Christmas with Christopher on Skype!!!

Merry Christmas to all of Elder Arroyo's followers from our family to yours. We were blessed with a chance to skype with Christopher on Christmas day for an hour. He and his companion, Elder Hanson, are doing well. Christopher looks great and still has his sense of humor.
Have a Happy New Year!!!

Feliz Natal!

Sometimes we all just get caught up in the presents and the food and the stuff of the world that we forget about the Birth of Christ!

WOW! Can ya believe that Christmas is like next week?!? I cant! It feels soo weird... But yea, I def have a different view for Christmas now. Sometimes we all just get caught up in the presents and the food and the stuff of the world. That we forget about the Birth of Christ!
So many people dont want to go to church cause they say they wont have time... whaaaat...?? yea.. The second coming is close..
I cant wait to see ya guys! and hear yalls voices! Feels like yesterday I talked with yall. But still..
So today we were walking around here trying to find some flash drives and we found a haircut place open and we walked in there, and it ended up being a member that owned the place. So im pretty sure it was just a chick salon, but elder manson needed to get his haircut. So we went in there and shes like ohh elders I dont have enough time to cut your hair right now, cause there was a little line of girls waiting. And just her doing hair. So I was like, `ya got a buzzer´? And she gave me a buzzer and Elder Manson went in their chair, and I got like halfway through with his hair, and he was starting to look like wolverine lol.. So she ended up cutting the rest of his hair, and everyone got a good laugh.. AND while I was cutting his hair....... lol.. A tarantula (dont remember how to spell it lol big spider english) just walked right in like it was at home. Super hairy!! Everyone freaked including me lol. got some sick pics dont worry. Of everything.
Hope everyone is getting ready up there in the states! Lots of lights, Everyone getting supppper cold!!! ERGG!! This morning to get in the Christmas mood, we went to the church and made the cookies you sent us! Thanks sooo much! They turned out great. Im just not use to eating that kind of stuff anymore.. It makes my stomach hurt. And I can only eat like 3..
We already got our Christmas Dinner marked, And Still dont know if we can use skype or not. We´ll know tomorrow at the Christmas Conference!! And Ill call one of you guys on saturday to let yall know how its going to go down. Get everyone to get there questions written down already. Even write down questions from people in the ward if they wanna know anything.
Im looking as hard as a can for a nativity scene mom. Its super hard. Cause EVERYTHING closes at 11am to 4pm.. And thats like our time to do stuff.. But ill find one. Trust me..
Everything is doing great here. Im listening to the song......Ill be home for Christmas..... Super Trunky.. ....But next Christmas ill be home! You can count on me! :) Love you mom. hope the Christmas spirit is forte!
Elder Arroyo

MY new shoes are awesome!!!!!!!

So yea! Hey mom! It TOOK 40 Minutes for this page to load up! So I am just out of patience right now haha. So lets see The GOOD news or the BAD news first? So the good news is I brought my camera with me to our Zone meeting because me and Elder Manson made Brownies and Creme de Cupuaçu for the zone, Everyone loved it! The bad news is I wont be able to send the photos home because our HOUSE WAS ROBBED... We came home from the meeting and all of our stuff was gone. Everything.... I was more sad cause they stole my flash drive that had a bunch of videos and pictures that I deleted off my camera for more space.. So a lot of memories went down the drain.. They came in through the window and used Elder Mansons backpack to take everything. Basically all of our electronics and money that was in our wallets. Its kind of freaky knowing that they were in our house. But we fixed the window, and locked down all the windows with brooms. And were always on the alert.
I still have my camera cause it was with me. They stole my cord with my charger. I bought a universal charger thats working fine for now. Just dont have a cord. I went a week without shaving.. looked awful.. But now I got a razor, and they dont sell shaving cream here. Just using a razor and water. But its working.
But yea!!!!!! MY new shoes are awesome!!!!!!! THANKS!! dry socks again!! I was walking with the extra pair of shoe lacings in my shoe for 2 days haha. Felt a lot better when I took it out.. I also got your box! We have been makin PB&Js every morning, and were going to make the cookies tomorrow at the Zone meeting. The cheese is sooo good, im going to make Mac and Cheese for lunch today. And the snow....... haha... Yea just didnt work out. We dont have anything to spray the snow with.. Its always good to get packages especially at this time of year.
We are sooooo ready for Christmas! I dont have any more music anymore.... nothing.. So we pretty much just have a Christmas tree with fake snow in a toilet paper roll.. hah. And its not anywhere close to cold here ha. Cant wait to talk to yall on skype! It feels like I talked to yall yesterday for Mothers Day! Hope everything is going good up in the States! Christmas lights! Christmas food! Christmas spirit! Live it up in the cold! Trust me! Tell Jimmy I said happy birthday! and tambem Dad and Justin!
I love you guys And I know the church is true! Keep inviting others to church!
Love
Elder Arroyo

Elder Arrrroyo, Spanish name, where you from Elder?

This is our Chapel!

Wow.. So many miracles! So lets just say the area is growing and getting a whole lot better!! On Saturday at lunch our mission president called and told me that I was asked to go back to Laranjeira to baptize the kids of a family I was teaching! And the parents will be married next month and il go back to baptize them as well. Also here in Outeiro we baptized 2 people! 

So a total of 5 people baptized in one week! Broke my record lol. It was sooo awesome. So here in Outeiro the baptismal font is just outside its pretty legit. Ill send a pic. 

The Font yea, we baptised in
that much water.

But anyway I ended up having to baptize on my knees with the girl sitting down. Cause the water only went up to our knees.. Its was a great experience. Thank Goodness she loved it. 

So we have been running to the church and back every morning.. lol. wow.. My first time I almost died... I am way out of shape.. When I got to the church I just couldnt breathe.. But I can def tell that its getting A LOT more easier! And Im getting in shape. The sound of the waves down the cliffs in the mornings with the breeze is just a great way to get your day going.

Yesterday our stake conference! WOO! Was good! I was in the bathroom washing my hands and a seventy walked in to get all fixed up! Man! I didnt even know! he looked at my name tag (like everyone does) and was Elder Arrrroyo, Spanish name, where you from Elder? And I was like Mississippi United States. (all in Portuguese) And just a little chat and I left. Then we went in the chapel. And he went and sat in the front, and I was like OHHH MAN!! I talked to a seventy in the bathroom!!  And after I was talking with Elder Manson and the Seventy came down and shook our hands and I just gave him a huuuuuuge hug. I dont even know why. Also some guy came up to me and gave me a hug. And Im like whoa! who are you?! And he said Elder Amorim I served with your brother in Curitiba! Man, I gave that guy a huge hug after that! Hes in my stake! He told me to let Jimmy know that hes Lider da Obra.

Messing with Our Cupuaçu
before eating opening it!

So I know how to make rice and a sick juice of Cupuaçu! Im so ready to make dinner for my family haha. Rice and microwavable stakes, with catsup... Sounds bad, but its really good. So yea, I will receive my box of shoes and your box tomorrow at our Zone Meeting. SOO Excited! Its been a while since ive eaten American Food. Also hope they bring me letters!
Tell the Activity Day Girls That I said Thanks a Lot! That 25 bucks will help me so much for Christmas. I appreciate it so much! Give them all a hug, and a Merry Christmas!

Me just waking up pretending to
mow the lawn haha

I havnt taken pics on the cliffs yet! Ill see If I can take some this week! Its super Beautiful! Man mom.. Everyone is just getting baptized! That one family that I found and taught in Laranjerias didnt even want to get married, and now there kids are baptized and there getting married next month and are super excited to be baptized.

 I cant believe Christmas is coming up! Thats nuts! Im pretty sure we´ll be able to use skype. Ill just have to come out to this area to use the internet. But all will go great.

Thanks a bunch mom for the email! I love you sooo much! Tchau
Elder Arroyo

The church is a house on the beach

Man, I love my new area so much. Its so awesome! So theres only one bridge that goes onto the island and going over it I was just thinking about the show LOST. I feel like im sweating so much more here. Our house is really nice and it has a tree of Cupuaçu in the back yard!!! YES!! One fell off today and were going to make some stuff with it, We pretty much forced it off. Me and Elder Manson are like brothers from another mother for reals..! Let me just say.. Gamer… lol Halo X-Box. Hes from Fresno California we had like the same life its sooo strange!! We are teaching soooo good together, The spirit is just so strong. We are going to have at least 2 baptisms this Saturday, 2 on the next and already have 1 on the next!

Ok, So Outeiro its just a branch. The Stake president basically told us we have 2 weeks to help change this place or hes going to close the branch and were all going to have to trip to church sooo far away. I know that God is helping us so much. And God is just putting people in our way to be baptized. Really... People are making contacts with us on the street! 2 days ago a guy stopped us and was like what do you guys believe in, we told him and went to his house yesterday He was so interested that he accepted baptism and the date and then asked how he can serve a mission like us. hes 21 years old and is going to be baptized on 17 of December. So excited.

There is just soo much dirt on the road here, so my mouth is like always dry.. The church is a house on the beach.. ha it looks sooo awesome. Like its on the cliffs of the beach. Its pretty much Babylon here on the weekends, cause everyone comes here to party and swim. Just got to keep your eyes basically closed walking on the streets. The other day a guy stopped us and just grabbed elder Manson and gave him a huge hug and starting crying. And he followed us for like 2 blocks and grabbed my hand and Elder Mansons hand and just hugged us both really tight.. man its a long story.

Im just going crazy that Thanksgiving past.. and Christmas is almost here!! Its just all going by sooo fast! Its almost 2012!!

Oh yea, so our house is infested with those huge spiders that I always send pictures of.. Yea.. deodorant spray and matches is the only way.. We are going to buy a bunch of raid today. We left the island. Cause there is nooo internet or places to shop. So were in Icoaraci, the big city off Outeiro. I was told that I have 2 boxes in the mission office.. Probably ill get them tomorrow. Ill let you know. Just don't spend money that you dont need to.

Mom, I just want you to know im having the best time of my life. And Im just learning so much about the Gospel everyday. I know Gods Plan. I have no doubt about its principles or doctrine. I know its true. And that Jesus died to save us. That it is not possible to act in Gods name without the Proper Authority of Jesus Christ that was restored by Joseph Smith. There is no way that anyone can deny my testimony. Everything we teach our testimony juntos with the Book of Mormon and the Bible is just undeniable.

Thanks for everything mom! I love you!
Elder Arroyo

Outeiro is known for it's beautiful beaches!

Six months here in Laranjeira! Six months that changed my life completely. I know that the Lord needed me here, And I know that I touched who I needed to move. But Yea. Im getting Transferred!! My new area is called Outeiro. its on an island north of Belém. Its known for its Beautiful Beaches.... ha. My companion will be Elder Manson. I heard the area is sooooo beautiful. I cant wait to get there. While you all are shivering from the cold. Everyone here is sweating up a storm. lol. I bet everyone is excited for Thanksgiving. But Natal is just around the corner, and ill get to call you guys!! Hope everyone is ready!

Six months passed by like a flash.. Feels like I just got here.. I have another 6 months.. I think ill have another area after this. There is a huge debate here in Pará about wanting to make Pará into 3 states. Everyone is going nuts. But it is a state very beautiful that everything is just Natural.

I know that the Book of Mormon is another Testament of Jesus Christ. That following its precepts we can grow closer to God. We can live like the nephites and prosper in the Land following Gods commandments. Keeping the Word of Wisdom, Law of Chastity, Paying our tithes, Keeping the Sabbath holy. And everything else possible to show God our loyalty. And after boom! Blessings :) I know that Jesus is our savior and that breaking a commandment isnt the end. But its the start of a new beginning. The teachings of repentance help us grow. And is the only way we can live in the presence of God. I have no doubt in my mind that this is The only True Church on the face of the Earth.

I love you mom!!
Elder Arroyo

I know that God is with us and them

MOM!! Woo! Baptisms!! Lets see how much longer we can keep it up. We have people lined up every Saturday. So I know that God is with us and them.

Baptism!! The woman next to her was baptized last week .

So yea, Its raining everyyyy dayyyy, and just pouring.. Im definitely praying everyday for those shoes to come in. haha. My comp has it worse, his shoes are like sandals I dont even know why he puts socks on lol. I have a hole on the bottom of my right shoe the size of a golf ball. But even with good shoes water still finds its way through.
Theres some parts where you just have to walk through ankle high water to get around. But its just wayyy beautiful here.

We found a wild pony!

Everything, the surroundings, the animals, the noises. Everyday I see another creature that ive never seen in my life.  I always think about Grandpa, and how many times he would want to stop and grab something here lol. The other day we saw 2 lizards the color of the rainbow run through the road. Im going to walk with my cameranow, everywhere. Theres just too many cool things.

Tucupi YUMMY!

Yesterday we ate a Lunch Culture of Para, called Tucupi. MAN! Talk about amazing. Its made from leaves of a fruit called Jambu. Ah man, That was a great experience. It tastes pretty good. Its like a soup with leaves that goes over rice. Only here in Para. It numbs your whole mouth. Super Strong.
Transfers will be next week, Ill let you guys know about everything. Dont worry about me here. Im doing great. I love you guys, and keep up the good work.
Elder Arroyo

My testimony on priesthood blessings is unspeakable

Our House

WOW! so much american candy!!! I miss it so much! So yea mom! I didn't forget! HaPPY Birthday! I just calculated my pdays wrong :P.

Just got off the bus from Belém. I had to renew my visa! So yea, im good to stay here for another year. 

ITS Mango season again!! Thanks Goodness! The trees are full of them, and theyre falling all over the place. Manga juice, manga ice cream, manga pudding, manga candies! Whatever you can think of they make it. Its suuuuper cheap in the markets right now. but dont even need to buy it cause everyone gives them out for free, or just pick um up on the side of the road.

Last Saturday one of our miracles was baptized. And her daughter will be baptized this Saturday. 3 families that I completed here in Laranjeira are preparing to enter the temple. I heard that one family that I baptized in my first area will be leaving to go to the temple on the next trip!! Im sooo excited! I was thinking, how awesome its going to be after this life, and meeting up with all the people I met and helped. And also seeing the people that rejected me :P

hmm, im sweating sooo much, it was sooo hot on the bus and there were just tooooooo many people on.. So yea transfers is in 2 weeks on the 22. And I have no idea what will happen... Maybe ill go. But we found a whole road of Gold... Most of the people accepted Baptismal dates and will be baptized.

Our Road

In the Leader Conference last Tuesday, A elder thats in my first area said that he baptized a family that said they know me. I dont remember who they are, but it goes to show that I planted seeds and now other missionaries can take the fruits :). I love it when that happens.

So whats this talk about Mitt Romney will be the next president of the US! That would be crazingly awesome! It would be like in the BoM when Alma was the Supreme Judge. The USA would go off the scale with blessings!

A Cake I Made

Ill definitely keep Chloe in my prayers.. I know that she can be healed if its God´s will. My testimony on priesthood blessings is unspeakable.. faith.

And tell Grandmama I said thanks for all the support.

I know the Church is True. And that with faith anything is possible. From moving a mountain, to curing a common cold. I know that this is the only way we can live with our father in heaven.

Love you mom!
Elder Arroyo

I'm so very thankful that Heavenly Father sent me here and not any other place

wow Mom Thanks a ton for the pics!! I miss Halloween so much! My second halloween in Brasil! And Last! :P.

So I bet its getting pretty cold up there in the states huh? As well here.. :) lol not really, but were going back into rainy season! I love it! Its been raining everyday exactly at 3:30 in the afternoon until like 4:30 or 5! And its THICK! Im so excited though, cause everyones water wells were getting low, and our well was wayyyy low. But now there is too much water everywhere. The roads turned back into mud, and socks are never dry.. ha the usual.

Man, Everyone from home looks so different. Justin is getting chubbs lol. And the churches in the states look soooo much different than how they look here.

So just a little story, The other day.. Was just one of those days where you wake up and everything goes wrong. You just practically wake up angry, argue with your comp for nothing, and just one of those days, where you just dont even want to be happy. And we get into the road to work, and Im walking for like 30 seconds, and a whole bunch of kids run up to us, and try to talk english with me, and my comp pops there thumbs for them. And I just couldnt be angry anymore. Its impossible, even wanting to just be angry God wouldnt let it happen.

I love it so much here! I wouldnt want to be anywhere else. Especially here in Icuí. Everyone is just so nice here and welcoming. The kids in the road everyday, all of them half naked cause its soo hot, I dont blame them. ha, the other day, I was sitting waiting for lunch to be ready, and this kid jumped off the bed and onto my lap just straight butt naked ha. I dont have a problem with it at all.

Im soo very thankful that Heavenly Father sent me here and not any other place. I know that I was sent here definitely to learn and grow. And also obviously to help the people. I want to just share it all with you guys.

The other night I was sleeping and next thing I knew I just hit the ground BOOM! hard! fell right out of my hammock.. lol. I have no idea how that happened but it hurt like mess. I love so much sleeping in my hammock `rede` I say my prayers and then jump right in with my fan blowing on me full blast, and just barely swaying, and fall straight to sleep! Im still wondering how I will set it up in my room.

But yea, the spirit is soo strong here as always. And im still learning sooo much and growing soo much everyday. I know the church is true, and Jesus is our savior.

Love you mom!

Elder Arroyo

President Thomas S. Monson speaks on Missionary Service

Missionary service is a priesthood duty—an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much.

(click on the picture to hear the talk) 

The Field is White and ready to harvest.

Good morning mom. Man, I dont really know what to write today. Let´s see, everything is closed again. There are so many random holidays here, and when its a holiday any holiday lol everything big closes.. But its ok. Im going to get my haircut after this.

This week is going to be amazing, we have 4 investigators progressing to be baptized this Saturday! Im way excited! This month has gone by sooo fast! Its almost halloween, and it doesnt feel like it at all.

So I looked at that pic that you sent to me of me before the mission and now. And I just remember the fire in my eye just burning to get that name tag on my pocket. I remember exactly how I felt in that moment. I have definitely changed a ton then to now. I remember in General Conference Elder Holland falou about missionaries. And how important it is to serve a mission. Because I mean yea, Youre blessing the lives of soooooo many people. But at the same time, your life is changing so much more. I just remember when he started to tear up, because there are people that cant serve the Lord because of physical problems, but want to serve so bad. And there are others who just choose not too. But its so true how much of a blessing these 2 years are. yea, ive changed a ton physically, just imagine spiritually. The way I looked at the world 2 years ago, and now, are looking like 2 different worlds now.

I know that God has a plan for us. That he knows the meaning of all things. I know that Christ is the central point to God´s plan. Without him, theres no way to return to God´s presence. The Church of God has been restored with The Perfect Gospel Principals that Christ taught. I always love how when we´ll walk into a house ready to teach the Restoration of the Church, and you start talking with them and BOOM, change of Plans, Plan of Salvation, or Word of Wisdom. Only got 2
years to do this. After that there is no more preparing people to be baptized, or using the Authority of Elder.

I know the Church is True. I know that there are people that have hard hearts. But the Field is White and ready to harvest. There is no more planting seeds, its harvesting time :) I know that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God. And that `we` have the Authority to bring man unto God. Love you mom! Tchau
Elder Arroyo

BRASIL! Its my home now

Whhhhhheww! This week! Man, I love my comp, Elder Inácio. Hes way chill. And im District Leader again. We had another marriage AND the wife is getting baptized Saturday! WOO!! The husband is already a member. Man, we are rippin this place up :P. The other day, we started a fast and left our house to find someone to baptize. FIVE minutes after we walked out the door, a girl came up to us, and started to talk to us. And were talking and finally we tell her to take us to her house. We get to her house, and we find out that this girl had run away, and theyd been looking for her. So we get inside the house to talk to her mom, and find out that shes already been to church and missionaries already taught her! Man, That was really awesome. She couldnt be baptized last Saturday but def here in the future.

But yea our water finally came back!! Oh My gosh.. Voce dont know how much you need water until its gone...For 2 weeks... BRASIL! Its my home now. im just so use to everything now. I remember my first dias here I was sooo lost. and now im just thinking how weird it would be seeing you guys here.                                                                                                                     

My clothes are super huge on me. Or my old ones are super huge. I have some new shirts from other missionaries that fit way better on me, that I use now. But my pants are way huge one me. Its lame.. But dont worry about it. Ill be home in no time.

ha, teaching my comp how to send photos home. He doesnt have a camera so im letting him use mine. I think this will prolly be my last transfer here in Laranjeria. If I go, I want to go with Elder Inácio with me. Im going to miss the people here way too much.

But im doing great. Health is fine. Language is crackin. Just doing my

job. I love you guys a lot!

Elder Arroyo

I still have work to do here

WOW! Eva looks amazing! Definitely a sister missionary!

So guess what!! TRAAAAAANNNSSSFERRRSSS! I totally thought I was going to leave, and guess what.. My comps leaving.. Man.. Just when you start getting really close, they take um. Im staying here for my 4th transfer with Elder Inácio. Never met him before, hes from Fortaleza. Maybe he knows Brit!? But yea, I was thinking last night during my prayer, man.. I want to see more of Pará, why isnt president transferring me. and than it just hit me, some of my investigators going through my head. That.. I still have work to do here. There are people here that need to hear it from me, and I need to work harder to find them.
But yea! Weve been without water now for a week! Our motor broke, that brings water in from the ground, and yea... Its awful being without water. Every morning we go to our neighbors house with buckets she fills them up and we just bring them back and take showers with cups. She is washing our clothes as well. Shes not a member, But she has been such a blessing for me since the day I got here. She makes us dinner all the time.
So yea.. I dont know if you guys know about whats going on down here in Belém right now. But its called Círio.. Maybe its passing by on the news there, but its when all the Catholics go to a road called Nazaré, and follow Maria (mom of Jesus)

Thats so crazy that Jimmy is gone! Heck yea, ill go out there with jimmy! If no other opportunities show up first :P I feel like my mission is just going by way too fast. I mean, I could just have one more area. I come home in the summer. But yea, I got to put my photos on my flash drive again! My new ones. Maybe ill send yall one or 2. I love you guys!! See ya next week!! 

LOVE
ELDER ARROYO

Me with family

How is our relationship with our Father in Heaven?

WOO!! This week was just amazing! Baptisms, confirmations, and GENERAL COOOONFERANCE!! man! It was awesome! I took soooo many notes! And yes Dad, I loved the air conditioned room! It felt good, hard to leave though :(. I wore my suit coat ha, like the 5th time to wear it here. I loved hearing each one of the talks. I cant believe I didnt pay attention to conference before.. Now its just like man, A REAL prophet and his apostles talking to us! Cant get any better. I just love it when they ALL talk about repentance, Its so powerful. We really need to help people understand what the `mormon` church really is. That there is an actual prophet in the world called from God.

And the baptisms, everything went perfect. It couldnt have gone better! The spirit was super strong, and of course the water was freezing :P. Our zone baptized 25 this last month! And 25 is a low number for Para!

Ah man! Almost forgot! In between conference yesterday, I was walking to lunch with one of the Zone Leaders to eat in his area, and were walking down the road just chatting having a good time, and out of no where I hear this huge barking noise, and before I know it This punk dog bites my calf. Ahh.. It hurt soo bad. But blood didnt come out, so all is good. Just hurt a ton! But yea! First time to get bitten by a dog in the mission!! Well.. In the leg haha. WOO! WOO! 
Sis Burton sent me pics of everyone back home. Man, Yall look sooo different! Tell jimmy to go back to the rice and beans lol :P. Thats weird to think that Britney is already coming home. And that Christmas is coming up! Get ready for the call! And also transfers is next week! Well just have to see what happens! I hope I stay one more! It would by my 4th here. I want to go back into the jungle! I love it here in the Amazon!I really dont want to leave, but I need a breeze!

I hope that all of you learned some stuff from conference. I know that this was definitely an inspired conference. I learned so much of how I can live better, and help the people here learn how they can as well. We were definitely expecting the prophet to announce the temple Belem. But... Next time for sure!! 

I know that Christ is our savior, and that He redeemed the world. He did everything that His Father told Him to do, He was obedient to His Father as we should be unto ours. His Father is the same as ours. I loved how one of them said, `how is our relationship with our Father in Heaven` Lets remember to pray every day, to at least remind Him that we love Him, and were grateful for His son Jesus Christ. Turn towards Him, and repent, and feel the happiness of this world. It really is a great place :). I love you guys! And your prayers are working! But yea! Gotta go load up in the fruit market before it closes!!

ELDER ARROYO

God prepares His children in His time, and not in our time

Good morning mom! Man, this week... It was just going by super awful. Until Yesterday!
Last night we were going around to peoples houses that went to church. And we felt the need to go to one of our eternal investigators house that I have been teaching since ive been in this area. I almost gave up on this guy. And last night we went to his house, and we sat down. And he was making some juice from a fruit he picked in front of his house. And he was just talking about how making this juice takes time, and that if you want to make it perfect you have to have patience. I was like wow, somethings different here. He finally finished, and sat down gave us some juice, and it was amazing. And then it got quiet, and he said. Arroyo, Can I ask you something? I was like yea of course.
And he said, If I told you I want to be baptized, will you still let me. I just put my head down and cried. And stood up and hugged him. The spirit was really strong. I had been going to his house every day talking with him and his family. I helped to marry him and his wife, and just we are so close. And now he is getting baptized on conference. how cool!! Just another life lesson about how God prepares his children in His time, and not in our time.
Im sooo excited about watching conference!!!! And being inside of an
air conditioned room :P. MAN! The prophet is going to speak to us!! and my investigators!! I was soo dumb when I would secretly play PsP under the pillow during conferences.. :).. But yea, totally miss the snacks! DIP DIP! Meatballs haha. man... ill just bring some rice and beans with me :)
Im having the best 2 years of my life. I know the church is true, and that Joseph Smith was called to Restore it here on the earth. I love you guys, And hope yall are being blessed.
Elder Arroyo

This is the time to bring forth the work of God

A Day in Belem- River Peso

Ver-O-Peso! It's amazing! So much stuff to buy!

Another view of the river

Fort Belem

Me looking like a tourist

Converting the Pope

Hey mom! My week went great as always. Im actually not in Belem today. we went to Belem last thursday, and my comp got a colonoscopy. (the basement). he was all loopy when he came out and the nurse is like take care of him. dont let him get up for at least 20 minutes. And i was trying to help him, like put his belt and shoes on. and I had to call a taxi and walk him into the taxi. He almost fell like twice. But hes all good. The results came out normal.

I remember like 3 weeks ago, I was buying a popsicle at this house, and this man, was outside pulling water from his well. And I got the popsicle and took a bite and was like this is the best popsicle Ive ever tasted! and he laughed a little, and his wife starting to talk to me from her window. Im telling her about the church, and who we are. And then, I walk over to her husband. and hes like I dont want anything to do with you kids. the next day we went there again to buy another popsicle. and the lady told me that her husband doesnt believe in God or Jesus or anything. And she invites us in, and hes in there. And we share the first message with him. And long story short the holy ghost manifested the truth to him during the words of `the first vision´ and he said he just wanted to cry. We are teaching the whole family now. they have 3 kids. Later on, she told me that her husband hasnt let anyone enter his house in 20 years. They just need to get married!!!

But yea, The wife just told me to tell you that I have a family here in Icui, and that she is my mom. she feeds us allllll the time. and soo much food.
Its just goes to show how important are the little things. like just making someone laugh a little. First impressions, Just from buying a popsicle :).
Yesterday, we were talking with a family (members the wife and daughter), and they were having like a family reunion at their house. (a lot of non members) And we finish our message, and the wife wants us to come in and look at her nephew. and we walk in this tiny house, and there are sooo many people in there around this guy, who is laying in a hammock. And I sit next to the hammock, and just look at him. His arm is just like rubber, just broken everywhere up to his collar bone. and his face was messed up. And I tell him who we are, and the rest ill tell when I come home. But the spirit was amazingly strong in everybody in the room. The guy had faith and we did the same thing Jesus would have done if he were here.

I cant wait to watch conference!! this one is going to be sweet! I bet you guys are all getting prepared, buying snacks, and new PJs lol. Im going to bring a bunch of snacks to the church with me :) its going to be great.
But yea, im doing fine. Still working ha. Dont really feel trunky at all. Just when I see an airplane flying in the air. But I love you guys so much! And know that this is the time to bring forth the work of God.
Elder Arroyo

The spirit has definitely been with us

lol!! That was super weird thinking of you talking in portuguese.
mas, tambem sinto muito saudades de voces. Work has been going really
good this week. So much work and so much progress.
We are teaching 3 families at the same time. Its super hard much so rewarding.  Its great to teach a family, and at the end invite everyone to baptism, and they all say yes without any problems :) ask jimmy. The spirit has definitely been with us.
I dont really have any crazy stories this week. Well, yea I do, but this keyboard is a killer. were in Belem again, cause my comp has stomach problems. I LOVE IT HERE!! Its sooooo beautiful. We walked around today, and visited a whole bunch of historical places. We went down to the river. (docks) and then we walked to `ver o peso` and just a bunch of cool places. Everyone loved us, and we saw some other tourists. Its the biggest street market ive seen in my life. so many people, and so many cool things. Everyone calls you into the shops and tries to get you to buy stuff. I bought a few things. but mainly just took pictures.
Yea, while I was waiting for my comp in the waiting room at the clinic, they were showing the attack on the twin towers. And everyone talks about it here. Like a whole bunch of people saluted me yesterday. It was kind of awkward.
I love it here so much. The people are just so much more warming and
accepting. I never want to leave here. EVER!! I drank an amazon shake
a little ago in a little stand and it was amazing... I want you guys to be able to feel what its like here. Its a different world.. really.
Ill send the pictures next week. I took a billion!
Holy smokes! So many missionaries leaving!! Thats awesome.
thanks so much for the prayers. They are helping a lot. I pray for you
guys too every day. And dont worry. Im eating fine. Way more than I
need to lol. I eat everything and anything. really lol anything. Ill
tell you when I get home lol.;0. ;but yea, thanks so much for the
email. Im doing great. I love all you guys, and I know that Jesus is
the Christ!
Elder Arroyo

Everything is going good

Hmm, so a lot happened this week. We are working really hard and
finding a lot of new people. Elder Swayze is great.
Were in Belem right now. Rua Nazeré. Were going to get a bus back home
right after this.
hm, I dont know what to really say this week. Everything is going
good. starting my third transfer in Laranjeiras. (this keyboard is
super hard to type on) but yea.
Hope you all are good back home. love you guys.
Elder Arroyo

The spirit in our work is like no other

Good Morning!! So yea, its transfers. My comp is leaving. And im
receiving an American!! Elder Swayze. Hes only got like 5 months in
the mission. Im going to have to help him a bunch on his portuguese.
This week we baptized a man. Which completed a family. It was great.
The women was inactive. Man, Its like gold when I find a family in the
area that only one of them is baptized. Cause you get to bring one of
them back to church, and baptize the other. That brought back and
completed 3 families so far in Laranjeiras. And its not just the
parents that come back to church. With the parents comes the kids. Its
amazing.
I always ask the members, `do you guys know any less actives que live
close by` and usually theyll throw me one or 2. The other week we ate
lunch, and I asked the family the same question, and theyre like yea,
there is a family right here around the corner. But Elder, dont waste
your time on them. theyll never come back. We visited them 3 times in
2 weeks. I was sitting in priesthood, and I watched as that family
walked past the window to enter the church. The man with a white shirt
and tie, the women with a nice dress, and their child. There is no
substitute for the happiness in this work.
The other day, We were walking to an appointment, normal. And a man,
stopped me, and asked me if I was German. And I said No, Im American.
And he looked surprised, he said whats an American doing in a place
like this, and he started to laugh. We shook his hand. And the Lord
touched him. I said, `Brother, im here to tell you that the heavens
have opened, The Lord has called a Prophet, to Restore his church` The
Lord put him in our path. We passed by his house the next day, and shared
the Restoration of the Gospel with him. He said that when he heard the
words of the first vision, it made him want to cry. The spirit in our
work is like no other. He would be baptized this next week. But he
needs to get married first.
I know the Lord called Joseph to be a prophet. Its my favorite thing
in the world to tell people. I know the Lord is preparing this world
for the coming of the messiah. Its why he puts people in our path
everyday.
I got to finish here! And get the pictures from my comps camera. I
love you guys. And talk to ya next week!

Im grateful for the trials in my life

Good Morning mom. Its another P-Day. Transfers are next week, And I
have no idea, not even thought of what will happen. I really want to
stay though. The ward is growing stronger, and im just getting started
:P.
So yea, lets see here ahhh yesterday ha. So after church we took a bus
to a members house to eat. Its wayyyyyy hot as always, So we usually
eat outside under a mango tree. so there was about 8 people eating
with us, good amount. And were all eating, drinking, having a good
time. And I feel something fall on my shoulder... (of course right
lol) And theres no way im going to scream with all these people
around. I glanced at it, and it looks just like a huge caterpillar, So im
just like oh ok no problem, It didnt move, I thought it was scared.
And when I looked at it my comp looked at it as well, and flipped out,
and the critter started to run down my back, and then I just went
crazy lol. And a lady took off her sandal, and flung it off of me. All
this happened sooo fast. It ended up not being a caterpillar. They said
it was some kind of bug, that if it touches your skin with its hairs,
that it spreads a rash, and could kill you if you dont go to the
hospital. So yea, I almost passed out haha... I didnt know those
things exist. yea...
So on the spiritual side, our baptism fell, but its all good. Were
going to have a good bit of baptisms next week. My testimony is
growing so much. I know God puts soo many trials in my front. Some
times I just ask Him why are you doing this to me. I thought You loved
me. At least help me. And I look back at my trials, and I see how much
I grew from overcoming my difficulties. Without these trials in our
lives, theres no way we can get stronger. Its like that saying, No
pain, No gain. Theres that one scripture in Ether 12:27 that explains
it perfectly. That talks about God shows us are weaknesses so that we
can find a way to overcome them, so that we can get an even stronger
testimony. And we dont know the reason of all things. I know that God
is the Father, That He helps each one of us, as much as He can. But
Hes not going to give you the prize for free. we´ll learn nothing.
I just know that im growing everyday out here. Not only spiritually
but as well physically. Im grateful for the trials in my life,
sometimes I wont show it. but sometimes it takes a while to see the
real Plan that God has.
REO I miss that guy, and I write Reo, Preston, Mark email. every once
in a while. BEAR! tell him I said whuts up;
Feels like the ward is doing great back home. I got to put my pictures
on my flash drive soo, i got to end here. I love you guys!!! Até next
week.
PS. English is a pain... lol (I had to edit a lot this week because his grammar is backwards and twisted around)
Elder Arroyo

Happily Ever After....

FELIZ DIAS DOS PAIS!! Pa Pai! Espero que alguem deu para voce uma
massagem! lol jimbo.
Man, Today is some sort of Holiday, so everything is closed, and it
took us forever to find a Cyber! Finally found this one, and the
keyboard is awful. ha, and there is a kid playin PlayStation 3 on the
other side of me. Homesick.. :P
This week went by supppper fast. It was pretty intense, a family that
I have been teaching since I got here got married on Friday.

Happily Ever After...

We have been planning it for a month now. It went great... It was to start at 7 at night.. but were in the amazon, so of course its going

to pour down rain from 6;30 to 7;30.. SO much rain. it was in the chapel so all the guests stayed dry. As for me ha, The car with the cake showed up, and everyone was like Elder Arroyo go get the cake, were all wearing our good clothes! Im like what the heck am i wearing? lol, So I ended up runnin out with buckets of rain pouring on me and got the 600 pound cake out of the back of a car, and ran back in. And when I sat in on table I looked at my shirt and there was chocolate all over the front. ha, But it was all good. Everyone got a good laugh. And the wedding went great. The bride got baptized Saturday,and confirmed Sunday. . 

I love the feeling of completing families.

Yesterday, we went to a birthday party ha, (slackers, i know :P) and
at their house they had a huuuuuuge parrot. It wasnt even called a
parrot, but it was light blue,green, and huuuuge! you just have to see
it, It looked like a pterodactyl ha.  Im going to go back there with my
camera just to show it to you guys.
But yea, nothin realllllllly different. Everything is the same.
Transfers is in 2 weeks. Tomorrow is zone conference, Maybe ill have a
letter!! OR somethin! Im doin great. Gaining a lot of patience.
Eu sei que a igreja a verdadiera. Que O livro de Mórmon é a palavra de
Deus. Sei que Familias podem ser eternas. sei que eu estou aqui para
ajudar as familias saber a proposito deles aqui no mundo. E tambem
batisar eles :P. Sou muito grato por voces mae pai, porque voces sao
grande examplos para mim. Continua assim ajudando Justin Preparar para
fazer a mesmo coisa que eu e Jimmy estao fazando. Amo voces, e estou
fazando a obra do Senhor. Bra´cos por tudo mundo! Até mias!
ELDER ARROYO

After a good ol game of volleyball