Porto Velho

Hey guys

This week went pretty well for the most part. It had it's ups and downs. Our baptism fell through on Sunday. The lady didn't make it to church. We visited her on Monday and it turns out she got sick and had to go to the hospital. Since nobody has phones (or credits to call people....) she wasn't able to call us and was pretty upset about it. We rescheduled for this Sunday and I'm hoping and praying that everything goes well.

We had zone conference this week. I can honestly say I look forward to zone conference. President, the assisstants and Sister gave some trainings. We had a great lunch and had interviews with President. I let him know that I want to work harder than I am right now and we had a nice little chat. He's a good guy. So zone conference was very fun. The only problem was that the assistants forgot our mail in Manaus! It's a good thing I like the guys- or I would've gotten really mad at them. (And... they are a lot bigger than me.) One is a hard core cowboy and the other is 6'4" and from Rio. (They, obviously, haven't lived in an area where you only get mail once every 6 weeks!)

The assistants have decided that I am officially Elder Christensen's "son". Sister was training us about having a reserve fund as a missionary and asked me to read something about how we need to have a reserve of R$50. But, I accidentally read R$5. When everybody corrected me, I said (with a strong Manaus accent) "eu sou pobre eu" (or "I'm poor"). Everybody started laughing and afterwards the assisstants told me I sounded just like Christensen. I guess that's a good thing considering he had a really good accent...I guess my accent is improving. But, I'm still working on it.

On Saturday we helped a sister in our ward paint her house....exciting. It actually went by pretty fast and was a nice break from the usual day-to-day activities. We walked to her house in street clothes. Talk about weird. It was a 20 min walk and felt so cool to go down the street in shorts and a t-shirt and tennis shoes. I kinda miss it actually. Just one year and 5 months to go....

One day, all of our appts fell through after we walked to the edge of our area. We were decently close to the forest. We found some pretty gnarly spots in our area. Too bad I still don't have my camera or I would've taken some sweet pics. I might have to borrow a camera 'cuz it was cool. We didn't go into the rainforest itself, but got pretty close. This week I'll try to take some pics for you guys....we'll see how it goes

So, today, our zone is going to Subway for lunch! I'm stoked. Except, it's so expensive...but, oh well. So good!

Quick story- I've been dreaming in Portuguese for a while now, (actually I think some strange mix of Portuguese and English). I guess this week I was sleep talking in Portuguese. My comp told me the next morning that I was saying things in Portuguese. A little embarassing, but also, pretty cool. boa sorte....mas, só isso então. Até mais. tchau

That's tight Chandler is going to Tawain! I'm stoked! If you see him, tell him good luck and congrats for me. Way cool.

I talked with President this week about visas. It sounds like they are picking up and going a little faster now. But, still a little slow. Have fun in the temple with Shan. Encourage her to go a lot. I wish I would've gone more, especially because we don't have one here....at least her mission has a temple...

Anyway, have a good week. tchau

Elder Eric Stapley

Porto Velho, Rondonia

Hey guys!

Well, it's P-day again. We just got done playing basketball and soccer with our zone. It was a fun time. I can't wait to play sports again where it's not burning hot every second.

We have a potential baptism this week. It's a lady that has a testimony of everything, but doesn't always go to church. Even active ward members don't go because of rain. Maybe it's just because I grew up in Seattle, but you wouldn't think rain is THAT big of a deal. But, I'm praying everything goes well with this baptism. It feels like it's been a while since we've had one. I guess about 3 weeks ago...

On Sunday, our stake went on a bus trip to the temple and got back Sunday night. Our lunch got put on the bus. So, we were left without lunch. So, we got together with the other elder's (who's lunch left, too) and threw together all the food we had. Our lunch consisted of noodles, popcorn, and the brownies that you sent me, and Kool-Aid. Solid lunch. It made for a pretty fun time and some members fed us throughout the day. It didn't turn out too bad and the brownies definately turned out well!

I got a little sunburned this week. Freaking sun. Our area is massive! We got a reference of someone that lives on the far edge of our area. It was the first time that Elder de Jesus and I had headed out that far. It was a 2 hour walk, and when we arrived....he wasn't home! But, we left a note inviting him to church. He actually came on Sunday. He had class or work or something, but it was cool that he came by (in the rain...) just to say that he wouldn't make it. He will come next Sunday for sure. So, looks like there could be some potential there. Cool guy...

Monday I went on a division with Elder Olsen, an American from Utah, who is heading home in about 3 weeks. It was fun. We worked hard. His area is pretty cool. We went to some houses that look like they're completely surrounded by rainforest. Kinda cool...

This week we have zone conference! I haven't gotten my camera yet, but it might come with the assistants from Manaus. If they have room....but I'm stoked. Zone conference always makes for a good time. And... it means letters! Hopefully I'll get some....

To respond to your concerns, yes, I'm doing fine. Sometimes I get a little frustrated with the area, but overall, I'm enjoying it here. I'm growing to like my ward and the people here. Hope you guys have a good week, and talk to you next week. Tchao!

-Elder Eric Stapley

Porto Velho

It's P-day again! Overall, we had a pretty good week. It's definitely the rainy season... It rains every day and is still hotter than inferno. But, it's all good! Every once in a while it reminds me of home, except a lot hotter...

So, yesterday I went on a division again. It was with an American who's been serving about 8 months. We had a pretty good time. Except lunch...I heard lunch was going to be fish. I was pretty excited. When we got there, I realized it wasn't a fish that I'd eaten before. I honestly thought it was a piranha. It was ugly (hideous actually...) and had massive teeth. My comp and I just looked at each other, then we ate it. It tasted pretty good, but it's spine and bones were tiny. (Usually we only get tambaci here. It's a bigger fish, tastes good, and has some pretty fat bones.) So, I was eating pretty slowly, but I still ended up swallowing a fish bone. I didn't say anything- didn't want to freak everyone out- and just kinda kept eating. It finally went down. I was worried for a second. Bigger fish are so much better. But, I'm still alive.

The other interesting thing about the division, I was the better Portuguese speaker for the day. That doesn't happen too often. It was kinda fun. It gave me the chance to talk more and see what it's like to be the senior. I gotta admit, I enjoyed it. I'd like to turn senior next transfer, but don't know if that will happen. President leaves everyone as juniors a long time. It's not uncommon to have missionaries with 9-10 months still as juniors. We'll see though...

This week was pretty normal. Elder De Jesus and I get along for the most part and we're pretty good friends.

I made chocolate chip cookies this week with another American. It's fun to make them with Brazilian companions, they don't eat much. They say the sugar isn't good for them and they aren't used to it. I'm fine with that. We use something like brown sugar, but different, so the cookies weren't exactly like at home, but they were pretty good.

Have a great week, love you guys, e Tchao!

-Elder Eric Stapley

Porto Velho

Before I forget, I'll respond to some of your questions. I'm using the ice cream ball and have made ice cream 3 times. I'm waiting for the right time to make the brownies. In the picture I sent home last week, all 3 of the Brazillians are missionaries. They are just short. We were playing frisbee and basketball. As far as the package, it was great! I can wait awhile for new black socks. I'll destroy the ones I have a little bit more. But yeah, I liked everything in it. Cheeze-its are a repeat. As well as brownies. Whatever you send... I'll like it.


Overall we had a good week. We had another baptism on Sunday. It was well attended. Now we are trying to find some new people to teach. We're starting to work with a couple that will get married in February. The work is going well.

So, this was an interesting week for food. On New Year's Day we had a great feast. Lasagna, fish, fruit. Good stuff. I think it was the first time I had fish in Porto Velho. I also experimented with 2 new kinds of ice cream. Plum, and corn. I think plum was the better of the two....but it's just kinda weird. Some other American missionaries and I are looking for mint extract to make mint chocolate chip ice cream. It's kinda difficult here....but we're trying. Also! We went to SUBWAY!! We went with 2 other missionaries. It was so good. The other American and I went first, bought 6 inch sandwiches, and before our Brazilian comps were done ordering, we were finished and in line to buy another. So good!


New Year's was pretty fun. Like Dad guessed, the city was full of drinking, fireworks and partying. We had a mini party in our house. We made some ice cream and played some UNO. Pretty exciting... it made for a good time.


I'm trying to think what else went down this week....not too much really. Rain, sun, mud. The usual.

Tchao!
-Elder Eric Stapley

Porto Velho

Hey Guys,
P-day again! Things have gone well since I talked to you on Christmas. We had a baptism on Sunday. The man was really prepared, ready to be baptized, and everything went really well. It's fun to see investigators really understand and love the gospel and the church. Speaking of that, we have another baptism this Sunday for a man who is, also, ready and prepared. It had been a week or 2 since we visited him, with the Christmas season stuff, so we were a little worried. But, we met with him last night and he's doing really well. He's reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning and is really understanding everything. This should be another good Sunday. We're trying hard to find another family to teach. We have a baptismal date for a lady, but not her husband...yet. We just started teaching him. Oh yeah, guess what else we're marking this week... Another wedding! Whoo! It probably won't happen this transfer because it takes 30-40 days to get authorization. So, the work is going well.

We only talked like 5 days ago...but it seems longer than that. The rainy season is here. It rains almost everyday. A lot. It's difficult to dry laundry. It rains for a few hours, then is way hot and humid, and then rains some more... The lame thing is that when it rains, life stops. If it rains on a Sunday morning, nobody will be at church. Even some really active families. It can be frustrating at times. It's just rain! I guess I am from Seattle...but still.










Here's some pictures from encontra das aguas.
I only have a few. Elder Christensen (who is probably on some plane going home right now) made me a CD and I should get it in a week or so. The trip was great, I loved it. I'll have to admit, after going back to Manaus, I didn't want to come back to Porto Velho. Nobody in our entire zone got transferred. Nobody. I think it's because the mission spent so much money to fly us all to the Christmas conference. Anyway, I'll send more pics later.

Sorry this letter is short. Not too much has gone on since Christmas. Have a good week. Love you guys!

-Elder Eric Stapley

Porto Velho "Oh, the weather outside is frightful..."

Hey guys!

First I'll respond to your email. Mom, I am using sunscreen. I just forgot one day and got a little burned. I learned my lesson and am now using more. I'm glad to hear all is going well and you guys are excited for Christmas. Shannon, like I said, start studying! Sure it's finals week, but in 6 months it won't matter what grade you got on your test, it will matter if people understand you. Even a little bit of study pays off. I met a sister that went to Campinas on her mission! She wants your fb. She knows a little english and got excited when I told her about you. Sounds like you get to go to the temple at least once a transfer. Not fair....

Megan, that is frightening that you have texting...Poor choice mom and dad.

So, this was an interesting week. Saturday, we had a ward activity about missionary work. We invited 4 other elders and parts of their wards to participate. It turned out really well. We did a skit showing a bad day for missionaries when members don't help, and then a better day. It actually turned out really funny. I have a copy. Maybe I'll send it home, but as you don't know Portuguese, it might be a little hard to understand...We'll see... But the ward members really liked it, and it was a fun time.

We also had the chance to watch the 1st Pres devotional. I really enjoyed it. The audio was pretty lame, but it was cool to hear Christmas music in English. And- to see Salt Lake with snow. I would do anything for snow right now. No joke. It's always hot over here, or raining like none other. But oh well.

One of the highlights of my week happened on Mon. I went on a division with an Elder in another area. It was an interesting experience. I really like the other Elder, but he doesn't speak that well. He has one more transfer than me, but I'm a better speaker. Love the guy, but he is still learning a lot of Portuguese. So, it was weird for me to be the better speaker for the day. Anyway, at the end of the day we visited some members in his ward. After about 20-30 minutes of talking, one of the members looked over at us and asked if I am Gaúcho (somebody from southern Brazil). I looked over to my comp, forgetting I was on a division and not with Elder De Jesus who is from Southern Brasil. Then I realized that I was with an American comp...They were asking me! I replied that no, I'm from the US, and the member said, "no your not!" Mas rapaz! I wanted to jump up and hug the person. They actually thought I was Brazilian! I've been praying/working my tail off for the day that would happen. The person must have a hearing problem or something, cuz I don't speak that well yet...But it was awesome! I've been waiting for somebody to think I'm Brazilian after talking with me. It was sweet. I got really excited...It was one of the highlights of my week.

This week we're having a little Christmas party with missionaries. We want to make cookies. Can you please send a recipe for cookies (one with brown sugar and one w/out. I don't know if I can find it here...) in the next few hours? Please?

Before I forget! Blaine, you sent me the coolest Thanksgiving picture ever. Thanks buddy! Thanks Andrew and Blaine for your pics and letter! (And of course J and K too!) Miss you guys!

So, as far as the call on Christmas goes. I'm planning on calling first, either on Christmas or Christmas Eve. So, yeah. Just wait for my call!

That's it for now! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays to everyone reading this letter! Fam, I'll talk to you soon! Miss you! Also, my next email won't be next Wed, 'cuz I'll be in Manaus. I fly on the 22nd and come back on the 24th. We're taking a boat to see the "meeting of the rivers". I'm not sure when you guys will get the next email. Merry Christmas!

-Elder Eric Stapley

Porto Velho, Rondonia

Two letters this week! We received this letter via airmail from Eric's trainer. (And have permission to share it.)
Stapley Family,
Greeting from Brazil! Except it's not your son, it's me, Elder Christensen. You are probably wondering why I am writing. Last week, Elder Stapley was transferred from our ward. As his trainer, I spent 2 wonderful transfers with him. I just wanted to congratulate your family for such a wonderful son/brother.
I have to admit, Elder Stapley was by far one of my favorite comps. Not only because we were such good friends, but because he was a great missionary. He has an impressive knowledge of the gospel, a strong desire to work and learn, and speaks great Portuguese already. He will soon be perfectly fluent.
I always joked with him that he had to make me proud when I leave. I can promise you that no matter what callings of leadership he holds on his mission, he will make all of us very proud. Thank you for having a great son! I expect to see him back at BYU in a couple years. Congratulations also on your beautiful family! I have a younger sister that looks EXACTLY like your youngest...Callen? And congrats to Shannon on her call to Brazil. She'll love it here. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas! -Elder Christensen

Hey guys!
I'll start by answering some questions. The Christmas package is sitting in Manaus still!! The asisstants didn't bring it when they came. I'll get it when I go to Manaus. It will feel more like Christmas getting my package right then. Elder C will still be in Manaus, his group doesn't leave until Dec 30. Poor guy. BYU starts back up Jan. 3rd...Lame. I'll get to see him and we'll party it up at the Christmas conference. We're all going on a boat to the encontra das aguas. We'll eat lunch on the boat. It's going to be sweet. I met Elder Mason. I didn't realize he's related to Chandler. He worked in this area and lots of people know him. He seems like a cool guy.

This week went well. We had a baptism on Sunday of a 76 year old man. That was exciting. We had interviews with President on Monday. He told me visas were taking longer to arrive, and I told him how Shannon doesn't leave until March. We talked about her mission Pres. Shannon's only going to get to know him for a month or 2, and then get a new one. I hear he's a really good guy. Pres. Jayme likes him. Also, while waiting, I talked with Sister Jayme. She's actually from New Jersey, and pretty close to Morristown! That was her stake. It reminded me of Brian, at least he's getting a winter there. It's still hot over here and rains.

Yesterday we had zone conferene. I was used to zone conference with 100 missionaries, but there was just 16. It was a lot more personal and we were able to get some good feedback and training from Pres. One of the other missionaries taught me how to call to Manaus and I gave Elder Christensen a quick call last night. It's fun talking with him because he sounds just like the people from Manaus. Here, they have all sorts of random accents. I'm trying to hold on to what little bit of Manaus accent I picked up...

We marked one more baptism for the beginning of January. We are teaching a decent amount of lessons, and 4 out of the 5 baptisms since I've been here- are all men. Not bad...the work is going pretty well.

Shannon, I'm glad you'll start learning Portuguese right now. It's lame you have to wait to leave, but my advice is take advantage of the time. If you want my personal advice, practice at least an hour everyday. Minimum. An hour and a half is better. I'm not kidding. It will pay off. You will definately learn more when you arrive here, but, if you start learning a few things in the U.S parabens. Really go to work and study it. Learn it right. Really learn the rules, how to pronounce things, and just go to work. If you have questions, you can ask me. I'm not a pro, but I could probably help if you need it. But, pelo menos 1 hour a day. I'm not kidding...

Our stake had a Christmas devotional and the missionaries went. Poor choice. When it got done all of us Americans just looked at each other and someone said, "who is missing home right now?" Sure enough, we all raised our hands. Something about Christmas music. I can't say it even feels like Christmas. It's still hot here, I'm still working a lot. We bought a little Christmas tree, but it doesn't really feel like December and Christmas. It was only when I sat down and heard Christmas music that it actually clicked that it's almost Christmas. Weird. They sang 'Oh holy night' and just didn't do it justice. I can honestly say I'd do anything to hear Erynn play it on her harp with Brynn singing. Mas rapaz. That's over, we went back to work, and it feels like the middle of summer again. I think we are planning a little missionary Christmas carol night though...that's going to feel strange.

Oh yeah. One more thing. My camera broke. Not my fault- by the way. I might have to have you guys send me another camera...sorry...you probably didn't want to hear that.

Well, I guess that was pretty much it, have a good week. Miss you guys and hope all is well. Love you guys!

-Elder Eric Stapley