Porto Velho

Hey guys,

Well, it’s me again. I don’t have too much time to write today, so sorry. We are about to head out and go play some soccer. I’m ready to put in a few more goals on the Brazilians...

This morning we got up way early and left our house at 5:45 to go fishing! It was sweet. I guess I didn’t realize how gnarly it is outside of the city. We went to a little town on the river and fished for a little while. Only problem is that I didn’t catch a fish--they all got away from me. But seeing as I was the American white kid of the group, I didn’t feel too bad.

We had a baptism on Sunday. It went really well, and was really well attended. It looks like the baptism we had marked for this Sunday will be moved back a week or too, but oh well. We marked another few baptism dates this week, so the work is going really well.

Also, a cool experience for me this week was to go to Stake Priesthood meeting. Obviously, it wasn’t as good as the ones back in the home stake with doughnuts and chocolate milk afterwards, but it was cool to see the men that I’ve taught attending. One man we baptized in December is receiving the Melchesedek this week. Good stuff.

We've started having "integration nights" every week with our ward here. Every Friday night Elder Paredes and I put on a little activity for members of the ward and investigators. We usually have a message and game, and bishop is going to start contributing and buying snacks. But, I’ve already used a lot of the old mutual games and am trying to think of all the other ones I know. They've been turning out well, and it seems like the ward members are enjoying it.

Its sweet Shannon got here Visa to go to the CTM in Brasil! I’m stoked. I’m going to try to write my "survival guide to the CTM" really fast. Shannon, you gotta say "hi" to Irmão Ramón for me!

Sorry this email is a little short, but, today’s been a busy P-day. I’m already exhausted. I’ll be dead by the end of today, but, its fun. But, anyways, hope that you guys have a great week! Happy Birthday Mom, love you! Tchau!

-Elder Eric Stapley

The following items have been approved and tested by District 26-B of the CTM (aka the 26 Ballerz).




If anything seems unmissionary-like, please completely and utterly disregard that point.

1. Fluency

When you arrive in the CTM the first thing they will tell you is that all of you will leave fluent. So, it only seems appropriate to commence this list by telling you THAT IS NOT CORRECT! The only ones that leave the CTM fluent in Portuguese are those that entered the CTM fluent in Portuguese, meaning the Brazilians. Just accept it.

2. Italian Night

This is one of my personal favorites. One day, you won’t be able to take rice and beans any more. First off, accept it. It’s the only thing you will eat for the next two years. But, when you can’t take it anymore, combine olive oil and vinegar in a bowl and grab a bunch of rolls with your friends. Break the rolls and dip them into the bowl and pretend you are at an Italian restaurant...After 1 month and a half you'll understand.

3. Desserts

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT IS DON'T EAT IT!!!!!!!! It won’t be good....

4. What’s your team..?

When you arrive to the point where you don’t think you can study anymore, ask your teacher what is his favorite soccer team....Ask him how they played in their last game and when the last time it was that they won a national title. Always works for a 15 minute tangent....

5. Comparisons

Don’t compare yourself to anybody with the language. For better or for worse. If you don’t speak the best, don’t worry about. If you do speak the best, continue to push and challenge yourself. I spoke some of the best Portuguese in my class, and regret not having pushed myself harder.

6. Cousins

At meals at the MTC you get to sit with Brazilians. When you run out of conversation topics or don’t want to talk more about soccer, ask them if they have ever kissed their cousins. Don’t be surprised how many of them say yes.

7. Book of Mormon

Read the Book of Mormon cover to cover at the CTM. Then take up Moroni’s promise just to make sure it still works.

8. Basketball

When you get frustrated with your companion (I guess this is more for guys...) make sure you end up on a different team than him during basketball...Just make sure you don’t foul TOO blatantly...

9. Comp

Find out what bugs your comp. Do it. It’s good for them.

10. Comp (cont.)

Found out what makes your comp happy. Do it. It’s really good for them.

11. Drinks

Go to the drink shop right next to the CTM. Try to ask for pineapple juice. You'll see how good your Portuguese is. Don’t be surprised if you end up getting avocado juice. But it’s good...

12. 50 cent cookies

There is a little candy store next to the mail office. You can buy cookies for 50 centavos. Good stuff

13. Music

Remember, you are a missionary. Your worldly music is gone.

14. Irmão Ramón

Find Irmão Ramón. Ask him if he still has his Corinthians jersey...But, he'll be excited to meet you.

15. Sleep over

Your last night at the CTM have a sleep over with your district. Considering Shannon will be a sister, that probably just means you and your roommate....but oh well.

16. Study

Remember that the CTM is really your time to study. Don’t think to yourself: "I'll learn Portuguese in the field..." Bad idea. Work hard, and try to get the accent down while you are still learning, or it will be harder to get rid of it later.

17. TALL Lab

When you are stuck going to the TALL lab, try to find a computer with windows media player. Open it up and search for the sample music. There are some classical songs and smooth jazz songs. They will help you get through your time at the TALL lab...

18. Have fun

I’ll be honest, the CTM really isn’t the funnest place in the world. So, you gotta make it fun. I made some cool friends in the CTM that I still write letters to. It can be an alright place, you just gotta make it fun.

19. Gold Bond

Bring it. You'll need it

Anyways, I have a more complete list in my house, but I forgot it. So this will have to do. If I remember what else I wrote I’ll add it on. But enjoy.

Tchau