Bazinga!
Random Thought: I remembered today what my family calls an electric mixer.
Hey people! This week was great. Tuesday was a holiday so we didn't do much contacting but we had some great visits with some less active families. Wednesday was our district meeting. When we have district meetings we do one week here in Sorriso, then the next in Lucas do Rio Verde, which is the city where the Sisters in our district are serving. So we switch every week. Well the company that marks our passage wasn't working because of the holiday so we had to get up and get to the bus station so we could catch the 08:15am bus. BUT when we got there, there was no more room so we had to wait for the 10:00am bus. Lame. So we didn't get to Lucas until lunchtime. When we finally got to Lucas the Sisters came to get us so we could go to lunch and on the way to lunch all of the sudden a man saw us and yelled,"Elders!!!" He ran over and just said,"The Church is in this city?!" He explained how he was moving from São Paulo to Lucas and that he had no idea the church was there in Lucas!!! He was super happy because his whole family are members. We then continued to lunch and had a fantastic lunch and district meeting. Then we went home and spent the rest of the day proselyting.
The rest of the week was pretty calm. But we did a cool thing called "Big Bang". What we did is reach all of our goals for contacts, lessons, and new investigators in two days and then we have the rest of the week to focus on the people who are really interested in marriages. It was really cool and we got a lot done. One of the ladies we did contact with was VERY rude. We went up to her and told her that we were missionaries and asked if we could share a message with her. She said no and that we were wasting our time with her. So we smiled and tried to talk more but she kept giving rude excuses. So my companion stopped and said,"Look, we are paying money and time to be here to speak with you and we don't even know if we are going home alive and well one day. So please listen for a second." She softened up a little bit but still rejected us.
That's all for this week, but I have a testimony that rejection is a big part of missionary work. The greatest missionary ever, was rejected and nailed to a tree. I think we can handle a little rejection.
Romans 1:16
Com muito amor,
Elder Laws
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Week #86
Bazinga!!
Random Thought: You can't eat lunch without a lunch calendar...
Here in Brasil it is very common for people to live together and have kids together their whole lives and not get married. BUT there are three families that we are teaching and after talking with them all three are ready to get married!!! Getting married here is pretty expensive and that is always an issue with the couple we teach. So there is a certain process that can be done to get married for free that we are working through to help out these families.
I don't quite understand the whole process because the identifying documents you need are different here. Basically we get all of their documents and take them to the public defense office. They look them over to see if they need anything else and to make sure they are valid. Also they make sure that the couple doesn't make more than R$2,100 per month (about $1050 US per month). Then they make a documents saying that the couple is poor enough to marry for free and give it to us. Then we go to the notary office to get everything verified and then the couple will sign a few papers an wait 30 days then sign more papers then they are married!!!! We are excited for them.
Thursday President came to do interviews. In my interview he told me that I will not end my mission as a zone leader but that I will train. He said that he must have "another Elder Laws" in his mission and I was to train a new missionary to be just like me. Ha! What a compliment! I asked if I could ask to end my mission in a certain city, but he said he already knew that I wanted to end in Cáceres (it's my favorite area) and not to worry about it. We'll see what happens!
On Friday we had our zone meeting. We have three duplas training and they are fired up and ready to go. So at a zone meeting the zone leaders each give a training. My part was about teaching simply and clearly for others to understand EXACTLY what you are saying. It was really fun and I felt the spirit very strong. After the meeting we asked each missionary to share what they thought and felt during the meeting and everyone said they felt inspired and excited to work. It was great!
Well really that's all we did this week! I know that families are meant to be together forever and that is what we are helping other to do.
Ether 12:4
Com muito amor,
Elder Laws
Here in Brasil it is very common for people to live together and have kids together their whole lives and not get married. BUT there are three families that we are teaching and after talking with them all three are ready to get married!!! Getting married here is pretty expensive and that is always an issue with the couple we teach. So there is a certain process that can be done to get married for free that we are working through to help out these families.
I don't quite understand the whole process because the identifying documents you need are different here. Basically we get all of their documents and take them to the public defense office. They look them over to see if they need anything else and to make sure they are valid. Also they make sure that the couple doesn't make more than R$2,100 per month (about $1050 US per month). Then they make a documents saying that the couple is poor enough to marry for free and give it to us. Then we go to the notary office to get everything verified and then the couple will sign a few papers an wait 30 days then sign more papers then they are married!!!! We are excited for them.
Thursday President came to do interviews. In my interview he told me that I will not end my mission as a zone leader but that I will train. He said that he must have "another Elder Laws" in his mission and I was to train a new missionary to be just like me. Ha! What a compliment! I asked if I could ask to end my mission in a certain city, but he said he already knew that I wanted to end in Cáceres (it's my favorite area) and not to worry about it. We'll see what happens!
On Friday we had our zone meeting. We have three duplas training and they are fired up and ready to go. So at a zone meeting the zone leaders each give a training. My part was about teaching simply and clearly for others to understand EXACTLY what you are saying. It was really fun and I felt the spirit very strong. After the meeting we asked each missionary to share what they thought and felt during the meeting and everyone said they felt inspired and excited to work. It was great!
Well really that's all we did this week! I know that families are meant to be together forever and that is what we are helping other to do.
Ether 12:4
Com muito amor,
Elder Laws
Week #85
Bazinga!
Random Thought: We have hot showers now :)
So this week was like every other first week of the transfer. But it seem that I can never get a smooth transfer.
On Monday at 21:30 all three of the other missionaries in my house left to go to their new areas. Which left me alone. SO I cleaned my house extremely well! There was a small mountain of trash that I took out. I was happy! When I was done I just sat and enjoyed it. I then stayed up until 02:00 so I could get my companion. I left the house at 01:45 and took a taxi to the bus station and sat there and waited. When the clock said 03:45 I decided to call the office staff and ask what was going on. This was the conversation:
ME: Hey so it's 03:45 and I have been waiting since 02:00 for my companion. Where is he?
HIM: Oh I called all the zone leaders and told them that they would just get their companions when they come to Cuiabá for the leadership meeting.
ME: Really? I didn't receive a call, and I'm a zone leader.
HIM: I didn't call you?
ME: No.
HIM: Oh I am so sorry.
ME: No it's fine just please make sure and let everyone know next time.
So I went home to sleep. The next day Elder Bowers was supposed to come at 14:30. So I spent all morning studying and cleaning a bit more and I left to get him at 14:20. So I sat at the bus station and waited. I am getting good at that. Due to a bunch of problems he only arrived at 19:30! We went home and he got unpacked and talked for a while. Interesting fact: He met Asa before the mission and hung out with him a bit. He has even been to my old house in Vancouver! I like him a lot.
The next morning (Wednesday) I got a call at 05:00am from the office telling me that Elder Bowers companion arrived at the bus station. SO we went there and picked him up! He is a good guy. He is from Maryland his name is Elder Smittenaar. So we went back home and he got unpacked and we all showered and then lunch!!
Lunch was at Sister Rosana's house. She has two daughters that are 15 and 18 years old. While we were talking, one of the girls asked whether I had a girlfriend at home, and if we are engaged or just dating.
I said,"Well I have a Plan A, which is to marry a certain girl." Then I jokingly said," But if that doesn't work out I don't know what I'll do. I might just come back to Brazil and get aBrazilian." I said it just joking and everyone started laughing and then Rosana (the mom) said,"Come back and get one here in my house!" But she was being serious!! Hahaha, her daughters turned red and said,"MOM!! I can't believe you said that!" She said,"What!? it's every mom's dream to have a son in law that is a returned missionary!" It's rare in this part of the country to have a returned missionary. It was really funny.
Then at 15:30 I left to Cuiabá to go to my meeting. I got about an hour outside of the city and my bus broke down. So we had to get out of the bus and wait for an hour and a half until the mechanic got there to fix it. There were a lot of people complaining. Then I finally got on my way to Cuiabá.
I arrived in Cuiabá at 02:00am and just went to sleep. The meeting the next day was great and I got my companion and we went back to Sorriso. We had a great Friday, Saturday and Sunday helping him get to know the area. Sunday was great!!!!!! The number of people at church was 68!!! When I got here it was only 36 people attending. The members are working with us and working hard and it is really paying off.
On Sunday we also had a baptism in the branch. Not from the missionaries. They asked if Elder Bowers and I knew how to sing. I said yes. So they asked if we could sing right before the ordinance. I accepted! We sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and harmonized. I don't think I have ever sung that well in my life. The Spirit was so strong and everyone was crying! It was such an amazing experience.
I want you all to know that I have a testimony of patience. I had to use it a lot this week and I invite you all to use yours. ALWAYS.
Romans 5:19
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
So this week was like every other first week of the transfer. But it seem that I can never get a smooth transfer.
On Monday at 21:30 all three of the other missionaries in my house left to go to their new areas. Which left me alone. SO I cleaned my house extremely well! There was a small mountain of trash that I took out. I was happy! When I was done I just sat and enjoyed it. I then stayed up until 02:00 so I could get my companion. I left the house at 01:45 and took a taxi to the bus station and sat there and waited. When the clock said 03:45 I decided to call the office staff and ask what was going on. This was the conversation:
ME: Hey so it's 03:45 and I have been waiting since 02:00 for my companion. Where is he?
HIM: Oh I called all the zone leaders and told them that they would just get their companions when they come to Cuiabá for the leadership meeting.
ME: Really? I didn't receive a call, and I'm a zone leader.
HIM: I didn't call you?
ME: No.
HIM: Oh I am so sorry.
ME: No it's fine just please make sure and let everyone know next time.
So I went home to sleep. The next day Elder Bowers was supposed to come at 14:30. So I spent all morning studying and cleaning a bit more and I left to get him at 14:20. So I sat at the bus station and waited. I am getting good at that. Due to a bunch of problems he only arrived at 19:30! We went home and he got unpacked and talked for a while. Interesting fact: He met Asa before the mission and hung out with him a bit. He has even been to my old house in Vancouver! I like him a lot.
The next morning (Wednesday) I got a call at 05:00am from the office telling me that Elder Bowers companion arrived at the bus station. SO we went there and picked him up! He is a good guy. He is from Maryland his name is Elder Smittenaar. So we went back home and he got unpacked and we all showered and then lunch!!
Lunch was at Sister Rosana's house. She has two daughters that are 15 and 18 years old. While we were talking, one of the girls asked whether I had a girlfriend at home, and if we are engaged or just dating.
I said,"Well I have a Plan A, which is to marry a certain girl." Then I jokingly said," But if that doesn't work out I don't know what I'll do. I might just come back to Brazil and get aBrazilian." I said it just joking and everyone started laughing and then Rosana (the mom) said,"Come back and get one here in my house!" But she was being serious!! Hahaha, her daughters turned red and said,"MOM!! I can't believe you said that!" She said,"What!? it's every mom's dream to have a son in law that is a returned missionary!" It's rare in this part of the country to have a returned missionary. It was really funny.
Then at 15:30 I left to Cuiabá to go to my meeting. I got about an hour outside of the city and my bus broke down. So we had to get out of the bus and wait for an hour and a half until the mechanic got there to fix it. There were a lot of people complaining. Then I finally got on my way to Cuiabá.
I arrived in Cuiabá at 02:00am and just went to sleep. The meeting the next day was great and I got my companion and we went back to Sorriso. We had a great Friday, Saturday and Sunday helping him get to know the area. Sunday was great!!!!!! The number of people at church was 68!!! When I got here it was only 36 people attending. The members are working with us and working hard and it is really paying off.
On Sunday we also had a baptism in the branch. Not from the missionaries. They asked if Elder Bowers and I knew how to sing. I said yes. So they asked if we could sing right before the ordinance. I accepted! We sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and harmonized. I don't think I have ever sung that well in my life. The Spirit was so strong and everyone was crying! It was such an amazing experience.
I want you all to know that I have a testimony of patience. I had to use it a lot this week and I invite you all to use yours. ALWAYS.
Romans 5:19
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Monday, February 17, 2014
Week #84
Bazinga!
Random Thought: I have a blanket!
Transfers: Out of the 4 missionaries here I will be the only one staying. I will receive my new companion at 2 in the morning and two more missionaries will come tomorrow and Wednesday.
So this week was not very rushed at all. Monday was a normal P-day but this time I was happy because we cleaned the house! I REALLY like a clean house. Wednesday my companion was sick so we went home for him to rest and get better. At the end of the day we went to a few appointments that we had already marked and ended the day well.
Friday we had the baptismal interviews of Iara, Iago and Igor! All three passed perfectly and were super excited to see how ready they were to be baptized. Saturday came and we spent the day cleaning the baptismal font and getting everything ready for the baptism at 5:00pm. When they arrived at the church we were super excited to see them! Then Neusa (their mom) pulled us to the side and said,"Hey, we have a problem. Igor said he doesn't want to be baptized." So we pulled him into a different room and talked with him about baptism, the Holy Spirit and a few other things and he accepted to be baptized. So we went ahead with the meeting. They were baptized and onSunday received the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday was great! It was the end of day light savings here...and we forgot. We were supposed to go to the church at 07:30 but we got there at 06:30 instead and we were wondering why no one was there. The branch president walked in at 07:30 and said,"Forgot about day light savings Elders?" Then it hit us.
After church a couple in the branch came up to us. Brother Nelson and Sister Rosana (they use first names here). They take care of the houses of the other Elders. They said,"Elders. I have a question. Is your house as bad as those other houses?" My companion has been there already and said,"Absolutely not. I even told them to clean before you went there!" She went on to tell us about how she was shocked and disappointed with them and how she is going to stay on top of them now. Brother Nelson just said,"It was really bad. It will take 2 p-days to clean it! It just made me wanna.......eat lunch!" Ha, he is a really funny guy.
The mission has now assigned couples to help take care of the houses of the missionaries. Really that means that all the houses will stay clean now! WOO!
That's all folks!
Moses 1 :39
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: I have a blanket!
Transfers: Out of the 4 missionaries here I will be the only one staying. I will receive my new companion at 2 in the morning and two more missionaries will come tomorrow and Wednesday.
So this week was not very rushed at all. Monday was a normal P-day but this time I was happy because we cleaned the house! I REALLY like a clean house. Wednesday my companion was sick so we went home for him to rest and get better. At the end of the day we went to a few appointments that we had already marked and ended the day well.
Friday we had the baptismal interviews of Iara, Iago and Igor! All three passed perfectly and were super excited to see how ready they were to be baptized. Saturday came and we spent the day cleaning the baptismal font and getting everything ready for the baptism at 5:00pm. When they arrived at the church we were super excited to see them! Then Neusa (their mom) pulled us to the side and said,"Hey, we have a problem. Igor said he doesn't want to be baptized." So we pulled him into a different room and talked with him about baptism, the Holy Spirit and a few other things and he accepted to be baptized. So we went ahead with the meeting. They were baptized and onSunday received the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Yesterday was great! It was the end of day light savings here...and we forgot. We were supposed to go to the church at 07:30 but we got there at 06:30 instead and we were wondering why no one was there. The branch president walked in at 07:30 and said,"Forgot about day light savings Elders?" Then it hit us.
After church a couple in the branch came up to us. Brother Nelson and Sister Rosana (they use first names here). They take care of the houses of the other Elders. They said,"Elders. I have a question. Is your house as bad as those other houses?" My companion has been there already and said,"Absolutely not. I even told them to clean before you went there!" She went on to tell us about how she was shocked and disappointed with them and how she is going to stay on top of them now. Brother Nelson just said,"It was really bad. It will take 2 p-days to clean it! It just made me wanna.......eat lunch!" Ha, he is a really funny guy.
The mission has now assigned couples to help take care of the houses of the missionaries. Really that means that all the houses will stay clean now! WOO!
That's all folks!
Moses 1 :39
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #83
Bazinga!
Random Thought: Se pedir truco, É 6!!!!
So this week was full! Lots of great stuff. Not much happened other than teaching this week but we had some GREAT spiritual experiences. There are three main investigators right now and each one has a story.
I will start with Raisa. She is 18 and very into a different religion. BUT she is extremely nice and receptive. One of the things I asked her to do in the first visit is to keep her heart open to what we would teach. So we have taught her three times now and we still aren't sure what to think.
She prayed about the Book of Mormon and received an answer that it's true. So we explained that with that knowledge all other aspects of our messages are true. But then we invited her to be baptized and she said,"But I was already baptized." So we explained more about authority and invited her again! She gave the same answer. So my companion and I looked at each other and he said,"Alright, let me be a little more direct because I think that you still aren't quite understanding. You were baptized, but the man who baptized you doesn't have authority." She stopped and with a confused look on her face said,"What do you mean?" Ha my companion was a bit frustrated so I cut in and explained.
I said, "Look at my companion's tie. What color is it?'
She said, "Green."
I replied, "Ok, now is there another truth? Is there any other true answer than green?"
She said, "No."
I said, "Is this truth different to me or to you or to any other person?"
She said, "No to everyone it is green."
I responded with , "So automatically any other answer is not truth?"
She answered, "Yes."
My final response was, "It is the same with the gospel and with authority from the Lord. There is one gospel, one authority, and one truth. You just said that you believe The Book of Mormon to be true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. If you believe that then you have to believe that Jesus Christ restored authority through Joseph. Which means there is ONE true authority, and ONE church where it is found."
She understood but is still having a very hard time accepting, but in that moment I felt the Spirit talking through me.
Second there is Igor (15), Iago(14), and Iara (11). We found them a few weeks ago just clapping at their gate. THEY ARE ELECT! They have accepted everything we have taught and are really into it. Iara is just a young girl but has started studying The Book of Mormon like I have never seen! Igor and Iago are accepting and living all the commandments! On Sunday they were in the young men's class and the branch president asked,"What do you most want?" He went from boy to boy and Iago said,"To be baptized." Igor said,"To learn more about the gospel." We are super happy with them and their progress.
Third are Rogerio and Maria. They are a couple that isn't married but are VERY interested. When we first showed up at their house Rogerio had a lot of doubts about other churches and authority and such. We taught the first lesson. The next day we went back and they both said that they want to be baptized! He said that while he was thinking about what we had taught he said a silent prayer and asked for a personal answer. That night he had a dream and saw white and heard a voice that said,"My son, this is the truth that was lost." He was excited to share this with us! I just smiled when I heard it.
Other than that just little adventures! I ate cow stomach and last week I ate liver! pictures to come!
Proverbs 25:28
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: Se pedir truco, É 6!!!!
So this week was full! Lots of great stuff. Not much happened other than teaching this week but we had some GREAT spiritual experiences. There are three main investigators right now and each one has a story.
I will start with Raisa. She is 18 and very into a different religion. BUT she is extremely nice and receptive. One of the things I asked her to do in the first visit is to keep her heart open to what we would teach. So we have taught her three times now and we still aren't sure what to think.
She prayed about the Book of Mormon and received an answer that it's true. So we explained that with that knowledge all other aspects of our messages are true. But then we invited her to be baptized and she said,"But I was already baptized." So we explained more about authority and invited her again! She gave the same answer. So my companion and I looked at each other and he said,"Alright, let me be a little more direct because I think that you still aren't quite understanding. You were baptized, but the man who baptized you doesn't have authority." She stopped and with a confused look on her face said,"What do you mean?" Ha my companion was a bit frustrated so I cut in and explained.
I said, "Look at my companion's tie. What color is it?'
She said, "Green."
I replied, "Ok, now is there another truth? Is there any other true answer than green?"
She said, "No."
I said, "Is this truth different to me or to you or to any other person?"
She said, "No to everyone it is green."
I responded with , "So automatically any other answer is not truth?"
She answered, "Yes."
My final response was, "It is the same with the gospel and with authority from the Lord. There is one gospel, one authority, and one truth. You just said that you believe The Book of Mormon to be true and that Joseph Smith was a prophet. If you believe that then you have to believe that Jesus Christ restored authority through Joseph. Which means there is ONE true authority, and ONE church where it is found."
She understood but is still having a very hard time accepting, but in that moment I felt the Spirit talking through me.
Second there is Igor (15), Iago(14), and Iara (11). We found them a few weeks ago just clapping at their gate. THEY ARE ELECT! They have accepted everything we have taught and are really into it. Iara is just a young girl but has started studying The Book of Mormon like I have never seen! Igor and Iago are accepting and living all the commandments! On Sunday they were in the young men's class and the branch president asked,"What do you most want?" He went from boy to boy and Iago said,"To be baptized." Igor said,"To learn more about the gospel." We are super happy with them and their progress.
Third are Rogerio and Maria. They are a couple that isn't married but are VERY interested. When we first showed up at their house Rogerio had a lot of doubts about other churches and authority and such. We taught the first lesson. The next day we went back and they both said that they want to be baptized! He said that while he was thinking about what we had taught he said a silent prayer and asked for a personal answer. That night he had a dream and saw white and heard a voice that said,"My son, this is the truth that was lost." He was excited to share this with us! I just smiled when I heard it.
Other than that just little adventures! I ate cow stomach and last week I ate liver! pictures to come!
Proverbs 25:28
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #81 - (Jan 27th - sorry it's out of order)
Bazinga!!
Random Thought: I ate an entire melon by myself last night.
This week was a bit rushed! But that is my life now. Tuesday was a great day, Just a lot of work and contacts and lessons and normal missionary stuff.
Wednesday we got on a bus at 1:30pm to go to Cuiabá for yet another conference! Due to a bunch of unforeseen complications we didn't get there until 2:00am! Then we walked to the secretaries house to sleep the night there. The next day we went to the conference and it was great! President Reber always has a new change in the mission that he introduces at these conferences.
This time he talked a lot about how we are treating each other. He received a lot of letter from the greenies talking about how the other missionaries were giving them flak for stuff they say or do. Example: President received a letter that said when a missionary got into his first area the other missionaries in the house asked,"Are you a righteous missionary? Or are you chill and like to have fun?" So we talked a lot about this.Then we got on a bus at 6:00pm and didn't get home until 3:00am. It was very tiring, the travel, but it was fun!
Friday we worked as normal and Saturday we did divisions with the members! Let me explain. The members here have gone through a lot. The area hit rock bottom before I got here and now it is starting to get better. After the visits we all went back to the church to do a little feedback session. I was so happy to see how it effected them. Then on Sunday because of our efforts we had 20ish more people in the church. We were very blessed.
Saturday I poured a bucket of ice water on my companion in the shower (we don't even have hot water in the shower). So Sunday night while I was using the bathroom Elder Pinheiro poor a bucket on me. It was so cold but way funny.
D&C 121
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: I ate an entire melon by myself last night.
This week was a bit rushed! But that is my life now. Tuesday was a great day, Just a lot of work and contacts and lessons and normal missionary stuff.
Wednesday we got on a bus at 1:30pm to go to Cuiabá for yet another conference! Due to a bunch of unforeseen complications we didn't get there until 2:00am! Then we walked to the secretaries house to sleep the night there. The next day we went to the conference and it was great! President Reber always has a new change in the mission that he introduces at these conferences.
This time he talked a lot about how we are treating each other. He received a lot of letter from the greenies talking about how the other missionaries were giving them flak for stuff they say or do. Example: President received a letter that said when a missionary got into his first area the other missionaries in the house asked,"Are you a righteous missionary? Or are you chill and like to have fun?" So we talked a lot about this.Then we got on a bus at 6:00pm and didn't get home until 3:00am. It was very tiring, the travel, but it was fun!
Friday we worked as normal and Saturday we did divisions with the members! Let me explain. The members here have gone through a lot. The area hit rock bottom before I got here and now it is starting to get better. After the visits we all went back to the church to do a little feedback session. I was so happy to see how it effected them. Then on Sunday because of our efforts we had 20ish more people in the church. We were very blessed.
Saturday I poured a bucket of ice water on my companion in the shower (we don't even have hot water in the shower). So Sunday night while I was using the bathroom Elder Pinheiro poor a bucket on me. It was so cold but way funny.
D&C 121
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Monday, February 3, 2014
Week #82
Bazinga!
Random Thought: Miracles are happening.
Well this week was another exhausting week but that's a good thing. So on Monday we talked with the assistants and they wanted to do divisions in their area on Wednesday. So we planned everything and got all our bus passage marked. OnTuesday, as we were getting on the bus, the assistants called and said that we couldn't do divisions because President called a meeting at the last second, BUT that we were still to go to Cuiabá to attend the meeting so that we wouldn't waste the money paid on our passage. So all of Tuesday we were on the bus. We got to Cuiabá and walked to the office and then went with the assistants to eat pizza and then to their house where we slept the night.
Wednesday we got up and went through the normal routine and went to lunch. One of the assistants, Elder Rolim, wasn't feeling well so he didn't eat. It was a good lunch and we left a message and then left to catch a bus to go to the mission office for our meeting. When we got to the bus stop, Elder Rolim didn't sit down and wait for the bus but went over to a trash can. Our bus arrived but as we were going to get on Elder Rolim started throwing up! So we had to wait about another 10-15 minutes and help him (I gave him tic tacs). Then we waited for the next bus and went.
The meeting was about learning English! Ha it only lasted about an hour! Since the assistants couldn't do divisions because of Elder Rolim we had permission from President to stay in the office until we left. So we went and got McDonalds and waited there until l hour bus came.
Our bus left at 10:00pm and we were traveling to a city called Lucas do Rio Verde. That's where the sisters in our zone work and we were going there to have our district meeting. The bus was supposed to get there at about 6:00am and we would just have to walk to the church and wait. Well the bus decided to be faster this time and got there at 3:30am!! So we decided to do this. Got to the sisters house and grab the keys to the church, go back to the bus station and shower, then go to the church and sleep there. So we did!! When we got to the church we lined up chairs to make a bed and slept there. That afternoon we finally came back to Sorriso and got to work again.
Sunday was the best! We have a family that we are teaching that are awesome! Unfortunately on two of them could go to church. It was great and we had 64 people at church! (Normal was 35). Then as we were taking these kids back home, the member that was giving a ride asked if they were baptized. They said no. He then asked if they wanted to and they said yes!!! BEST WORDS EVER!!!!!!! The branch is really getting into the rhythm of the work and we are all excited and ready to go!
3 Nephi 19:35-36
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Well this week was another exhausting week but that's a good thing. So on Monday we talked with the assistants and they wanted to do divisions in their area on Wednesday. So we planned everything and got all our bus passage marked. OnTuesday, as we were getting on the bus, the assistants called and said that we couldn't do divisions because President called a meeting at the last second, BUT that we were still to go to Cuiabá to attend the meeting so that we wouldn't waste the money paid on our passage. So all of Tuesday we were on the bus. We got to Cuiabá and walked to the office and then went with the assistants to eat pizza and then to their house where we slept the night.
Wednesday we got up and went through the normal routine and went to lunch. One of the assistants, Elder Rolim, wasn't feeling well so he didn't eat. It was a good lunch and we left a message and then left to catch a bus to go to the mission office for our meeting. When we got to the bus stop, Elder Rolim didn't sit down and wait for the bus but went over to a trash can. Our bus arrived but as we were going to get on Elder Rolim started throwing up! So we had to wait about another 10-15 minutes and help him (I gave him tic tacs). Then we waited for the next bus and went.
The meeting was about learning English! Ha it only lasted about an hour! Since the assistants couldn't do divisions because of Elder Rolim we had permission from President to stay in the office until we left. So we went and got McDonalds and waited there until l hour bus came.
Our bus left at 10:00pm and we were traveling to a city called Lucas do Rio Verde. That's where the sisters in our zone work and we were going there to have our district meeting. The bus was supposed to get there at about 6:00am and we would just have to walk to the church and wait. Well the bus decided to be faster this time and got there at 3:30am!! So we decided to do this. Got to the sisters house and grab the keys to the church, go back to the bus station and shower, then go to the church and sleep there. So we did!! When we got to the church we lined up chairs to make a bed and slept there. That afternoon we finally came back to Sorriso and got to work again.
Sunday was the best! We have a family that we are teaching that are awesome! Unfortunately on two of them could go to church. It was great and we had 64 people at church! (Normal was 35). Then as we were taking these kids back home, the member that was giving a ride asked if they were baptized. They said no. He then asked if they wanted to and they said yes!!! BEST WORDS EVER!!!!!!! The branch is really getting into the rhythm of the work and we are all excited and ready to go!
3 Nephi 19:35-36
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #80
Bazinga!!
Random Thought: I hate it when I eat beans.
So it was a fantastic week! On Monday after getting off the computer we went to the grocery store and got a bunch of food and left. As we were leaving it started raining and then after about five minutes it started pouring! So we ran to the nearest building which happened to be the court house. We waited inside for about 20 min until the rain stopped and then kept going. I was already soaked though. Tuesday was a decision day! I decided to run everyday for at least half an hour. So far I have been doing it and I'm super excited.
Wednesday we had our zone meeting! The Elders and Sisters have to come from two other cities to get here. We focused a lot on not getting discouraged because the areas in this zone are a bit hard on the missionaries. We have four branches in three cities and because the missionaries are isolated they tend to look at the situation of the branch and get dicouraged. So we are trying to help with that.
We also had another wonderful adventure with the power in our house this week! I was studying in the morning and the power company showed up at our house. I looked at my companion and said,"I think they are going to shut off the power!" He got up and went to talk to them and it turns out that the October bill was never paid. So we went two days without power before it got paid and turned on. We planned in candle light and showered in candle light. It was fun except no fans at night, so it was hard to sleep.
On Saturday we went to have lunch at a less active family's house and I accidentally ate beans. So I spent the whole day at home on my bed and in the bathroom. This time I didn't throw up but I think it might have been worse. I wish I had just got them out of my stomach faster!
Sunday was fantastic! I gave a talk! I love to give talks now. We EVEN had a family of investigators go to church! I was so happy! The members were really great too! They were all over the family when they arrived and really made them feel welcome. We were really excited.
That's all for this week! I love you SO much and more than that!
2 Nephi 4:15
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: I hate it when I eat beans.
So it was a fantastic week! On Monday after getting off the computer we went to the grocery store and got a bunch of food and left. As we were leaving it started raining and then after about five minutes it started pouring! So we ran to the nearest building which happened to be the court house. We waited inside for about 20 min until the rain stopped and then kept going. I was already soaked though. Tuesday was a decision day! I decided to run everyday for at least half an hour. So far I have been doing it and I'm super excited.
Wednesday we had our zone meeting! The Elders and Sisters have to come from two other cities to get here. We focused a lot on not getting discouraged because the areas in this zone are a bit hard on the missionaries. We have four branches in three cities and because the missionaries are isolated they tend to look at the situation of the branch and get dicouraged. So we are trying to help with that.
We also had another wonderful adventure with the power in our house this week! I was studying in the morning and the power company showed up at our house. I looked at my companion and said,"I think they are going to shut off the power!" He got up and went to talk to them and it turns out that the October bill was never paid. So we went two days without power before it got paid and turned on. We planned in candle light and showered in candle light. It was fun except no fans at night, so it was hard to sleep.
On Saturday we went to have lunch at a less active family's house and I accidentally ate beans. So I spent the whole day at home on my bed and in the bathroom. This time I didn't throw up but I think it might have been worse. I wish I had just got them out of my stomach faster!
Sunday was fantastic! I gave a talk! I love to give talks now. We EVEN had a family of investigators go to church! I was so happy! The members were really great too! They were all over the family when they arrived and really made them feel welcome. We were really excited.
That's all for this week! I love you SO much and more than that!
2 Nephi 4:15
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #79
Bazinga!
Random Thought: My bathroom is VERY clean.
Transfers: I am now in a city called Sorriso with Elder Pinheiro.
So I didn't DO much this week but there is a long story to tell.
I left my last city, Ponta Porã, last Monday at 2:30pm and arrived in Campo Grande at 9:00pm (6.5 hours). When we got to Campo Grande I went to get my passage for the next bus and he said,"I'm sorry it was booked for 8:30pm, you've missed your bus." So I called the office and had my passage rebooked for 2:00pm the next day! I stayed in a nearby missionary house that night.
The next day I got on the bus at 2:00pm and had a long bus ride to Cuiabá! I arrived there at 2:00am on Wednesday. Yes it took 12 hours!When I arrived the Taxi driver had no idea how to get to the mission home where I was going, so during the drive we had to call the secretaries and ask. Even after asking it was a struggle to get there. When I got out of the Taxi I handed the driver 17 reais (6 dollars) which was the price we agreed on and he said,"No this was a big struggle for me, you have to pay 30 reais (14 dollars). Lame. So I paid but I got re-imbursed later.
President Reber scheduled a meeting for all the Zone leaders on Friday so the secretaries told me that I would be staying in Cuiabá all of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, because it didn't make sense to pay to send me up to my area, 10 hours away and then back to Cuiaba again. So I spent Wednesday with the assistants and Thursday with President Reber. I helped them as much as I could but still ended up doing a whole lot of nothing. Okay, I guess I got to observe and learn. I just don't like being too idle. Then on Friday we finally had our meeting and then we left to go to our area. We left at 4:00pm and didn't get here until 2:00am on Saturday morning.
We spent Saturday teaching and meeting members and then Sunday was church! Also Sunday night we had a fireside done by the missionaries. President Reber had already told me a lot about the area so I knew what I should say in my part. After the fireside a brother came up to me and said,"Elder thank you for being direct. We need that here." He really liked the meeting and the spirit was strong.
Today I woke up and cleaned the bathroom in my new apartment, so well I think I even heard it say,"Thank you, I haven't been this clean...ever." My eyes are still burning from the bleach. (a little lesson I learned from Nelli's mission)
3 Nephi 27:27
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: My bathroom is VERY clean.
Transfers: I am now in a city called Sorriso with Elder Pinheiro.
So I didn't DO much this week but there is a long story to tell.
I left my last city, Ponta Porã, last Monday at 2:30pm and arrived in Campo Grande at 9:00pm (6.5 hours). When we got to Campo Grande I went to get my passage for the next bus and he said,"I'm sorry it was booked for 8:30pm, you've missed your bus." So I called the office and had my passage rebooked for 2:00pm the next day! I stayed in a nearby missionary house that night.
The next day I got on the bus at 2:00pm and had a long bus ride to Cuiabá! I arrived there at 2:00am on Wednesday. Yes it took 12 hours!When I arrived the Taxi driver had no idea how to get to the mission home where I was going, so during the drive we had to call the secretaries and ask. Even after asking it was a struggle to get there. When I got out of the Taxi I handed the driver 17 reais (6 dollars) which was the price we agreed on and he said,"No this was a big struggle for me, you have to pay 30 reais (14 dollars). Lame. So I paid but I got re-imbursed later.
President Reber scheduled a meeting for all the Zone leaders on Friday so the secretaries told me that I would be staying in Cuiabá all of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, because it didn't make sense to pay to send me up to my area, 10 hours away and then back to Cuiaba again. So I spent Wednesday with the assistants and Thursday with President Reber. I helped them as much as I could but still ended up doing a whole lot of nothing. Okay, I guess I got to observe and learn. I just don't like being too idle. Then on Friday we finally had our meeting and then we left to go to our area. We left at 4:00pm and didn't get here until 2:00am on Saturday morning.
We spent Saturday teaching and meeting members and then Sunday was church! Also Sunday night we had a fireside done by the missionaries. President Reber had already told me a lot about the area so I knew what I should say in my part. After the fireside a brother came up to me and said,"Elder thank you for being direct. We need that here." He really liked the meeting and the spirit was strong.
Today I woke up and cleaned the bathroom in my new apartment, so well I think I even heard it say,"Thank you, I haven't been this clean...ever." My eyes are still burning from the bleach. (a little lesson I learned from Nelli's mission)
3 Nephi 27:27
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Monday, January 6, 2014
Week #78
Bazinga!
Random Thought: I have a 25 hour bus ride ahead of me.
Transfers: I have been transferred to a city called Sorriso where I will be Zone leader with Elder Pinheiro. It is 879 miles north of the current city that I am in. That is why the bus ride will take 25 hours. I have only met my new companion once so I'll give you more details about him later.
Well this week was pretty great!! President was really generous this year and gave us new years day off! So we got the entire zone together to have a barbecue and to do the secret santa we didn't get to do for Christmas. It was super fun and really brought our zone together. We also played soccer for a good chunk of the day and I really enjoyed myself this time. I thought I play really bad but this time I had a few of the Brazilian Elders compliment my playing. It was cool.
Also I saw the pictures of my family with and the awesome Nunes family from where I am serving now! It was so cool and it really made me happy. They brought me a package from my mom and I loved it! She sent me a book call Gethsemane. I read it in three hours it was so good!!! I learned so much and I really want to try and have a more intimate relationship with my Savior now.
One thing that stuck with me from the book is that in Marks account, the Savior was "sore amazed" at what he felt in the garden. The author went on to talk about how the atonement was so powerful and eternal that it made a living God feel the feeling of surprise. He had never before felt the effects of sin and now he was but not just the sins of one person but for all that ever have and will live! What a concept. I plan to reread the book on my long bus ride!
Other than that it was a normal week and we had a great time.
Mark 14:33
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: I have a 25 hour bus ride ahead of me.
Transfers: I have been transferred to a city called Sorriso where I will be Zone leader with Elder Pinheiro. It is 879 miles north of the current city that I am in. That is why the bus ride will take 25 hours. I have only met my new companion once so I'll give you more details about him later.
Well this week was pretty great!! President was really generous this year and gave us new years day off! So we got the entire zone together to have a barbecue and to do the secret santa we didn't get to do for Christmas. It was super fun and really brought our zone together. We also played soccer for a good chunk of the day and I really enjoyed myself this time. I thought I play really bad but this time I had a few of the Brazilian Elders compliment my playing. It was cool.
Also I saw the pictures of my family with and the awesome Nunes family from where I am serving now! It was so cool and it really made me happy. They brought me a package from my mom and I loved it! She sent me a book call Gethsemane. I read it in three hours it was so good!!! I learned so much and I really want to try and have a more intimate relationship with my Savior now.
One thing that stuck with me from the book is that in Marks account, the Savior was "sore amazed" at what he felt in the garden. The author went on to talk about how the atonement was so powerful and eternal that it made a living God feel the feeling of surprise. He had never before felt the effects of sin and now he was but not just the sins of one person but for all that ever have and will live! What a concept. I plan to reread the book on my long bus ride!
Other than that it was a normal week and we had a great time.
Mark 14:33
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #77
Bazinga!!
Random Thought: I am going to smack that dog.
So this week was great! There was Christmas, exploding toilets, putting in new toilets and gaining a lot of food from the members! AND there was a baptism!
Let me explain. last week we were visiting a recent convert family. There are two young men and they had a few backpacks full of fireworks. SO they decided to give us a few of the tiny ones that explode in water. We were shown that they could explode in water by one of the young men in the ward and he did it in the toilet as an example and what happened?...NOTHING. So later on we were using the little fireworks (you strike them on the box, like matches) and then I had the bright idea to try it in OUR toilet at home. Well our toilet is about 100 years old so when the firecracker blew, the bottom of the toilet blew out. Lame.... So I had to buy and install a new toilet. It was a pain and there were a lot of road blocks along the way, but its done and working great!! Yes I learned my lesson.
Christmas was awesome!!!! I received the BEST present from someone special, talked with my family and again I want to say something about each one.
Dad: I think you might have gained a couple of pounds but I still am not as good looking as you. I loved talking to you and something I look forward to in these calls is laughing at new jokes we learned. All the young men here who saw you, think that you are awesome and told me that I was lucky to have a dad like you.
Mom: You are the best ever! I love talking with you and making you laugh. I do apologize for giving away a lot of the candy in my box. You take care of me so well and I hope you are seeing the blessings that come from that.
Asa: You are crazy! I always love talking to you in Portuguese but your accent is getting more American. You were and are a great example to me and I can't wait to hang out with you again.
Kati: You are growing up and I am so excited that you will be going on a mission!! Remember that right now Satan will use everything to get you to stay home, INCLUDING boys. Remember that you already got an answer that you are to go and DO NOT to let anything stop you. You are such an amazing young woman and I am so excited to see what your mission brings.
Hanna: You are a funny girl. Mom tells me about how college is going and I think it's awesome that you are liking it so much. You look like you are growing up more and I can't wait to get home and squeeze you!
Saturday we had a baptism and yesterday we had her confirmation. Her name is Anna and she speaks English fluently. The day we found her, I was praying for us to find someone to be baptized and then while walking in the street, her mom stopped us and told us to speak English with her! She is really progressing well and is even talking about serving a mission.
I love you all so much, and more than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year!!!
Ephesians 6:16
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: I am going to smack that dog.
So this week was great! There was Christmas, exploding toilets, putting in new toilets and gaining a lot of food from the members! AND there was a baptism!
Let me explain. last week we were visiting a recent convert family. There are two young men and they had a few backpacks full of fireworks. SO they decided to give us a few of the tiny ones that explode in water. We were shown that they could explode in water by one of the young men in the ward and he did it in the toilet as an example and what happened?...NOTHING. So later on we were using the little fireworks (you strike them on the box, like matches) and then I had the bright idea to try it in OUR toilet at home. Well our toilet is about 100 years old so when the firecracker blew, the bottom of the toilet blew out. Lame.... So I had to buy and install a new toilet. It was a pain and there were a lot of road blocks along the way, but its done and working great!! Yes I learned my lesson.
Christmas was awesome!!!! I received the BEST present from someone special, talked with my family and again I want to say something about each one.
Dad: I think you might have gained a couple of pounds but I still am not as good looking as you. I loved talking to you and something I look forward to in these calls is laughing at new jokes we learned. All the young men here who saw you, think that you are awesome and told me that I was lucky to have a dad like you.
Mom: You are the best ever! I love talking with you and making you laugh. I do apologize for giving away a lot of the candy in my box. You take care of me so well and I hope you are seeing the blessings that come from that.
Asa: You are crazy! I always love talking to you in Portuguese but your accent is getting more American. You were and are a great example to me and I can't wait to hang out with you again.
Kati: You are growing up and I am so excited that you will be going on a mission!! Remember that right now Satan will use everything to get you to stay home, INCLUDING boys. Remember that you already got an answer that you are to go and DO NOT to let anything stop you. You are such an amazing young woman and I am so excited to see what your mission brings.
Hanna: You are a funny girl. Mom tells me about how college is going and I think it's awesome that you are liking it so much. You look like you are growing up more and I can't wait to get home and squeeze you!
Saturday we had a baptism and yesterday we had her confirmation. Her name is Anna and she speaks English fluently. The day we found her, I was praying for us to find someone to be baptized and then while walking in the street, her mom stopped us and told us to speak English with her! She is really progressing well and is even talking about serving a mission.
I love you all so much, and more than that!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year!!!
Ephesians 6:16
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #76
Bazinga!
Random Thought: They light fireworks for Christmas here!
Well folks there really isn't much to share! My companion was sick for three days and we didn't do a whole lot. Although it gave me time to start making a couple of presents for President Reber and his wife! Pictures to come! The following is a note for my family to be read on Christmas Eve at the family party.
Hello family!
This is my last Christmas on the mission. Crazy. Anyways, I wanted to write a little something to all of you for the Christmas party.
So let me tell you something. I know some of you already know this, but the mission is hard. I wake up every day and basically my job is to worry about everyone I come into contact with and not myself. It's kind of an awesome learning experience. There are sometimes when I miss you all like crazy and others where I feel like I could stay here another two years. I have met and taught people who have so much money that they burn it to heat their houses. I have also met and taught people who are so poor that they dig in the trash to find enough half eaten, rotten food to feed their families.
Anyways, the reason I am saying all of this is because around 2014 years ago, the Son of the living God came into the world for ALL these people. Sometimes I see these people and want, with everything within me to help them and give them ALL that I have. But I can't. I have to realize that I just can't do as much as I'd like. BUT Jesus Christ did. He was born because he felt and feels the same things I feel but at a level that is incomprehensible. He was born to give a gift that ALL people need and that brings the sweetest of peace and everlasting happiness. Forgiveness and eternal life.
May we all remember this and help others come to the same knowledge and remembrance. What is the true meaning of Christmas?
That's it! Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Articles of Faith 13
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: They light fireworks for Christmas here!
Well folks there really isn't much to share! My companion was sick for three days and we didn't do a whole lot. Although it gave me time to start making a couple of presents for President Reber and his wife! Pictures to come! The following is a note for my family to be read on Christmas Eve at the family party.
Hello family!
This is my last Christmas on the mission. Crazy. Anyways, I wanted to write a little something to all of you for the Christmas party.
So let me tell you something. I know some of you already know this, but the mission is hard. I wake up every day and basically my job is to worry about everyone I come into contact with and not myself. It's kind of an awesome learning experience. There are sometimes when I miss you all like crazy and others where I feel like I could stay here another two years. I have met and taught people who have so much money that they burn it to heat their houses. I have also met and taught people who are so poor that they dig in the trash to find enough half eaten, rotten food to feed their families.
Anyways, the reason I am saying all of this is because around 2014 years ago, the Son of the living God came into the world for ALL these people. Sometimes I see these people and want, with everything within me to help them and give them ALL that I have. But I can't. I have to realize that I just can't do as much as I'd like. BUT Jesus Christ did. He was born because he felt and feels the same things I feel but at a level that is incomprehensible. He was born to give a gift that ALL people need and that brings the sweetest of peace and everlasting happiness. Forgiveness and eternal life.
May we all remember this and help others come to the same knowledge and remembrance. What is the true meaning of Christmas?
That's it! Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Articles of Faith 13
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Translated letter - Dec. 16th 2013
This letter was sent to Elder Laws mission pres, President Reber, on Dec 16th. It was forwarded to us by Sister Reber, Romans mission mom. Such a blessing!
Translation
Hello, my name is Elder Michel Vieira and I am a return missionary ( porto alegre south mission in Brazil), and today I am a member of the high council in our stake in Brazil.
I am sending this email to CONGRADULATE your missionaries. They are wonderful in our ward, the zone leaders LAWS and MAUGHAN. They remind me of the mission I served; not that I am trying to give myself an ego boost or anything like that, but they really serve the members of wards 1 and 2.
We have already have worked a lot together and sincerely, it have been quite some time that we have received missionaries who are so well prepared, happy, and always asking us: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?! My sincere congrats President!
On my mission, I was the secretary to the mission and the assistant and I know how to recognize when a missionary knows how to work with members to have success. Everyone should have this vision: Work with the members.
Merry Christmas, and if you need help, we are here to serve.
A big hug,
Elder Michel Vieira
Week #75
Bazinga!!
Random thought: I love Sushi. Also Mom if you could send tomato soup (Campbells) I would be grateful.
Mid Transfer, Transfer: They are doing a mid-transfer, transfer to send home all the missionaries that are due to go home around the holidays. They are making sure to get them home in time and I'm sure it saves the church some money to do it a week or so early to avoid the holiday airfare rush. I am staying here in Ponta Pora with Elder Maughan.
Wow so this week was a bit rushed. President called last week telling us that he and his second counselor would be here Monday night and Tuesday. He said that on Monday night he wanted to do divisions with us to visit less active members. So we scheduled two visits and I went with President Reber and Elder Maughan went with President Oliveira! The visit we did was with a young man who is preparing to serve a mission in February. His name is Patrick and he is having difficulties staying active. So we had a wonderful visit and then President Reber invited him to serve a "mini mission" for six weeks and try it out. He still hasn't given an answer but I think it'll be yes.
Tuesday was our zone meeting because President Reber was going to be there. He also told us not to tell our zone so it would be a surprise. It was an awesome meeting and I am super happy with the results.
Another thing going on here in the zone is hectic sickness! We have one Elder who's eyes are giving him a lot of trouble and we had to get him medication. And another Elder has been in the hospital since yesterday. Turns out he had an intestinal infection. But all is well now and he is doing great. He will probably leave the hospital today.
Also we had a baptism!!!! Senhor Luiz! He is great and we were so happy! His family was too and we might baptize them as well! On Friday there was a wedding!!!! Elder Maughan and I were invited and it was awesome! Everyone was telling us not to get trunky and that our time would come soon. But the reason I wanted to share this with all of you is because of what was said at the wedding. The Stake President married his daughter to his new son-in-law and he said this,"Love and TO Love are two different things. Love is a feeling that one has for another person that compels him to doing things for the other person, and ultimately TO Love the other person. When you love someone you need TO Love them to express your feeling of love."
I don't know if I got what I tried, across, But the invite for all of you is not only love your neighbors but TO love them as well.
Abraham 1:4
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Mid Transfer, Transfer: They are doing a mid-transfer, transfer to send home all the missionaries that are due to go home around the holidays. They are making sure to get them home in time and I'm sure it saves the church some money to do it a week or so early to avoid the holiday airfare rush. I am staying here in Ponta Pora with Elder Maughan.
Wow so this week was a bit rushed. President called last week telling us that he and his second counselor would be here Monday night and Tuesday. He said that on Monday night he wanted to do divisions with us to visit less active members. So we scheduled two visits and I went with President Reber and Elder Maughan went with President Oliveira! The visit we did was with a young man who is preparing to serve a mission in February. His name is Patrick and he is having difficulties staying active. So we had a wonderful visit and then President Reber invited him to serve a "mini mission" for six weeks and try it out. He still hasn't given an answer but I think it'll be yes.
Tuesday was our zone meeting because President Reber was going to be there. He also told us not to tell our zone so it would be a surprise. It was an awesome meeting and I am super happy with the results.
Another thing going on here in the zone is hectic sickness! We have one Elder who's eyes are giving him a lot of trouble and we had to get him medication. And another Elder has been in the hospital since yesterday. Turns out he had an intestinal infection. But all is well now and he is doing great. He will probably leave the hospital today.
Also we had a baptism!!!! Senhor Luiz! He is great and we were so happy! His family was too and we might baptize them as well! On Friday there was a wedding!!!! Elder Maughan and I were invited and it was awesome! Everyone was telling us not to get trunky and that our time would come soon. But the reason I wanted to share this with all of you is because of what was said at the wedding. The Stake President married his daughter to his new son-in-law and he said this,"Love and TO Love are two different things. Love is a feeling that one has for another person that compels him to doing things for the other person, and ultimately TO Love the other person. When you love someone you need TO Love them to express your feeling of love."
I don't know if I got what I tried, across, But the invite for all of you is not only love your neighbors but TO love them as well.
Abraham 1:4
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Monday, December 9, 2013
Letter from Mario Nunes
All - I got this wonderful letter today from a member where Roman is currently serving and I wanted to share it with you. This man served a mission in the US 9 yrs ago so his english is pretty good! Such a tender mercy! The comments in parenthesis throughout the letter are mine.
Dear Laws family
How are you doing? Hope this email finds you well. My name is Mario Nunes and I'm the ward mission leader where Elder Laws is currently serving. Just want to send you some news about him.
We would like to thank you for you son. He's a stud missionary, truly working hard and helping everyone around him. Ponta Pora is small town with no more than 120,000 people (that's small?). But we are right on the border with Paraguay, there's just an avenue dividing both countries. The paraguayan side has 150,000 people living there.
Our ward has about 120 of members each sunday, Elder Laws is the zone leader together with his companion Elder Maughan. Right now its summer time, so is pretty hot down here and he's very tanned already. lol The ward helps a lot with lunch, rides and everything they can. We do have a meetings each sunday night and I'm in charge to take care about them, if they have food, clean clothes, clean house and of course good health. So please do not worry about him, he's eating well every day, walking a lot and smiling. He's a happy missionary and bishop and every member really love him. We share the same chapel with another ward and all the member from the other ward already love him, invite him for some dinners, activites, etc.
He got a nickname from the "bad "missionaries because he's too obedient (some of the disobedient Brazilian missionaries call the obedient american missionaries "delete"). He really follows the rules everyday as zone leader and this is why we love him. I got back from my mission 9 years ago, got married with Kelly who's a dentist and serves at the Relief Society Stake President and we have Isabela which is 4 years old. Attached you can see a pic we took yesterday.
I know he's going to be a blessing to your lifes again when he gets back home. So please be sure he's doing allright here, we're praying for him and watching over him every day. Let me know anything you may need from our side.
with love
Mario Nunes
Week #74
Random Thought: Chicago's version of "The Little Drummer Boy" Is the best ever!Bazinga!!
So this week wasn't full of funny experiences or anything because we had a big mission conference and I had a lot of meetings this week.
We traveled at 1:00am by bus so that we could be in Campo Grande in time for our meeting. We got there at 7:00am and then we went to eat and had our meeting with the mission president. It was awesome and we talked about several things. The rest of the day we helped clean up that chapel because of all the food. Then we went to the house of the second counselor of the mission! He is a great guy and that night we stayed up talking. He shared some personal spiritual experiences that really helped grow my testimony. Also while I was staying there I learned that my wonderful sister, Kati will be serving a mission in PORTUGAL!!!!!!!!!!! (The same mission as my dad!) I literally jumped up and yelled when I read the email!!! PARABÉNS Kati! I am so happy and so proud of you!!
Then the next day we had our Christmas celebration in the morning. It was really funny and we had a lot of skits and laughing but the afternoon was the best. We had our mission tour. This is where a member of the area presidency comes to the mission to give a fireside. This time it was Elder Gavarrett. He is the second counselor in the area presidency! So now I have met and shook the hand of all three members of the Brasil area presidency! Anyway I really really liked him. He is very direct and funny. He gave a bunch of advice and a talked. I know that this man was called of God. One thing he did was allow the Zone Leaders to get up and talk about their zones.He asked us to give an account of each month and explain what has happened. So Elder Maughan and I got up and I started talking about our zone and the baptisms we had each month. In October our zone only had 6 baptisms. I said that and he said,"No in october your zone saved 6 wonderful souls!" We all laughed and I rephrased what I said. He then asked why only 6. I told him that it was because of a lack of unity in our zone. His reaction was funny. He said,"..wait wait wait. You've captured my attention. What do you mean by that?" I said,"Well our zone had problems with Elders forming opinions about one another and then talking bad behind others backs all the time. This ended up discouraging the zone and making us lose our focus." He then said,"Wow, you are very brave to stand up and say that in front of the whole mission. Good job!" Then he went on to the next zone.
I really liked that experience. A principle that I am trying to learn and apply is not only to be honest and sincere but direct as well. I'd like to share an experience of how I applied this. On saturday President Reber did a conference call with all the zone leaders in the south and said that he is giving us more authority and that we can now act in his name without calling and asking him. So Elder Maughan and I decided we wanted to do interviews with all the Elders in our zone on sunday. We wanted to talk about unity and sustaining one another. Well there is a certain Elder in our zone that does not like Elder Maughan and I at all. I had the privilage of doing his interview and I started by asking him how he was and if he needed anything. Then I said,"Alright Elder. I want this conversation to be honest and I want to be direct. Elder I KNOW that you are talking bad about Elder Maughan and I to the other missionaries and to the members. I want to know why." We had a great conversation and by the time we were done we both left the room smiling. He walked over to my companion and said,"Elder Maughan, I talked with Elder Laws and I am going to give you both another chance." Then they started talking and getting along and having a bit of fun.
I know it's a weird testimony but I have a testimony of being honest and direct. One day when we see the Lord, it is how he will act and how he will treat us, honestly and directly.
Moses 5:6
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Monday, December 2, 2013
Week #73
Bazinga!
Random Thought: It's already December!
Alright people there's not a ton to say this week! We are just busy teaching!!
Tuesday was a pretty normal we had a good day visiting around, preaching and teaching. Then at night after we got everything done and right before bed Elder Maughan wanted to do curls with the weights we have. It's one big bar with weights on each end. He wanted to do his max so he started going and I counted. He got to 135 before he put the bar down! Then we started teasing each other and I ended up getting up to do as many as I could. I got to 150! And then Elder Maughan got to 200 and beat me.....but it was fun and hilarious! Anyway I am explaining all this because we all know that when we do heavy exorcises there's always a consequence...pain! So the next day I DIED of pain! I literally could not open my arms more than half way. haha! Luckily my companion wasn't feeling well that day so we had to stay home! It helped me heal a bit but I haven't had zero pain until today. I feel like I'm getting old or something...
Friday we dedicated the entire day to doing contacts. It was cool! We marked a lot of appointments and it was fun talking to a lot of people. Right before that though Elder Maughan and I were talking and changing our plans and out of no where it got VERY cloudy and black and we thought,"Dang, now we can't do what we planned." So we knelt down and said a prayer.... Well not one drop of rain fell the entire day and we were able to go along with our plan just fine. I love that the Lord hears his missionaries!
Something I learned or re learned this week! We went to a members house and while leaving a message we talked a lot about trials. I want everyone to pay attention to me right now. TRIALS HAPPEN TO EVERYONE. We aren't perfect and we won't be, in this life. Trials happen to the bishop, the stake president, the prophet and they definitely happened to the Savior. Something that I have heard in my life is that when trials happen and you get knocked down...you need to get back up!! But for some reason something this member said hit me hard!!
"Not only do we have to pick ourselves back up, but we have to do it as fast as possible. The longer we are down, the easier it is to stay down. Satan uses these moments to get to us. We can't let him."
I had never thought of it that way. So to all of you I say GET UP AS FAST AS YOU CAN!
Moses 1
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: It's already December!
Alright people there's not a ton to say this week! We are just busy teaching!!
Tuesday was a pretty normal we had a good day visiting around, preaching and teaching. Then at night after we got everything done and right before bed Elder Maughan wanted to do curls with the weights we have. It's one big bar with weights on each end. He wanted to do his max so he started going and I counted. He got to 135 before he put the bar down! Then we started teasing each other and I ended up getting up to do as many as I could. I got to 150! And then Elder Maughan got to 200 and beat me.....but it was fun and hilarious! Anyway I am explaining all this because we all know that when we do heavy exorcises there's always a consequence...pain! So the next day I DIED of pain! I literally could not open my arms more than half way. haha! Luckily my companion wasn't feeling well that day so we had to stay home! It helped me heal a bit but I haven't had zero pain until today. I feel like I'm getting old or something...
Friday we dedicated the entire day to doing contacts. It was cool! We marked a lot of appointments and it was fun talking to a lot of people. Right before that though Elder Maughan and I were talking and changing our plans and out of no where it got VERY cloudy and black and we thought,"Dang, now we can't do what we planned." So we knelt down and said a prayer.... Well not one drop of rain fell the entire day and we were able to go along with our plan just fine. I love that the Lord hears his missionaries!
Something I learned or re learned this week! We went to a members house and while leaving a message we talked a lot about trials. I want everyone to pay attention to me right now. TRIALS HAPPEN TO EVERYONE. We aren't perfect and we won't be, in this life. Trials happen to the bishop, the stake president, the prophet and they definitely happened to the Savior. Something that I have heard in my life is that when trials happen and you get knocked down...you need to get back up!! But for some reason something this member said hit me hard!!
"Not only do we have to pick ourselves back up, but we have to do it as fast as possible. The longer we are down, the easier it is to stay down. Satan uses these moments to get to us. We can't let him."
I had never thought of it that way. So to all of you I say GET UP AS FAST AS YOU CAN!
Moses 1
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Week #72
Bazinga!
Random Thought: The pen is red and will always be red. That's the truth and the ONLY truth.
Transfers: I am staying here in Ponta Porã with Elder Muaghan
So this week was kind of awesome! Our ward mission leader is the face (you'll only get that if you speak portuguese) and he invited us over for a family night! He made barbecue and he has a basketball hoop at his house and we played around. They were all making fun of me though, they said"Ha I have never heard of an American that can't play ball!" It was really funny and we had a great time. This family is the best.
Tuesday was pretty normal and Wednesday as well. OH Ha Wednesday we had a zone meeting and for a little part I decided we should do a little activity. Everyone had to get up and share a funny experience, a spiritual experience, and an attribute that your companion has that you want to develop. So we went through and every one was saying good stuff and then we got to one of the Assistants. He got up and said his funny experience. He said:
"So while my companion and I were at the bus station last week, a blind man walked up to us and said,"Hey excuse me but do you know where the exit is?" I didn't realize the man was blind so I told him that I did and pointing, I said,"Over there!" He just got a serious look on his face and said,"You've got to be kidding me." and I said,"No I'm serious it's over there!" Then a lady came up and took his arm to guide him and I realized that he was blind. My companion was already laughing." It was really funny and we all almost fell over laughing.
Sister Reber, the mission presidents wife, designated one day in the last week of the transfer to clean our houses. So Thursday we decided to clean literally every inch. We were sick of living in a dirty house because no one has ever cleaned it before. So it took all day and now it is VERY clean. It looks like it hasn't been clean since the missionaries started living there. Anyway, I am allergic to dust mites and it turns out there were A LOT. So all day Friday I was in bed sick. At the end of the day a member called and Elder Maughan mentioned that I was not feeling well and they said they were coming to get us to go to the pharmacy to get medicine! We got an anti allergy medication and I am now 100%! The members here are great!!
Sunday was stake conference and I was invited to sing in the choir! It was cool and the meeting was great!!
I love you all!
Mosiah 4:16-18
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: The pen is red and will always be red. That's the truth and the ONLY truth.
Transfers: I am staying here in Ponta Porã with Elder Muaghan
So this week was kind of awesome! Our ward mission leader is the face (you'll only get that if you speak portuguese) and he invited us over for a family night! He made barbecue and he has a basketball hoop at his house and we played around. They were all making fun of me though, they said"Ha I have never heard of an American that can't play ball!" It was really funny and we had a great time. This family is the best.
Tuesday was pretty normal and Wednesday as well. OH Ha Wednesday we had a zone meeting and for a little part I decided we should do a little activity. Everyone had to get up and share a funny experience, a spiritual experience, and an attribute that your companion has that you want to develop. So we went through and every one was saying good stuff and then we got to one of the Assistants. He got up and said his funny experience. He said:
"So while my companion and I were at the bus station last week, a blind man walked up to us and said,"Hey excuse me but do you know where the exit is?" I didn't realize the man was blind so I told him that I did and pointing, I said,"Over there!" He just got a serious look on his face and said,"You've got to be kidding me." and I said,"No I'm serious it's over there!" Then a lady came up and took his arm to guide him and I realized that he was blind. My companion was already laughing." It was really funny and we all almost fell over laughing.
Sister Reber, the mission presidents wife, designated one day in the last week of the transfer to clean our houses. So Thursday we decided to clean literally every inch. We were sick of living in a dirty house because no one has ever cleaned it before. So it took all day and now it is VERY clean. It looks like it hasn't been clean since the missionaries started living there. Anyway, I am allergic to dust mites and it turns out there were A LOT. So all day Friday I was in bed sick. At the end of the day a member called and Elder Maughan mentioned that I was not feeling well and they said they were coming to get us to go to the pharmacy to get medicine! We got an anti allergy medication and I am now 100%! The members here are great!!
Sunday was stake conference and I was invited to sing in the choir! It was cool and the meeting was great!!
I love you all!
Mosiah 4:16-18
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Monday, November 18, 2013
Week #71
Bazinga!
Random Thought: I slept really well last night!
SO this week we had a lot of rejection! Like a lot! Out of like 70 people we talked to and actually invited to read or to pray or to go to church only 27 accepted us. So what does that mean?? It means we are working and doing what the Lord expects of us! Isn't that great?! (You do your best and hang the rest)
So on Monday night we got home and I realized that our power was out! After talking with the finance secretary and much investigation we figured out that it was shut off because the september bill wasn't paid and that we hadn't even received that particular bill. SO he paid the bill BUT they wouldn't come until the next day. So that was a very hot night without a fan.
Thursday was so cool. The day before, we were talking about how we could unite ourselves as a zone and help each other out. So an Elder suggested that we do something called "Blitz". He explained that the ENTIRE zone goes to one area and does contacts just to help the Elders in that area! So Thursday we put the idea into practice. We all went to the more isolated area and all together we were able to get 83 contacts just for those Elders! It was really fun and I got sunburned a lot because it was hot that day but it was worth it.
Thursday night we were invited to help some of the young members to cut up fruit for the dance that was going to happen Friday night! All the missionaries showed up to help, but it took a while for everything to be ready so we could get started and as a zone we had planned to eat pizza together to celebrate two Elder's birthdays. So all the Elders left. Only Elder Maughan and I decided to stay. So we didn't get even get close to done. The next day we were invited to do an ALL day service project helping them get the church ready in time for the dance. There was not a moment where we weren't doing something! It was pretty tiring but really fun. I felt like I was back helping my parents again with the Stake dance. Anyway, we got done a little before 8:00pm which is when the dance started! Then we left. It would have been cool to stay and watch the dance.
Also this week we started teaching a young woman named Anna. She is super excited about the church and she speaks English fluently! We found out that she learned by herself at home and that we are the first people she has talked to in English! It was really cool! We already have her Baptism marked!
D&C 106:7-8
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Random Thought: I slept really well last night!
SO this week we had a lot of rejection! Like a lot! Out of like 70 people we talked to and actually invited to read or to pray or to go to church only 27 accepted us. So what does that mean?? It means we are working and doing what the Lord expects of us! Isn't that great?! (You do your best and hang the rest)
So on Monday night we got home and I realized that our power was out! After talking with the finance secretary and much investigation we figured out that it was shut off because the september bill wasn't paid and that we hadn't even received that particular bill. SO he paid the bill BUT they wouldn't come until the next day. So that was a very hot night without a fan.
Thursday was so cool. The day before, we were talking about how we could unite ourselves as a zone and help each other out. So an Elder suggested that we do something called "Blitz". He explained that the ENTIRE zone goes to one area and does contacts just to help the Elders in that area! So Thursday we put the idea into practice. We all went to the more isolated area and all together we were able to get 83 contacts just for those Elders! It was really fun and I got sunburned a lot because it was hot that day but it was worth it.
Thursday night we were invited to help some of the young members to cut up fruit for the dance that was going to happen Friday night! All the missionaries showed up to help, but it took a while for everything to be ready so we could get started and as a zone we had planned to eat pizza together to celebrate two Elder's birthdays. So all the Elders left. Only Elder Maughan and I decided to stay. So we didn't get even get close to done. The next day we were invited to do an ALL day service project helping them get the church ready in time for the dance. There was not a moment where we weren't doing something! It was pretty tiring but really fun. I felt like I was back helping my parents again with the Stake dance. Anyway, we got done a little before 8:00pm which is when the dance started! Then we left. It would have been cool to stay and watch the dance.
Also this week we started teaching a young woman named Anna. She is super excited about the church and she speaks English fluently! We found out that she learned by herself at home and that we are the first people she has talked to in English! It was really cool! We already have her Baptism marked!
D&C 106:7-8
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
Week #70
Bazinga!
Random Thought: I miss pumpkin pie...
So last monday we decided to go to the bishops store and get ourselves a little speaker box for our music on our flash drives. Now we have awesome new music playing all over our house when we are home.
Tuesday we went with some awesome members to a reference we received. It was great! They are really curious and are more spiritually in tune than I thought. At one point Elder Maughan said,"How can you figure out if this is true?" One of the ladies started talking about how they need to do their part and be open to receive God in there hearts. The other lady stopped her and said,"I think I know what the Elder is getting at. He's trying to say that we need to read, think, and pray about these things. If we don't then we can't receive and answer." I was very surprised by her answer and had a little "YES!" moment in my head. Nothing is better than when you know that your investigators are understanding what you are trying to teach them.
Wednesday was...interesting. We had a great day planned and went to it! But every plan and backup plan fell through. Also I was very sick and felt awful all day. BUT we all know that God has a sense of humor and that he let's funny things happen. When our last appointment fell we decided to go get a smoothy. So we went into a tiny restaurant and sat down at an aluminum table with aluminum chairs. I ordered my drink and Elder Maughan and I started talking then I realized I didn't have any cash. I said,"Hey do you accept cards?" She said no. SO I asked her to stop making it. Then as I leaned my head against the wall one of the legs of my chair broke in half and I fell on the ground and smacked my head on the wall. There was nothing else to do but laugh!
Wednesday night I got a call from the assistants saying that on friday morning at 9:00am my zone would have interviews with the president. OK. Then on thursday morning I got a call from president asking if I could have the whole zone at the chapel at 3:00pm that day! So I called everyone and we had interviews that entire day! They also brought letters and packages from the mission home! I GOT ONE!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you mom! I shared the candy with the whole zone and already gave the little toys away to little kids!
Saturday we had baptisms! Priscila was baptized!!! It was great because we combined the service with the other ward so there was a lot of people and it was really spiritual. Priscila started crying and her little 3 year old daughter came up to her and said,"What is it mommy? Why are you crying?" It was so cute I almost died.
I love you all! Remember that the church is true!
Random Thought: I miss pumpkin pie...
So last monday we decided to go to the bishops store and get ourselves a little speaker box for our music on our flash drives. Now we have awesome new music playing all over our house when we are home.
Tuesday we went with some awesome members to a reference we received. It was great! They are really curious and are more spiritually in tune than I thought. At one point Elder Maughan said,"How can you figure out if this is true?" One of the ladies started talking about how they need to do their part and be open to receive God in there hearts. The other lady stopped her and said,"I think I know what the Elder is getting at. He's trying to say that we need to read, think, and pray about these things. If we don't then we can't receive and answer." I was very surprised by her answer and had a little "YES!" moment in my head. Nothing is better than when you know that your investigators are understanding what you are trying to teach them.
Wednesday was...interesting. We had a great day planned and went to it! But every plan and backup plan fell through. Also I was very sick and felt awful all day. BUT we all know that God has a sense of humor and that he let's funny things happen. When our last appointment fell we decided to go get a smoothy. So we went into a tiny restaurant and sat down at an aluminum table with aluminum chairs. I ordered my drink and Elder Maughan and I started talking then I realized I didn't have any cash. I said,"Hey do you accept cards?" She said no. SO I asked her to stop making it. Then as I leaned my head against the wall one of the legs of my chair broke in half and I fell on the ground and smacked my head on the wall. There was nothing else to do but laugh!
Wednesday night I got a call from the assistants saying that on friday morning at 9:00am my zone would have interviews with the president. OK. Then on thursday morning I got a call from president asking if I could have the whole zone at the chapel at 3:00pm that day! So I called everyone and we had interviews that entire day! They also brought letters and packages from the mission home! I GOT ONE!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you mom! I shared the candy with the whole zone and already gave the little toys away to little kids!
Saturday we had baptisms! Priscila was baptized!!! It was great because we combined the service with the other ward so there was a lot of people and it was really spiritual. Priscila started crying and her little 3 year old daughter came up to her and said,"What is it mommy? Why are you crying?" It was so cute I almost died.
I love you all! Remember that the church is true!
D&C 103:36
Com muito amor,
Elder Roman Laws
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