May 31, 2016- week 91 of 100- "The death call" in Brazil!

Hello Family!

Haha, don't worry about not being able to email me earlier. 

So, this past week was pretty cool. I had another baptism with the most elect person I've taught on the mission until now. It was incredible to see her turn her life around and change so many things. She was already sharing her testimony to everyone before the 3rd time we went there. 

Also, we see her walk to the park every other night to read the Book of Mormon. Wow. Probably one of the most spiritual baptisms that I've had. I wish I could've hugged her after baptizing her, but I guess that can wait. haha 

Also, I don't know how it is with other missions, but here, when the missionary is on the second to last transfer, he or she receives a phone call so infamously titled "the death call". It's when the secretary calls you to tell you that you will be going home and to ask some information like what airport and what time you want to get home. SUPER TRUNKY. 

Elder Moss just got his itinerary today (is that how you spell that?) and so he knows all the details about when he gets home. Anyways, the date is set- August 1st I will go back home. Next transfer I will be able to tell you exactly when I will get home. 

Well, I'm trying my best to work hard and find more people to bring to church and learn about the Gospel. It's going well; just a few times where we sit down and think about life. The key is to keep yourself occupied, cause then you don't have time to think about home. 

I hope everything is going well for you guys. Have a great week!

Love,

Elder Collins

Fotos

Division with Elder Driggs.

Campinas.

Baptism!

The youth of the ward all like her.

This crazy dude from the ward.

May 23, 2016- week 90 of 100- Only 10 weeks left in Brazil!

Hey Everyone!

Yup, now we're down to 10 weeks on the mission. CRAZY. 

Anyways, this week went by pretty fast. I guess thats what happens when you work hard. Only bad thing is that I got sick about half way through the week, and I'm still recovering. It's been raining pretty often here. And getting cold. 

So, we were able to find and teach lots of new people. We had quite a few people at church, but I was still sad when not everyone who said they were going went. We're still gonna keep working hard. We do have a baptism marked for this week for a girl who is super elect! It's gonna be super cool. 

We've also got lots of other people that we can help be baptized in the next couple of weeks, so this transfer should be pretty fun. I mean, it's pretty fun so far. 

Sometimes it does get a little hard when we get talking about life outside of the mission since my comp will be going home in like 28 days. But, we both have the desire to baptize and work till the end, so we're good. 

We also decided to make cheesecake this past week and that was delicious!

Well, I hope everything's good for you all. Have a great week!

Love,
Elder Collins

Photos

Sherk?

That's my comp and also...Campinas?

The rest of the post-its.

May 16, 2016- week 89 of 100- A conference with Elder Holland in Brazil!

Hey Guys!

So, this transfer is going pretty well so far. Yeah, I got to know Elder Moss pretty well up in Poços de Caldas. Now we have been reunited again! He's super cool, and yeah he's going home pretty soon. Don't worry, I'm working harder in this transfer than any other. 

Also, it seems as we keep coming across miracles every other day. We found a lot of cool people doing contacts, which a lot of them went to church on Sunday. That made me real happy. 

So, to answer your question, it's been a while since I've been called to help in a physical service project. I think the last time was in Capivari where we were helping to build our Branch President's house. Also, P-Day is usually a day of sleep and relaxation. Nothing too strenuous. My favorite P-Day activity till now, though, would have to be when I went to the Redentor in Poços de Caldas. That was super cool.

Also, speaking about Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, this past Saturday, we had the immense privilege in taking part of a conference in Campinas along with the Campinas mission that Elder Holland attended and spoke in. It was really cool to see him; I've always wanted to meet him. Unfortunately, it was late when we ended, so we didn't get to shake his hand, but he did blow us all a kiss. Haha. 

His words really inspired me. He talked about a lot of things, but one of my favorite things was about the Book of Mormon and how sometimes we neglect the importance of this holy book. He invited us to make a greater effort to help people be converted through the Book of Mormon.

Anyways, I hope you all have another great week!

Love,

Elder Collins

Fotos

Cleaning the baptismal font

Cleaning the font

Arcilia's baptism

Arcilia's baptism

Campinas area

Second to last transfer

May 9, 2016- week 88 of 100- Skype call and new companion in Brazil!

Hey guys!

Thanks for the awesome talk that we had yesterday on Skype! My last Skype call on my mission. Now, onto 2 and a half more months of working hard and bringing souls to Christ!

The transfers were passed, and I will be staying one more transfer here in Anhanguera! Sadly, my companion Elder Andrade is being transferred to Poços de Caldas to be the new District Leader there! Just like I was, almost a year ago. I have to say, he was one of my favorite companions, if not my favorite. 

Now, if you guys remember Elder Moss, from Poços de Caldas, he's coming here to be my companion. He will be dying here this transfer (ending his mission). Hopefully I don't get too trunky with him. haha

Well, I won't say too much as I talked yesterday, but just know that I'm super happy to be here on the mission and that my love from Christ and His Gospel has grown so much. I'm a different person, but I'm a better person.

I wish you all another wonderful week!

Love you all!
Elder Collins

Pictures

unfortunately, this lan house isn't taking my camera or pen drive, so you'll have to wait till next week... :(

Skype call photos:

May 2, 2016- week 87 of 100- A cold P-day in Anhanguera area in Brazil!

Hey Guys!

Yup, can't wait to talk to you guys for the last time on skype while I'm on my mission. Although, I'll still have to keep using Skype to talk to John...haha So this past week has been COLD. So COLD. Seriously, like the title for your email, we are now entering Autumn. We go to bed every night with sweat pants, socks, and our hoodies. haha In comparison with Italy it's not even that cold here in Campinas, but the wind is killing me. 

I'm loving it here in my new area Anhanguera with my companion Elder Andrade. This week was pretty normal for work. We talked with lots of people, taught lessons, invited people to come unto Christ, and visited lots of members. I think the only things that was different was the sweaters we used every day. haha

So, yes, Mother's Day! I will be getting on about 14h here in Brasil, so what like almost 7pm at night for you guys? I might get on a little late too, as we will be eating lunch at a different member's house and then running to a different house to get on skype. 

Haha, I have 90 sticky notes left on my wall. Actually, something that I started doing a while back was, starting with 138 days left on the mission, I would read one section of the Doctrine and Covenants each day. I'm at Section 48 I believe. 

Well, have another great week! Only 13 more weeks!
Talk soon!

Love,

Elder Collins

P.S. My favorite scripture from this week was Alma 34:40-41. We all have difficult times in our lives, but we must have patience. The Lord promises those are patient, that will have their rest.