WEEK 24: Elder Ruy

Oi gente,

WEDNESDAY

The training has begun. I've been feeling mostly overwhelmed, and I think I'm learning more by training someone than I ever did while being trained. I didn't realize how well I knew the language until now, when I have to direct almost every part of our daily life. I've definitely had divine help while speaking. In just three days my Portuguese has gotten where it needs to be to be able to express everything I need to and train a new missionary.

Today one of the little gangs of kids that we always talk to chatted with us today, and after we talked for a bit I turned to my companion and said "vamos la" (let's go?) and all the kids thought I was talking to them so they said "VAMOS!!" (LET'S GO!) and started walking with us to our next appointment lol. They just kept following us and asking us questions about English and the States for forever. The kids here are hilarious. Especially the little chubby ones..

THURSDAY

I know I talk about Ruy way too much lol but this guy is just the best. He does so much missionary work for us. Today he told us about one of the experiences he had at his gym:

 Some people in his gym picked up our pass-along cards and asked Ruy if it was for the "Mormon" church. Ruy corrected them and was like "nah it's actually the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." and he explained a little about our missionary work here in Pedregal. He answered their questions about the Book of Mormon and explained how it's another testament of Jesus Christ and not any sort of "Mormon Bible".

And get this: he got two people to say they'll go to church this Sunday hahaha. I told him we'll ask our mission president to make a special mission badge that says "Elder Ruy" for him. One of these days when he's not busy with work and english class he said he's gonna spend the day proselyting with us. He's gonna wear a white shirt and tie and everything.

FRIDAY

TODAY WAS SO GREAT. We had so many people to teach and everyone was so receptive. We were talking to people literally every couple of minutes and we had two people commit to baptism. Definitely seeing miracles in the work here. Things are so amazing with Elder Maclay. He's still learning Portuguese so it's hard for him to say much during lessons but I love training! I'm learning so much and it's great seeing his progress in adjusting to being a missionary each day.

SATURDAY

Now that I've been here for a while I've really met everyone in this town. Most people know me by name. It's sunk in today that this is actually my city; I live here. I'm a Pedregal civilian lol. Just a strange thought to me. It's become home  

SUNDAY

A bunch of lessons today. Loving the people we're teaching.

PICS:

1) Elder Maclay and I

2) I found this advertisement of an english academy and the dude looks just like George Bluth Sr. from Arrested Development. Only a few of you will understand what I'm talking about but it made me chuckle so I thought I'd share

3) A bull just str8 chillin' on the road

4) Switched glasses with Luan

5 & 6) Some of Ruy's animals

7) Festa Julinha, a big summer (winter here) festival at the church

8 & 9) The doll and picture Susanne's fam made for me. Don't ask me what that picture is of bc I don't have the slightest clue, but hey it's the thought that counts right