Dec 31, 2012 "I laughed, I cried, it was better than cats"

Oh my, where to begin!?  I’ll start today and go backwards.

 
Dezembro 31- Preparation Day. Normal.  Last day of the year.  Crazy.  Happy New Year!

Dezembro 30- We had three confirmations!!!  J  I participated in all three, and it was amazing how different and special each one was.  God really does know us personally.  The people were the girl and man baptized last week, and a woman baptized yesterday ("F--a. "She's the mae of "St--i").  J  I feel so much at peace knowing that they are in the fold!  Also, today I got a package from Miriam B and Brady W representing The Chosen!!!  Okay, you guys are seriously the best.  Thank you!  In the package was a harmonica and kazoo (so I can keep up my music skills), some great pictures, candy, Christmasy things, some letters (I was literally dying/crying Brady - SO funny), and a gingerbread man kit that I turned into Nephi slaying Laban.  J  Thanks guys.  I love you tons.  Da-da da-da-da da da da... The Chosen!!

Dezembro 29- I baptized the mom of the girl (“St—i”) who we baptized two weeks ago.  It was a real special service.  It’s really cool saying ordinances in Portugues, cause what matters are the words, not the language.  I asked if the daughter would bear a simple testimony and it was amazing the way she said to her mom how she knows this is the Lord’s church, and she’s so happy today for her mom. J  Foi muito legal.  We got a picture taken, and I can’t wait to send it to Elder Petersen!  All these people are the fruits of HIS good work.  Ah man, I miss him.  Good, good companion. J

 
Dezembro 28- Good, normal day, teaching people, doing the work of the Lord.

Dezembro 27- Power in singing hymns!  Really, with any feelings of anger, stress, disappointment, worry, sadness, anything, singing hymns in your mind helps a lot. I sing a lot now a days ;)  OH!  And today, a less-active family who recently re-activated (Mom, Dad, and three girls 16, 10, 6), said that it was my testimony and my invitation that made them want to start over!  Wow, really cool and humbling, cause I know, I was just an instrument in the Lord’s hands.  They’re preparing to go to the temple again! J  Also, today I realized I speak Portugues.  I don’t know everything, and I still need to learn a lot , but I can communicate mostly everything I want to, and understand almost everything, too. Grateful for the gifts of the Spirit which helps us learn other languages.

Dezembro 26- I was on a split with our district leader Elder Wheatley from California, 'cause he needed to interview the woman that was baptized this week.  It was a day in paradise with him!  We worked hard, efficiently, and with the spirit.  It was a very positive, constructive, good, good day.  Oh, and a piece of advice for all y’all who are coming to Sao Paulo for the New Year:  Busses -- Don’t play with them.  They will kill you.  When walking down the street, you can challenge cars, stare them down and such.  But you don’t play with busses.  Also, Elder Wheatley showed me how cool Alma 26 is.  Whatever trial you have on the mission, whatever question, go there.  Super good!

Dezembro 25- FELIZ NATAL!! The day started with a reuniao do distrito.  I made cookies and they were really good, everyone loved them.  I also got a letter from Opie A!  Opie, you’re the man.  But, the very best thing that happened was being able to talk to my family!!!  I got to Skype them from the bishop’s house/family computer.  It was so good to see their faces, and to know they saw mine!  I had a little difficulty speaking English, and 40 minutes went by WAY too fast, but it was still so good! J Just what I needed.  Couldn’t stop smiling.  I love you Mom, Jonathan and Emily so much!  Talking with the fam--nothin’ beats it.  Can’t WAIT till Mother’s Day!  Well, after the skyping, we went to work like normal.  We received a lot of goodies from ward members, and turned around giving them to our investigators! Good Christmas. J

Feliz Natal!  Ate aproximo semana!

Com amor,
Elder David Bean

P.S.  Remember how blessed we are, okay?  Okay.