Answer to Mom

The meeting with Elder Cook was awesome!! I learned a ton of neat and useful things. Like did you know that he and Elder Holland were missionary companions? Also Elder Cook was the Executive Director of the Missionary Department when President Hinkley asked for Preach My Gospel to be made. So he worked with Elder Ballard, and is one of the principle creators of the book. He shared some very interesting insights. The main reference sources for PMG were the Doctrine of Christ (which can be found in our purpose on the first page of the first chapter) and also section 31 of Doctrine andCovenants. He basically just went through section 31 with us breaking it down. He told us that verse seven is one of the most important scriptures thatexists. You should study it a little, it was interesting to see how he described it to us. He didn't speak Portugues which is actually kind of nice because he spoke English and had a translator so I got to hear it in my native tongue. His wife also spoke who is very cute, and animated. She had us sing Hymn 168 in the Portugues Hymnal. I can't remember what hymn it is.  I think he came to just visit the area and decided to talk to us too. I'm not sure though.

So those are the three areas. Embaré, Santos. Ponta da Praia, Santos (only for 2 weeks but still). Eldorado, Diadema. I haven't been able to find a map. If you could send one that would be awesome.

I still haven't gotten my package yet. I don't know what is taking so long. They also didn't bring very much mail to the meeting with Elder Cook because they didn't want us hanging around and opening letters and packages. So maybe it's in the office waiting for me. As far as requests I do have a few: any church films, as long as it has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on it I can watch it on P-Day or maybe even use it at family nights. Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration would be a special request. But as many others as possible would be cool. Also more music is always great. Do you remember the Nashville Tribute to Joseph Smith? That is a good one. And any others are welcome too. Oh and one more request, a pedometer. I want to see how much I'm walking around here. That's all.

Yes the withdraw was when I went to the big shopping center. I didn't even use it all. So I'll save it up for a later trip or something.

Elder Perrell and I are doing great together. We found out last night that we will be staying together in Eldorado for one more transfer. Remember that this last transfer that just ended was only five weeks. We are working hard and really excited that we can both see and help with the opening of our new chapel!!

Woo Candon is on the mission. Tell Lisa that time flies. And that there is practically no better place than the MTC. I miss it a little. Will Candon be staying 9 or 12 weeks? And you had my address to give to Aunt Pam right?

Lindy is getting married? To Travis right? Are they going to the temple too? That's great! Tell them both congratulations for me.

The senior missionary couples name is Stout and they are from St. George. That's all I know about them. The house looked great. I couldn't believe that missionaries were living there before, it's huge for just one companionship. It was really dirty though, but we got it all cleaned up. I'm excited to see what they will be called to do.

The Skype plans are coming along. Basically all I need is to mark the hour with someone and everything will be good. Next week I'll give you the details. What time is good for you?

Well that's all the news for this week. Te amo. Até mais. 

Elder Cameron Bruce

Answer to Dad
As far as the language goes. I don't know if I dream in Portuguese. I also don't know if I dream in English. I do day dream in Portuguese though. Sometimes when I'm remembering or imagining a situation people that don't speak Portuguese talk in Portuguese. And then I realize it like 10 seconds after and go wait a minute, they don't speak Portuguese. It's a strange experience. I feel really comfortable with the language. I don't translate or anything anymore. It's just normal to talk and listen. With Elder Perrell I speak Portugles Portugues+Ingles. It's funny that we sometimes use Portuguese grammar in English. 

The weather here is starting to cool down. It still throws in a hot day every now and then. But overall it stays in the low 70s now. Which strangely enough feels pretty cold to me.

Well that's all. Have a nice golfing day. Until next week.

Elder Cameron Bruce