I know that blessings come from being obedient

My knowledge of the gospel has been expanding. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, And I have studied and pondered it my whole mission. When this year started I made a goal to read the bible. I never gave much attention to it, because I thought it was hard to understand, and just never gave it a chance...  But since January I have seen my vision of the church and the world and my life and everything changed. Many gospel principles were made clear to me now. Today I finished 2 Samuel and now ill be going into Kings. I feel like I understand so much more now, and I cant stop reading it! Its like playing a video game for me. I cant put it down..

So these past couple weeks Ive been talking with my comp about my clothes.. Theyre all way too huge..!! So I prayed and asked the Lord of what I should do. and Saturday, a guy from our ward gave me a pair of pants that he said were left behind in the temple.  And I tried them on, they are perfect fit on me. And perfect length as well. I was surprised. and he said he has another pair of pants for me, that his wife just needs to sew  a little.  And as well. I will send you a pic of my belt another day. But it is awful.. for reals.. Ive taped it  i dont know how many times.  And yesterday at church,  a member said to pass by his house to pick up my new belt. Man, I know the Lords hand is in this.

We have been teaching a family since I got here. They are awesome!! Just need to jump in the water.. I know the Lord will prepare them.

This is the only true church in this world, there doesnt exist more.. Without the Holy Melchizedek priesthood, all ordinances are done in vain. I  am grateful to have been raised in the standards of the church. never more will I take that for granted.. I know that blessings come from being obedient ao senhor. and being obedient and fulfilling our covenants with God. we can have our place in the Kingdom of God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love you mom. Elder Arroyo

Monkeys start flying out from everywhere

Woo! So we baptised this Saturday! The baptism machine is starting back up here! Every week vai have a baptism! We played basketball this morning. Just to get the blood running.. Its been a while since Ive exercised because of this cold.

Wow, I wish I could send a video of what happened the other day. So I was studying and my desk is next to the door of our apartment. Were on the second story, and the road in the front of our apartment has a huge wall that separates the city from the forest. And I see a little tiny monkey on the wall. I was like cool, Im going to take its picture. So I go out on the balcony and start taking pics, it was like 20 yards away. And like 3 little kids in there underwear start throwing bread at the monkey. And literally 5 seconds later the trees in the forest start to shake and monkeys start flying out from everywhere haha. I took a video, and there ends up being about 15 monkeys on the wall dancing to get food thrown at them. It was pretty cool. Ill see if I can at least send a pic.

I see 3 monkeys in the photo.
Two monkeys are sitting on the wall and one monkey is just above the one on the right sitting on a branch.

Every week it seems harder to think about what to write.. Im running out of things to say. Thats crazy that school is over in a month.. And in about 3 weeks ill be able to call home for the last time. And yea, Its way easier to buy stuff where I am now. If anyone wants something specific let me know.

I know the church is true. That Thomas Monson is our prophet and revelator in these days, and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

Elder Arroyo

bunches of little tiny monkeys.

Man, Every time Jimmy gets sick, we have to get sick at the same time.. haha. I remember the time that I stayed home from school sick to play halo, and Jimmy came home after seminary hahah `sick` to play with me.. Great times.. Ive been sick since last Tuesday. .And.. All I can say is LAST COLD  ON THE MISSION!! We already went to the street market and I bought tons of fruits. So Im hoping by tomorrow Ill be fine..

I love my ward sooo much!! Its almost like a ward from the states!! Well as close as it gets! I bore my testimony yesterday, I think everyone thought I was crying, but it was my cold. I was practically dieing in the air conditioner.

So yea!! before the mission I met a guy from  Belem on Facebook!! and chatted with him a bunch! And turns out that hes from this ward! His family is awesome!

How was Easter for us? Lets  just say that the Easter bunny forgot to pass our house hah. I  forgot that it was even Easter. But I really got to expand my knowledge of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Everyone here eats fish on `holy Friday`.. It was good. It made me homesick for Bragança ..

Oh! Just a little cool thing that happened the other day.. We were walking down a road as always and we passed by a huge mango tree, and in it were bunches of little tiny monkeys.. It was a cool sight..

Thats crazy that Desto is preparing to drive!! Shes growing up..

I miss everyone a lot! And cant wait to see yall in a little!!

Love you mom!!
Elder Arroyo

Good Morning mom, From Cabanagem!

Good Morning mom, From Cabanagem! Im in Cabanagem Ward. But Thats in the Area that is called Jaderandia. Its pretty chill here. Im loving the members so far.

Elders Arroyo and Rocha

Wow, Conference was great wasnt it? Last one to assist in the mission. I took lots of notes and learned plenty. Man, We worked so hard for President Monson to announce the temple of Belém. But what can ya do. Next one for sure!! I love seeing the pics of you guys all on the couches in PJs assisting General Conf with snacks all over the place! looks almost like Thanksgiving sometimes.. haha. I try to bring this tradition here, but its just not the same, with a backpack full of cookies and mints.. haha. But once you take out the snacks you basically have to pass sacrament with them, cause everyone wants some! ha..

Elders Arroyo and Rocha

My comp is great! Elder Rocha. Were going to do good together. I hope that he will be my last comp. Ill send yall some pics of us two in a little. The ward here is great.. And finally.. A church building with air conditioning... :)!! The members are great, and theres lots of them! Also there is a basketball court at the church building! And our house is right next to it!! Heeeck yea B-Ball Everyday!! And Im going to be professional in B-Ball and Soccer when I get home. My comp is a beast at soccer and hes teaching me some stuff. Im getting Skinny!!! For really! My church clothes are wayyy tooo huge on me! I look better in street clothes like in those pics I sent.

But im doing absolutely great! I just sent in some pics to ya. And I love you guys a lot!
Elder Arroyo