Elder Wahl with Dante (young man he taught and Baptized)

June 20, 2011

Well, this past week wasn’t too bad.  We actually had an excellent week for numbers.  The only problem is, I am having problems with my companion who seems to have changed his desires to be here. So, I am sorry this week looks as though it will be a little small. I had to write a little more to President Batt than normal.

Let’s see. This past week we found and taught this man that can’t stop talking. It will take for ever to teach him because you teach him something then he talks about it for another 20 minutes. haha. He will be difficult to teach. 

We had a division this past week with our LZ. One is actually slightly crazy. Like no joke. haha. So that was weird. But I was with his companion so it wasn’t as bad. 

It is weird to think that from today President Batt will be gone in eight days… Something kind of weird to think about, and missionaries think they are “trunky”. Imagine him after three years!!! Haha

I think I may be losing one of my pairs of shoes here in the next few months. My ECCOs got a hole in the heel that lets water enter the sole. Into the shoe no, but into the sole so it gets wet then dries, gets wet, then dries. So it will probably fall apart soon. Good thing I have 2 other pairs of shoes. You should also look to see if ECCO would replace the shoes. I heard that if you send them a picture they would. 

We have been making a lot of good food. Well, tasty, don’t know if it is good. I sure enjoy it. Haha

I had a dream last night about red vines because we talked about them at lunch. So I had a dream I was in the store buying red vines and twizzlers. Haha. It was one of the best dreams I have ever had. haha. I also had a dream that I was driving a really awesome new boat you all bought..........

I sent a letter home for Monica. So when it arrives make sure she gets it. 

So how was Grandma’s trip to visit Uncle Mark and Tara? 

Hey, so I am going to ask a big question. Are we all gonna move when dad gets released??? Like all the other Bishops???

And. Happy Father’s Day!!!!!!!!! I won’t lie, I forgot. haha. Kinda forget the American Holidays. 

I love you all!!! Until next week!!!! 

And hopefully by the weekend you can all have a surprise!!!

FYI we added two weeks letters into one post

June 13, 2011

So let's see.... where to start.

The normal is happening here. The ward is gossiping about the missionaries and talking trash about them which makes it really hard to do missionary work... so I am just going to baptize... if they choose to help great... but if not, tough luck for them.

Well, now warning about this part, do not start to worry.

So we we're walking to a house. And we were walking down a fairly busy street, actually very busy street. And I was looking "downish" because it was dark and I didn't want to trip on a rock. When I looked up and saw three guys and one speed up and another slowed down and they all split up. Well, we were being robbed. So two guys pull out these tiny little guns and tell us to pass our cell phones. But... we don´t have cell phones... haha
So the one guy working me was like "pass your cell", and I was like, "I don't have one".  And then he said it again and I was like "I don't have one". And he looks at me and says "seriously"? And I was like "serious". And then he gave me that look like I was so pathetic like the biggest loser in the world because I didn't have a cell. Then after they realized we didn't have anything they left. haha

So that was my Saturday night. haha. Not really a big deal. It is pretty normal here.

We also baptized yesterday!!! His name is Anderson and he is 10 years old. He is the first member in his immediate family. But he has a number of cousins that are members.

Yesterday Dante confirmed Samara. Both are people that were baptized while I was here. But almost never do you get to see someone you baptized confirm someone else you baptized because they never get the Priesthood as fast as Dante did. It was neat!!!

So hey, what do you all think about me doing a semester at the BYU Jerusalem center??? I think it would be really neat. I really am thinking it is something I want to do!!!

Well, I am indeed continuing my journal.

This week I also finished studying Matthew and almost Mark; however, in Portuguese obviously. haha

Well, I hope all is well with you all!! l love you all dearly!!!!!!
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June 6, 2011

No.... I have sent you my passwords that I usually use... good luck!!!!!

Well, yesterday we baptized a girl named Samara. She is ten. She hangs out with three other girls we have taught and they tried to convince her to not be baptized. But we did a good job and she was baptized. Her mother went to the baptism and appears to be really excited for us to work with her and her other older daughter. She is one of the ditsiest girls I have ever met. haha.

Yesterday was a kind of sad day as well though. We were walking another investigator home and we made a quick stop off at a member’s house because we heard there were some problems going on. Her husband has apparently been doing something and she only found out yesterday. The first thing she did when we walked in was said that he has been lying for thirty years. So we gave her a blessing... which I still am not sure I made the right decision. My companion asked her for her full name... Which includes her maiden name and her husband’s name, but she would not at all use her husband’s name. So my companion is looking at me with those eyes like... what do I do?... so I just said do what she wishes and cut the Santos. So, I don’t know if that was the right decision. Her son tried telling her she needs the Santos but ya.... 

So how has the journal writing been??? I have missed very few days...

Hey Aunt Virginia sent a mission ties letter but it arrived from there a little messed up like the letters and stuff. Could you ask her what she asked?  I know it was a question but I couldn’t understand it because of how it printed. 

Happy Birthday Logan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It was June 1st and I was like whoa!!!! Wait.... Logan’s birthday!!!!! I think Dante sent a message. haha 

Well, I am doing good. 

I am super excited for this package of mine!!!!!

I love you all!!! Have a great week!!!! 

Oh, and give my congrats for all those who graduated!!!!!!!

Just a note, (Elder Wahl's father talking here) like so many missionaries Jordan wonders if he has done any good as a missionary, the following has been a series of emails on facebook between Becca and a young man that Jordan baptized and has been working with for several months now. You tell me if he has done any good as a missionary?

April 26, 2011

Hi, I'm Elder Wahl's mom from here in the United States. I hear that you have been recently baptized. That's wonderful..Just wanted to see how things are in Brazil.

April 27, 2011

Hello .. is a pleasure speaking with you.

I was baptized recently ... Elder and Wahl was the missionary who taught me. We find ourselves almost every day. We became great friends.

I want to congratulate for your child you have. Elder Wahl is a great person. A great servant of God. Congratulations.
Today he is fine ... a short time ago he got a little sick. A slimmed slimmed down a bit. But today he is very good. You can stay quiet. I'll take good care of him. Hehe

Maybe on 22 May he be transferred to my ward. I'm a little sad. But happy ... for him to go help other people as he helped me.

He talks a lot about you ... Logan, Mr. Michael and your adventures with the ducks. Hehe

I hope all is well with you. I know that nostalgia is great. But what he is doing for our Heavenly Father is immeasurable.

A hug.
- Dante.

May 2, 2011

Hello Mrs Becca, how is it going?!

Elder Wahl came over for dinner today in my home. We talk a lot about the death of Osama Bin Laden. hehe

Just wanted to say that everything is fine with him. I know you must be very worried. I wonder how difficult it must be for you all to stay away from him. But I can assure you that all is well. Do not worry.

I hope all is well with you too.  Hug

Dante.

May 13, 2011

Dante: I just wanted to say THANK YOU for allowing Elder Wahl to use your computer to call home on Mother's Day. It was so good to see him and talk to him. It was also good to see you.

Elder Wahl is so happy for you and your baptism into the Church. Is it true that you already have a church calling? If you do, that's great. It is a good opportunity to see and learn how some of the programs work in the Church. Being a member of this Church will bring you great opportunities and blessings into your life.

So you are taking accounting classes at the University? I have worked in accounting for the last 20 years. I don't have any university classes, I have just learned about accounting from working at the same company all these years. I really do enjoy working in accounting, so.....study hard, hehe

Elder Wahl says that it's very hot there almost everyday. Here in Oregon, we have alot of rain and cold from October to April. Today it was finally about 70 degrees so that was nice. Logan played a baseball game today, so it was nice to sit and enjoy watching his team, but his team lost really badly. Oh well...

Anyway, I just wanted to say "Obrigado" (I hope that's right)...

Let us know how you are doing and if you have any questions about anything, just let us know.

Love, The Wahls

May 29, 2011

I am so happy to hear that Elder Wahl is staying in your area. I hope he is a good example to you. We are sending a box to Elder Wahl real soon. Make sure he shares his candy with you. Take Care!

Becca

May 29, 2011

I'm very happy! Very happy indeed! And do not worry: your child is already a great example to me! I love Elder Wahl! I hope I never lose touch with him.

I never tire of saying: Congratulations for son that you have! Elder Wahl is a portator worthy of the priesthood of God!

Friday, May 27, he came to dinner here at my house. We talked a lot! And we eat lots of popcorn and cake! Hehe

He'll be happy with the box! And I ask him some candy, for sure! Hehe

I hope all is well with you! I have great respect and admiration for your family!

Dante.  

June 5, 2011

Hello Mrs Becca, how are you?!
Today I had lunch with Elder Wahl in the house of the Bishop of my ward! It was really cool. Elder Wahl is fine. Today, Sunday, we had another baptism. Was baptized a little girl of 10 years! I think I still have not told you, but now I am serving as the primary's teacher. It has been very good for strengthen my faith in the gospel as a teacher. Working with children is very good!

I was talking to Elder Wahl... maybe when I finished the mission I go visit you! Wow! It would be really cool! HeheIt's amazing how God transforms our lives! I baptized only three months behind and so much has happened! Elder Wahl followed throughout my growth within the church. He follows me from the beginning. It does not really know what I'll do when he is transferred to my ward. I'll be very sad! He to me is a great example! For all the trials that he has spent here in the mission. I always say to him: "Elder Wahl, want to be a missionary like you. "
I hope all is well with you all!Dante.