Andy the Elder's Big Adventure: Staying in Canguaretama!

Hey Papa!

Sounds like you guys had a super duper weekend! Sounds like a blast! I seriously cant wait to ride a bike again! and with you guys that will be a screamin deal if we all wear mathing jerseys! So...transfers happened...thats the biggest news...and a lot changed!!! Im still here in Canguaretama, the last of the Fantastic Four that started here four and a half months ago...Elder Franco and Elder Broad were transfered...Their area was closed becuase the group of missionaries that arrived was very little the group that left was really big so to compensate the presidente had to close some areas...Im REALLY going to miss them. In these past 4 months we grew very close but life goes on and im excited to live a new chapter of my mission with my new companion from São Paulo, Elder Kutomi! I seem to only get brasileiros from Sao Paulo! With only us two in such a HUGE area we have TONS of work to do and im PUMPED for the challenge. I need something to keep my mind off of home...I still just cried my eyes out in gratitude for being here bearing my testimony last sunday and for knowing these people. Im happy that ill be here for another month or so or maybe two more months. Im super happy that i will pass my birthday here! IM really excited to work with Elder Kutomi! He seems like he is a hard worker! Thats exactly what this area needs! What this Branch needs! Seriously lately i have been reading a lot of scriptures about perserverence and how those that go the extra mile when things are tough achieve miracles... The example of Mormon talking to Moroni (in the book of Moroni) telling him that in spite of so much wickedness and trials they will work extra hard ``diligently`` so that some of the lamanites could be saved is a great example of perserverance. We all need a little perserverance in our lives these days...I love you guys! Have a splendid week!!! Abração Elder M. Howell