Dear Family and Friends,
I have so much that I could talk about, and so little time! Transfers were held last Tuesday, and I´ve been sent to the Zone Vila Velha in the area Cobilândia. It´s only two short ônibus rides (graças a ceus!) from the Mission Home in Vitória, just on the mainland. Now for some unexpected news: I´ve been placed in yet another trio! I wonder what the Lord is trying to tell me, because this is my third permanent trio now. More surprising yet are my companions: Elder M. Silva from Fortaleza, Brazil, and Elder Stilson! Yup, you read that correctly. The same Elder Stilson from before. I think our area is the biggest in the mission, because it used to be two areas worked by two companionships, and now it´s one giant area worked by a trio. We´re not sure if we´ll be receiving a fourth some time in the near future to help with the large area, so for now we´re just playing the hand we get. The area looks exactly like all the pictures you see in photos of Brazil with huge green hills, lots of tropical trees, and lots and lots of small differently colored houses. You get quite the spectacular view in some parts of our area, and my only regret is that the camera I have could never ever do it justice.
One of the first things I noticed after arriving in this new area is how incredibly awesome the ward (I´m in a ward!) is here. I´ve never met a more embracing, genuinely loving and accepting people in my life. The second you walk into the church building or into one of their homes, you are automatically a part of a family, and instantly smothered with love, no matter who you are: missionary, investigator, member, child, senior, everybody gets the same treatment. And there are a lot of fun people who have that certain kind of silly that reminds me of my own family, and feels like home. ´´I think I´m gonna like it here!´´
My new companion, Elder M. (for ´Mike´) Silva is really really great, as well. He has a lot of characteristics that remind me a little bit of Papai Elder Jones. It´s a breath of fresh air to have someone to work with that has the same commitment to following the rules and working hard as I do. He actually just finished his training and has just 3 months on his mission, and (for understandable reasons such as already knowing the language and the area and the culture, while Elder Stilson and I are still learning) is the senior companion and district leader.
Our district is comprised of 5 missionaries, our trio and a dupla of Sisters: Sister Andreá from São Paulo, Brasil (of course), and Sister Piris from Bueno Aires, Argentina. Not to be prideful or anything, but we seriously have the best district in the mission. I have no doubt. From our first district meeting, I saw that we all have the same set of standards, the same ideas of how the work should be done, and the same determination to actually get it done. I didn´t have to worry about conflict among the missionaries about the work. That was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.
Just like my first week in São Mateus, we had a marriage and a baptism in the same day this weekend! Iran and Analia have been investigating the church for about 9 months now, and Iran finally decided to get married and baptized. Analia attends church every week, and loves everything about it, but is a very independent woman, and wants a firm affirmation for herself before she gets baptized. They are really happy, though, and it´s cool to be able to be a part of their experience.
Things are really speeding up with the language now a days. I´m having an easier time just talking every day. I´m really grateful for the opportunity I´ve had to have Brazilian companions so that I have to speak the language at all times. You can see the difference in the missionaries who speak English with their companions all the time.
I love you all so much! I´ll talk to you soon!
- Elder Crapo
A teeny tiny portion of our area.
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| Our District |
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