Mother's Day 2015

Elder Akina was able to Skype home on May 10, 2015 for Mother's Day.  Here are the highlights of his call home - -  along with a few photos.   Words really can't accurately describe how happy we were to be able to see and hear from him as he serves in Brazil! 

It was magical! 

Elder Nunez & Elder Akina

The Tag!

Primary kids placed the Dogs on the back of his tag!

• Transferred to Cidade Aracy, Sao Carlos.
• Aracy (Ah-Ra-See) has less meat to eat, they do have potato salad!
• New companion is Elder Nunez from Rio de Janiero.
• Elder Nunez is a Capoeira Master!
• Lives in a home with 2 sets of Elders (Jamon y Larenchi), one of them is a very good COOK!  All Elders are native to Brazil.
• New area is not as agricultural as Portal Bordon, there are more hills in the area!
• There is a government housing where many of their investigators live, it is a dangerous place to visit.
• Many of the investigators don't believe Elder Akina is American, his Portuguese is really good!  They ask him to speak English to prove he is American - - major fail as his English is now horrible! 
• Brazilians can't say "Carter" as there is no "ter" in their language.  So he is "Ahhh - - - key - - NA".  Heavy emphasis on the "NA"!
• He spoke pretty eloquent Spanish with Kanani!  What's up with that?!  Elder Fernandez taught him Spanish as well - - who knew!
• The Sister who had them over to Skype is an investigator, she came in the room to meet Elder Akina's mom - - she was a doll!  Said Happy  Mother's day and blew hugs and kisses!  She loves our Elder!
• Nights are very cold in the new area - - he is happy to not be so HOT!
• Upon departure of his first area last week - - he was given all kinds of gifts from the members.  He isn't sure how he is going to haul it all around!
• He will begin teaching English classes in the area over the next two weeks and is working with the other Elders in the house to help them learn English.
• He teaches phrases rather than vocabulary for the 1st hour.
• Focuses on root words and tenses 2nd hour.
• His home has a washing machine, there are no dryers in the homes.  They line dry all their clothing.
• He gave a shout out to all the e-mails he receives each week.  Says to be patient, he gets 16 - 20 emails a week and sometimes can't respond.  READ THE BLOG!
• He loves interviews with President Canuto, his Mission President.  Says he learns a lot about the work and the culture.
• There are so many things Americans take for granted, like having your trash picked up weekly at your house!  Clean drinking water on tap in the kitchen!
• Your stomach never gets use to the water!
• Toilets are smaller here - - this is a struggle!
• I dream in Portuguese!
• I have given away many of my ties as members don't have them for church.  They notice that I wear a new one each Sunday, then ask for them since "I have so many"!
• Spiritual Experiences:
• Praying for guidance in the moment as the discussion changes while you are teaching.  Silently praying for guidance.  Then my companion and I respond the same way - - we both get the same answer ALL THE TIME!
• Promptings come if danger is present.
• Book of Mormon knowledge and how it is intertwined with the Bible, I did not understand the connection like I do now.
• Seeing our investigators desire to change, stop smoking or drinking so they can have the gospel in their lives.  They are determined and work very hard. It is a strength to me that they are willing to do this work for the gospel.
• ADVICE to Ben, Baylor, Braxton and Caleb:  Preparing to leave on their own missions shortly



Caleb, Braxton, Baylor & Ben

• A mission is fun and scary at the same time!
• Be mentally tough and tell yourself you can do it!
• No time to be shy, be bold with the work. 
• There is no such thing as a perfect investigator.  They all have trials or struggles to overcome.  Love them as they search and pray for answers.
• Be organized!  You have to keep track of your appointments, investigators and meetings you need to attend.  You don't want to lose someone because you forgot to write it down!
• Be obedient.  You need to be the companion that keeps the rules.  Be upfront and say that you are here to work. 
• Be prepared for your Mission President to drop in!  On the day you are lazy he will appear!
• On the days it is hard without your phone, music and friends, REMEMBER YOUR PURPOSE! Slackers forget their purpose!
• The CTM is mentally challenging as your days are long.  You can do it!  Once you understand why you are there it all changes! 
• Dogs are real on your mission.  Use your bag to protect yourself and the heel of your shoe to kick the dogs!
• Final Advice: Go hard, Be obedient, Love the people and Rock your Mission!  I am proud of you guys!
  
  

  

  So serious!

   

  

  Happy Mama!  Love my boy!

  

  The Boys listening and laughing with Elder Akina!