The Many Adventures of a Brazilian Elder

July 23, 2013

Tudo bem? Como vai?

This week has been amazing. It has had its ups and its downs (more ups though, which is amazing!) So guess what! I got dragged into the MTC choir with my district. Funny right? I don't sing. But, tonight we are singing a rendition of Praise to the Man which is amazing. It is different music but the same lyrics. A very powerful song. I love my district! It is like another family! It is going to be so sad when we have to all be split up in four and half weeks.

Hmmm. What else has happened this week? Well, Portuguese of course. It is coming along great. I can't even speak Spanish anymore! Ouch! I tried speaking to a companionship of elders going to Seattle Spanish Speaking. I can still think in Spanish with the proper grammar but when I pronounce it, it is all Portuguese. It is really weird. They just looked at me like, wow, this elder is way behind everyone else. But, Portuguese is coming along great. Every day we pray for the gift of tongues and language and it is amazing what the Lord will provide. I am learning at the most accelerated rate I have ever learned before. We taught a "new" investigator yesterday and I was able to carry on a conversation (very choppy) for half an hour. I feel that in four weeks when I leave, I will have a good foundation, but then I will forget it all when I go state-side for a little bit.

I am learning so much, especially by the Spirit. It is amazing how much can be learned when you have ten hours a day just to study the gospel… It is amazing the peace, confidence and assurance that come from learning the plain and simple truths of the Gospel…. The gospel is true. Jesus is the Christ. The atonement is real and tangible. It changes lives. It has changed my life, especially these past two weeks. Thank you for all your love and prayers. I feel them on a continual basis…

Com amor,

Elder Larkin (Davey)

Here are some fun pictures that Dave has sent from the MTC.