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| Santa's elf, playing Nerf wars... |
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| Mormon thug life... |
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Week 21
This week was interesting. The only day that I really worked was on Tuesday and this is why: Wednesday- in bed with a fever, Thursday- district leadership training in Campinas,
So, I have received one Christmas package when I visited Campinas and had to pay about R$200 and I apologize that I opened it IMMEDIATELY when I got home once I saw "pumpkin pie" and just know that immediately after i opened it, a Nerf war ensued where I learned that the Nerf guns HURT!! It is amazing and Elder Sosa wants me to ask you for another mega (he loves that thing).
As for your other packages, I think that I will receive them when I am in Campinas again this Wednesday for Zone Conference so I will tell you if I receive them. Please thank the ward on behalf of me and I look forward to receiving their package.
This week was interesting. The only day that I really worked was on Tuesday and this is why: Wednesday- in bed with a fever, Thursday- district leadership training in Campinas,
Friday and Saturday- stayed in house with Elder Fisher because he couldn't walk on his ankle for three days.
So, not much to report, but it was a good week. I got a new smaller Portuguese Bible so I started marking that up really quickly so I can use it in lessons/for other messages, so that was very exciting.
I love my companion. He is amazing and is an extremely good companion. I love him especially since he is the "filho" (child) of elder Tavares, my former zone leader.
As for Skype, I will have 40 minutes on Sunday between 4-6 my time and this next Saturday is P-day so I will email you to talk more about that.
So, I have received one Christmas package when I visited Campinas and had to pay about R$200 and I apologize that I opened it IMMEDIATELY when I got home once I saw "pumpkin pie" and just know that immediately after i opened it, a Nerf war ensued where I learned that the Nerf guns HURT!! It is amazing and Elder Sosa wants me to ask you for another mega (he loves that thing).
As for your other packages, I think that I will receive them when I am in Campinas again this Wednesday for Zone Conference so I will tell you if I receive them. Please thank the ward on behalf of me and I look forward to receiving their package.
Keep telling me how your weeks go and I will see you on Christmas.
Love
Elder Jardine
(We were able to speak with Elder Jardine today for 45 minutes. He looks great. He's gained about 10 pounds [now busting the scales at 150] and is happy. He was sweating up a storm, since it's summer in Brazil and it was 94 degrees today, but smiling, which we love to see. He also told us he got all his Christmas packages-we sent 2 and our wonderful ward here in Highland sent one.)
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Week 20
Hey, so this week was interesting. As you all know, I have a new companion, Elder Almeida from Quiaba, which is apparently the hottest part of Brazil. He is great, very excited. He has 1 year and 1 month in the mission and he works hard. Also, we now have a brand new American in our house-Elder Fisher of the great and wonderos land of Lindon, Utah. He is great. I promised his trainer, Elder Sosa, that I wouldn't speak English with him unless he needed to, although at times, I slip and speak a little English. But it is great to help and see where I was just a few months ago and where I am now.
We also had a huge activity at the church. We had lots of food, some crazy fruit artistry and even a few bouncy houses and water attractions. It was great. I will send pictures. As far as teaching goes, we have two people that we are going to try to focus on-Leandro, who is a youth of 16 and has a friend in the church (although we are going to cut him if he doesn't attend church this week). The other person is Issac who started to talk with us one day when we were sitting down and let's just say we were quite shocked about how much he knows especially when he asked if the Spirit World was close to Kolob
. But, we talked with him more the next day before church and he has basically frequented our church and he says that this is his favorite church. He just needs to feel firm before he will be baptized.
As for strange things, the strangest thing I have eaten was in the Missionary Training Center and it was cow tongue, which I didnt know was in with the fashion. The weirdest thing I have drunk is suco do acerola, which basically tastes like they juiced a pumpkin
. Needless to say, I am not the biggest fan. Our apartment is one of the nicest in the mission and we have a washer and a few drying racks for our clothes. they don't use clothes dryers here, but it's all good. I am loving the Brazilian people; they are all really nice and a very pleasant people.
Hey, so this week was interesting. As you all know, I have a new companion, Elder Almeida from Quiaba, which is apparently the hottest part of Brazil. He is great, very excited. He has 1 year and 1 month in the mission and he works hard. Also, we now have a brand new American in our house-Elder Fisher of the great and wonderos land of Lindon, Utah. He is great. I promised his trainer, Elder Sosa, that I wouldn't speak English with him unless he needed to, although at times, I slip and speak a little English. But it is great to help and see where I was just a few months ago and where I am now.
We also had a huge activity at the church. We had lots of food, some crazy fruit artistry and even a few bouncy houses and water attractions. It was great. I will send pictures. As far as teaching goes, we have two people that we are going to try to focus on-Leandro, who is a youth of 16 and has a friend in the church (although we are going to cut him if he doesn't attend church this week). The other person is Issac who started to talk with us one day when we were sitting down and let's just say we were quite shocked about how much he knows especially when he asked if the Spirit World was close to Kolob
As for strange things, the strangest thing I have eaten was in the Missionary Training Center and it was cow tongue, which I didnt know was in with the fashion. The weirdest thing I have drunk is suco do acerola, which basically tastes like they juiced a pumpkin
But, I am well and it is always good to hear how you guys are doing. Keep having awesome weeks and keep telling me everything. Can't wait to Skype you guys on Christmas. Keep getting better, mom, and keep working on the house, dad.
I love you all so much and I can't wait to talk to you guys.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Week 19
Well, this week was good and before I forget, I will answer all of your questions. First off, the other two elders in my house are Elder Sosa of Mexico, who is a great guy and loves to try to speak what words he knows in English; the other elder is Elder Morrise and we don't exactly get along... (but he is being transferred, so it's all good). But, he is an ok guy.
Christmas is pretty much the same here minus the fact that it is hot and rains occasionally. As for our recent converts- Erika is extremely happy and firm as a rock. She is probably my favorite person to visit with. As for Danilo, he has slipped back into smoking and not coming to church, so we will visit him this week to help him out.
As far as meals go, I make my breakfast; members feed us lunch every day minus p-day, and for diner unless a member invites us, we normally just take an hour break and eat açí of cookies with Coke. My Portuguese is better, but I am not fluent yet, and I have yet to receive your packages.
Well, this week was good and before I forget, I will answer all of your questions. First off, the other two elders in my house are Elder Sosa of Mexico, who is a great guy and loves to try to speak what words he knows in English; the other elder is Elder Morrise and we don't exactly get along... (but he is being transferred, so it's all good). But, he is an ok guy.
Christmas is pretty much the same here minus the fact that it is hot and rains occasionally. As for our recent converts- Erika is extremely happy and firm as a rock. She is probably my favorite person to visit with. As for Danilo, he has slipped back into smoking and not coming to church, so we will visit him this week to help him out.
As far as meals go, I make my breakfast; members feed us lunch every day minus p-day, and for diner unless a member invites us, we normally just take an hour break and eat açí of cookies with Coke. My Portuguese is better, but I am not fluent yet, and I have yet to receive your packages.
My week was good. We worked hard and are trying our best. We have a new investigator named Leandro, who is 16 and a friend of a member and things look promising. This week was a pretty normal one; work, walk, talk, teach, eat, sleep-so not really anything super exciting happened.
Keep telling me how things are going and I always enjoy seeing your pictures. Hope you guys have a fantastic week.
I love you all so much and can't wait to see you in 20 days on Christmas.
Bom sourte and tchou!!!!
Com Amor,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Week 18
Well, this week was good. We worked really hard. We also tried a new area one day and we taught 4 lessons and found one elect person. His name was Jovani and he was our last lesson in that area. He was excited to learn more and he really wants this gospel. The Spirit was extremely strong in our lesson and it was terrific. Our best lesson of the week. Unfortunately, he didn't come to church, so that's a bummer, but we still have hope for him.
As for my Thanksgiving, I low key thought that it was on the 25th and about mid-day, I realized that is was the fourth Thursday of November... but the bishop took us and the other missionaries and the ward mission leader our for pizza, which was great.
This week actually went by really fast. On Wednesday, we had interviews with the president where we mainly talked about the types of missionaries and I promised him that I would be the missionary that he could count on, like Ephraim (see Ephraim's Rescue) and help my companion (who is, in my opinion, the greatest missionary in Brazil, possibly South America).
Speaking of my companion, he dies (returns home) next Tuesday, which is sad, but I will be sure to tell you about my new companion. Also, attached are some photos of Thanksgiving, my Christmas decorations, a view in the area we tried where my companion said in his best english "This is the Place" and an owl who has the same face as me every time my companion says that he has um semana (a week left).
Well, this week was good. We worked really hard. We also tried a new area one day and we taught 4 lessons and found one elect person. His name was Jovani and he was our last lesson in that area. He was excited to learn more and he really wants this gospel. The Spirit was extremely strong in our lesson and it was terrific. Our best lesson of the week. Unfortunately, he didn't come to church, so that's a bummer, but we still have hope for him.
As for my Thanksgiving, I low key thought that it was on the 25th and about mid-day, I realized that is was the fourth Thursday of November... but the bishop took us and the other missionaries and the ward mission leader our for pizza, which was great.
This week actually went by really fast. On Wednesday, we had interviews with the president where we mainly talked about the types of missionaries and I promised him that I would be the missionary that he could count on, like Ephraim (see Ephraim's Rescue) and help my companion (who is, in my opinion, the greatest missionary in Brazil, possibly South America).
Speaking of my companion, he dies (returns home) next Tuesday, which is sad, but I will be sure to tell you about my new companion. Also, attached are some photos of Thanksgiving, my Christmas decorations, a view in the area we tried where my companion said in his best english "This is the Place" and an owl who has the same face as me every time my companion says that he has um semana (a week left).
It's always great to hear from you guys. Keep me informed and keep sending me pictures.
I hope the Lord continues to bless you and hope that you all have a great week. (Hope your shoulder gets better, mom.)
With the love of our Savior,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Week 17
Well, this week was better. We worked hard and had more success. We pray for guidance every day and we try super hard. At times, it is difficult because we obey all the rules and work super hard, but don't have much success, but we'll keep putting our faith in the Lord.
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Well, this week was better. We worked hard and had more success. We pray for guidance every day and we try super hard. At times, it is difficult because we obey all the rules and work super hard, but don't have much success, but we'll keep putting our faith in the Lord.
It's good to hear from you. I hope things go well with your surgery, mom, and hope that you all can get healthy again (I had shoulder surgery on Monday, November 21st and our family has been fighting a really bad cold for a few weeks).
This week, I actually had an interesting experience. We have a less active member named Edimuton who is the son of a recent convert. Most of the time that we visit him, he says a lot of things that I can't understand, but know that they are not nice and guessing by how he acts, he doesn't like us at all. But this week, he had a fever and while he didn't want one at first, and after a few experiences that I had ( the one when Jaron gave me a blessing when I was in the hospital getting an IV) he humbled himself enough to ask for a blessing. I gave him one and, lo and behold, the next day, he was better. So that was an interesting experience.
Just keep enjoying life and know that I will only be gone for two Thanksgivings and I will Skype on Christmas.
Well, that was my week. Enjoy Thanksgiving and I will tell you when I receive your package.
Love you all and hope you have a great week.
Elder Jardine
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Week 16
This week was kind of rough. We did a lot of walking, but not a whole lot of teaching, and I was kind of discouraged because of my numbers (My goal was to talk to 150 people, but I actually only talked to 88.)
I had a small miracle this week. One day, I lost my ID pouch, which carries all of the things I need, but after a few prayers, we received a call from someone who said that they had found my ID pouch. It was great because we went and got my pouch and then taught them the first lesson and they listened to us.
Right now, the weather feels like October-November in Utah (just today and yesterday) and I am reminded of what it was like there.
We did meet a lady this week to teach. Her name is Antonia and she asks the perfect questions. We are hoping to teach her the Plan of Salvation this week.
Keep telling me how things are.
Love you guys. Have a great week.
Sincerely,
Elder JardineSunday, November 13, 2016
Week 15
This week was good. We are now working on the kids of our baptisms. Thawani, the 21 year-old daughter of Erika, and Pedro, the 10 year-old son of Danilo. They both need some work; Thawani needs to change her work schedule and stop drinking alcohol and coffee (she works in a bar, so she has to test the drinks before she gives them) and Pedro just needs to get a desire to be baptized.
This week, we did a lot of walking with not much success, but we are going to try new areas this week. So pray we have success.
Also, last Monday, I had my most American meal yet... Burger King.... ohhh yeah! It was good, especially when I had two soft serve ice cream cones and shortly thereafter went into a food coma for three hours. This week was good.
This week was good. We are now working on the kids of our baptisms. Thawani, the 21 year-old daughter of Erika, and Pedro, the 10 year-old son of Danilo. They both need some work; Thawani needs to change her work schedule and stop drinking alcohol and coffee (she works in a bar, so she has to test the drinks before she gives them) and Pedro just needs to get a desire to be baptized.
This week, we did a lot of walking with not much success, but we are going to try new areas this week. So pray we have success.
Also, last Monday, I had my most American meal yet... Burger King.... ohhh yeah! It was good, especially when I had two soft serve ice cream cones and shortly thereafter went into a food coma for three hours. This week was good.
It is always good to hear how your weeks are. Keep me posted on things and keep having great times.
I love you all so much and I pray for you continually.
With love,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Week 14
This week was great. It was a pretty normal one with not too much excitement other than the fact that we had another baptism. His name is Danilo and his wife was a less active (now active). Pictures are attached.
Also, I had an interesting experience that looks promising for me in the language department. We have a member in our ward named Edison, and he wants to learn English. He is also one of the people who we try to visit at least twice a week. This week, with my companion's permission, I could speak English with him or at least I tried. I couldn't really speak too well. I kept slipping into Portuguese. It was hilarious. I actually had to think about how to speak English. I am at the point where Portuguese is my default language and English is my secondary language that I don't speak.
I am well, continuing to work and find new investigators. We are now teaching Erika's 21 year old daughter, Kawani and she seems very interested. She is reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it. The only difficulty she has is work; she works Friday nights, so it is a bit difficult for her to attend church but she tries.
So, that was my week. It is always good to hear about your weeks and all the success you are having.
This week was great. It was a pretty normal one with not too much excitement other than the fact that we had another baptism. His name is Danilo and his wife was a less active (now active). Pictures are attached.
Also, I had an interesting experience that looks promising for me in the language department. We have a member in our ward named Edison, and he wants to learn English. He is also one of the people who we try to visit at least twice a week. This week, with my companion's permission, I could speak English with him or at least I tried. I couldn't really speak too well. I kept slipping into Portuguese. It was hilarious. I actually had to think about how to speak English. I am at the point where Portuguese is my default language and English is my secondary language that I don't speak.I am well, continuing to work and find new investigators. We are now teaching Erika's 21 year old daughter, Kawani and she seems very interested. She is reading the Book of Mormon and praying about it. The only difficulty she has is work; she works Friday nights, so it is a bit difficult for her to attend church but she tries.
So, that was my week. It is always good to hear about your weeks and all the success you are having.
Keep me informed.
Love you guys.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Week 13
This week was great! It is good to hear about all of your weeks. This week was a bit exciting for me. I had my first baptism!!!!!!!!!!! We baptized a widow named Erika who we had been teaching this whole transfer so it was very good to baptize her. I will send you some pictures. My companion is Elder Santos da Sylva. He has one transfer left and is an excellent trainer even though I am his first and last trainee. He is a really calm, cool guy and I can joke with him and he helps me a lot. I am very blessed to have him as my first companion out here in the compo de missionario (mission field).
This week was pretty normal. I am still working on talking to 30 people a day. The weather is crazy; it will be blasting hot in the morning and, if we are lucky, it will be overcast in the afternoon, although it is always a coin toss whether or not it will become a complete downpour.
We are still working on our only two investigator's baptisms. We just need to get Danilo to live the Word of Wisdom and have his 10 year old son, Pedro, come to church with his parents (his mom, Patricia, is a less active member). But ya, my weeks are starting to go by fast and my Portuguese is progressing.
This week was great! It is good to hear about all of your weeks. This week was a bit exciting for me. I had my first baptism!!!!!!!!!!! We baptized a widow named Erika who we had been teaching this whole transfer so it was very good to baptize her. I will send you some pictures. My companion is Elder Santos da Sylva. He has one transfer left and is an excellent trainer even though I am his first and last trainee. He is a really calm, cool guy and I can joke with him and he helps me a lot. I am very blessed to have him as my first companion out here in the compo de missionario (mission field).
This week was pretty normal. I am still working on talking to 30 people a day. The weather is crazy; it will be blasting hot in the morning and, if we are lucky, it will be overcast in the afternoon, although it is always a coin toss whether or not it will become a complete downpour.
We are still working on our only two investigator's baptisms. We just need to get Danilo to live the Word of Wisdom and have his 10 year old son, Pedro, come to church with his parents (his mom, Patricia, is a less active member). But ya, my weeks are starting to go by fast and my Portuguese is progressing.
I love you all so much and I hope life continues to improve for you.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Week 12
Well, this week was good. We weren't able to baptize Erika this Sunday because she wasn't in town, but we are shooting for this Wednesday, so that is exciting. Jessica decided that she didn't want the gospel, so that was sad, but I just told her to keep reading and praying for an answer so that was okay. We are also hoping to have two other baptisms this week, so pray for that.
It is sad to hear about Grandma Ignacio, but she is in heaven now so it's all good. (My maternal grandmother passed away this past week.)
So, things here were pretty normal and I am loving the weather. It is hot in the mornings and pouring rain at night so that's great. I remember we had to run to an appointment with Erika and I just was laughing while getting drenched. When we got to her house, she gave us some warm chocolate milk and cookies, so that was great.
Well, this week was good. We weren't able to baptize Erika this Sunday because she wasn't in town, but we are shooting for this Wednesday, so that is exciting. Jessica decided that she didn't want the gospel, so that was sad, but I just told her to keep reading and praying for an answer so that was okay. We are also hoping to have two other baptisms this week, so pray for that.
It is sad to hear about Grandma Ignacio, but she is in heaven now so it's all good. (My maternal grandmother passed away this past week.)
So, things here were pretty normal and I am loving the weather. It is hot in the mornings and pouring rain at night so that's great. I remember we had to run to an appointment with Erika and I just was laughing while getting drenched. When we got to her house, she gave us some warm chocolate milk and cookies, so that was great.
I am glad to hear that everything is going well. Just keep telling me how things are going and I will tell you when I get your packages.
I love you alll so much and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless you.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Week 11
Well, I am glad to hear that everything is going well and that you are all having fun.
Well, I am glad to hear that everything is going well and that you are all having fun.
This week was good and went by fast. We just keep tracting and teaching our investigators. Some highlights... we got one of our investigators, Erika, to come to church, so we are shooting for her to be baptized this week! Yay! My first baptism! I will send you a picture! (Also, with Erika. One night, we had this amazing lesson where we talked about church and we started talking about hymns, so I pulled out my little Portuguese hymnbook that I carry around for situations like this and me and my companion shared a few hymns we thought could cheer her up. I was also able to sing Brilia Mega Luz or Lead Kindly, Light for her. It was awesome.)
Also, I was able to place my second Book of Mormon when we taught a girl named Jessica. She lives in humble circumstances and I can tell she wants to learn more, so I am excited for that. The only bad thing I can remember about this week is when one of our promising investigators decided that she didn't want to have this church and gave us back the Book of Mormon we gave her (my first), but I have already used my fifteen minutes on that, so... moving on... (Nathan's computer time is limited on P-days since he has so many other things he has to do to prepare for the upcoming week.)
I am working on talking to everyone seeing as how our mission president has set a goal for us to talk with 30 people per day so that will be interesting. I am getting along with my companions and we are having fun. The language is coming easier, although at times, I don't understand everything but I am working on that. My companion is starting to have me take the lead seeing as how he will be heading home in a week or two and I will have to show the new missionary around.
So, yeah. Everything is going well. It's funny because up there it's starting to get colder but down here, it is starting to get blazing hot so if you could send me a hanky or something that would be great.
Well, continue to tell me how things are going up there. Send me some pictures if you can. It is always good to hear from you guys. I love you all so much and I hope that things continue to go well for you.
Tchau! ("bye" in Portuguese.)
Sincerely
Elder Nathan Paul Jardine
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Week 10
Alright. First off, I did get to watch General Conference in English (I was the only one in the little secretary's office watching it live on the computer) and yes, General Conference was awesome. I took about 20-30 pages of notes (each page was a quarter of the size of a normal piece of paper). Yes, I was also able to watch the Priesthood session in between sessions (in English) so that was great.
Also, in morning session, we had one of our investigators, Erika, come and I felt like the first 3 talks were purely for her, especially the one about joy (her husband died recently and she has been feeling sad).
Other than that, this week was good. Tiring, but good. The other three missionaries in our house live to play Uno, Brazilian style (it's interesting).
Alright. First off, I did get to watch General Conference in English (I was the only one in the little secretary's office watching it live on the computer) and yes, General Conference was awesome. I took about 20-30 pages of notes (each page was a quarter of the size of a normal piece of paper). Yes, I was also able to watch the Priesthood session in between sessions (in English) so that was great.
Also, in morning session, we had one of our investigators, Erika, come and I felt like the first 3 talks were purely for her, especially the one about joy (her husband died recently and she has been feeling sad).
Other than that, this week was good. Tiring, but good. The other three missionaries in our house live to play Uno, Brazilian style (it's interesting).
So, everything here is good. We are still working on getting investigators to come to church so they can be baptized and we have had to cut one or two investigators, but we keep meeting new people.
Oh! On a side note, I gave out my first Book of Mormon, so that is a small milestone 
. I am getting better at learning Portuguese and I speak as much as I can along with utilizing language study in the morning. It is getting to the point that Portuguese is my primary language when I speak and I am also starting to think in Portuguese so that is exciting.
I learned this past Friday that I am able to get letters and packages every three months at zone conference and interviews so we'll see when I get your packages and letters...so, ya. All is good here.
Keep telling me how things are going and any news that I should know ( I had a dream last night that Jessica was pregnant so DEFINITELY tell me when that happens or anything close to that) and please send me pictures. I love hearing from you guys.
With all the love in the world,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Week 9
Well, this week was good. We went tracting a lot and we taught a lot of lessons. We were able to get three or four people to commit to baptism (one is named Paulo and he agreed to be baptized on November 1st after hearing just the first lesson. We go to teach him tomorrow about the Word of Wisdom so we can get him working on his smoking problem (that is how we found him when we were out proselyting). We talked to a lot of people and they are mostly open to our message (no Jehovah's Witnesses). My companion, Elder da Silva, and I are getting along great; he does a great job at teaching me and letting me teach. My other two housemates are cool; a little bit crazy, but we all get along.
Things were a bit difficult at the beginning and end of this week. I was tired and a bit depressed and in pain. (Nathan has hurt his knee and it's been bothering him lately with how much walking they have to do.) I am doing everything my mission president and his wife have counseled me to do to make things better.
It is sad to hear that Mike Riggs died, but at least he is in heaven now, so he is perfect (literally). (Mike Riggs was a man in our Eugene ward who was confined to a wheelchair all his life with significant health problems; even so, he was an amazing example of faith in the face of adversity.) Keep telling me how things are going there.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Week 8
Well, I am here and things are going well. I am learning the language quickly and I am noticing that every day I am improving. I am proselyting a lot and we are having some success. I am eating very well every day; we have a member feed us lunch (which is the equivalent of dinner here) and I have a good breakfast every day (THANK YOU MOM FOR TEACHING ME HOW TO COOK AND CLEAN!) Also, it is safe to say that my area is the most organized place in the house, aside from the kitchen (which I organized).
Well, I am here and things are going well. I am learning the language quickly and I am noticing that every day I am improving. I am proselyting a lot and we are having some success. I am eating very well every day; we have a member feed us lunch (which is the equivalent of dinner here) and I have a good breakfast every day (THANK YOU MOM FOR TEACHING ME HOW TO COOK AND CLEAN!) Also, it is safe to say that my area is the most organized place in the house, aside from the kitchen (which I organized).
It is good to hear that everyone is doing well. I am glad to hear that you got my letter and I hope you get the next one I sent about a week ago. If you send a letter, a trick I learned is to put a Virgin Mary stamp on the seal and put Virgin Mary stamps both in and on the package (that way they won't open it and if they do, they will feel very, very bad).
Well, I hope that everything contunures (I wasn't sure what this word was, so I googled it. It's Portuguese for "continues" which is good. Nathan is really struggling right now with the language, but if he's slipping Portuguese words in his email, it means he's starting to transition to fluency.) to go well for you and I hope that you always remember that the Lord is there for you when things seem to be going wrong.
I love you all so much and I pray for you daily.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Week 7
Hey, this is just an email to let you know that I am alive and that I am finally in the Campinas mission home. I won't be able to email you until next Monday. I will tell you more then. I love you all so much and as soon as I can, I will send all the pictures I have taken over the past month (there are some pretty freaking cool ones if i do say so myself).
Hey, this is just an email to let you know that I am alive and that I am finally in the Campinas mission home. I won't be able to email you until next Monday. I will tell you more then. I love you all so much and as soon as I can, I will send all the pictures I have taken over the past month (there are some pretty freaking cool ones if i do say so myself).
Check out Adventures of a Mission President's Wife (blog) and Brazil Campinas Mission 2015-2018 (facebook page). My mission president is President Hill (and Sister Hill, his wife).
Like I said, this is just to let you know that all is well and that I have finally started my mission, so I will tell you more next Monday.
Love you!!
Sincerely,
Elder Nathan Jardine
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Week 6
Everything is going well here. I leave for Campinas next
Tuesday and things are starting to wind down here at the MTC. I am healthy, gaining weight and muscle ( My goal is to do at least 50 push ups, 50 sit ups and 15 pull ups a day). We were able to hear from Elder Neill L. Anderson here at the MTC this past Wednesday and I was able to shake his hand. It was awesome.
As for the house... holy crap are you building a castle? (I sent pics of the footings for the foundation.) It looks huge!!!! But I cant wait to see the finished product. Well, it is always good to hear from all of you and I am so happy to hear all is going well. I will send more pictures as soon as I can. I love you all so much and a pray for your saftey and for the Lord to bless you every day. The Lord loves us all and he will help us if we ask for help. I know that's true because that was how I
was able to get through life in the MTC and I will probably use it a lot in the coming weeks/months until I am fluent in Portuguese and know what I am doing :).
Love you all and hope you have a fantastic week.
Sincerely
Elder Nathan Jardine
Everything is going well here. I leave for Campinas next
Tuesday and things are starting to wind down here at the MTC. I am healthy, gaining weight and muscle ( My goal is to do at least 50 push ups, 50 sit ups and 15 pull ups a day). We were able to hear from Elder Neill L. Anderson here at the MTC this past Wednesday and I was able to shake his hand. It was awesome.
As for the house... holy crap are you building a castle? (I sent pics of the footings for the foundation.) It looks huge!!!! But I cant wait to see the finished product. Well, it is always good to hear from all of you and I am so happy to hear all is going well. I will send more pictures as soon as I can. I love you all so much and a pray for your saftey and for the Lord to bless you every day. The Lord loves us all and he will help us if we ask for help. I know that's true because that was how I
was able to get through life in the MTC and I will probably use it a lot in the coming weeks/months until I am fluent in Portuguese and know what I am doing :).
Love you all and hope you have a fantastic week.
Sincerely
Elder Nathan Jardine
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Week 5
Well, I have officially been out here for 31 days and honestly, it doesn't seem that long. I am glad to hear that everything is going well and that the Lord is blessing you. As for your callings, have fun!! (Rich and I were sustained today as the 13-14 year old Sunday School class instructors.)
Well, I have officially been out here for 31 days and honestly, it doesn't seem that long. I am glad to hear that everything is going well and that the Lord is blessing you. As for your callings, have fun!! (Rich and I were sustained today as the 13-14 year old Sunday School class instructors.)
Things here are great. This last Tuesday, we said good-bye to our district friends. I was surprised by how much I bawled and by the impact we had on them. There are a few MTC traditions here and we were privileged to be able to get to participate in one of them by being the district who gets to keep "the book" which was started by this district. What "the book"is is it is the testimonies of all the missionaries who go through the Brazil MTC and only one American district keeps it in their room until it is passed down, and we were the district, so it's a pretty big honor.
The reason I cried so much when they left is because I looked at them with the same eyes I use when I look at Jaron and Hayden and that got me thinking about them and that night I spent a good 15 minutes crying. But I'm good now, so it's all good.
The reason I cried so much when they left is because I looked at them with the same eyes I use when I look at Jaron and Hayden and that got me thinking about them and that night I spent a good 15 minutes crying. But I'm good now, so it's all good.
This is my second to last p-day before I leave for the field.
I am really loving the MTC. I am seeing myself become more fluent each day and I haven't felt the Spirit stronger anywhere else in my life (aside from the temple).
I miss you all. I love you and I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your lives.
Sincerely and with pure love,
Elder Nathan Paul Jardine
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Week 4
Well, it is so good to hear from all of you! I am glad to see that everything is going so well.
In general, things are going well here. I wrote a letter with some of my more spiritual moments, so I'll just tell you the general stuff for now. My roommates are Elder Nichols from Alpine, Utah (he went to Lone Peak) and his companion, Elder Johnson, from Star Valley, Wyoming. Then, there is my companion, Elder Crockett, from Mapleton, Utah and they are all great guys. Things here are going smoothly. It doesn't feel like I have been in the MTC for three weeks, but at the same time, it feels like years. The language is tough, but I find myself starting to understand little by little, so it's going well. Things are just by schedule here, so not really much time to do other things, but at least I'm not dying of boredom.
One cool thing that I mentioned in my previously mentioned letter is the fact that we went proselyting last Saturday and we were able to hand out 9 Books of Mormon, get 3 addresses and one promise to call, so that was super cool. Also yesterday, we were able to hear from a General Authority and in one or two weeks, Elder Neil L. Anderson is coming to the MTC so I will be able to meet him.
Well, it is so good to hear from all of you! I am glad to see that everything is going so well.
In general, things are going well here. I wrote a letter with some of my more spiritual moments, so I'll just tell you the general stuff for now. My roommates are Elder Nichols from Alpine, Utah (he went to Lone Peak) and his companion, Elder Johnson, from Star Valley, Wyoming. Then, there is my companion, Elder Crockett, from Mapleton, Utah and they are all great guys. Things here are going smoothly. It doesn't feel like I have been in the MTC for three weeks, but at the same time, it feels like years. The language is tough, but I find myself starting to understand little by little, so it's going well. Things are just by schedule here, so not really much time to do other things, but at least I'm not dying of boredom.
One cool thing that I mentioned in my previously mentioned letter is the fact that we went proselyting last Saturday and we were able to hand out 9 Books of Mormon, get 3 addresses and one promise to call, so that was super cool. Also yesterday, we were able to hear from a General Authority and in one or two weeks, Elder Neil L. Anderson is coming to the MTC so I will be able to meet him.
I hope that mom and Lauren enjoy school and I hope everything else in your guy's life goes as planned. One thing that I have learned here during my time in the MTC is that if you have the Spirit with you, all will go better than it would without it.
Well, that's all for now.
I love you guys and I think about you every day . I pray that the Lord will bless all of you and that everything goes well.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
PS-if you want to send me a letter, send it to:
PS-if you want to send me a letter, send it to:
Nathan Jardine
Brazil Campinas Mission
Brazil Missionary Training Center
Box 45, District 31-A
Rua Padre Antônio D'angelo, 121 Casa Verde
Cep 02516-040 São Palp-SP Brazil
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Week 3
Well, not much has happened since the last time I emailed you guys. I am glad to see everything is going well. As for me, I am doing fine. The past two weeks have been a blur and things are starting to get better. I am starting to like the full immersion language thing; it encourages me to learn. I am getting along well with my companion, Elder Crockett, and the rest of my district. We are becoming very close as a district. I ran into one of Tommy's friends here, Elder Myre (Tommy is Nathan's cousin). He recognized me as the tall kid from Tommy's farewell. Speaking of Tommy, I hope he is doing all right and can get back out there ASAP (Tommy had to come back from his time in the Mexico City MTC for knee surgery).
Things are starting to pick up here. I have been doing splits with other Brazilian missionaries here at the MTC and it is amazing. My companion and I go with Elder Sylva, who speaks better English than I do Portuguese, but it's all good. I can understand most of what he says.
Time is tight here, so I haven't been able to send the letter I promised, but I will once I write it and get the supplies to send it. I will also be sending pictures. I will send them once I head out into town after this.
I hope everything continues to go well and if there is anything SIGNIFICANT that happens, I want to read about it in great detail (this was a plea for his siblings to write and tell him all the SIGNIFICANT happenings in their lives...which haven't happened yet...)
Well, not much has happened since the last time I emailed you guys. I am glad to see everything is going well. As for me, I am doing fine. The past two weeks have been a blur and things are starting to get better. I am starting to like the full immersion language thing; it encourages me to learn. I am getting along well with my companion, Elder Crockett, and the rest of my district. We are becoming very close as a district. I ran into one of Tommy's friends here, Elder Myre (Tommy is Nathan's cousin). He recognized me as the tall kid from Tommy's farewell. Speaking of Tommy, I hope he is doing all right and can get back out there ASAP (Tommy had to come back from his time in the Mexico City MTC for knee surgery).
Things are starting to pick up here. I have been doing splits with other Brazilian missionaries here at the MTC and it is amazing. My companion and I go with Elder Sylva, who speaks better English than I do Portuguese, but it's all good. I can understand most of what he says.
Time is tight here, so I haven't been able to send the letter I promised, but I will once I write it and get the supplies to send it. I will also be sending pictures. I will send them once I head out into town after this.
I hope everything continues to go well and if there is anything SIGNIFICANT that happens, I want to read about it in great detail (this was a plea for his siblings to write and tell him all the SIGNIFICANT happenings in their lives...which haven't happened yet...)
I love you all so much and I can feel your support here at the MTC. I am so glad that we are all a part of this gospel and are able to feel the love God has for us. I pray for you every day and I hope that God will touch each of your lives.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Week 2
Well, I have been at the MTC for a week now, and I can safely say that it is the hardest and most rewarding thing I have ever done. Just this week, I was able to take part in 5 blessings, one of which I was the recipient. Life here is very regimented, but there are a few pluses. First, the food is amazing and I have been eating a ton. Second, Sundays are relaxing and I am actually able to take a nap and relax. Third, P-days so far are great. (P-days, which stands for Preparation-days, are scheduled once a week for missionaries to be able to prepare for the upcoming week by doing laundry, grocery shopping, etc.) We start by going to the temple (we went to the Campinas temple today; I took pictures, but I can't send them to you due to MTC policy and time constraints) and normally, we would have about a hour to go explore the city, but today, I barely have enough time to email you.
Everyone here is super nice and I am getting along well with my companion and everyone else in my district. The language is difficult, but I am constantly working at it. Things here are amazing. I have felt the Spirit so strongly. I feel like I have been here a year, but I have seen and felt enough of God's hand that it could last me a lifetime. There is a lot of things I want to tell you, but won't be able to due to time constraints, but I will try to send you a letter as soon as I can get my hands on the necessary materials. Life was very difficult to start off, but now things are starting to get better. I think about you guys every day and I miss you a lot. I love you soooo much and I can't wait to read your emails next week ( feel free to send me pictures). Also, another elder told me to tell you to look into mission ties (Brazil). Apparently, you can get some letters sent to me and a few other pluses. I don't know; you will have to look into it. Well, I will write you next week. I love you so so so so so very very very much. I hope things go well for all of you.
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Week 1
Well, everything went well as far as flying goes. I got a little lost in the Atlanta airport, but I was eventually able to find my gate with time to spare. While at the gate, I met a bunch of missionaries. The first missionary I met was Elder (Nathan) Hansen from Oklahoma and we were able to talk and go get some dinner. It was awesome. The next missionary we met was Sister Lam from California and she was awesome too.
From there, the missionaries just came in waves and we were able to meet them all. The red-eye flight was difficult, but I was able to get some sleep and talk with the people next to me (who I am pretty sure were like Courtney Glausi's cousin or something). [Courtney Glausi was a member we knew in Eugene, Oregon.]
I am at the MTC now and I have a companion who is also going to Campinas. He is Elder Crockett and he is cool. We share a room with two other elders, but I can´t remember their names currently, but they are awesome. EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! [Can you tell 1-that Nathan likes the Lego Movie? and 2-that Nathan is super excited to sere a mission. Love the little guy's attitude!]
My next P-day is next Friday, so I won't be able to contact you till then. Forgive my spelling if there are any mistakes; the computer is set to Portuguese, so every word is marked wrong. Well, that's all I have to report for now. I love you soooo much and I miss you, but this is where I need to be. Please give everyone my love!!
Sincerely,
Elder Jardine
He Made it to Brazil!
Got this letter from Nathan's mission president earlier this week. When I first saw the thumbprint of the picture, I wondered why there was a big white post in the middle of the picture. As I opened it, I realized the big white post...was our little guy.
Dear Parents,
Sister Grahl and I are very happy to let you know that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil Missionary Training Center. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they begin their missionary experiences with us! We will surely take good care of your missionary.
The missionaries now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study. Their branch presidents and wives will meet them this Sunday. These wonderful couples are richly blessed as they work with, motivate, and interview the missionaries assigned to their branch.
The MTC has a full-time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife who is a nurse. We are also happy to report that the MTC food is plentiful, healthy and very good.
Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Wednesday or Friday, depending on individual assignments.
Your missionary is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of many others. President Lorenzo Snow said: “There is no mortal man that is as interested in the success of an elder when he is preaching the Gospel as is the Lord who sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord's children". We love these missionaries as if they were our own. We will watch over them carefully to ensure they are ready for a wonderful missionary experience after the rewarding time they will have in the MTC.
We thank you for preparing such a wonderful representative of the Lord.
Pres. Paulo R. Grahl and Sister Zuleika M. Grahl
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
PLEASE DO NOT SEND PACKAGES to the Brazil Missionary Training Center. All packages must be sent directly to the mission where your missionary will be serving, not the MTC. If you have already mailed a package to the Brazil MTC, please understand that the package cannot be forwarded to his or her mission and will be returned to you.
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE SENDING HAND WRITTEN LETTERS. Please write your missionary´s first and last name. Your missionary will provide you with his district and box number. Also, please DO NOT SEND ANYTHING BY FEDEX, DHL, UPS, or other private carriers. The cost to process this type of correspondence is exorbitant.
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