Elder Jardine with a puppy.

I have no idea what's going on here, but apparently,
there's a whole gang of stray dogs in Brazil...

Elder Jardine out to lunch with his district.

1 year for Elder A Santos

Week 34

This week was okay. We received 12 references last week and we devoted the majority of our time trying to find them. We literally walked my entire area trying to contact these people and the majority of the time it was raining, so that was fun. But in the end, about 5 or 6 were the wrong address or just didn't exist; 3 didn't want to hear what we had to say, but 3 or 4 were interested. So we will teach them this week, so that is exciting. 

As for baptisms, we aren't even having people come to church so that is frustrating. The three with the most promise are Emilio, but we are thinking about cutting him because his girlfriend is more closed off than a rock; Venicios who has a lot of questions, but is feeling the Spirit; and Carol, the girlfriend of Venicios, whose dad won't let her come to church, insisting that she will go to his church seeing as how they are " very similar" . But we will keep trying to have them come to church this week.

As for me personally, I am fine. Tired because of all the walking, but it all comes with the mission, right? I am getting along with my companion and the other two missionaries in our house--Elder Daloin and Elder J Forte. We celebrated the one year anniversary of my companion with the ceremonial burning of the shirt and eating marshmallows (pictures are below).

It is good to see how all of you are doing. Keep telling me how life is treating you and any news that you think I should know. Have a great week and I will tell you more good news next week.

Love you!!!

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine

Elder Jardine with his district

Elder Jardine with his zone.

Elder Jardine with a new animal friend...

Week 33

Okay, so my week was great. We are working with a family who has some experience with the church and are even good friends with the bishop. His name is Emilio and we think that he will be a key to almost 7 baptisms, including his own. He loves the church; his kids love Primary and he has a great influence on his brother and niece. The only problem is he finds it a bit difficult to go to church, so we are hoping that he will be able to go this week.  Another thing is that his girlfriend (they aren't married) is pretty closed off, so we will just have to see about that. 

Other than that, we have a few other people that we are teaching, but we are just going to have to see if they are the elect for us. I will keep you posted on them.

We had zone conference this week. That was great. We learned a lot and had some fun. We had stake conference this past Sunday which was wonderful. I am loving this new area and I think it is white and ready for a Jardine to come and do some harvesting . 

The only really bad part of my week was just barely when I visited the doctor to do some fixing. She took a look at things and did some stuff including removing part of my ingrown toenail and removing the last part of a pre-existing one, so now my toe is throbbing, but I will live.

Love you guys. Have a great week and keep emailing me and send me pictures if you can.

Love you!!!!

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine​

Week 32

This week was good, more or less. We had transfers which went smoothly. I am now in the Jardim do Lagos area with my new companion, Elder B. Gomes who is Brazilian, but has lived in Lisbon, Portugal ever since he was five. He speaks amazing English and is a fun guy. 
I can't really describe my area very well because I have only spent about 3.5 days walking it due to a fever I had Thursday and Friday, but I can tell you it is big mountains and has promise. We are teaching the odd person here or there although I have forgotten most of  their names  . 
I need to be better at that. But the members here are super nice and welcoming. I am fine here. I have been trying to eat more, but due to the fever, I think I may have lost some pounds. But I will gain it back, I promise.

I how that you all have a fantastic week and I will write you guys next week.

I love you and I pray for you

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine

Nathan with a youth from the ward at church

A picture Nathan drew of him, his companion and another companionship

Nathan with Elder A Santos, his companion

Nathan with a family from the ward

Week 31

Well, this week was pretty normal. Unfortunately, we cut all of the people we were teaching, but found a few new people, so that is good. Yesterday, I learned that I will be transferred tomorrow, so I will tell you where I am in my second area. My Portuguese is good, but still needs a little bit of work. I am great here and all ready to move to a new part of the mission. It is great to hear how things are going with you guys. I have a few things to say to each of you individually, so here it is:

Lauren- keep being awesome and remember that friends are good, but they aren't everything.

Hayden- that prompting was of the Spirit so do like we do on the first lesson (first date) baptism--invite (you understand what I am saying?).

Jessica/Brigham- keep having good lives. Send me the occasional picture and tell me when I will be an uncle.

Jaron- keep trying; the Lord will bless you for your mission and service.

Mom/Dad- love you and keep me updated on the house and Tucker.

Tucker- keep being a cute puppy.

So, that is my advice to you all. Love you all so much and I will definitely tell you how my new area is when I get there. Have a great week.

Love you.

Sincerely,

Elder Jardine