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