Howdy Mama!!! and everybody else who may happen to be reading this, Week five of the MTC experience here and I cant tell you how ridiculously fast it's going by, I feel like I just can't do or learn enough by the days end, but I am def. learning, it just takes a little patience and diligence to get through it. It seems that learning how to plan effectively and follow through with goals is just as important as learning how to teach and speak in Portuguese. Well, big news this week... Saturday we taught the first lesson in Portuguese to some members who live near the CTM. Basically theý'll come in to a room with a camera mounted on the wall/ceiling and every 15 min or so missionaries will come in teach a lesson, then leave and grab the tape of the lesson. I feel like we did pretty well and that I was able to speak much of what I wanted, though I am no doubt in need of more fluency, though prayer, faith, patience, diligence and time will help out with that one. Also of note is the fact that Elder Scott came this past weekend to speak to us, it was much different then I expected as he started off shaking everyone's hand and then part way through his talk opened up for questions. One thing he said that stuck with me was a response to how we can develop faith in ourselves. He gave the following advice:
Forget yourself.
Do it with all conviction.
Don't worry about whether or not you have enough time for yourself.
Remember you have been assigned to do this work by inspiration from God.
Indeed the longer I'm out here the more I realize how much I need and will need His help. I think that's one of the things Heavenly Father is trying to teach me, to rely on Him, to be less prideful and to really learn to give Him my all. Looking back at high school I realize just how much I was just getting by for the grades, not that I did all that bad, but I wasn't there to learn. College I began to get that message of trying to go through school for actual learning, and now on my mission it is only becoming ever clearer the need to learn these skills for the mission field and for life. I truly know that the things I do here will likely determine the rest of my life, I'm not only serving and building the Kingdom of God on the Earth, but am building the foundation for the rest of my life. So I've been feeling a bit of pressure (to say the least) but know that I need to just put my life into the Lord's hands, and at this point am just trying to learn how I can best do that. As great as the CTM is, it certainly does make it hard to have some time to really pray and talk with God the way I would like to. I have found a Walden Pond of sorts though in the view from our 6th floor window. (takes a good number of stairs to get there let me tell you...) O btw I also got to sing in a quartet (baritone)for Elder Scott, we sang a mix of "Come Follow Me" and "Vinde a Mim" (some verses in Portuguese some in English) it was a great experience and I took some comfort as I was reminded of the inspiration of mission calls. I know the Lord has called me here for a wise purpose in Him, and that if I can but place my trust in Him, and be obedient to his commandments, He will go before me and prepare a way for me to do those things which he has commanded.
Well I gtg but sounds like you had a rather well, not quite astronomical experience serving a good cause out there for Prop 8, keep up the good work, Love you all and happy birthday to all.
Again love you all much, and know this is the Lord's work,
Your son,
Elder Pettit
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Way to much to say but first I need to thank all for letters, Br Gordon Charles Laura and Elizabeth, sorry I don't have time to reply to each individually, but I have so many I haven't even been able to read all of them yet.... questions though...
How does exercise fit in? We have gym every other day and can use the gym on p day, there's a mini track (14 laps to a mile i think) a weight room, volley ball courts and basketball courts, no frisbee though which is to bad, but tis a good time still.
How many missionaries are there at one time? not sure, a bunch
Where will Elder Hernandez serve? Salvador South
How are the rooms set up? bunk beds a closet for each a safe for each and three desks for six people...not sure how that last one worked out, but I guess we're supposed to study mostly in the class room anyway...
I've had a pretty good week since we last talked, conference messages that really stuck out were looking outwards, strict planning and never giving in to Satan, faith is not a feeling, it's a decision, store deep the spiritual experiences you receive, (I've found this one to be particularly true, just as Satan sent questioning feelings around the Nephites after the sign of Christ's birth, he does the same when we have spiritual experiences.
Had a good insight in Alma 37 (for those who aren't members of our church reading this, Alma is found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)yesterday around the end basically reiterates how I need to be diligent and exercise faith for miracles to happen in and through me. Currently trying to work on "being diligent unto prayer", and seeking to recognize and strictly/courageously follow promptings I receive, and I'm out of time already, hope to get the reading to writing balance down soon enough, other big news, we go tracting downtown on Friday, I'm excited to say the least, and a bit nervous as you might expect, but if I am prepared I know the Lord will help me.
Love you all, Eu sei que este evangelho é vedadeiro e nós temos um profeta vivo. em nome de jesus Cristo amém.
Elder Pettit
How does exercise fit in? We have gym every other day and can use the gym on p day, there's a mini track (14 laps to a mile i think) a weight room, volley ball courts and basketball courts, no frisbee though which is to bad, but tis a good time still.
How many missionaries are there at one time? not sure, a bunch
Where will Elder Hernandez serve? Salvador South
How are the rooms set up? bunk beds a closet for each a safe for each and three desks for six people...not sure how that last one worked out, but I guess we're supposed to study mostly in the class room anyway...
I've had a pretty good week since we last talked, conference messages that really stuck out were looking outwards, strict planning and never giving in to Satan, faith is not a feeling, it's a decision, store deep the spiritual experiences you receive, (I've found this one to be particularly true, just as Satan sent questioning feelings around the Nephites after the sign of Christ's birth, he does the same when we have spiritual experiences.
Had a good insight in Alma 37 (for those who aren't members of our church reading this, Alma is found in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ)yesterday around the end basically reiterates how I need to be diligent and exercise faith for miracles to happen in and through me. Currently trying to work on "being diligent unto prayer", and seeking to recognize and strictly/courageously follow promptings I receive, and I'm out of time already, hope to get the reading to writing balance down soon enough, other big news, we go tracting downtown on Friday, I'm excited to say the least, and a bit nervous as you might expect, but if I am prepared I know the Lord will help me.
Love you all, Eu sei que este evangelho é vedadeiro e nós temos um profeta vivo. em nome de jesus Cristo amém.
Elder Pettit
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
OI!!
As to the news about the package on the muito, bon!
I see you were listening carefully in conference (which was amazing and in English, to answer your question.) It had an extra special meaning this time around, though I´ve always known the words spoken were from God, being out here preparing to serve brought it home that much more. I had been having a bit of a rough time and had some questions on my mind, but as I came into conference praying to receive answers, I found what I was looking for and more. Did anyone else think Brazil was mentioned alot? Or perhaps notice the numerous times we were told to endure to the end/hard times are coming, learn to receive revelation, angels are always there? Signs of the times eh? Maybe next conference they´ll announce a temple complex to be built in Missouri ... Dunno, but if we are prepared we shall not fear eh? So let's go and do...
Aahhhh running out of time, and haven’t even read all my emails yet... I’ll make this quick and try to find a comp with a better keyboard next time.
The food here is pretty good, though it will def take awhile to get over chunks of fat seemingly injected into the meat . Also of note is a fried bean cake with a bean paste, various veggies and shrimp that is apparently very popular in Salvador, along with what I have heard described as other strange cuisine, (not sure exactly what that entails... not sure I”ll want to know either till after I finish some of the meals)
As to the news about the package on the muito, bon!
I see you were listening carefully in conference (which was amazing and in English, to answer your question.) It had an extra special meaning this time around, though I´ve always known the words spoken were from God, being out here preparing to serve brought it home that much more. I had been having a bit of a rough time and had some questions on my mind, but as I came into conference praying to receive answers, I found what I was looking for and more. Did anyone else think Brazil was mentioned alot? Or perhaps notice the numerous times we were told to endure to the end/hard times are coming, learn to receive revelation, angels are always there? Signs of the times eh? Maybe next conference they´ll announce a temple complex to be built in Missouri ... Dunno, but if we are prepared we shall not fear eh? So let's go and do...
Aahhhh running out of time, and haven’t even read all my emails yet... I’ll make this quick and try to find a comp with a better keyboard next time.
The food here is pretty good, though it will def take awhile to get over chunks of fat seemingly injected into the meat . Also of note is a fried bean cake with a bean paste, various veggies and shrimp that is apparently very popular in Salvador, along with what I have heard described as other strange cuisine, (not sure exactly what that entails... not sure I”ll want to know either till after I finish some of the meals)
Howdy neighbors,
Hope all is well. This may come as a bit of a surprise but it seems we will have email access here through a place called Mr.Cheney´s Cookies across the street, (some mormon guy who took the mission scene as an opportunity for business, seems reasonable enough though) Tuesdays are p days for me, and today (along with most supposedly) we got to go to the Campina temple (Sao Paulo is also an option, just depends on the week) so that was pretty cool.
My companion Elder H is from Northern California and seems to be a great guy. The Christlike attributes we´re working on this week are faith and obedience. That's something they put alot of emphasis on here at the CTM (and yes I mean CTM, think portuguese/spanish para mtc) setting measurable goals and accounting for them, and it makes sense, but it'll def. take some getting used to. The other day we (minho companhero e eo) got called in to account and I have to say I felt kinda sheepish at how unorganized we must have seemed (and were). Efficiency I believe truly will come as we learn to plan ahead, set goals, and plan on accounting them not only to our teachers, but ourselves and most importantly the Lord. I feel like I~m picking up the language here pretty well (the key board is a bit diff. btw, so when i go to hit the ` key ill often hit the ~ key, there's also a nice ç key for various words like naçao e maçao) lets see... milestones this week are being able to pray and testify in Portuguese and also to give the first lesson both street contact and medium length. ]
My district is great and we have a ton o fun throughout the day (not forgetting to study seriously though) take for example the other day when one of the elders was trying to remember how to say brincadeira (don~t count on my spelling) which means just kidding, but came up with the word baracao (with a tilde over the last a) which doesn't actually mean anything, its just alot of fun to say, (pronounced bara (roll the r) cao said with a bit of nasal action at the end) don't know if that will make any sense to you guys, but that's the best I can explain it.
The food here is really pretty good, rice beans and meat with 2\3 meals a day usually. They tell us we~re supposed to eat at least 7 colors of food a day and so its probably safe to say I´m eating relatively healthy, at least as well if not better then at home, though the meats here seem to have alot of fat left on if not put in intentionally, so that's kinda gross... but I guess you get used to it. We had a devotional Sunday night where one of the stake presidents and his wife spoke. I liked the way The wife spoke in particular, saying she wanted to speak to us as a mother to her own sons, and offered us a look into eating at members houses on the missions, and really made me think about the situation I~m likely to find out there. Very poor families who have the faith that if they provide for the missionaries they will be blessed, and want nothing more then to serve anyway. Asking us to think what it would be like if we didn't show up, whether intentionally or not. The people of Brazil seem to be very loving humble people by the sounds of things and also judging by the elders who come in, easy to laugh and pal around with. I love to eat with the Brazilians at lunch and try to communicate with a little Portuguese, a little English and a whole lot of hand signals, facial expressions and laughs. One of my favorite things to do is laugh with them, which seems to happen alot.
I know this is where I should be and that a mission, like anything becomes something truly great in small, simple steps.
I love and miss you all,
Your son and missionary,
Elder Pettit
Hope all is well. This may come as a bit of a surprise but it seems we will have email access here through a place called Mr.Cheney´s Cookies across the street, (some mormon guy who took the mission scene as an opportunity for business, seems reasonable enough though) Tuesdays are p days for me, and today (along with most supposedly) we got to go to the Campina temple (Sao Paulo is also an option, just depends on the week) so that was pretty cool.
My companion Elder H is from Northern California and seems to be a great guy. The Christlike attributes we´re working on this week are faith and obedience. That's something they put alot of emphasis on here at the CTM (and yes I mean CTM, think portuguese/spanish para mtc) setting measurable goals and accounting for them, and it makes sense, but it'll def. take some getting used to. The other day we (minho companhero e eo) got called in to account and I have to say I felt kinda sheepish at how unorganized we must have seemed (and were). Efficiency I believe truly will come as we learn to plan ahead, set goals, and plan on accounting them not only to our teachers, but ourselves and most importantly the Lord. I feel like I~m picking up the language here pretty well (the key board is a bit diff. btw, so when i go to hit the ` key ill often hit the ~ key, there's also a nice ç key for various words like naçao e maçao) lets see... milestones this week are being able to pray and testify in Portuguese and also to give the first lesson both street contact and medium length. ]
My district is great and we have a ton o fun throughout the day (not forgetting to study seriously though) take for example the other day when one of the elders was trying to remember how to say brincadeira (don~t count on my spelling) which means just kidding, but came up with the word baracao (with a tilde over the last a) which doesn't actually mean anything, its just alot of fun to say, (pronounced bara (roll the r) cao said with a bit of nasal action at the end) don't know if that will make any sense to you guys, but that's the best I can explain it.
The food here is really pretty good, rice beans and meat with 2\3 meals a day usually. They tell us we~re supposed to eat at least 7 colors of food a day and so its probably safe to say I´m eating relatively healthy, at least as well if not better then at home, though the meats here seem to have alot of fat left on if not put in intentionally, so that's kinda gross... but I guess you get used to it. We had a devotional Sunday night where one of the stake presidents and his wife spoke. I liked the way The wife spoke in particular, saying she wanted to speak to us as a mother to her own sons, and offered us a look into eating at members houses on the missions, and really made me think about the situation I~m likely to find out there. Very poor families who have the faith that if they provide for the missionaries they will be blessed, and want nothing more then to serve anyway. Asking us to think what it would be like if we didn't show up, whether intentionally or not. The people of Brazil seem to be very loving humble people by the sounds of things and also judging by the elders who come in, easy to laugh and pal around with. I love to eat with the Brazilians at lunch and try to communicate with a little Portuguese, a little English and a whole lot of hand signals, facial expressions and laughs. One of my favorite things to do is laugh with them, which seems to happen alot.
I know this is where I should be and that a mission, like anything becomes something truly great in small, simple steps.
I love and miss you all,
Your son and missionary,
Elder Pettit
First Letter Home
9/24/08
Howdy Neighbors!
Got in just a bit before 7 this morning and have been up and going since. Felt pretty akward going through an airport where I couldn't undertand half of what was being said but being with 25! other missionaries was a bit of a strength, didnt' expect that many (they all met in Dallas,TX to fly to Sao Paulo) and somehow with all of us following each other we made it to the Alex Nunes ( he was picking them up).
The food will take some getting used to, thought it's not bad --except the milk is kinda funky, not to mention buying from the streetside vendors is a no no, e-coli and the like are too often contracted --extra motivation for obedience eh?
Orientation involved various house keeping matters but also a great sharing of self. It seems all are great Elders and Sisters. Interestingly enough, many of them either remind me of others I know or just seem familiar somehow. My comapnion Elder H mentioned the same which I thought was interesting. He strikes me as a concious individual of self and others; 22 if I remember correctly with a great interest in psychology. He seems to have a strong testimony and has looked a lot into various faiths before he came back to the church. He seems a knowledgeable and disciplined learner. We;ll have our first classes starting tomorrow at 9:45 with a group meeting with the MTC president just before.
Well, dinner is on and we may be heading to the gym afterword.
Love,
Jacob
Howdy Neighbors!
Got in just a bit before 7 this morning and have been up and going since. Felt pretty akward going through an airport where I couldn't undertand half of what was being said but being with 25! other missionaries was a bit of a strength, didnt' expect that many (they all met in Dallas,TX to fly to Sao Paulo) and somehow with all of us following each other we made it to the Alex Nunes ( he was picking them up).
The food will take some getting used to, thought it's not bad --except the milk is kinda funky, not to mention buying from the streetside vendors is a no no, e-coli and the like are too often contracted --extra motivation for obedience eh?
Orientation involved various house keeping matters but also a great sharing of self. It seems all are great Elders and Sisters. Interestingly enough, many of them either remind me of others I know or just seem familiar somehow. My comapnion Elder H mentioned the same which I thought was interesting. He strikes me as a concious individual of self and others; 22 if I remember correctly with a great interest in psychology. He seems to have a strong testimony and has looked a lot into various faiths before he came back to the church. He seems a knowledgeable and disciplined learner. We;ll have our first classes starting tomorrow at 9:45 with a group meeting with the MTC president just before.
Well, dinner is on and we may be heading to the gym afterword.
Love,
Jacob
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