Today is P-Day Da Zona! Picnic and sports! Woo!

Boa tarde! How is my wonderful family? Hope you guys are well. Neither of the packages have arrived. Probably next week. So, my psychologist contacted Dr. Hargroder and they figured it out! Apparently, pills don´t work for me anymore. Because of the metabolic changes from the surgery, none of the depression medicine has been working, at least not enough to make a difference. And yeah, the vitamins are super necessary, especially B12. Until i´ve got the necessary nutrients in my body, there won´t be improvements. So, now my new medicine is in the form of drops (anti-depressant) and dissolving tablets (sleep). I also talked with the lady in the ward in charge of lunches. I have to really restrict my diet. We are pulling out all the stops to turn around this depression. Today is Super P-Day, or P-Day Da Zona! Picnic and sports! Woo! We need rain! São Paulo is going through a huge drought! Our water is being rationed by the government, and some areas in the mission don´t have water on a regular basis. It´s pretty rough! I´m getting better at the violin! And i´ve started painting (with ballpoint pens). Rachel would be proud. I made a tie. I´ll send pictures next week (remind me, please!) We had five people in church. Rogerio and Daniela took their three kids to church, the oldest, Jonathan, is marked for baptism. This week, with a huge help from Heavenly Father, we saved their marriage. Also, Daniela´s mom and sister are marked for baptism. The other two people at church was Rose (a super elect street contact who came to church by herself) and her daughter. They liked the church a LOT! We´ll follow up with them today. I got a haircut today! I love you guys so much! I know that this gospel is true, and that God loves me and all of His children. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Interlagos Estaca Interlagos Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos

Sweet act of service by Elder Richins' companion

First off: you can tell anyone about my depression. I´m going to overcome it, so I hope that at least I can inspire some people. Go ahead and share it. Second: With the violin, please don´t forget the tuner, rosin, etc! I don´t really need music because we have hymnals. Third: I love you guys so much! It´s really hard, but I´ve got a super team. Just to give you an idea of how great my companion is, for example, my new shoes gave me huge, painful open blisters. So, to break them in, he wore my shoes for a couple days to break them in a little more and he let me use his shoes. Turns out we are the same size. And I´ve got some good psycologists, and the four other missionaries in my district (among others who already know (I don´t broadcast it, but I have to be honest when they notice)) and President and Sister Dalton. I´ve got an interview with him today. We´ll get a lot worked out Fourth: We are working on getting at least two couples married. We are super close with one of them, Rogerio and Daniela. We will go mark their wedding this week and they are quitting smoking and drinking and are struggling a bit to read the Book of Mormon. Any suggestions?

Serving a mission is the best thing to ever happen to me

Wow! This week was really great (and really hard)! Despite the depression seeming to get worse, I´m getting better and better at controlling it. I got my violin! We had got to work with a traveling assistant (one of my good friends), and Isaura is still going to church! The best part of the week was our temple trip on Friday. It was a miracle. We got there and I realized that I had forgotten my temple recommend. The depression overcame me quickly and deeply. Both Elder Sharp and I really needed this session. We couldn´t get help from President Dalton because he was at a wedding and not answering his phone. I offered to sit in the waiting room while Elder Sharp does the session, but he did not want to leave me there. We were just about to go home devastated when Elder Sharp felt that we should stay. I wasn´t in condition to express any kind of opinion, so I just followed him. We ended up walking behind the temple and we ran into President Dalton! He should have left 10 minutes before, but he felt he needed to come back. He wasn´t even supposed to be there, there was a mistake and the wedding he would have attened was to be the next day. So President Dalton took us into the temple lobby, and talked with the temple president and got me a temporary recommend. In the end, I got to do the session. It wasn´t until a good 10 minutes into the session until my frightening, dark depression was suddenly lifted and I was able to enjoy one of the most spiritual experiences of my mission. Never have I learned so much from an endowment session since my very first one. And, to top it all off, as we were leaving the temple to return to our area after the session, we were chased down by a group of young men and women from Palmares, my last ward, including Adilson, who we taught the recent convert lessons and who we convinced to serve a mission, and Weverson, who we baptized. There was also Raquel, whose parents we also taught the recent convert lessons. I learned that Raquel´s parents would be sealed the next day (which was so satisfying to hear). Also, Weverson told me that he would be turning in his papers in the next month to serve a full-time mission. He was there about to do his SECOND round of baptisms for the dead. The joy I felt was so great! And, both Adilson and Weverson were wearing the ties I had given them! What a great day it was! I also found out that Paulo and Thassya, who Elder Almeida and I baptized, have finished their last Temple Prep class, and will mark their sealing. Sueli (who Elder Paiva and I reactivated) will be sealed to her husband (Vagner, who we baptized) this summer. Vagner is now a counsellor in the Elders Quorum Presidency. Their daughter, Pamela, is serving a mission in Argentina. Juvenal and Magda (who Elder J. Barker and I married and baptized) are active, happy, and serving in the church. Their daughter, Laura, has recently been baptized and their extended family is also accepting the gospel. They will be sealed in September or October of this year. I´m so glad to be a missionary. Serving a mission is the best thing to ever happen to me. What a privilege it is! I know that this gospel is true, and that Jesus Christ is the Lord God, and that He is our Savior and Redeemer. His power to heal is endless as He and our Father are Endless. I testify of them in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Interlagos (antiga Cidade Dutra) Estaca Interlagos Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos

Feliz ano novo!

Feliz ano novo! I didn´t get transferred! I´ll be staying with Elder Sharp in Interlagos! Woo! We will be going to the center of São Paulo to try Western Union again. I have to look for shoes there because my feet are too big! I really hope i´ll have enough, since they are super expensive! I hate shoe shopping, y'all already know that... Isaura was confirmed yesterday! And Alessandra and Davi beared their first testimonies. Davi also recieved the Aaronic Priesthood. We are helping Isaura, Alessandra, and Davi to be ready to go to the temple this month to do baptisms for the dead. I´m pumped! I will get the privilege to see the sealing of Paulo and Thassya (from Jardim Mirna) this transfer! So templo! We also finally got invited to ward counsel! It was great! For New Years, we had the zone leaders over and we had a barbeque and watched the fireworks from the power tower! I´ll send you guys pictures! I´m sorry that this has to be another short email! But I love you guys so much and I want you to know that i´m hanging in, and that I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that the Church is true. -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Interlagos (antiga Cidade Dutra) Estaca Interlagos Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos

So, WE HAD A BAPTISM! It was so miraculous! I am so happy that it all worked out! She came to us, gave up smoking, got a testimony, and went to church all by herself. All we had to do was teach her a little more, and help her into the waters of baptism. It was so great. On Christmas day, we had the opportunity to visit Reinaldo, the blind but returning less active. I gave him a carefully wrapped copy of the Book of Mormon on CD. He said that it was the best Christmas present he ever received. We also dedicated his house. Since then, he said that he feels more hope and more closer to Heavenly Father. The depression continues, but Heavenly Father helps me to bear it. I´m happy to say that when i´m working, I´m always able to control it. And when we get home, Elder Sharp keeps me going. He´s such a great friend, and he´s helping me so much. Sorry the letter is so short! I promise I will have more to say next week! I love you all and I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior! -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Interlagos (antiga Cidade Dutra) Estaca Interlagos Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos

He will come again, and we shall see him!

FELIZ NATAL!!!!!! ESTOU ANIMADO DEMAIS! Wow! This will be the best Natal yet! We had a week of badly-needed rain, rising temperatures, lots of running around, and a few miracles along the way. Sadly, despite our efforts, nobody went to church. But this week, we are going to work even harder to help them! Today we are going to the city´s center (last time didn´t work out) so that Elder Sharp can withdraw money from the Western Union bank. Tomorrow, as a zone, we will have a secret santa gift exchange. Wednesday (Christmas Eve), we will dine with members in the evening, then spend the rest of the day at home (it gets pretty crazy around Christmas and New Year´s). We´ll be calling you guys to confirm the Skype stuff. Thursday (Christmas Day), we will probably sing christmas carols at the train station as a zone, we will talk with our families, and head home early (18h). Here are our investigators: Isaura - A senhora (60ish) that we are teaching. She investigated the church in the past, but was never baptized. Now, she wants to be baptized! We just have to help her quit smoking (she´s down to just one or two). Her baptism is scheduled for this Sunday. Laila - A young woman (16) who also investigated the church in the past, but stopped because the Sisters that taught her were transferred. Now, we are helping her to be baptized. But it seems like every time she is about to go to church, something happens that prevents it. We´ll have to envoke the powers of heaven to help her overcome the opposition. Her sisters, Pamela (18) and Leticia (14) are inactive members that we are trying to bring back. We have a family home evening with them tonight in a member´s home. Danila - A woman (20ish) who is a friend of Alessandra, a recent convert. She feels that the Church is true, and that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that baptism is essential. We just need to help her to keep the Word of Wisdom, and also to go to sacrament meeting. Zoolaide - A single mom (35ish) who we met through her neighbor, Rosemere, an active member She has three sons, Carlos Eduardo (15) and Carlos Augusto (15), who are twins, and Carlos Henrique.(12). We taught her the Restoration in a very spiritual lesson, and now she wants to come to church. Damiana - (35ish) Another of Alessandra´s friends. She´s pregnant and very interested in being baptized. She has already given up drinking, and we are following up with her on not drinking coffee. The only problem is that she isn´t legally married to her husband, Gildasco. We are working with them to gain a testimony and be legally married so that they can be baptized. Flavio - He´s Junior´s (a less active we helped reactivate in Palmares) father. He and his wife, Adelia, and thier grown children, Levi and Natalia and Daniel are all inactive. We are trying to help them to come back to activity in the church, especially in this time when the ward is in such great need of them I know that Jesus Christ lives, and I have seen Him not only in my life and the lives of my friends and family and companions, but also in the lives of those whom we teach. I have met Him in my afflictions and appreciate His Atonement so much more now that I have tasted (in just a very small portion) of the suffering He went through for me, because He loves me. I know that He is our Heavenly Father´s Only Begotten and perfect Son. I know that this is His Church, and that I am His missionary and representative. He is the Jehovah of old and the Messiah who came. He is my Older Brother, my Redeemer, my Lord and my King. He is the Gift sent from our Pai Celestial. He will come again and we shall see Him. I testify of this in His name, Jesus Christ. Amen. I love you guys! Have a great Christmas Eve! --

Being a missionary is so awesome!

WOW! THIS WEEK WAS AWESOME! On Monday, we had family home evening with Alessandra. She was baptized recently. She lives alone with her three young kids (with another on the way) in a very humble home. But, working with the members, we have brought the spirit of Christmas into her home. Among other things, they´ve got a small Christmas tree, a large photo of the Temple of São Paulo, and a beautiful painting of the Savior. We´re working with her son, Davi, to prepare him to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. On Tuesday, we had a HUGE miracle! So, we were walking home from lunch after district meeting, when it started to rain, out of nowhere. I swear that it was flash flooding (actually there was devastating flooding in the neighboring missions). Because we were returning from district meeting, we had our area book with us, and other study materials that we consider sacred. So, we decided to pray. Ducking under a canopy, we said a fervent prayer, asking God to stop the rain just enough for us to leave our stuff in the apartment. We both acknowledged a feeling of great faith as we continued our walk home. Immediately, as we left the cover of the canopy, the rain stoppped completely, for the rest of the day. I feel impressed also to mention that right before the rain stopped, two beggars, who were also under the canopy, asked for food. Luckily, at that moment, we had some chocolate chip cookies. We gave them some, and they were so grateful! On Thursday, we had a mission tour with President Claudio R. M. Costa, in the stake center next to the temple. It was amazing. I learned so many great and wonderful things! It turns out that he was so impressed by our mission, that he shared things that he usually doesn´t share. After the meeting, On Saturday, we had stake conference! Isaura, who we are preparing to be baptized on the 27th went to church and loved it! Especially President Dalton´s talk about the Spirit of Elijah and temples. President Dalton gave us a ride home. Elder Sharp got two Christmas packages! Peanut butter snickers and gingerbread cookies! Woo! On Sunday, we had a huge lunch, with the Bishop, his second counsellor, the Relief Society president, one of her counsellors, the YM and YW presidents, and their families. It was so great! I love my "familia Interlagos"! Yesterday, we had the Christmas Conference! A team of podologists (foot doctors) came and gave us a training, and a check up. They gave us tie clips! Also, the First Presidency sent a Christmas card to all the missionaries! Sister Dalton made us ornaments! She´s so sweet! She got hurt recently (she did something to her knee, similar to what happened to Dad), so keep her in your prayers! She´s recovering from a surgery! President and Sister Dalton furnished a great breakfast AND lunch (churrasco) with dessert! We also had many musical numbers, including that was just my zone, and another that was the mission choir. I loved singing in that choir! I now know how to sing the tenor and bass parts of "Joy to the World"! I finished the Standard Works! WOW! I learned SO MUCH from the scriptures! What a privilege it is to have them! I also finished Preach My Gospel, and I´ve arrived at Alma 34. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. And I know that God speaks through his living prophet, Thomas S. Monson! We´ve been getting a lot of rain (which is needed), but today is a great sunny, warm day. I´m stoked! It´s going to be great! Being a missionart is so awesome! The 22nd of December is arriving! I hold this day in sacred remembrance because this is the day that Mom and Dad were sealed to each other, to me, and to our Heavenly Father. This week, I´m excited to share with everyone the good news of the Savior´s birth, and also of temple blessings, which come through His infinite atonement. I glory in my Jesus. He is my Hope, my Strength, my Rock and my Redeemer. Without Him, I am nothing, and through Him, all things are possible. I´m so happy that I have been able to get to know Him through my trials and afflictions. And I am so excited to see Him again in the flesh at the last day. He lives and He will come again. Of this I testify in His holy name, even the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. -- Élder Thomas Richins Ala Interlagos (antiga Cidade Dutra) Estaca Interlagos Missão Brasil São Paulo Interlagos