New York South Mission

“Emotional Aftershocks”

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's homecoming talk in Sandy, Utah:

I was called to New York City. I was sent there with a purpose, to invite others to come to Christ. In preparation, I remember well reading the commandment and promise to teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, tongues, kindred and people. I quickly found that in New York City this promise is fulfilled. It was all nations, tongues, kindred and people that make NYC their home. I do not recall talking to a single New Yorker my first day.

In Brooklyn, I taught people of Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Haiti to name but a few of the Caribbean islands. On the 12th of January an earthquake hit our highly populated area. The actual event occurred in Haiti, where the earth shook and buildings fell, but the emotional aftershocks were periodically felt by the Haitian community. I remember well taking time from our day to kneel in our chapel to pray for the families in our ward, the people we taught and were yet to teach. We also prayed for those in Haiti, to cope well with the brutal adversity of destruction and death. We were sensitive to the Spirit and changed our approach to the teachings of the Plan of Salvation. We soon began to be messengers of hope. Michelle Fequierre was one of the many in search of hope. She had moved like many after the earthquake to New York to escape the destruction found in their homeland. Michelle brought her two daughters to join family and find consolation.

It is interesting to me the stark contrast between destructions and miracles. During this difficult time, people’s hearts were softened, and their soul was open to embrace truth. There were many other Haitians that came and entered into the waters of Baptism and allowed adversity bring them to faith.

At the conclusion of my missionary service, I had the chance to visit the Sacred Grove and other church historical sites surrounding Palmyra. This gave me the opportunity to think and meditate over the work of Restoration and the coming forth of The Book of Mormon. I found in the written account Oliver Cowdery’s words and feelings toward the divine translation of the Book of Mormon and receiving of the Priesthood parallel my service in the New York South Mission. “ What joy! what wonder! what amazement! While the world was racked and distracted—while millions were groping as the blind for the wall, and while all men were resting upon uncertainty, as a general mass, our eyes beheld, our ears heard, as in the ‘blaze of day’…I shall not attempt to paint to you the feelings of this heart, nor the majestic beauty and glory which surrounded us on this occasion; but you will believe me when I say, that earth, nor men, with the eloquence of time, cannot begin to clothe language…Man may deceive his fellow-men, deception may follow deception, and the children of the wicked one may have power to seduce the foolish and untaught, till naught but fiction feeds the many, and the fruit of falsehood carries in its current the giddy to the grave; but one touch with the finger of his love, yes, one ray of glory from the upper world, or one word from the mouth of the Savior, from the bosom of eternity, strikes it all into insignificance, and blots it forever from the mind…These were days never to be forgotten” The streets of New York will always touch my heart in a special way, for I have walked them differently than the world.

I learned Christ in the last two years because it was Him whom I chose to serve. I know He Lives. We will also feel emotional aftershocks in our lives, may we turn our adversity to faith, and stand firm as the earth shakes beneath us and buildings fall.

Related Links: The Returned Missionary - João: Slide Show

Back in Utah

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 05:02:00 +0000

The first day after his mission, João admires the significance of historic Palmyra. Walked in the the "Sacred Grove" and reflected upon the two years of service in the New York South Mission.

From a copy of the 1st edition of the Book of Mormon to the replicas of several of the homes of the time of the restoration and a visit to the Hill Cumorah.we enjoyed as a family listening to him and his mission stories.

Truly an experience to be retained in our memories and in our journals. Now João completed his mission and this Blog comes to an end.

João is back in Utah and soon will re-enter the University

His email is: joaogts@gmail.com

Last email

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Excerpts from the last email João sent before we pick him up this Thursday in New York

Dear Family,

I have been through a whirlwind of emotions these last couple of days. I might look calm, but my heart beats faster and faster. I have a constant sense of urgency to cry out our message. This last Sunday, I fasted that I would be extended peace from the Savior. And as I partook of the sacrament, it came and I was able to feel Him beside me. It was a touching experience for me. Whisperings of love and comfort were given and the assurance that “I’ve been with you all along” was quietly spoken to my heart.

I spoke with Brother Kerr after church, and he gave me some good advice. He told me to write 3 letters to myself before I leave. The first one should be open in 1 year, and the second in 5 years. The third letter I should write should be addressed to my future wife he said. Brother Kerr works at the ER and reminds me of Miguel. We went out a couple of times on splits, and we would always have the best time visiting and teaching people. We had some great conversations. He said that there are a hundred different important things, but that he asked that I work on remaining in contact with those people from my mission. He said it would be time wasted if I put that much love and dedication into relationships and then leave them in New York. I think he’s right. My service here in New York might be soon over but the relationships cultivated can be maintained, even for the eternities. So, I’m going to purchase a small notebook, and will gather all the addresses and phone numbers I have kept scattered along the way.

This last week I also had the privilege of eating “Bacalhau a Bras!” Brother Bryant and Sister Bryant were kind enough to take me out to eat at an authentic Portuguese restaurant here in the neighborhood. They loved it. And so did I! Brother Bryant is our ward mission Leader. He is a project manager. They are great people and so easy to love. They gave me some great advice I was looking for. We also spoke about missionary work. He gets fired up like you Dad. And I think I do too.

I gave my departing testimony to the zone this last Friday. It felt good to be among fellow missionaries and share some of my thoughts feelings of my last two years spent in New York. The assistants and the zone leaders were present and together we had lunch at a great cheap Mexican restaurant nearby.

These next couple of days, we are filled with appointments and work to do, and I don’t think I’ll have time to pack. But then again a lot of the clothes I have I’m not packing but throwing them away. Come to think about it I won’t have that much to pack at all.

Well, I am excited to see you and be with you again. We have 2 years to catch up on. Thank you for always being there for me.

Love,

Elder Teixeira

I am so grateful that I have been part of the process

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 10:57:00 +0000

Excerpts of João email to the family on July 26, 2010

Let me give you a quick update on the work. The trio is no longer...And so Elder Kiser and I are back on our own again. It's a good thing. we have a great new Missionary Leader in our ward. He is helping make great changes..."Stir the pot" as he puts it. He has a solid grasp on Preach My Gospel, and knows how to fulfill his calling. Already I can foresee greater success because of him. I especially liked that he has asked the the first order of business is for the ward to pray for the missionaries by name. And so in sacrament meeting members of the ward now are praying for us by name. It is an incredible the change of spirit in the ward already. We have steady weekly splits, and the work is moving forward.

I had a great lesson with Vivian Romain, one my recent-converts who moved in to this ward recently. We talked about receiving the endowment. There was a special spirit in the room, as we testified of the reality of God's Kingdom established here on earth and of the restoration of such keys to bind families together. She understood and is now taking the temple prep class in order to receive her endowments coming up soon in September. I am so grateful that I have been part of the process.

We also were able to teach Heather our latest baptismal commit this past Sunday. She attended sacrament meeting, but because her children were sick this last week we did not have an interview or finish teaching some important lessons. We will baptize her this next Sunday. We spoke about the atonement and we spoke about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her testimony is growing and at the end of the lesson I felt like some of the missionaries of old, I could perceive the feelings and thoughts Heather was going through, and I knew that she knew. I expressed to her that I knew that she believed in what we teach and that if she allows Jesus Christ into her heart, her life will be full. It brought her to tears, and she was given a portion of Spirit to testify to her again that God is real. This week pray for Heather, that her spirit will be protected from temptation, and that her mind will have the ability to retain what she has previously felt. There would be nothing that I would enjoy more than to see her dressed in white and enter into the waters of baptism this upcoming Sunday.

Project update

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 08:17:00 +0000

Excerpts from João's email to the family on June 28, 2010

I already have everything printed, including invitation fliers and poster-boards. I was able to attend the ward council meeting on Sunday and present to them all of our preparations. I think they were impressed, and finally understood the potential of the event. I moved back the date to July 17, After doing some feedback from members I realized many of them would be out of town for the 4th of July weekend. The concert is coming alive. The bishopric asked for me to take a few moments in Priesthood to talk about the concert. I told the members that we want to see the chapel filled, every seat taken! I will also have two nights this week that I invited members to join me and the rest of the missionaries to spread the invitations and tickets to the ward. I had my interview with President Nelson this last week, and I invited him to come to the event. He and his wife will be attending. It was a great interview.

I had a spiritually uplifting week. We found a family and have invited their three children to be baptized on July 18th. They have been here for 14 years. They are from Bolivia. The mom is a member, but for some reason or another has not come to church. They were prepared to receive us. The oldest son is 19 and then we have Carlos of 11 and Stephanie who is 9. As we left our last appointment I felt a warm nudge from the spirit indicating that God trusted us to teach and baptize this family. It was touching for me to know that I had God's trust to be His representative to the family. The next couple of days we were also able to meet with a member and her friend at the church for a lesson. It was a wonderful lesson, she too will be baptized in the upcoming weeks.

Life has been good to us here. I love you all so much.

Love

Elder Teixeira

I've been working on a project

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:40:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email of June 21, 2010

I've been working on a project. We will host a musical event/concert here in the Terryville. I called in an advertisement team to work with me. It's been great to see the members become excited about this event and work with the missionaries. We are printing out tickets and creating poster-boards. It is incredible how much influence a single event can have on a ward. With this event we are reaching out to all. From the High Priests to the Primary. Home-teachers and visiting teachers will be my number one publicity team. It is surprising to see how much the young people and even children share the gospel here. The children already have friends they want to bring. It is exciting. It will take some effort on our part to really pull this off in three weeks, but possible. I really hope it will turn out the way I envisioned it. Missionary-work has such a unique power to unite people. I am also in the process of creating e-mail invitations. It is really pushing my creativity and computer skills. I've made fliers for the bulletin boards for each auxiliary. I'm learning that management is not an easy thing, I've noticed that half the work is instilling the same vision I have in them.

Have you seen the restoration movie lately?

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:06:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email to the family on May 31, 2010

Have you seen the Restoration Movie lately? That is the kind of scenery that I am living in. It is quite and very green. It is a different mission. I love running in the mornings and breathe in the fresh air. Here is my new address:

61 Coram-Swezeytown Rd.

West Middle Island, NY 11953

I enjoyed your new pictures and insights. My new companion's name is Elder Kiser. He is from a small town in Utah. He's excited about the work and couldn't wait to go hit the streets. I feel like the first thing you must do when you get a new companion is set the tone. We were given a new area a new area book, we started with nothing. We immediately began to work, we left home after a long drive from the office, and began to talk to people. In the city we would just go outside, but here to talk to people we have to take the more traditional route and knock doors. It was interesting to see the contrast of people here in this area and my last. Yet essentially they have on thing in common, they both need this message. It was exciting to take my new companion and see how fired up he was to talk to people and share what he knows... He sticks very close to me and is always asking questions. He will do well here. He already says He loves everything about New York and cannot stop smiling. I have to let others use the computer, but I will make sure that I write you a letter today ok? I want to tell you of all the many miracles that happened to me this last week. It is truly incredible how God takes care of his servants. I love you all very much. Tell Ana congratulations on finishing High School. I love her and am so happy for how far she has come.

Address

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:32:00 +0000

João finished his mission in August 2010. He is back at the University in the USA studying Political Science. He can be contacted by email at: joaogts@gmail.com.

I'm stoked about that!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:51:00 +0000

Excerpts from João's email to his Sister on May 17, 2010

I had a good week, worked hard, and feel exhausted, but I slept really good last night. We had another busy Sunday with many people attending church and a baptism afterward. We're working with a big family, and one by one they are getting baptized. Jonathan was this Sunday. He's 22 and a really good kid. Hopefully he will be able to still apply to go on a mission. And next Sunday we are baptizing his younger brother.

I'm moving to another area, and I'm excited for some change (João served twice in Brooklyn for about one year) and a fresh start somewhere else. A member of the Seventy will visit our mission this week. I'm stoked about that.

My fortune cookie!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:22:00 +0000

Excerpts of João E-mail to his Brother Miguel on April 26, 2010

Good to hear that you are enjoying the warm weather of California. I want to go to California. I've always had the dream of cruising down on a mustang and listening to oldies. I had a companion who was from Anaheim. Just thinking about Disneyland makes me all happy inside. I hope that will never leave me. Mom and Dad are proud of you, all they talk about is your awards and your conferences. I hear that your presentation will be on cancer cells. Interesting stuff.

We had a wonderful stake conference this last Sunday. The Stake President spoke on the atonement and lifting ourselves from the secular world. The Bishop took us out ot eat to a chinese buffet. Now, I rarely belive in signs but I was impressed by this particular one. My fortune cookie! It said "Never Quit", and that's not quiet a fortune, but the message was good. I'm taking it to hear these last three months of my mission.

Surprise, surprise it really works!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 14:50:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email of April 12, 2010

I wasn't going to share with all of you that I was sick, thinking that it would just pass away soon enough, and no good comes from complaining. And this e-mail isn't quite about that. It will be on gratitude (for not dying...a little over dramatic: yes). Nonetheless I was diagnosed with a sinus infection. All I know is whatever it is, it's sticking. It's been rough to say the least.

My companion and I were determined to hit the new standards of excellence, since only one companionship in the whole mission has ever done it. Truthfully there were days that I question what got me outside, but up I went put on my tag and tie and left to visit our investigators. The reward was great and we were able to hit standards of excellence. We were able to bless the lives of our investigators with answers to questions and find new investigators searching for answers. We were also able to strenghthen the our recent-converts. It was a week led by the spirit. Personally I literally felt led by the spirit, more like dragged. I'm taking some antibiotics and hopefully the virus will leave me this next week. It is transfers this week. And President asked me to stick around for another one. I will complete a year in this area!! We continue to see success.

We have a new assistant. He's from Brazil. Elder Cascardi. He is a good missionary. Both the assitants are now very young. It's a good thing. Also since Dad asked, we have Zone conferences monthly now, and the zone-leaders are always asked to give training. We finally came up with a plan of focus for the mission in the upcoming 6 months. It will help. We also have a study plan for the mission. I'm learning a lot from watching my Mission President. He always puts emphasis on the importance of developing the attribute of love.

I bought this Oxi clean stuff, and dumped all of my shirts in it for a long time, and surprise surprise, that stuff really works!! My yellow stains are leaving. It was somewhat expensive, but worth it!

"Let your will be your reason"

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:58:00 +0000

Excerpts from João's email to the family on April 1, 2010

I thought of each one you as I watched conference. On my notes I wrote in between thoughts a simple yet sincere “I love my family.” Attending Conference was a spiritual experience. My testimony of Jesus Christ was strengthened and my love for Him grew deeper.

More people than we expected came and attended conference at the Chapel. It was wonderful for the new-comers to have fellowship and support. Our recent-converts also attended. It is wonderful to see their testimony of the restoration increase.

I was also able to talk to some of the recent-converts that I baptized a year ago. Sister Matadin was touched by President Monson’s talk on the purpose of life and meaning of death. She has not been to the temple yet. She is becoming converted to the gospel and has a desire to attend the Temple and hopefully I will be able to go with her. She was baptized last 4^th of July. This last week, our ward had a temple trip, and we were able to bring two of our most recent-converts. It was touching experience.

Suit season is finally over and we are back to wearing white-shirts on the streets. It is finally warming up again. I feel better wearing a white-shirt, we stand out more I think.

I was able to catch Dad in the satellite transmission a few times, looking good as always. When I get home we are going to have to sit down for some tie swaps. I love you all so much. And I look forward hearing from you of your conference experience. You will have to tell me your favorite quotes and talks or moments. One of my favorite talks came from Elder Holland, “let your will be your reason.”

Our weeks are compact much like this city

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:06:00 +0000

Excerpts from João's email to the family on March 22, 2010

Spring has arrived and the sun was shining all week. Brooklyn has come alive. We have been busier than ever, with new investigators, progressing investigators, training meetings, street contacts, baptisms and members to visit. Our weeks are compact much like this city. There were several highlights of this week...one of them hearing from all of you. I love you so much. Today we will have to be running around taking care of errands. But I'll share two of my highlights this week

I prepare a special banner and we carried to our street contacts. We set up a nice table, I believed I talked to more people than I ever have before. We invited people to come to General Conference.

We had two wonderful baptisms. My companion and I were again dressed in white. It was a very good service. Short, simple and sweet. Erilia and her grandson. We are taking them to the temple the 1st week of April.

I wish I could expand more. I will be better next week about writing e-mails. I love you all.

This experience really has given me an extraordinary perspective on life

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:20:00 +0000

Excerpts from João's email to his sister on March 1, 2010

Feels like it's been a while since I have had the time to just write you a nice update and e-mail. I think about you all the time. I still laugh sometimes by myself just thinking of past memories. Mom told me that you gave a a talk last sunday and that you did really great. I'm happy for you. You were always such a natural in front of people. I had really good Sunday as well. We baptized two people, and so my companion and I were both in white. It's been some real stressful days, but it's a good kind of stress...for a good cause. We've been busy, and sometimes I feel like this is it for me, this is my life and nothing else has ever existed. It's a good feeling. I really feel like this experience really has given me an extraordinary perspective on life, as cheesy as that sounds. My companion is leaving me this next transfer..tear tear. We had some good times. Good laughs and a lot of sweet miracles. He's going to BYU. So I'll see him around. I still don't know who my new companion will be, so we shall see. Transfer meeting is tommorow. And we are getting some new missionaries from the MTC...exciting!

I'm out of stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Excerpts of João e-mail to his sister Ana on Feb 15, 2010

Ana, I didn't tell you about the new e-mail cuz they told me it would just be forwarded to me anyway, so I got any of your e-mails. I told you how stoked I was about getting your letters right. I'm so excited for your life. And you looked good in the pics you printed, still doing the whole web cam thing huh. Do you remember when Dad erased all your web cam pics that were taking up space in the computer...haha I know you didn't think it was very funny, but it was.

I had a really fun week. Full of miracles and good laughs. We finally had our baptism! I'm sending you pics. This new e-mail is much better. Kind of looks like gmail. I'm out of stamps so I'm also carrying around some letters for you. We had a fun Valentine's ward party. Not many people showed up, but with some good food the people that did come really made it happen.

I miss you a bunch! I hope that you are not getting too bummed with the snow and the cold...I'm really not a fan of the winter sometimes. Keep smiling!

Changing the state of mind for the better!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 21:25:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email to is mother on Feb 8, 2010

I had a good week. It was filled with the Spirit. You make a difference in your life on how you manage your thoughts during the spare time. I feel that has been the greatest change for me. I personally have felt the difference of changing the stage of mind for the better. And I am blessed with a greater influence of the spirit. We had a lesson this last Sunday that talked on the the gift of the Holy Ghost. There are three steps in the influence of the Holy Ghost.

1. Receive the gift of the holy Ghost
2. Recognize the Spirit
3. Act upon the prompting of the Spirit

Elder Redden will finish his mission this transfer. In each zone conference the missionaries that end their missions share their testimony. It was sad to see Elder Redden walk up to the pulpit, he changed my life it was a great missionary companion and truly a friend.

It is no coincidence...

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:12:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email to his father on January 18, 2010

Thank you for your thoughtful e-mail. I love to hear that you are busy and always so missionary oriented. I like to hear that Europe is growing. We can say the same bout New York. Last month we have had the most baptisms in all of the year 2009. We are moving forward, I have enjoyed the leadership in this zone and we have made a difference with our efforts. The Spirit has been present in our work and the Lord has guided us. It is a blessing. We took a picture together, and I feel that it is no coincidence this particular group of leaders were put together in this specific time and area. It has been a joy to receive inspiration for the members of our zone.

We continue to have a high attendance of investigators at church and we are finally having a baptism this next week. The ward is doing great, our companionship is now working closely with the stake and last meeting I suggested that we would hold a fireside/training for the ward missionaries recently called in the stake. I am speaking with mission president so that he will have an important part in the program. I feel that this will do wonders in moving the missionary efforts forward. Many of these ward missionaries are 18 or 19 years of age and preparing to go on a mission.

All is well. Have a great week.

My first debu on TV

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:54:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's e-mail to his Brother Miguel on January 12, 2010.

I've been excited to write you this week. I got the shirt you sent me. Oh wow it feels so great to have a shirt that is white. No yellow pits or stains...beautiful gift. It fits me nice and I wore it for my first debu on TV...hehe. Remember I told you about the network coming in to film us. Their particular topic was on singles, since we're not the norm on 20 year olds. We were honest with our answers and we made sure that we explained why we lived this life. Kell was the one interviewing us. He's in his late 20's, very relaxed and genuine. He didn't seem to fully understand our answers at first to matters on why we would dedicate two years of our lives to this type of lifestyle. But as we left the house and he followed us around, he caught a glimpse of why we do what we do. We contacted people on the street, taught and arranged future appointments. And after he was able to see missionary work first hand we feel he understood our interview.

It was a positive experience, and President Nelson was happy on how we conducted things. I enjoyed myself. We did all of this all day yesterday, and so we're having our p-day today. Next week is transfers and we are remaining in this area. We're excited. Things are finally picking up. We're baptizing someone in two weeks, and we're working with a French family. The baptismal commit really is a miracle. Tender mercies. He found us and informed us he wants to be baptized. I know his grandmother who is a member from the first time I served here and she approached me last Sunday with her grandson Ricardo. He's 17 years old soon going on 18. On another note the other day one of the missionaries gave me a new quote, here it goes. "When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future." I thought it was good. I got a letter for you on the way with a copy of a way good article I read. It's about light.

It's been really cold lately. Oh man it's feels like Rexburg...yaikz!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's e-mail to Miguel on January 4, 2010

Happy New year to you too. It really dawned on me that time is running out, and I still feel I have so much to accomplish here. We had to be in by 6:00 pm, on the 31st. We planned and prepared for the combined district meeting the next day. It was a success. Everybody was happy and felt re-committed to the cause of this work. The Spirit was intensified when we re-read our call letter. We talked about attitude and what we can do to change. Everybody seems to be optimistic and happy.

I went on another great exchange with one of the district leaders in our zone. Elder Furlong arrived with me. He's from Wyoming. Great missionary. So I spent the day in Park Slope. Really nice part of Brooklyn.

It's been really cold lately. Oh man it's feels like Rexburg...yaikz

I sang christmas carols and gazed at the skyline of Manhattan

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:37:00 +0000

Excerpts of João'e e-mail to the family on December 21, 2009

I love you all so much, and today it just felt right to write to you as a family. So perhaps gather around and have each one take a paragraph.

It has been a beautiful week of miracles, and a week filled with the spirit of Christ. Proclaiming the gospel is so rewarding and so sweet. I was in Manhattan this last Sunday and attended the American Sign Language Branch service. It was a unique experience, not much talking going on yet the spirit was still felt. I was asked to give the closing prayer. It was a humble and simple prayer of course. I had learned how to pray previously from being around the American Sign Language Elders.

Their baptism was wonderful. You could feel angels encircle that room rejoicing for this man's decision. There were many of the members that bore their simple testimony and even music was "sung."

As we returned home we sang christmas carols, laughed and gazed at the skyline of Manhattan. The sun was setting make it absolutely magnificent.

Our stake cancelled church services because of snow, and we were grateful for the oportunity to attend the small American Sign Language Branch in Manhattan. We continued to visit our investigators and we are confident that we will come out successfull.

I am excited to talk with you this week. I am so happy to hear that Ana was accepted into BYU-I. It really made my day. It would make me so happy to have her close by. I am making a list of everything I want to talk to you about. But really I want to hear more from you! Perhaps I'll prepare some questions. I'll give you a call the day before to set a time to call since I don't know exactly how things are going to work out.

Love

Elder Teixeira

Christmas is approaching

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email to his mother of December 14, 2009

Returned to Brooklyn. What a city! This last Sunday was one of the most memorable for me. Many of the recent converts that I baptized while I was here before came and embraced me and remembered me, and to be with them was perhaps one of the sweetest experiences.

We have a good number of investigators and I can already forsee much success here. This week I taught several people in French, it was hard but the received help from on high. I need to continue to pray for the gift of tongues, I am reading teh Book of Mormon in French. Christmas is approaching, it is a good time to talk to people... this Christmas I am going to invite people to listen ou message and sing Christmas carols!

Good laughs and working hard!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:16:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email to Ana on December 114, 2009

If I could sing to you I would, If I could hug you I would!!!! Happy Birthday. I woke up and immediately thought about you. I wrote in my planner that today was your birthday. I wish I had something for you, at least something more than this e-mail. But I hope you know that we are best friends forever. Happy Birthday!!!

I had a really busy week and being a Zone Leader is no joke, a lot of things to take care of and a lot of missionaries are looking up to us to know what is acceptable and what is not. I enjoy my companion Elder Pape. We were together Christmas in Staten Island. He is just a little older than me in the mission. From Oregon. We have really good laughs together, and we are working hard. I've talking a lot of french too, and I'm picking up Creole, a twisted french they speak in Haiti. It's been good for me.

This next week I am going on exchanges with the ASL (American Sign Language) missionaries, and I am going to vist Manhattan. They work there as well. I was given an ASL name, I don't know if I ever told you about that. When I get home I'll show it to you.The area I work in there are a lot of Jewish people, and they are all celebrating Hannukah. There is so much diversity in New York. No one is really from New York here.Well I have to get going, I love you, and I miss you so much, you don't even KNOW!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!

There are so many people I care about!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:44:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's e-mail to his Brother Miguel on December 7, 2009

I am so grateful you are able to go to medical school at the University of Utah. It is really where you belong. I am so happy for you!

This last week was intense. running all over the place, non-stop. Sleep seems to be just a blink of an eye. We had a Restoration concert put on by the missionaries, with special guests and I had a few interviews, and also preparing the area to be given to missionaries in the neighboring area. Thursday morning after planning the mission president asked me to talk with him, he informed me that the Hempstead area will no longer have its own missionaries, not because we haven't been successful but simple because of a lack of missionaries coming in this transfer. My companion is leaving to another area in the island, and I will be re-located back to Midwood Brooklyn as a Zone Leader. President asked that I would spend time on french since most of the people in the church and on the streets are french-speaking. I will be living in the same apartment that I lived before and work an area that I am semi-familiar with.

It was the hardest it has been to leave an area. It really doesn't get any easier. Leaving an area is heart-breaking to me. There are so many people, investigators, members that I care about.

I need to do some shopping to prepare for the winter, I don't have any gloves or beenie or winter shoes to walk the streets of Brooklyn.

The pics are up at Montauk in Long Island!

I grew here...

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:20:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email to his mother on November 30, 2009

This last Friday I invited one of our investigators to be baptized December 6, he accepted the invitation and will be baptized next Sunday.

It is possible that I might not stay in this area. It will be difficult to leave this place. I grew here...

I wrote in capital letters: Change!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:03:00 +0000

Excerpts of João's email of Nov 2, 2009

How I wish sometimes you were with me in the field. I hope you know how I happy I am and how much I love this work....I'm not content with the ordinary. In my planner this last sunday I wrote in capital letters: Change! Yet I am not quite so sure what to change and how to change to continue to help this Branch.

We are going to have a musical fireside this transfer. Something alot like the one you had in your mission. An Elder who just came in has phenomenal talent, and he's touring the mission to anyone who wants to use that talent. I jumped to the opportunity of course and so the Zone Leaders and I are meeting with the District council to get it rolling.

This week we were fortunate to receive some member referrals and I am praying that all will go well there. We're meeting with them this next week. It might just happen that they don't live in our area, but that's fine. I am grateful that the members are opening up more, and I feel that there is a trust between us.

So, some news from my side. Still in Hempstead obviously. My new companion arrived in the same group I did. He is from Korea, but lived some of his life in West Valley Utah. His name is Elder Khang. New york is beautiful in the Autumn. It's cool weather and the colors are magnificent. There is a lake in our area that I took pictures of. Looks like Bad Homburg.

Today, we are going to Costco!!! I am excited to get some goodies, and also of course have lunch in the sample tables...woohooo! I love you so dearly. I think of you often. Thank you for your prayers. I feel them.