Deja vu?

Hey Family,

Here I am, bouncing around Joinville again. It just so happens that today I’m in Itaum, my old area. We had to come yesterday morning (we woke up at 5am) to come for General Conference, and we’re staying because our Zone Leaders want to do a zone meeting tomorrow. You have to love traveling… or not.

Conference was great. We got to watch the Priesthood rebroadcast in Portuguese in the morning, and then watched the English Sunday Sessions live in the afternoon and early evening. We all cheered during Elder Perry’s talk. Last year it was Bednar who decided to talk about missionary work, this time around we got Perry. If things don’t shape up in various parts of the world we might get the Prophet next time. Go apostles.

Sao Francisco is a nice little city on the northern island of Santa Catarina. Rumor has it that there’s a bridge we cross to get there, but every time we pass by I’m asleep. Go figure. We have a little branch with around 50 active. At least, that’s what they tell me. I haven’t been to sacrament meeting yet. Elder Sampaio is from a state named BAHIA. It’s up in the northeast part of the country. He’s from the city of Ilheus. He came to the mission at the same time as Elder Hill and Elder Cook (October). He’s probably going to take over as senior companion as soon as I’m gone. He’s got a great desire to work, a creative mind, and a love for the people. Elder Sampaio was baptized 4 years ago, and since then has helped to baptize his mother, a sister, and a brother. He just needs to get home and throw his dad and older sister in the water to complete the family. He hopes that if he works extra hard the Lord might help his family “get splashed” while he’s here.

Give Uncle Doug a hug for me. He is a good, good man. Oh, if it keeps snowing around there, make sure to save a little for me. I miss the stuff. Then again, after two years of Brazil, who knows if I’m going to like it anymore? We walk around in the hot sun all day everyday, play soccer VERY frequently (we played for P-Day today, we’ll have a branch soccer activity tomorrow, and play human … foosball (?) at a missionary activity on Thursday.), etc. I hope and pray that the fluffy, cold, white snow is still appealing.

Jenny. No more false alarms. If you’re going to have the baby… have it. I’m cheering for you.

Sao Francisco is flat, Sao Francisco has breeze and I’m fine so stop worrying about me.

Wandering my old stomping ground,
Elder Haws(mo)