November 13, 2009 email

Hey, it's Friday! So it's Preparation Day! This week went by really fast. It was a week where I fixed a few things that needed fixing and being much better about being obedient with exactness. And all those problems from last week melted away as I was obedient.

This week had so many amazing things, so I'll try to share a few with you.

1. Elder Walker from the Provo Temple Presidency came and talked about temples, their history and shared some of the landmark ones. He showed us a map that showed temples and how when President Hinckley was called, it exploded. The nearest temple is in Campinas, so I hope to be able to serve the people of Brasilia, so that they can have a temple someday. It made me reflect on how blessed I am that I've always lived so close to a temple, whether in Provo or St. George. We get to go to the temple today, and I'm so excited.

2. Elder Fuller and myself orientated and are in charge serving the new district, and so this week the older zone leaders didn't come to help. They are a great group and have a great spirit and energy about them. Their zone leader is a great elder from Chicago named...Elder Barton! Yeah, no joke. We're trying to figure out if we're related, but I don't think we are. He has a cool accent. There is also an elder from Southern California, who mentioned that he knows a sister who's going to serve in the Sao Paulo South Mission and that her parents are mission presidents. I hope I didn't scare him, but I think I might have as I quickly shot questions that revealed we both know Sister Rachel Pike, who will be here in the next few weeks. Small world.

3. In my scripture studying, I've been focused on the chapters in PMG about Christlike attributes and recognizing the spirit. My week was so much better than last week and I feel more energized, enthusiastic and more able to do the work as I've tried to focus less on myself and not giving in to fear. I know the Lord guides this work and He does not mess around with missionary service. As I was sharing that with the elders last night about their companions, their district and being here instead of in Brazil, I didn't think it applied to myself as a zone leader, but during personal study, it really hit me. So I'm going to trust the Lord, who has sustained me and led me this far on.

4. Elder Fuller and myself continue to progress as a companionship as we're learning to teach in English and learn and speak Portuguese. It's different, coming from completely different backgrounds, but we're learning to work together and he's such a great person that it makes it easy.

On Saturdays and Wednesdays our zone has been playing sand volleyball, but with the snow last night, it looks like that is over. Very sad. My volleyball skills are beginning to come back and it's so fun to play with everyone.

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well. Thanks for the package and the letters. Thanks for the weekly notes and tell Timo and Jared I appreciate their pictures. We love sharing photos or drawings, so everyone was excited to see my family when Anisa's pictures came. Tell the Mears thank you for their amazing letters. I don't know if I'll have time to reply today to all the letters I got, so Kyle, Craig and Grandmas & Grandpas-thanks for all of your support, advice and prayers.

I'm so grateful to be here and to be learning Portuguese. It's hard, but the Lord fulfills His promises and slowly, but surely I'm understanding and saying more. I'm grateful for the Savior and His Atonement and I hope that through this time my family will be healed and that those who are wandering or have chosen to leave the flock will return. Tell Grandpa Peanut if he's not baptized when I get back, I'll do it. We're an eternal family and no matter how stubborn he is, I know he wants to be with us forever. I love you all, family and friends for your support and prayers. I know I can't do this myself and I'm not supposed to be able to. I know the Lord can do so much more with my life and the life of my family than I ever could.

Love, Elder Barton