Week 41

Dear Family & Friends,

 

I'm super pressed for time this week because I was transferred, and my bus to leave for Fortaleza leaves soon, so I have to do everything super fast. This week was a little disappointing because we had 4 baptisms lined up, but a whole bunch of stuff happened at the last minute so that they didn't come through.  I won't be here to see the baptisms next week - I'm super sad about that, but there will be lots of people to teach in my new area! (hopefully). I'll be going to a city called Maracanaú, which is a little closer to Fortaleza. I'm excited for a new transfer! I'm doing well with everything.  Tell everyone I love and miss them! 

love you! um abraço!

Elder Poulson

These are pictures from the Cedro, which is this big dam and a reservoir that was built a long time ago by slaves.. 

 

 a big rock that looks like a chicken 

Eating a snack with Eliane, one of our "moms" here

We got caught in the rain coming home the other night

Neide, our other "mom"

Week 40

Dear Family & Friends,

 

This week was another slow one....we had to go to Fortaleza on Monday, we came back Wednesday. Thursday, we had an unexpected visit from President Fusco. He, his wife, and daughters had come to Quixadá to see how we're doing, get us a few things we have been lacking in the new house, and most importantly, dedicate the city of Quixadá for the preaching of the gospel! It was a really cool day, President took us elders, plus the sisters to lunch, then we all drove up to a really high mountain outside the city. We walked around for a little bit, admiring the view, and then we all gathered and President Fusco offered the dedicatory prayer. It was a really cool experience. The Spirit was very strong there. 

Friday was the Brazil vs.Columbia game, so we all stayed in the house. It gets really loud during the games - people are lighting off firecrackers, yelling, and blasting their over sized stereos. So we just chill and try not to go crazy.  There are only a couple more games left, and all this madness will finally be over haha. Despite not being able to work too much during the week, we had a really good day of work on Saturday. There were a ton of new people that we met and started to teach. At one point, we were teaching a group of 11 or 12 people out on the sidewalk. It's really cool for me to see the progress I have made with speaking Portuguese. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing all of these new people progress and make positive changes in their lives!

thank you for all your thoughts and prayers!

um abraço,

Elder Poulson

Some scenery from the top of the mountain where we hiked with the mission President

a mall in Fortaleza all decked out for the cup

missionaries of Quixadá and President/Sister Fusco

me and Elder Padial, who met the grandparents Nelson while they were on their mission here in Brazil! he lives in the same house as me right now. 

 

Week 39

Dear Family & friends,

This week was also a little slow...there was a Brazil game on Monday, so we were confined to our house. We had to travel to Fortaleza on Tuesday, and we had a mission conference on Wednesday so we weren't able to do much work until Thursday and Friday.  On Saturday was ANOTHER Brazil game, so we had to stay home. Sunday was good, we had four baptisms, and the other missionaries in the city had 3, so there were a total of 7 baptisms in Quixadá.

We also hit a milestone in our sacrament meeting attendance on Sunday....50 people!!!!  That was a big thing for us and we are really excited about that. Anyway, sorry this email is so short, but as you can see, we spent several days doing nothing, so I'll spare y'all the details of how I organized my suitcases and what I bought at the store. Anyway, have an awesome week, and thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers!

um abraço,
Elder Poulson