This week has been super great! I've been settling in nicely to Chuy and I am starting to get to know the ward and the awesome people we're teaching.
First a little bit about the new area: We share a ward with two other Elders, Elder Halls and Elder Quiroz. The ward is pretty small, but the few people we have are really strong and faithful in the church. The ward is a Spanish ward but many members live in Brazil and speak Portuguese. My first Sunday in the area one of the speakers spoke in Portuguese and the other in Spanish. Other people speak Spanish but carry a heavy Portuguese accent, including the bishop and his family. Other than that the area is pretty normal. There are a lot of shops here to buy imported goods and other stuff for super cheap, at least compared to Montevideo. The food and culture actually remind me a lot of Mexico and there are a lot more Brazilian influences than there were in Montevideo.
Super cool story from this week: So a week before I arrived here the missionaries gave away a Book of Mormon to a guy, but because they were running late to catch the bus they couldn't talk for long. Then because of the craziness of changes we weren't able to talk to him again until this past week. When we passed by he invited us in and expressed his sincere gratitude for having given the Book of Mormon. He had read and marked the scripture Alma 36:3:
"And now, O my son Helaman, behold, thou art in thy youth, and therefore, I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me; for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day."
He told us that after reading that verse he wanted his daughter to learn in her youth, and that he felt a great peace in his home. He also shared some scriptures with his girlfriend who is atheist and she also felt a great peace. It's so wonderful when the spirit touches the hearts of the people! They are both super prepared and we are really excited to teach them.
Final thought: I was recently reading the invitation from President Nelson to #HearHim who said: "I invite you to be proactive and look for opportunities to share your feelings about the Lord Jesus Christ with your family and friends" It is with this in mind that I bear my witness that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. I know He lives, that He loves us. I am forever indebted to him for his infinite mercy and love for me and I know that through him we can find peace and joy. I love my Savior and will serve him forever. I have received great joy and peace through him and I know that his hands are outstretched to me and to all who will come unto him.
Lots of love. Hope you have an amazing week!
Elder Joseph Watts
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| Elder Watts & Elder Hoskins |
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| Elder Quiroz & Elder Halls |
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| At Lunch with an awesome member family |
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| Best dessert Ever! |
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| Funny sign we saw (Translation: We have Bidrios(Glass). We spelled it wrong but we place them well!) |
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