Elder Ganoe busy at work Oct 2012

Elder Knotts Birthday Oct 2012

Elder Knotts Birthday...you have to share!  Oct 2012

Elder Knotts´s head and a little bit of the others. Oct 2012

Part of Elder Knotts's area in Brazil 2012

a huge mural in the CTM Brazil  2012

Para todo mundo, (for everyone)

A week of several days being 100 degrees has been great. I dont think I will ever have a problem with the heat or humidity in Indiana after two years of this. Its beautiful here. The mountains are great and the people we've been meeting and teaching are doing great. I know I've been really bad about sending pictures so far but I promise I'll do better. I really want you guys to share in this experience and not feel like Im 11 hours away by plane. It was a great week and we had a new family we've been teaching at church yesterday. Slowly but surely we're making a difference. I sang a solo at church yesterday and Im critical of my performances but everyone said it went well so thats good. I sang #293 in the hymnal. I forget what the name of the song is in English but I remember the # so you can look it up if you want. I've been making new personal goals and I'm understanding almost everything I hear now. Still far from perfect but my confidence has increased a lot. I cant believe its almost November. The time has flown and I have almost 6 months in Brazil. Needless to say, its been incredible.

Spiritual thought/message/update thing of the week! I've been thinking about the problems and adversities I've had in my life and seen in the lives of friends, family, and people here in Brazil. There has never been a person on this earth that has lived without problems, illness, or challenges. I can confidently say that through all difficulties in my life, they have been overcome and defeated with the help of my family and the principles and teachings of the Savior and His prophets (antient and modern). Almost every time, the answers and remedies to our problems are not easy. A phrase I've slowly come to understand the older I've gotten is that, "Nothing of true value and worth having is easy." The things that truly matter in our lives are only improved and discovered through hard work, prayer and sacrifice. I'm thankful for the challenges and the help I've recieved in my life that has helped me to become the person I am today. I hope and pray that someday I will be able to help each and every person that reads this. Every person helped is a deed worth doing. To quote a living prophet of God today, "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."

Well its been a good week and I hope that you're doing well. Halloween this week and Thanksgiving, Finals and Christmas will be here before we know it. I love you, pray for you and hope to hear from you soon.

Livin' on a prayer,

Elder Knotts

Pictures

Its been a good week and I dont think I've been more tired but its a good thing for sure. Waking several miles in 90+ or sometimes 100+ weather isnt my favorite but sunblock and some dilligence is helping. Almost November already and its getting colder for you guys and hotter for me. We've been house hunting this week along with our normal schedule of lessons, activities, and service. We live in another area right now with other missionaries and are trying to move closer to our area in Irajá. I feel like I can never say this enough but Brazil is amazing. Its amazing the similarities and the differences with Brazil and the US. I'm getting close to my 6 month mark and that is very weird to think about. I feel like I've progressed a lot personally and also with the people I've been helping.

This week I've been thinking about the impact that we have on other people. The things we say and do and how we treat other people has a huge impact on them. A kind word or a snide remark has a lot of power sometimes and its important that we think of how we would like to be treated. I guess its summed up quickly in the Golden Rule. I think of the great family I've had my whole life and the positive impact they've had on me up to this point. Great friends, brothers, peers, strangers and a loving Heavenly Father have helped shape me to the person I am today. I'm thankful for the people I have helped and have helped me in my short time here in Brazil. I know that with some hard work and dilligence, we can make a difference. We can make a difference! Maybe this is kinda cheesy but never underestimate the power that you have and how much you can help someone else.

I'm thankful for the great people in my life. In the US or Brazil or those that have already passed on, I'm thankful. Prayers, letters, or anything else. Its been a good week for me and I sincerely hope the same for you. Remember that your favorite missionary is doing well and praying for you often!

Jared

Sorry about not sending a letter for everyone last week! The email messed up and didnt send but thats ok. I hope everyones doing great! I had an awesome birthday because I was in Brazil. Miss you all for sure but thank you for the letters and messages. Im thankful for every letter from friends and family. Sorry if I havent responded yet. The mail here is pretty slow with the US sometimes. I'll be writing some more letters today. Well I'm 21 now and I was glad to have recieved peanut butter from my wonderful family. Its rained a lot this week and been a little chilly but its been nice. We´ve been working hard though. A couple days ago we visited a couple different families and walked about 20 miles that day. My portuguese is improving a little bit daily and my new companion is an American so hes helping me to learn a little faster. Its easier to learn from someone that had to learn it the hard way like I am. Its great though. I hope school is going well and that Indiana (or wherever you live) isnt too cold yet. As you guys get colder, I go from hot to blazing!

Spiritual message/thought thing! So I've been thinking a little bit about a talk from Elder Holland. He talked about love (dont worry this wont be too cheesy). But he talked not about Where I love you, or when I love you or why but HOW I love you. It is so essencial that we show the people that are important to us that we love them. There are so many ways to do that. Words, actions, service or a gift. So its not important that I'm about 11 hours by plane from you guys or whatever. I cant hug you guys unfortunately right now but I can write a short email each week. I love you! Its true and I hope that you feel my love from a different part of the world.

Well I always look forward to hearing from you guys and knowing that you're doing well. I hope to hear from you soon! Until next Monday (Segunda-feira) (P-Day)!

Jared

This week was pretty interesting! I had an awesome experience teaching english a couple times. Everyone here in Brazil wants to learn english and its a part of the regular classes in the school systems. They also have a ton of classes you can take to learn english. I helped a couple members this week and also went to a english school called "Yes". I taught english for a class for about an hour and a half and it was so much fun! The students have been learning english for about 2 months so they knew a little bit. They couldnt believe that I had only been studying Portuguese for less than 5 months. A really great experience. I also found out about transfers today! Transfers are every 6 weeks and thats when missionaries potentially move areas and its always a surprise. I found out I'll be staying in Irajá for atleast 6 more weeks and I'll have a new companion. We switch everything tomorrow. A new adventure for sure. The weather has been beautiful and the time has flown by. I cant believe its October already. My health is good, the food is good and my Portuguese is improving every day.

Spiritual thought of the week! So Im really excited for General Conference this week! I've been studying the Liahonas from the past two General Conferences a lot lately. I'm so thankful for the teachings of modern leaders of the church. Our world is constantly changing but our Heavenly Father and Savior never do. There plan for us is a plan of happiness and love. I know that President Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God. Please take advantage of this next Genereal Conference and also ones from the past. Seek diligently and you will find answers to your problems and comfort in your times of difficulty. We can find the will of the Lord in the teachings of His holy prophets and Son, Jesus Christ.

"I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store. If I but learn to do His will, I'll live with Him once more. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me. Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do, too live with Him someday."

I hope you're enjoying school/work/family and the good things in life. Never take them for granted.

Never gonna let you down,

Jared

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