Gelson Pizzirani, huh? Interesting, he will be my new Mission President? Elder C Nunes says he's been an Area Seventy here. So was Pres. Aidukaitis before he came here. A lot of missionaries are going to be really bummed when Presidente Aidukaitis leaves. It will be weird. I want to know about this new guy. Let me know whatever you know, when you know. If it's in the Church News then I think the bulletin from Presidente must have a little bit of information about him. We'll see.
I haven't had zone conference yet but today is transfer day. Zone Conference is usually about a week after transfers. The good news is that all four of us here are staying! I'm glad you're proud of me, Momma. It makes me happy that I'm making you happy. Soon 15 months will be 14 and then 12 and then 8 will turn into 6 and then 2 then I'll be home, ok?
I'll be sure to write Gpa asap. I've been meaning to write Gpa, Gma Hoon for the last nine months or so. It will be good for me to do that. I think the reason I haven't written them is because I'm always tempted to talk about church. Same thing with Aunt Linda. We know that all of our family needs to be baptized. I think in the future we will have a lot of temple work to do, and I hope it is accepted then. Crystal and Jessica, I need to write them to actually, because they HAVE been baptized and they have an obligation to live up to that covenant. Is no one reminding them of these things? WE NEED TO HELP!
I don't have much of anything really to say about things here this week. Same old. We're planning to have a Baptism in a LAKE soon. I'll be sure to send pictures as soon as that happens. I think I'm gonna get fat in this area. I'm a little worried about that. I'll talk to Sister Aidukaitis at zone conference. I don't want to go to the doctor again. I'm hoping she'll send me to this fancy foot massage/pedicure place that she sometimes makes the missionaries go to. Oh baby.
So tough times for the GOP, huh? Oh well. Everything was so different 9 months ago, and I don't know anything anymore. This is why I didn't register with any party affiliation. When did Romney drop out? What caused it? I'd like to learn more about Hillary. And Obama. Remember, I'll be sending home an absentee ballot in November. I need to make at least a somewhat informed vote. Speaking of that, Dad, when will be the soonest you can send that to me? Who are the picks for you guys right now? Hillary? Is lex still proudly wearing her "Obama for yo momma" shirt? Let me know what happens each week.
About Mother's day phone call...if you guys want we can trade it for anther day when everyone will be home. It doesn't have to be on Mother's day. But that would probably be best. You know what will be great but weird? The phone call NEXT Mother's day, two or three weeks before I get home. That will be fun. We can plan everything for the summer. Please send pictures. I miss your faces. Send pictures of Socks, and that other cat. Lex, I loved your birthday party pictures. Everyone's facial hair looks great. I see Jeff Guymon has wasted no time in growing his beard! Give him my accolades for that. PICTURES....
I love you, family. Have a great week!
ps: I knew blu-ray would win! It's the pimpest. I checked them both before I left, blu-ray is just better quality. The Japanese just know what's up. I should have bought a Playstation 3. Have you guys bought a Wii yet? I can't wait to play video games again someday. Get a blu-ray, pop! You'll be SO phased. Just check one movie, I know you'll be all about it.
February 25, 2008
Two things have sparked my interest in family history. First, every so often I look at that pedigree chart I was told to bring with me, and try to think of everything I know about my ancestry. I can never seem to come up with enough. I want to know as much as I can. Very rarely do we talk about family history work here because so few people have computers, and there's no family history center so there isn't much purpose. Besides, that's something for people to worry about more after they're baptized, so we leave it up to the members to help the recent converts.
The second reason I've become interested in family history is because my testimony has grown a lot here, and I want to serve the Lord more. I would go to the temple everyday if I could. I hope you guys are going.
This week in particular my feet have been in a lot of pain and I'm thinking about calling Sister Aidudaitis and asking about going back to the doctor. Around Christmas I started having that same pain I had back in August when I was in Cruzeiro. I didn't think much of it but now it's starting to hurt to walk and ride the bike, so I think I want to know what's going on. I'm curious more than anything. I don't like calling Sister and I don't like going to the doctor.
Elder C Nunes is so phased by my ipod that he wants one for himself. He asked me if I wanted to trade for his little media player thing. EXCUSE ME?? I couldn't believe it when he asked. He doesn't understand the way I drove my first ipod home going 40 miles per hour on the freeway so it would stay safe. That was 2003. He wants to know if there are 40 or 60 gig (fourth or fifth generation) ipods that you can still buy. I told him I didn't know because they have the iphone and the new ipod now and all that, but I said I would ask home. Have Michelle figure that out if you need to. He is rich and really wants to buy one.
So, about Shaq...it's looking alright? I don't need to be nervous, do I? Is he gelling just fine? I really hope this leads to what he claims it all to be, and isn't just a pile of hype. He talks a lot from what I read in those articles Dad sends me (thank you, by the way). Have you talked to Laurie about this? What is Mike's real feelings? Is Shaq gonna be Hoon Family Thanksgiving this year? Ok enough questions. I know it looks like we don't seem to have the magic of the last few seasons but we're still up there with everyone in the west. I'm not worried about the Spurs anymore, but I worry about the Lakers. If this isn't the year, then next year (when I'm home for the Finals) will be.
I'm sorry you're stressed and busy, momma. I would be helping you if I could. I pray for you guys everyday. At least Dad is making the dinners lately. I wish I could be home for all this. I miss you guys.
Have a great week. I love you!
ps: Have you heard back from Zach yet? If so, and it looks like he doesn't really have a place to call home, let him come live in my room. He needs a place where he can keep his faith high. I'm thinking about writing a letter to his family. It breaks my heart that they would kick him out for being baptized, I feel like I should do something. Let me know if you get a hold of him. Jordan
The second reason I've become interested in family history is because my testimony has grown a lot here, and I want to serve the Lord more. I would go to the temple everyday if I could. I hope you guys are going.
This week in particular my feet have been in a lot of pain and I'm thinking about calling Sister Aidudaitis and asking about going back to the doctor. Around Christmas I started having that same pain I had back in August when I was in Cruzeiro. I didn't think much of it but now it's starting to hurt to walk and ride the bike, so I think I want to know what's going on. I'm curious more than anything. I don't like calling Sister and I don't like going to the doctor.
Elder C Nunes is so phased by my ipod that he wants one for himself. He asked me if I wanted to trade for his little media player thing. EXCUSE ME?? I couldn't believe it when he asked. He doesn't understand the way I drove my first ipod home going 40 miles per hour on the freeway so it would stay safe. That was 2003. He wants to know if there are 40 or 60 gig (fourth or fifth generation) ipods that you can still buy. I told him I didn't know because they have the iphone and the new ipod now and all that, but I said I would ask home. Have Michelle figure that out if you need to. He is rich and really wants to buy one.
So, about Shaq...it's looking alright? I don't need to be nervous, do I? Is he gelling just fine? I really hope this leads to what he claims it all to be, and isn't just a pile of hype. He talks a lot from what I read in those articles Dad sends me (thank you, by the way). Have you talked to Laurie about this? What is Mike's real feelings? Is Shaq gonna be Hoon Family Thanksgiving this year? Ok enough questions. I know it looks like we don't seem to have the magic of the last few seasons but we're still up there with everyone in the west. I'm not worried about the Spurs anymore, but I worry about the Lakers. If this isn't the year, then next year (when I'm home for the Finals) will be.
I'm sorry you're stressed and busy, momma. I would be helping you if I could. I pray for you guys everyday. At least Dad is making the dinners lately. I wish I could be home for all this. I miss you guys.
Have a great week. I love you!
ps: Have you heard back from Zach yet? If so, and it looks like he doesn't really have a place to call home, let him come live in my room. He needs a place where he can keep his faith high. I'm thinking about writing a letter to his family. It breaks my heart that they would kick him out for being baptized, I feel like I should do something. Let me know if you get a hold of him. Jordan
February 18, 2008
Well I must say I don't remember ever telling Sister Cardon that if someone stole my camera maybe they needed it more than me. Oh well. I love her so she can say whatever she wants. I love Presidente Cardon too. Tell them I said hello and that I'm doing well. I'm sure they were just fine with this leaving the CTM. I imagine it gets a little cramped in there after two years. Or was it three? I can't wait to see them again.
About this plan of mine to move back here, its extremely tentative. And conditional. My plan is to go on with school at MCC and wherever after I get home and THEN if I'm not married within one year after school and I'm not all about my job. I'll think seriously about coming back to Brazil for maybe a year or so to teach English. They are lacking English teachers here, in every city. And everyone wants to learn. So you can make a ton of money doing it. I think I would probably live in Rio. After all this amazing stuff that C Nunes has been telling me about it, I feel like I have to see that place. So that's my plan. Don't worry, it probably won't happen.
However, like to come back and visit. If you guys really want to see my mission you can but I'm warning you, it's ugly here. There's NOTHING to see. It's not picturesque. It's not anything. I cannot understand why anyone who doesn't work for the government would live here. I think they're crazy for building this city in the first place. The interior of Brazil is not a nice place. Like I said before, all the great cities of the world have water. Natural water. A river or the ocean. Not a manmade lake. That's why Phoenix will never be a five star town, and neither will Brasilia. I want to go back someday to Sao Paulo. I want to got to Rio, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Fortaleza and Manaus. But I don't really want you guys to pick me up. For a few reasons. I mean, I can't imagine waiting for you guys at the airport here instead of the other way around. It just doesn't seem right. Plus I don't think I can be released here. I don't want to be on vacation and still be a missionary. AND I'll be done right at the end of May beginning of June and Dad has ratings in May, right? So I don't know if it will work out.
I have a request. I've been looking at my pedigree chart lately and I realized I know so little about my family history. Almost nothing. I want to learn all about these people. I want to know what kind of man Jennison Coburn was and about his wife Goldie May. I want to know more about Cap, who I've done work for in the temple.
All of my great grandparents and great greats and great great greats. As far back as we know. I want to know everything. Is there anything you guys can send me about them? Is there temple work that has yet to be done for these people? More than the desire to get married the second I get home I want so badly to go to the temple and to do family history work. I can't believe how many times I drove past the family history center we have right there in Mesa and I never even thought to make time to go there. It seems like there are such interesting stories in our history and I want to learn all about them.
I spent this last week in a city that is also called Planaltina, but in the DF (District Federal). It's nicer than here. I was working with one of the zone leaders, Elder Macdonald. An American. We spoke a lot of English, which was nice after three months of Brazilian companions. The area we worked in is really poor. The people aren't that great either. Almost all of our appointments the whole week fell, and we didn't baptize anybody. It's difficult to teach there. Now that I'm back in beautiful Planaltina de Goias (which is more often called Brasilhinha) it feels more like home. Which is nice.
Here are some pictures from around here. I don't know why they are titled "luciana rego" but whatever. I hope you like them!
Also, about Shaq, how is it working out? Does it totally suck? I hope it's helping. Tell me more about all this business, I'm dying to hear about it.
Lots of love, family. I miss you and you're on my mind everyday. Have a good week. Jordan
ps: I got the letters and package you sent this week! Thank you! I ran out of money just as it came so the cereal was perfect. Thank you. I loved Dad's article to. Alright bye. Love you all!
About this plan of mine to move back here, its extremely tentative. And conditional. My plan is to go on with school at MCC and wherever after I get home and THEN if I'm not married within one year after school and I'm not all about my job. I'll think seriously about coming back to Brazil for maybe a year or so to teach English. They are lacking English teachers here, in every city. And everyone wants to learn. So you can make a ton of money doing it. I think I would probably live in Rio. After all this amazing stuff that C Nunes has been telling me about it, I feel like I have to see that place. So that's my plan. Don't worry, it probably won't happen.
However, like to come back and visit. If you guys really want to see my mission you can but I'm warning you, it's ugly here. There's NOTHING to see. It's not picturesque. It's not anything. I cannot understand why anyone who doesn't work for the government would live here. I think they're crazy for building this city in the first place. The interior of Brazil is not a nice place. Like I said before, all the great cities of the world have water. Natural water. A river or the ocean. Not a manmade lake. That's why Phoenix will never be a five star town, and neither will Brasilia. I want to go back someday to Sao Paulo. I want to got to Rio, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Fortaleza and Manaus. But I don't really want you guys to pick me up. For a few reasons. I mean, I can't imagine waiting for you guys at the airport here instead of the other way around. It just doesn't seem right. Plus I don't think I can be released here. I don't want to be on vacation and still be a missionary. AND I'll be done right at the end of May beginning of June and Dad has ratings in May, right? So I don't know if it will work out.
I have a request. I've been looking at my pedigree chart lately and I realized I know so little about my family history. Almost nothing. I want to learn all about these people. I want to know what kind of man Jennison Coburn was and about his wife Goldie May. I want to know more about Cap, who I've done work for in the temple.
All of my great grandparents and great greats and great great greats. As far back as we know. I want to know everything. Is there anything you guys can send me about them? Is there temple work that has yet to be done for these people? More than the desire to get married the second I get home I want so badly to go to the temple and to do family history work. I can't believe how many times I drove past the family history center we have right there in Mesa and I never even thought to make time to go there. It seems like there are such interesting stories in our history and I want to learn all about them.
I spent this last week in a city that is also called Planaltina, but in the DF (District Federal). It's nicer than here. I was working with one of the zone leaders, Elder Macdonald. An American. We spoke a lot of English, which was nice after three months of Brazilian companions. The area we worked in is really poor. The people aren't that great either. Almost all of our appointments the whole week fell, and we didn't baptize anybody. It's difficult to teach there. Now that I'm back in beautiful Planaltina de Goias (which is more often called Brasilhinha) it feels more like home. Which is nice.
Here are some pictures from around here. I don't know why they are titled "luciana rego" but whatever. I hope you like them!
Also, about Shaq, how is it working out? Does it totally suck? I hope it's helping. Tell me more about all this business, I'm dying to hear about it.
Lots of love, family. I miss you and you're on my mind everyday. Have a good week. Jordan
ps: I got the letters and package you sent this week! Thank you! I ran out of money just as it came so the cereal was perfect. Thank you. I loved Dad's article to. Alright bye. Love you all!
February 11, 2008
Well just as we sat down we were just informed that we have to leave right away and go with Elder Santos to the bus station because Elder Kiger is being emergency transferred for some reason and Santos can't stay alone. SO I have no time to write you this week. Hooray! And it just had to be a week where I had TONS to say. Shaq!?! I have a mountain of things to say just about that alone Ugh. C Nunes and I might come back to the internet cafe tonight but I doubt it. Patience, momma! You'll hear from me soon enough.
Happiest Birthday ever to my big sister who I love and miss so much!!! Thank you again for saving me when I almost drowned and for being a good influence in my life in so many ways. I'm sorry I don't have enough money or time to send you fancy presents. I wrote you a letter though. I hope you like it. It should reach you soon. 27 is an epic year. Be glad your not(very) famous because a lot of famous people die at 27. You should be alright. Also, I'm pretty sure the Suns traded Marion for Shaq just as a birthday present for you. So have a wonderful birthday, I love you! Jordan
Happiest Birthday ever to my big sister who I love and miss so much!!! Thank you again for saving me when I almost drowned and for being a good influence in my life in so many ways. I'm sorry I don't have enough money or time to send you fancy presents. I wrote you a letter though. I hope you like it. It should reach you soon. 27 is an epic year. Be glad your not(very) famous because a lot of famous people die at 27. You should be alright. Also, I'm pretty sure the Suns traded Marion for Shaq just as a birthday present for you. So have a wonderful birthday, I love you! Jordan
PS for Feb. 4 2008
PS.....Ohhhh, this week is my first Carnaval!!! It's ridiculous. Everyone in Brazil goes crazy with drinking and dancing a having _ _ _. It's worse in Rio and Salvador but it's still pretty rough here. Not an easy time for teaching. Also, everything is closed. It's a big deal here. Second only to the World Cup--which, if it was happening during my mission we would be allowed to watch. The only hours of TV that missionaries in Brazil are allowed. Ha. Lex, you should have gone to San Diego in M Green for Carnaval. It's probably fun American style. We should go when I get back. Alright guys that is allllll. Jordan
February 4, 2008
When is the last time one brother wins the super bowl one year, and the other wins the super bowl the next year? I think never, right? Good. I'm happy for the Giants. Tom Brady has enough rings. Not to mention that asterik that Don Shula mentioned I think put a hex on their fate. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to watch President Hinckley's funeral. They did have broadcasts around Brasilia but nowhere very near my area. I wish I could have seen it. Was it on TV or did you have to go to a church building to watch it? It was at the churches here, but not at ours. We have a small branch here so we don't get many privileges like that. If you can, send me the new Ensign with the article about President Hinckley. I learned this week what exactly the process is when the president of the church dies. I always thought the senior apostle just automatically became the president (short of being sustained at conference) but it's not exactly that. If this is old news to everyone forgive me, but I thought it was interesting. When the prophet dies, the First Presidency is automatically dissolved and the head of the Church then becomes the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The two counselors go back to being part of the Twelve, technically making it fourteen. They then have a meeting, lead by the president of the Quorum (or the senior apostle, who in this case is Thomas S. Monson) and they have two options: they can decide either to remain as the governing body of the church (which explains why we sustain the Twelve as prophets, seers and revelators), or reorganize the First Presidency. Apparently the meeting is left open to the inspiration of the people there, and if anyone feels impressed that they should go one way or the other, they say so. The vote has to be unanimous. Other than the three years following the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith before Brigham Young was sustained as president, I don't know of any time in Church history that the Twelve have decided to remain as the head of he Church. So when they ultimately decide to reorganize, each of the apostles places a hand on the head of the senior apostle and they ordain him the president of the Church. Each of the apostles has to be present in order for all of the keys to be conferred, because no one of them hold all of the keys, but together as one quorum they hold them all. Imagine being there for that ordination? I really can't imagine. That must be incredible. President Aidukaitis told me that Richard G. Scott explained this process to him, and that there are some other very special, spiritual things that happen during these meetings. So that's all very interesting. I got all three packages. I got one on transfer day and the other two at zone conference last week. And just in time too, it just happened to be freezing here the day I got the package with the sweaters so that was a lifesaver. Thank you! I must say though that it would be perfectly alright with me if I were sent no more pajama pants. I have four or five pairs now, including the ones I came with. Same thing with tee-shirts, for awhile anyway. As much as I appreciate and love everything I get and I love all of you for thinking of me. I just don't have the opportunity to use all of it and I have to give things away because I don't have room in my bags at transfer time. When I start to run out of things I will let you know. Momma and G parents thanks so much for always keeping me in mind and sending me stuff when I ask. I really do appreciate it. Always. If I ask for something small, like the Ensign, and you need stuff to fill the rest of the box, just send FOOOOOOOOOD! I love getting food and candy and anything American to eat. All I want for now are letters and pictures and food. We lived without a refrigerator for my first week here. I don't know how we did it. It was awful. But now we have an AMAZING fridge! I'm SO phased. All Kiger and I do is eat. It's great. We love our fridge so much we put it in the LIVING ROOM instead of the kitchen. Send cereal, candy, whatever. If you've looked at my Wells Fargo account lately you'll see I took 130 Reais out (which should be like 65 dollars I think). That was to fix my bike that was broken and to pay for a bus to pick up investigators to take to church and to buy groceries. I also had to pay a bill in Aguas Lindas just before coming here and that took most of my money from the mission account. It sucks being poor, I hope I'm rich in real life. Well I hope you all have a happy week and happy SUPER TUESDAY you lucky ducks. That's so sad about Rudy. Where do I go now? Everyone give me your dissertations on who I should vote for on my absentee ballot that I'm looking forward to ever so much. Also send Gma & Gpa's my love. I got their letters. Thank you!!!! And tell me more about this baby doll of Grandpa D's.
Lots of Love, Jordan
Lots of Love, Jordan
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