Already out on the Street

It is so weird here in CTM. There are so few missionaries. There are thirty something Americans so it's very different whereas everyone in Provo wanted to be your friend and talk to you nobody here can so you're kind of lonely.

All the Brazilians come and leave within ten or so days so our numbers go from 150 to 60 on a weekly basis. My companion is a very strange person, he's equal parts Guatemalan, German, and Mexican. He’s speaks fluent Spanish so he has no trouble with Portuguese. Our teachers don't speak English, but we can understand them for the most part. The weirdest thing by far is the heat, I don't feel it! It can be 30 degrees Celsius and I won't feel warm at all, it's crazy!

We went out on our third day here to proselyte on the street with our district and it was surreal I felt scared, excited, intimidated, and confident all at the same time. I bore my testimony of the truthfulness of the book of Mormon to a man who said the he had a copy but hadn't read it and I gave him Moroni's challenge.

We went to the temple this morning and had a great time. The temple is right next to the road so the sound of cars thundering along is so loud until you close the door and you can't hear a thing. We just forgot about the world. We visited the distribution center near the temple and I got a little Hinos (hymnal) for three dollars and a pocket size biblia sagrada for 1.25. I don't want to buy anything because I’m very worried about the weight issue. 

They have peanut butter here which I didn't expect and a lot of American things, so if anyone wants to send me a package, don't, just put some money on my card. One of my fellow district members mentioned google hangout which is like a multi-person Skype function in google+. So maybe we could coordinate and I could see Katie and Howard and the family all at the same time. I haven't had any emergencies and I’m still in one piece.

 Sincerely,

Elder Willard

Arrived in Sao Paulo

Frazier has arrived, safe and sound, in Sao Paulo at the MTC for three more weeks of training.

Visa Arrives!

Hi Willards,

I got my visa so no worries, I’m flying to Sao Paulo on Tuesday morning with a sister from my district who got hers at the same time. Everyone is saying that if your visa application was sent to the L.A. consulate you should just give up hope. San Francisco has run out of the stickers that go in your passport so it will take them a while to get going again. I’m having a lot of fun and getting along with everyone. At this moment we are in the laundry room at 4 in the morning to get spots at the computers and two of the sister companionships beat us here. I should be able to call home at the airport or there abouts. I forgot my flight itinerary at the residence but I’ll be flying Delta to Atlanta, Georgia where I’ll wait for my 9 hour 30 minute flight right next to sister Riding (we sometimes call her little red). Should be fun, maybe I’ll go to burger king while I wait. Sister Decker's mother sent a message to her daughter that I’m on her missionary mom's website so you might know her. I was sad to hear about the Campbell’s. It certainly seems that everything happens right after I leave. Anyway, I should be able to answer any questions you have when we talk and I’m looking forward to some answers too.

Sincerely,
Elder Willard

Arrival at the Provo MTC

I’m having a great time here! I know it's only been a week but it feels like at least a month. I’m in one of the only districts with more sisters than elders and it is amazing they are way more focused and gospel oriented than the elders and they are a really good influence on us. I’ve been really tired and might have fallen asleep one during personal study and Sister Jones (she's my favorite) gave us all notes with encouragement and praise and she added a scripture to mine. Luke 8:23 "but as they sailed he fell asleep:" she told that it was supposed to be how I just need to ask the Lord for guidance and help, but I thought it was hilarious. Our second night here we were told to visit this potential investigator who was on the campus. He only spoke Portuguese and we had to teach him the first lesson. It might have been a train wreck but as we kept working with him we got better and better until two night ago we didn't have to use notes at all! Then he came into our classroom and told us that he is going to be one of our instructors and that he had served in Fortaleza Brazil where he taught the person he was emulating. Our other instructor is a return missionary from Sao Paulo Brazil and he will only speak to us in Portuguese. He’s very active and helpful and loving and we are learning a lot from him. We are all proficient at bearing testimony and praying in Portuguese by now but I don't want to show off. My roommates are really relaxed and easy to get along with. Espero voces estao felicidades e saudes.

 Elder Willard

Leaving for Provo

 From Mom: Frazier left this morning for the Provo MTC because his Brazilian visa has not arrived. His hand was shaking when he handed his ticket to the TSA agent. I cried.

But I need not worry. Grandma and Grandpa Willard picked him up and delivered him to Provo. Katie was also there to greet him and say goodbye.

Here's to another adventure!

Mission Call

From Mom: Frazier received his mission call Nov 15, 2012 in the usual way: Washington calls arrive in the mail on Thursdays. This is tricky because Paul and I work at the Seattle Temple from 2pm-10pm. Plus, I volunteer at the high school playing for the women's choir. Frazier is working for Br. Edmonds' machine shop in Marysville until 5pm. Paul brought Katie with him and they picked me up at the school and we drove straight there. 

When Frazier said Brazil, I shouted, "No!" With Howard already there and worrying so much about him, I immediately thought of double the worry. But he was very excited to go to the Amazon. There are months to prepare for his visa, and we know they are difficult to obtain.

I will always remember when President Monson changed the age for young missionary service. I was at the high school for a mandatory DUI presentation with Marnie. We were missing General Conference. But the boys were watching and astonished at the announcement. According to Paul, Frazier immediately announced that he wanted to be one of the first 18-year-olds in the field. He had graduated at 17 and was simply waiting around to turn 19, after all. By the time the evening session began, Frazier was able to meet with the Bishop and get the portal opened. He was prepared to serve.