Into the Amazon

 Monday, November 11, 2024; Floresta Ward, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil: Olá, bem vindos a todos! Espero que sua semana foi top demais e que vocês vão ter mais uma semana cheia de alegria! This past week has been good, bad, and everything in between. Being that it's the rainy season, that is awesome for the climate but isn't so great when you want to talk to lots of people. Brazilians here like to hole up in the house and not come out when it rains. So, during the rainy days and moments, everyone is either at work, at school, or hidden inside.  But anyways... some other things also happened.  -We saw a goat this week! -Lots more bugs outside, including mosquitos, flies, beetles, and more We had an awesome family night in the Bishop's house. He invited some other people from his neighborhood, and it went great. I used some Classic family night strategies from my family's past experiences. Things like a mini-scavenger hunt around the house. It was super fun, and everyone enjo

 Monday, November 4, 2024; Floresta Ward, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil: This week was pretty good!  Just like life, it didn't seem as good as it was until I finished it and looked back at it.  It rained a decent amount. One day, it rained in the morning. After lunch, it was mostly clear, so I thought the rain had stopped. 15 minutes of walking and the sky burst open. Even with a raincoat I was soaked. Finally, we took cover in a covered soccer court. But it got kind of cold so that was nice. I ate fresh mangos and pineapple. Love how sweet the pineapple is here.  A bunch of bugs started swarming the walls and doors of the chapel and my current apartment building. Apparently now is the season to get sick from mosquitos. Lots of walking. Lots of difficulties. But it's that one moment, that one lesson, that one person that makes it all worth it. There is this guy we started teaching, and we are trying to help him quit smoking. He wants to stop but needs help. And just seeing how much

 Monday, October 28, 2024; Floresta Ward, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil: Ooooooppaaa Hello to all of y'all! How are you all doing? Como vai? So, this week was pretty good but packed.  First, I went to the airport and picked up my new companion, Elder Johnson. He's from the USA as well, from Oregon. He's on his 3rd transfer (set of 6-weeks). A big miracle of the week.... I'm finally legal! [Here in Brazil!  ️ So when I first arrived in Brazil, I went to the police department to get my Visa extended. That worked out fine. Only problem is... I think the mail isn't very good here... it is the Amazon of course. No, I'm just kidding.  Sounds like it's decent. But whatever the case, my document never arrived. Finally, I went back [to the Police Station] and requested a new one because the first one never arrived. Anyways, I have it now! Another dupla of Elders had to stay in our house for a few days, that was fun :) I got to see lots more cows grazing this week.  As my

 Monday, October 21, 2024; Floresta Ward, Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil: This week went super-fast. Didn't have time to write much. -My comp ended his mission. -I stayed a few days in another ward with Elder Neddo. -Vanesa got baptized in that other ward. -It was either hot or rained. -Super random house with a bunch of robots on it. -Apparently different mango trees have different flavors, some being sweeter than others. This week I thought some about change. And about difficulties. Sometimes when we have difficulties like, for me, it being super-hot, we wish for the opposite. But then it rains and is cold, and it's almost worse. Difficulties, just like opposites, are here for our good. So, my invitation for each of you is look at how the opposition and opposites in your life have help you become better. How have they benefitted you? Love y'all, have a good week! Elder David Olson Missão Brasil Manaus Sul Pics -Vanesa who got baptized -Family of members -Baptismal font in one o