A great week and, as usual, hard to believe its Monday already. Wednesday was 110 degrees. I almost couldnt believe it. It was incredibly hot and I was glad that I had sunscreen. The rest of the week was super cool in the 70s and low 80s. Weird to think that 70s is chilly here. A great week with a baptism yesterday at church. We have transfers next week so I'll find out if I stay here or move to another area. Not sure exactly what to expect but change isnt always a bad thing. October is almost here and 2 weeks till General Conference! I'm excited for that and for my 5 month mark here in Brazil. The time has flown and I'm glad I still have a long way to go. I feel like my weekly letters are getting pretty monotone about the weather and food, so if there are specific questions, I'll be more than happy to answer them. Theres just so much its hard to know what to say sometimes. The language is improving as usual. Always practicing Portuguese because I dont really have too many opportunities to speak english. Thats ok though.

I've been thinking about the importance of teaching our families, especially parents teaching their children, about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The examples we set, words we say and habits we form affect not only us but our families and friends. Daily scriputre study, prayer, going to church and all of the other Primary answers are perfect and neccessary when we desire to make a change in our lives. It is impossible to change without action and as we change and improve, others will see the happiness, joy and peace that enters into our lives. They will desire to be happy as we are and, in turn, will follow in our examples. Teaching in context to the needs and desires of a friend or family member are so important. Every person that has ever walked this earth has been slightly different and so the lessons and techniques for helping an individual also change. I'm thankful that we have families that help us with the problems and difficulties of life. I'm thankful for a Heavenly Father that knows each of us personally and gives us opportunities to learn and grow.

Well, its been a good week and I'm sure it'll feel like just a day or 2 until you read the next letter from me. I hope you're doing well and are happy. Without a doubt, happiness is our goal and luckily we have many great ways and people to help us achieve this on a daily basis. Be safe, be faithful, be happy.

Seasons Greetings,

Jared

Part of what he sent to me, his Mom:

"We had a baptism yesterday and it went great. She is probably in her late 50s and shes strong, witty and very inteligent. Its always a good time teaching her because she is very intuitive and has great questions. We taught her about the word of wisdom and she was not happy about giving up coffee. She did not want to quit. We gave her this other stuff called Cevada (I think thats right). Its barley and you brew it like coffee. Theres quite a few members here that drink this instead of coffee. I tried it once and it tasted like hot bricks and tree bark. Absolutely awful. "

this made me laugh out loud!
Joleen

Well its definitely not getting any colder here! It was a hot week but its all good. Everyone asks if I'm feeling alright and I'm glad to truthfully say that my health is well and havent had any problems yet health wise. The language is slowly improving. Not perfect by any means but a little more than 4 short months here in Brazil and I'm speaking well. So this week we went to a special pizza place that is almost exclusively in Rio and it was pretty sweet. $9 for all you can eat pizza. Its not Ci Ci's pizza buffet but it was really good. I've become more confident in the fact that I can eat pretty much anything. I will never be able to classify myself as a picky eater ever again. Taught a lot of lessons this week and church was really good yesterday. They have about 30 fans in the chapel at church because its gonna get real hot during summer. Studied a lot this week in the scriptures and also a lot of talks from this past General Conference. Looking forward to the next General Conference in October. It'll definitely be the hottest October I've ever had! Its always good to get updated of the stuff going on back at home and I'm glad to hear you guys (thats really vague) are doing well (also really vague). I have a feeling that these "journal entry things" are gonna be pretty interesting to read in a couple years. Oh and I'm super pumped to hear that Ball State beat IU in football recently!!! We are wearing our "normal" clothes today and I'll definitly be sporting my Ball State shirt (even though no one here knows BSU).

My spiritual message today is extremely important. It is the reason, motive and drive behind my desire to serve a mission and all good that I do in my life. I'm so thankful for Jesus Christ. I know He lived and walked on this earth. That he taught, helped and blessed the lives of thousands.That he suffered for me and for everyone that has ever and ever will live. That He died for our sins. And that He lives today! I love my Savior, Jesus Christ and am eternally grateful for the help that He gives me. I know that He hears our prayers, knows our hearts and desires to be with us. I know that His purpose and plan was fulfilled according to the plan of our wonderful Heavenly Father. That they together are perfect and do nothing but good to benefit all man kind. I know that Jesus Christ loves me. And He loves you too! I know beyond any doubt that it is only through Him that we can recieve mercy and a fullness of joy in this life and the life to come. I know that as we desire to know Him better and seek His will for us, He will manifest His love for us in feelings and miracles in our lives beyond descrption. I know that Jesus Christ has the power to heal all wounds and comfort every heart. I know with all of my heart and desire that all know and have a testimony of the divinty and infinite love of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Jared

Its been hot! The past 3 days got up to 38 degrees C which is right at 100 F. Sun block was just enough to keep me from sun burn. I'm actually not super white anymore. A great tan line from my white shirts! Yesterday marked my 4th month in Brazil. 2 in São Paulo and 2 in Rio de Janeiro. May seems like such a long long time ago. A great week with a baptism yesterday and a special meeting in Flamengo. Flamengo is a part of the city Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro which is my whole mission. We were there for a meeting with our Mission President and training. Flamengo is super close to the Cristo Redentor (big Jesus statue). I've been teaching my Brazilian companion a little bit of English and its been interesting. You never think about how many words you know until you have to learn them all again. I'm doing great with Portuguese for my 4 month mark. I've got a long way to go with understanding everyone but its been a great, challenging experience. Hopefully you´ve seen the different pictures on Fbook so far. I'm hoping to send a bunch of pics soon. I've got a lot of pics of the MTC in São Paulo, other missionary friends and my area here in Irajá.

*Drum roll* Spiritual Thought of the Week! So I was reading a talk by President Henry B. Eyring from this past General Conference called "Family Under Covenant" (or something close to that. The name might be slightly different in Portuguese). He talked about the wonderful blessings that we are able to recieve as families and the importance of this. One thing that stood out to me most was towards the end, he talked about 4 things that fathers can do to help their families return to our Heavenly Father together. First was to have a firm testimony that the leaders of the church and our prophet today, have the keys and power to help us recieve these blessings. Second, for every husband to love his wife. Third, for each member of the family to grow in love and unity together. Fourth and last, for fathers to chastise and correct with love. I loved this talk and the inspired counsel of an apostle of the Lord. I love my family so very much and know that our Savior and Heavenly Father want every to be with their families for eternity. "Families can be together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family and the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can."

I hope that everyone has had a great week and enjoyed my short update of thoughts and shenanigans here in Brazil.

Rice and beans,

Jared

September is here and the time is flying by. We had a great week and doing well. We had several lessons and some new families that live very close to the church. Our area is pretty big so some people have to travel a little to get to the ch

urch. Its all good though. We have a Family Home Evening lesson tonight so I´m pumped for that of course. I miss the great FHE memories with the YSA Branch in Muncie and my FHE committee but I´m sure you guys are doing great. I´m so glad to hear about the groundbreaking of the Indianapolis Temple this month! I am more than excited to return in time for the dedication of our first temple in Indiana. No one here has any idea where Indiana is haha. Only the other American Elders know but thats ok. I´m just now getting used to the 27 different states here in Brasil. My health is good and my feet are holding up from all the walking. I´m trying a lot of different foods and enjoying the freedom of buying and trying different meals for breakfast and lunch etc. The weather has been interesting. It was kinda cold this past week. And when I say cold, I mean it was in the low 70´s. People were wearing sweaters and jackets. Crazy. It is never cold here. Chances of seeing snow anytime soon are pretty low.

Spiritual thought this week is about the importance of the teachings of our Prophet and leaders of the church today. I´ve been studying several talks in recent Liahona´s this week and gaining a stronger testimony of its importance. If you dont receive a Lihona/Ensign/Friend ect, order them! Its cheap and the lessons, quotes and stories are priceless. Embrace the church website (www.lds.org) and watch past General Conference talks. One suggestion was a talk by our prophet today, President Thomas S Monson. "The Race of Life"
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-race-of-life?lang=eng
I know that studying the words of prophets and apostles that live today, along with scriptures such as the Bible and Book of Mormon, will bring a renewal of your faith and love for our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As always, keep on keepin on and let me know how you're doing. Its always great to hear from friends and family. I hope you're all doing well and enjoying Fall in Indiana or wherever you live. Until next week.

Sugar, spice, and everything nice,
Elder Jared Knotts