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