To whom it may concern,

2 weeks in Rio and the weeks have flown by. Every single meal I´ve had here has been great. Some a little odd but always good! Its been tough with the language but luckily my study and practicing has helped. Some times I understand about 10% of what people say but other times I have 20 minute conversations. Definitely expanding my vocabulary! One of the biggest things I´ve realized is that I complain way too much haha! My problems seem large and daunting every day but then I go to sleep and the next day comes. I made it through. Yesterday was tough but Im here today typing this email. Obviously the Lord loves me enough to help me keep going. The work has been work but its been fun. Ive met some great people and enjoy all of the members of the church in my area. My cooking skills havent improved very much but Im sure my family will be glad to hear that Im cleaning the apartment every day and keeping myself out of trouble. I cant believe how much english music I hear here! A wide range of recent all the way to 80s rock! It was a pleasure to hear my favorite Carly Ray Jensen song yesterday, Call Me, Maybe! Sorry if some of my past blog/email things have been boring but I´ll be working to improve that as well.

Before I go I´d like to share a short thought I had Sunday during the Sacrament at church. While the Priesthood was passing, I thought about things I could do better this week. As I thought about things I could do better, I thought briefly about the things that I lack. I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and love as I pondered and remembered the love and sacrifice of my Savior. I don´t know the situations and religious beliefs of every person that is reading this but I can share shortly my knowledge and the thoughts that came to me. I can never give up or stop trying at anything that I love. ESPECIALLY when its difficult. And this is because my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will never give up on me. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, a blessing of duty and love. I´m thankful for this opportunity to serve and can proudly say that the hardest work is the best work and the only thing worth doing. I love you all and hope that you are doing well.


Fish and chips,
Elder Jared Knotts