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