Merry Christmas!

Date: Mon, Dec 24, 2012 at 7:16 AM

Merry Christmas!!!

Feliz Natal! I can't believe Christmas is already here! Thanks for the great quotes and message Dad, sounds like the Christmas festivities are going well! I can't wait to talk to you guys tomorrow and hear how it everything goes. Those times will work well for me so I will try to call Mel around 10 AM your time and call the rest of you guys around 11AM. 

This week has been pretty busy. We had lots of activities and also our mission Christmas conference. It was alot of fun. I made cinnabon popcorn, it turned out really well actually! Alot of people liked it.

Other things that happened this week, me and my companion started a new form of contacting. I picked up a rock on the side of the road, the game is whoever has the rock has to keep it in their pocket and start the next contact and so if you don't start the contact then the rock stays in your pocket. Also your companion chooses a word to use during the contact. It has proven pretty efficient  Of course if you don't have the rock but feel like you should talk to someone you can certainly start a contact, but it is just a fun way to try something different. 

Also, I usually leave my shoes outside of the door, I think I should stop doing that. I went to put on my shoes the other day and I felt something in there, I looked into my shoe with fear, only to find a weird worm kind of thing in my shoe. It was disgusting. I will definitely need to change my form of putting my shoes on.

I got your email that you sent about Preach My Gospel to the missionaries in my mission. i liked the message on charity and chapter 6 is one of my favorites. It helps us be more powerful examples of Christ and missionaries through our own examples.

I was studying the birth of Christ today and came across a few scriptures that I liked. One being, '' And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...'' - John 1:14 and also ''...Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.'' - Isaiah 7:14 These are really simple simple scriptures but I like them because they are solely about our Savior. The reason we have hope for a better life. 

Well I don't have much time but I just wanted to share some modifications I made to christmas songs. I like to sing sometimes christmas songs in my head to get me in the christmas spirit, but I had to change some lyrics to match with my environment. 

To the tune '' White Christmas''

I'm, having, a hot, Christmas!

Just like the one I never had

There are trees of coconuts 

and children going nuts

to play, soccer in the streets!

To the tune ''Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays'' by N'Sync

The heat is burning,

it's time to put on sunscreen,

The coolest thing in the place is listerine

Celebrating, this special time of year,

constant sweat 'cause heat is in the air!

And all the sweat will show

and everyone will know,

you are a gringo

I love this season ya,

time for servin' and lovin' 

The Spirit of Christmas is present in this oven!

Well yes my raps are still cheesy, but that's okay.

I hope you guys have a great Christmas! Love you all! Can't wait to talk to you guys tomorrow! 

Love,

Elder Smith

Pic #1: I put a new sole on my shoes, they turned out nice!

Pic #2: All the desserts at our christmas conference (mine is at the bottom)

Pic #3: Me and our nice little christmas tree!

Pic #4: A different view

Pic #5: The old sole!

"The gospel is the only way to true happiness."

Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 6:15 AM


Ola!

Merry Christmas! Thanks for the picture of that display mom! I was actually telling my companion about that because it is one of my favorite christmas decorations in the house every year! Can you guys send me a picture of the tree? And about skype, as of right now our day is pretty flexible. I think almost any time during the day would work. I was thinking of calling around 3 o´clock which would be like 10 o'clock there. Just let me know what works best. I wanted to call early because I thought everyone would be at home including Mel and Jake but I guess they won't be there this year. But I can skype them seperate after I skype with the rest of the family. Just figure out what time on Christmas would be best for you guys and for Mel and Jake. I will plan on calling around 3 o'clock my time which is like 10 o'clock there. So if this time works for you guys let's just keep it at that! But if there is a better time just let me know and I'm sure there won't be a problem.

That's too bad about Todd's Dad. I hope they are doing alright. I'm glad the service went well.

This week was pretty good for us. We have a young man who is investigating the church. He already has a friend in the church and is making good friendships with some of the youth in our ward. He is kind of attending another ward more than ours though and we are trying to stress the importance of attending the ward in which you live. He is an awesome young man and is starting to realize more that he needs to come to our ward. He already knows alot about the church and is already has church clothes and everything. It is neat to see his progress. 

Also, there is another man who is attending our ward who has a sister in our ward. He grew up catholic but he said it's been awhile since he's gone to church. We had a lesson with him on sunday and he told us that he is really liking the church. He likes how we talk alot about families. It seems like he feels a little guilty maybe for some things he has done. It is so cool to be able to respond to his doubts that we know that anyone can change and be clean from sin. That God doesn't care much about who you were, but rather who you are and who you can become. The gospel is the only way to true happiness. Through the gospel we receive a remission of sins, a happiness that fills the gap of what was once sadness, and a confidence that replaces feelings of guilt and shame. I am grateful to have the gospel in my life.

We had a ward christmas party this weekend (see photos). It was really fun and we had a good turnout. There were quite a few investigators there as well so will we have to try and visit them this upcoming week because it seems like they all really liked the activity. 

Well I don't have much more time but I miss you all and love you! 

I hope this christmas season is going great for you all. I love christmas because of the chance we get to remember Christ. He is our Savior and offers us the hope of happiness and confidence even after we may have made wrong decisions. He is forgiving and loving and is alwayswilling to help us if we come to him. He has shown the way and provided the necessary conditions upon which we can acheive our eternal goals.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Love, 

Isaac

P.S. Only 8 more days until Christmas!

Pic #1: Santy and I!

Pic #2: Elder Wanderson, Jeferson, Edcarlos and I

Pic #3: Brother Pablo and I (He is from Peru and is a very good musician. He is a really great guy, I can see why Dad loves Peruvians so much!)

"I love teaching about about the birth of Christ"

Date: Wed, Dec 12, 2012 at 6:05 AM

Ola família!

Thanks for the christmas envelope! I only opened the envelope and I am being patient with the packages. I really liked the christmas tree you guys sent and the movies. Thank you so much!

That's a cool picture you guys took with the drummer boy. I remember going to that christmas celebration last year, it is way cool! Thanks to the envelope you sent and the movies I am starting to feel the christmas spirit alot! We have been sharing a christmas message with alot of investigators and some members to help remind us all about the true meaning of christmas. We have been using that film Joy to the World. It's a good one. That trip you guys took sounds awesome too! I really like church history and it would be cool to see those places some day.

This past week and a half have been a little difficult  We have been struggling to find new investigators and to help our investigators progress. There are quite a few good investigators in our area but it seems like each one is just has a little problem that is keeping them from progressing. I have learned on my mission that everyone has difficulties. Even people who seem to be perfect or have the perfect life have dificulties. Heavenly father does this to strengthen us as we work through these difficulties and turn them into strengths. 

On sunday, we went to the other ward that meets in our building during the morning and there was a visitor there that had lived in Florida for 6 years. His name was Junior and was way excited to speak english with me. I tried explaining to him the Plan of Salvation and I did it in portuguese because it is easier for me but he wanted me to speak english. Surprisingly it was pretty hard to teach in english because I am so used to portuguese! He is a great guy though and the missionaries in his area are going to keep visiting him. 

Well less than two weeks until christmas and skype! I am pretty excited. A little scared because from the pictures I've seen Nat has grown a ton. But Dad, can you make sure my skype name works still and if not can you create a new one? my username is smith.isaac29 and password is bizik29. Thanks!

I hope you all are having a great holiday season. It is alot different celebrating christmas as a missionary. Not many lights or christmas shows but I do love teaching about about the brith of Christ and about this special time of the year. (Wow I sound so missionary!)

Have an awesome week! I love you all and hope everything is going great at home! 

Oh and we had transfers today but I will be staying here in Geisel with Elder Wanderson. I am excited because I love this area and these people!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!  (Oh how I miss N'SYNC christmas CD!)

With lots of love this holiday season,

Isaac

Pic 1: A dead dried up toad we saw on the road!

Pic 2: Thanks for the envelope!

Pic 3: Picture from a church acvitity. Bounce the pencils in the cup!

Pic 4: Picture from church activity. My companion trying to shake off a cotton ball from his nose. We put vaseline on our noses first.

Pic 5: Our friend Jeferson doing the same.

"We contacted a Nolan on the street!"

        Date: December 3, 2012, 8:11:34 AM

Hello!

Sounds like a great week! You guys will sure be busy during this holiday season! That's awesome Nat scored a goal! How much longer does her soccer season go? Branson sounds like a cool little town, I have never even heard of it before. Lucky laurel, I remember getting my tonsils out, I drank so many slurpees! Thanks for the quote Mom, it's cool to think that I am involved in this work full-time. Our mission president told us this week that the number of people getting on the church website to fill out mission papers was like 700 a week. After President Monson's announcement of the new age, there have been like 4000 a week! He said he is receiving a lot of reccomendations and that about March or April alot of missionaries will be arriving! I am pretty excited!

Well this week was really good. We had some great experiences with some of our investigators. Like everyweek there were of course many downsides, but I like to think about the good things!

During the week we contacted a Nolan on the street! He was in that crouching position that Nolan does when he plays with his toys. He told me he can sit like that for hours. It was pretty cool. When we talked to him he said he has actually been wanting to here more about the church and has been wanting to visit. He lives really close to the church. We returned this week to his house and shared the message of the Restoration with him. He really liked it and he showed up for church on sunday! He really liked church and asked us to pass by later in the week.

Another cool experience was another new investigator we taught this week. We found a cool family knocking doors on the street behind the chapel. They were a little iffy at first but after our second visit with them they started to loosen up and except our message better. We shared a message about families with them that was in the ensign and they really liked it. When we went back there saturday to teach them the Restoration, one of the kids said the opening prayer. My companion helped him say the prayer and after he said the prayer, I looked at the dad and I could see how happy he was to see his kid praying. It was such a cool moment and I felt that this was something the dad had been waiting for. To see his kids talking with our Heavenly Father. It was an awesome experience and we are hoping to see more progress with this family.

Well these are some of the highlights of the week. It's been kind of funny seeing some of the christmas decorations around here. I sometimes laugh because there are so few and it's super hot out. It just kind of looks like there are a few people that never take their christmas decorations down and they leave them up throughout the summer. It is pretty hard to think that it is actually the month of december. It's so hot!

We had a good training this week given by our mission president. He is really an inspired man and I love learning from his experience and knowledge. I learned alot about the Spirit and we had a chance to reflect on our progress and see how we can improve in our work and in our lives.

Well I hope you all have an awesome week. I love you and miss you guys! Have an awesome holiday season! I am grateful for this oppurtunity to serve. I learned alot this week about the Spirit. I think the greatest lesson I learned is that we need to be more than worthy to have the Spirit. We must also have a desire. Once we realize we really need him in our life and we really desire to have his guidance, we then begin to feel his presence and have his companionship with us.

Have an awesome week. Love you guys!

P.S. Hey mom I got my christmas package! Do I have to wait until christmas to open it?! I haven't opened it yet I promise!

P.S. Let me know when you guys get the package I sent!

P.S. Hey make sure skype gets all set up and worked out because it is coming up soon!

"You live and you learn"

Date: Nov 26, 2012 6:26 AM

Holy smokes that's alot of food!

Wow I could hardly believe how much food you guys had there! And grandma and laurel's pies look delicious! I'm glad you guys had a good thanksgiving. There isn't thanksgiving here. I think the only reason I really remembered it was thanksgiving is because a guy in my ward who served in Provo reminded me that the day after would be black friday and then I remembered. But thanks for that thought dad, I never thought about that but it is so true. We often take alot for granted and I think if we had to go a day with just the things we thanked God for the day before it would be a pretty dificult day! Is that tree the tree that you guys chose? That's awesome! I like natural trees because they smell good. My favorite christmas tree was that real flock tree we bought one year.

Well sounds like some fun plans for the holidays aswell with Mark and all. That will be a packed house! I still remember that one christmas when all the cousins came to our house, good times!

Well this week went well. We have a new investigator, a young man, who went to seminary and to church this week. He actually has a friend in the church and has been going to church with her in a different ward but he is going to start coming to our ward now. He is really cool and already has a good understanding of the church. We are going to start teaching his whole family aswell. They are really awesome people and they said they would come visit church aswell with their son. I'm pretty excited!

We have a family we are teaching that isn't really progressing well. But this week we passed by there and showed a short video of the Book of Mormon and I think they rreally liked it. They asked some questions after and agreed to read a part that we marked. I am excited to see how it went and hoping that this sparked some excitement in them. 

I played piano for the primary program this week. It was realy fun and I got this little CTR heart afterwards that they gave out. It was pretty funny because when it came time to sing the primary song about Nephi (I forgot the name of the song in english) some of the kids were like, ''woohoo!'' and they were like yelling when they were singing. I was kind of chuckling and playing piano at the same time. Also I gained an appreciation for primary leaders. That is a hard calling.

This week I got a little sick. I had to take an anti-biotic. It was pretty funny because the anti-biotic that they gave me to take, I already had. It was a prescription that the traveling doctor gave to me before I left. But I learned something. I had been taking that pill when I felt a little sick, but just one at a time. Then when I really was told to use it I told the mission president's wife I only had like three. And then she explained to me that with anti-biotics you have to take them like as a course and not like ibuprofen that you take just when you need it. It was pretty funny. But you live and you learn I guess! Don't worry, I am feeling much better already!

Well this week we are going to really try and find some more new investigators. We are going to try and use some new ways aswell to find these people that the Lord is preparing to hear this message. I really believe that the Lord is preparing many and that we must be ready when we meet them so that we can testify and teach our message with power and authority. There is no greater news than the gospel, nothing greater we can give to these people. 

I love you and miss you all! I hope the holidays continue to be great for everyone. Keep me updated and thanks for all the pictures! Less than a month 'til Santa Clause comes! 

Tchau for now!

Elder Smith

"I am getting a little worried about my balding..."

Date: Nov 12, 2012 7:12 AM

Hello Family! 

Thanks for the birthday box! I opened it on Tuesday night and it was really awesome. Thanks alot! Also I received a few letters and another box from the Badger's so I will have to write some thank you cards. Also, one of the family's in the ward invited us to a family night along with other members and then at the end they surprised me with a birthday cake and another sister even made me a tie. It was fun and really nice of them. I will attach some pictures.

Well funny things, I am getting a little worried about my balding. I bought some ''Stop queda'' shampoo with means like ''stop fall or loss of hair''. I feel pretty old. First it was blood thinners, now this! But that's alright. I know my family will still love me if I come home bald. 

We had kind of a hard week finding, teaching, and overall doing our work. We are teaching a funny young man who is progressing well. His goal is to read the Book of Mormon before his baptism and I seriously think he will do it. He understands scripture really well and has already shown good improvement since he starting learning about the gospel. Sometimes I lose patience with him because he likes to joke so much but I love the guy! 

Also, one of our investigators, finally stopped smoking! It was really cool and I was way excited for him. The only problem is he is moving to Rio de Janeiro today and so we won't get to see the rest of his progress, but we will pass him as a reference to the missionaries there and I hope I can in some way keep in touch with him and see how the rest of his journey goes! 

Well I love you all! I hope you all have a great week. People are starting to put up christmas decorations here. I will have to take some pictures and show you how it looks. It's cool to see decoration but a little weird because it is so hot. It will sure be a different feel this year! 

It is so true about the union you have with your companion and how important it is. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a little and try pretty hard to get union with your companion. But if you don't have love for your companion, it is really hard to teach others the love that comes from the gospel.

I hope you all have a great week. Too bad to hear about the elections, it's a little crazy the changes that are being allowed to be made. Heavenly Father needs us as examples more than ever! 

I love you all and miss you!

Tchau for now,

Isaac 

Bizik Turns 20!!!

Date: Mon, Nov 5, 2012 at 6:13 AM

Hello Family!

Thanks for all the birthday letters and pictures. I really enjoyed it all. Sounds like things are going well back home. I can't believe Nat got braces! They make her look pretty old. Everyone seems to look so much older and I feel like I haven't really even changed! I voted today. It was really easy how they have it all set up and didn't even take much time. Thanks for helping me out with all that. I can't wait to hear how the elections go! Tell Jo Jo hi for me and that I'll have to keep representing the Backstein clan down here for a little longer without her.

Well this week was good. My new companion Elder Wanderson is a great guy. He is really energetic and likes to work. He walks really fast so I think I will be losing some weight this transfer. It has been getting hotter and hotter because the summer is just around the corner. It's hard to believe I have really only experienced winter here. I am a little scared to what the summer might bring! Yesterday during lunch I was sweating so much. I looked like those guys on the gatorade commercials. Except for my sweat wasn't actually gatorade and I am a little buffer than those guys. 

This weekend was also really good. One of our investigators finally was able to go 2 days without smoking! We were really happy and we will pass by there today to see how today went as well. He is already seeming to be alot more happy and it's cool to see the progress in his life. 

Yesterday, a less-active family also went to church who we have been visiting. There are really cool and invited us over for lunch today. It is awesome to see people making such great decisions to come back to church or to enter the church and also to see how the Gospel changes and improves lives. The brother of this less-active who came to church yesterday is also returning to church. He quit his job because it was messing with his family time and church time. He wants a calling, he wants to spend time with his church, and he wants to keep the commandments. It is cool how much trust he is putting in the Lord and he knows that as he keeps the commandments the Lord will bless him and his family. These people are real examples to me.

My pants ripped again this week. I bent over to put on my shoes and they just ripped down the middle. Luckily I was at home this time. I am getting pretty good at sewing though as I fix the little rips that I get from day to day use of my stuff.

Well I have been thinking alot this week about my efforts. If they are acceptable to the Lord. If we are doing our best with the area the Lord has given us to take care of. Also if Christ came now, if I would be ready. I haven't really gotten an answer to all of these questions but I do know that if Christ did come, I would be on the right path. It is great how we have the gospel in our lives to keep us on the path. Although no one is perfect and we all have lots to change in our lives still, we are in the right place to make these changes and to continually strive to do our best.

Well I love you all so much! Thanks for all the birthday letters and such. Mom my package arrived like two weeks ago but I won't get it until wednesday, it is waiting for me though! Thank you so much! 

I miss you all and hope that all continues to go well there. I am grateful to have such an awesome family!

Love, 

Isaac