina Mission field. We were very happy to meet him and to know that from now on he is part of this great and wonderful army of the Savior. After a long wait and much preparation, he along with many other missionaries arrived at the mission home safely and very excited. They had lunch, and after a great testimony meeting he learned who would be his companion. The Brazil Londrina Mission is a blessed land where many people are hearing and accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ in such a joyous way. It is an honor for us to be able to receive your son in this area, and we know that this is possible only because you have so lovingly taught, guided and cared for him until he could arrive here. We want you to know that we will strive to fulfill all his needs, and will take care of him as if he were our own son. Thank you for trusting us with your son for this short yet fundamental period of time in his life!
We are at your disposition to help in any way during this time.
With gratefulness and love,
President and Sister Leal
Missao Brasil Londrina
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Last Letter from the MTC
Dear Family,
I'm doing just fine. Went proselyting and we handed out all our Book of Mormons. This one lady wanted us to go and teach her. But we told her that we were not the missionaries to talk to. She said that she would call the number in the book to have some missionaries in the field teach her. We took pictures today as a district. I realize that I am really gonna miss Elder Rezende. Elder Neilson is also real cool. He wants to me to go and live with him after the mission. I miss the beach. I'm glad I am not going to the Rio de Janeiro, that is where Elder Rezende is going. He is also from California, but lives in Arizona now. We have like the same type of friends, and his dad is Brazilian and my dad well you get the idea. I think that's why we are so tight. I am really going to miss him. We went to the Temple today and I brought some scriptures with the Sao Paulo Temple on them. They are cool. Mom, I am fine. I wear the armor of god and nothing could fade me. Hey did you know I have like the largest wetland in the world in my mission. Ya I did not know till last week. I will write Todd and Bradyn. I just hope they got my letters in time. Well gotta go, next time I type you I will be in the mission field. Love you mom
Elder Rodriguez
I'm doing just fine. Went proselyting and we handed out all our Book of Mormons. This one lady wanted us to go and teach her. But we told her that we were not the missionaries to talk to. She said that she would call the number in the book to have some missionaries in the field teach her. We took pictures today as a district. I realize that I am really gonna miss Elder Rezende. Elder Neilson is also real cool. He wants to me to go and live with him after the mission. I miss the beach. I'm glad I am not going to the Rio de Janeiro, that is where Elder Rezende is going. He is also from California, but lives in Arizona now. We have like the same type of friends, and his dad is Brazilian and my dad well you get the idea. I think that's why we are so tight. I am really going to miss him. We went to the Temple today and I brought some scriptures with the Sao Paulo Temple on them. They are cool. Mom, I am fine. I wear the armor of god and nothing could fade me. Hey did you know I have like the largest wetland in the world in my mission. Ya I did not know till last week. I will write Todd and Bradyn. I just hope they got my letters in time. Well gotta go, next time I type you I will be in the mission field. Love you mom
Elder Rodriguez
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Week 7
Dear Family,
Only 3 more weeks in the MTC until I get out of this hole. There is this kid in my room right now and his name is Elder Allred. He is singing along with a church song and he is doing it bad, so it is even worse! Again, can't wait till I get the heck out of here and to work.
That's good that you feed the missionaries. I hope I could get fed that good. I will probably be giving out pamphlets too to families. I think I told you that for the 4th of July we sang the Star Spangled Banner in the morning, outside our windows. it was early in the morning and it was fun/
The language is getting a bit better. Last Friday our district went proselyting and gave out 48 Book of Mormons. At first, I was a little panicked on the basis of talking to people with a language I have not yet mastered. But somehow, i gave out 4 with my companion. I am truly grateful for my companion because he helped me out when I needed help. I also need to work on not judging people as to how they look, cause I would not talk to scary-looking characters, but I need to realize that everyone is a child of God and that I have an important message to share.
I still have not received your package of candy, I fear that it is lost forever (Elder Rodriguez did receive the candy package a few days later and said it was definitely a morale booster!)
I want to tell you about some spiritual experiences I have had. One night I prayed that as a district we would be able to exercise our Priesthood powers. After this prayer, this blessing came upon all of us in my district. We all had a blessing of comfort come upon us. Everyone gave a blessing. I gave mine to Elder Nielson. He is really a neat elder. I was so happy to have this prayer answered almost immediately. It was truly a blessing. Another experience was when I fasted and prayed throughout the day for Mom to receive her job back, and as you know, that blessing came true too.
Tell Aunt DeAnn to write me. Tell her I only write to people who write to me. I received a email from Grandma Martha. Uncle Barry wrote to me and I'm sending him a letter today along with this one. My hand gets tried sometimes but I still persevere on writing.
I know I am here to serve the Lord, and I know my Savior Jesus Christ died for me. I love that I am here and that I will be spreading a word that is more important then everything. I am thankful for every one's help to me and my family. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love Elder Rodriguez
Only 3 more weeks in the MTC until I get out of this hole. There is this kid in my room right now and his name is Elder Allred. He is singing along with a church song and he is doing it bad, so it is even worse! Again, can't wait till I get the heck out of here and to work.
That's good that you feed the missionaries. I hope I could get fed that good. I will probably be giving out pamphlets too to families. I think I told you that for the 4th of July we sang the Star Spangled Banner in the morning, outside our windows. it was early in the morning and it was fun/
The language is getting a bit better. Last Friday our district went proselyting and gave out 48 Book of Mormons. At first, I was a little panicked on the basis of talking to people with a language I have not yet mastered. But somehow, i gave out 4 with my companion. I am truly grateful for my companion because he helped me out when I needed help. I also need to work on not judging people as to how they look, cause I would not talk to scary-looking characters, but I need to realize that everyone is a child of God and that I have an important message to share.
I still have not received your package of candy, I fear that it is lost forever (Elder Rodriguez did receive the candy package a few days later and said it was definitely a morale booster!)
I want to tell you about some spiritual experiences I have had. One night I prayed that as a district we would be able to exercise our Priesthood powers. After this prayer, this blessing came upon all of us in my district. We all had a blessing of comfort come upon us. Everyone gave a blessing. I gave mine to Elder Nielson. He is really a neat elder. I was so happy to have this prayer answered almost immediately. It was truly a blessing. Another experience was when I fasted and prayed throughout the day for Mom to receive her job back, and as you know, that blessing came true too.
Tell Aunt DeAnn to write me. Tell her I only write to people who write to me. I received a email from Grandma Martha. Uncle Barry wrote to me and I'm sending him a letter today along with this one. My hand gets tried sometimes but I still persevere on writing.
I know I am here to serve the Lord, and I know my Savior Jesus Christ died for me. I love that I am here and that I will be spreading a word that is more important then everything. I am thankful for every one's help to me and my family. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love Elder Rodriguez
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
A letter and email all in 1 week
Letter
The language is coming along. I go proselyting this Friday. Last Monday i did my first lesson in Portuguese. It was rough but I got through it. It's most likely that my first companion in the field is going to be a native. So I will have that same experience as Uncle Richy.
I do admit I am feeling homesick a lot lately but a good friend, Elder Rezende who is also from Mesa, Arizona, so we help each other out a lot. I take these tutoring classes that are helping me out. I feel I'm catching on to the language a bit better.
Ya, I miss Mom a lot too. You could let her read this part. Mom, I love you and I'm doing okay. It is good that you sold the piano. There is an elder here who plays amazing, his name is Elder Olsen. He will play at my wedding!
I went to the Sao Paulo Temple again today. It is a great experience every time. You can't help but feel the spirit there.
One of Todd's friends came in last Wednesday and we talked. It was cool to see a friend of a friend.
I love you guys. Bless you,
Elder Rodriguez
Email
I feel I might be going slowly crazy in here but two more weeks. I leave on Ivan's birthday. August 4. I went proselyting and along with my companion I gave out 4 Book of Mormons. The best part was that it was pouring rain. The leaders say that when you work in the rain the the Lord blesses you with "hot" wives. Ha Ha so you know when it rains I'm working hard. Mom don't worry about me. Instead worry about the people of Brazil cause I'm gonna baptize the #@** out of them.
Mom, dad wrote me he said he was proud and helped me with home sickness. It's getting better slowly. Love you and Ivan. Please send me Todd's address
Love you,
Elder Rodriguez
The language is coming along. I go proselyting this Friday. Last Monday i did my first lesson in Portuguese. It was rough but I got through it. It's most likely that my first companion in the field is going to be a native. So I will have that same experience as Uncle Richy.
I do admit I am feeling homesick a lot lately but a good friend, Elder Rezende who is also from Mesa, Arizona, so we help each other out a lot. I take these tutoring classes that are helping me out. I feel I'm catching on to the language a bit better.
Ya, I miss Mom a lot too. You could let her read this part. Mom, I love you and I'm doing okay. It is good that you sold the piano. There is an elder here who plays amazing, his name is Elder Olsen. He will play at my wedding!
I went to the Sao Paulo Temple again today. It is a great experience every time. You can't help but feel the spirit there.
One of Todd's friends came in last Wednesday and we talked. It was cool to see a friend of a friend.
I love you guys. Bless you,
Elder Rodriguez
I feel I might be going slowly crazy in here but two more weeks. I leave on Ivan's birthday. August 4. I went proselyting and along with my companion I gave out 4 Book of Mormons. The best part was that it was pouring rain. The leaders say that when you work in the rain the the Lord blesses you with "hot" wives. Ha Ha so you know when it rains I'm working hard. Mom don't worry about me. Instead worry about the people of Brazil cause I'm gonna baptize the #@** out of them.
Mom, dad wrote me he said he was proud and helped me with home sickness. It's getting better slowly. Love you and Ivan. Please send me Todd's address
Love you,
Elder Rodriguez
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Excerpts from Elder Rodriguez's letters to family members
All the missionaries in my district went to the Police Station to get finger-printed.
My companion is Elder Bower. He is from Virginia.
There are about 400 missionaries or more in the MTC.
My district leaves the MTC on the 4th of August, Ivan's birthday.
The food is awesome.
When we go to the Temple we attend the English sessions so that we can understand what is being said.
My companion is Elder Bower. He is from Virginia.
There are about 400 missionaries or more in the MTC.
My district leaves the MTC on the 4th of August, Ivan's birthday.
The food is awesome.
When we go to the Temple we attend the English sessions so that we can understand what is being said.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
P-Day
Our district outside the Missionary Training Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Sister Erika Guimaraes, one of our teachers here at the Sao Paulo, Brazil Missionary Training Center
Friday, June 26, 2009
News from the MTC
Dear Familes,
I wanted to pass some pictures on to each of you of your son or daughter with their district at the Sao Paulo Temple. I am a counselor in their Branch Presidency and was able to attend the temple with them.
I am so impressed with each of them and the special district that they have. Each is working so hard and doing so well at learning the language and preparing to enter the field soon.
They are truly wonderful missionaries.
Thank you for all your years of hard work in loving and preparing them to be missionaries for our Lord and Savior. They all send their Love to each of you!
Best wishes,
Elder Wilson
Consultor Medico de Area Brasil
I wanted to pass some pictures on to each of you of your son or daughter with their district at the Sao Paulo Temple. I am a counselor in their Branch Presidency and was able to attend the temple with them.
I am so impressed with each of them and the special district that they have. Each is working so hard and doing so well at learning the language and preparing to enter the field soon.
They are truly wonderful missionaries.
Thank you for all your years of hard work in loving and preparing them to be missionaries for our Lord and Savior. They all send their Love to each of you!
Best wishes,
Elder Wilson
Consultor Medico de Area Brasil
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Week 3 in the MTC
Hey Mom,
My week went good. I just need to learn the language. I'm struggling with it pretty bad, so make sure you keep me in your prayers. I'm watching want I eat so i don't get big. Bradyn (cousin) sent me a letter. I email Todd (friend) every P-day. Myself and another Elder, Elder Rezende, who's from Mesa, AZ got some of our Brazilian elders to teach us cappuerra. Todd will be in for a surprise when I show him my skills. "I feel like a monkey in a pinata waiting for the kids to break me open and take all the candy (show Ivan this) in the MTC". I just want out and a new companion.
That candy and toy idea sounds like a good idea. My second P-day I saw some kids asking for money and I felt compelled to get them some treats. So, I got them some. One of the boys reminded me of Ivan so I thought I would do anything for him. Then I knew how to love everyone. Mom I love you, you will always know that.
Love, Elder Rodriguez
PS: I can't take pictures out of the MTC but this P-day I am going to take some anyways. I'll develop them at a photo shop around the corner. I have enough cards, ha ha they have a thing here for downloading, but I forgot my camera at the dorm. Ya, I would have to say that the cousins are my sisters. Awe the "poppy" (Rocco the dog) you gotta send a picture of him. The work thing is good, just that I don't sleep in anymore-just nap here and there. I wake at 6:00am and go to bed at 10:30pm. Love ya Mom
My week went good. I just need to learn the language. I'm struggling with it pretty bad, so make sure you keep me in your prayers. I'm watching want I eat so i don't get big. Bradyn (cousin) sent me a letter. I email Todd (friend) every P-day. Myself and another Elder, Elder Rezende, who's from Mesa, AZ got some of our Brazilian elders to teach us cappuerra. Todd will be in for a surprise when I show him my skills. "I feel like a monkey in a pinata waiting for the kids to break me open and take all the candy (show Ivan this) in the MTC". I just want out and a new companion.
That candy and toy idea sounds like a good idea. My second P-day I saw some kids asking for money and I felt compelled to get them some treats. So, I got them some. One of the boys reminded me of Ivan so I thought I would do anything for him. Then I knew how to love everyone. Mom I love you, you will always know that.
Love, Elder Rodriguez
PS: I can't take pictures out of the MTC but this P-day I am going to take some anyways. I'll develop them at a photo shop around the corner. I have enough cards, ha ha they have a thing here for downloading, but I forgot my camera at the dorm. Ya, I would have to say that the cousins are my sisters. Awe the "poppy" (Rocco the dog) you gotta send a picture of him. The work thing is good, just that I don't sleep in anymore-just nap here and there. I wake at 6:00am and go to bed at 10:30pm. Love ya Mom
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
2nd Week in the MTC
Hey Mom,
Things are great. Just another P-day. So ya emailing that's cool, Ivan read my letter. Dad just needs to reply to me. Ya I miss Ivan a lot. He is like my best friend. Unfortunately I am turning into a church nerd. My companion is like a dark shadow over me. Follows me everywhere even to the bathroom. Sometimes I feel like giving him a fat lip. Then I ask myself if that's Christ like and I learned to love him. So you know we get along but he is not a person I would hang out with. The food is awesome. I'm getting fat so I'm gonna drink some local water and get a parasite to lose weight. Bishop was right about the awesome language. All the Brazilians think I am Brazilian but then I tell them I'm puerto rican. Whenever I think of Ivan and how much fun we had I start to cry a bit or tear up. Also when I think of you too. So ya, a bit home sick but I learned to emerge myself with the work. You'll be getting blessings real quick as long as I'm doing the work of the Lord. It's really hard sometimes but I'm all good. People look up to me. I've had several of my roommates tell me that they look up to me. It's weird. I guess that patriarchal blessings are from our Father in Heaven. Great Stuff. I'm gonna mail you a letter. You'll get it!! Love you Mom
Elder Rodriguez
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
First Email
Mom,
Guess who it is? Your favorite son. Ha Ha Elder Rodriguez. MTC is great...like a church boot camp or a prison. They have cameras everywhere and electrical fences and guards so ya a prison. But I think I could survive, as long as I don't drop the soap or get shanked I'll be fine. The airport took forever like a 7-hour lay over but I got here ok. Today we went to the Temple and it was great. I learned more about the gospel in these 5 days then 4 years in seminary. It's funny most of the Brazilians think I'm Brazilian so they talk to me all crazy like. Love you mom.
Elder Rodriguez
PS: Tell the poopy I miss him and give a hug and kiss, little hug big kiss, little kiss
(Poppy is Rocco the dog)
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