Only two more transfers?

Hey Family! 

Dang that's crazy about all the marriages happening (Cody, Ryan, Andrew) and Chelsea coming home. So insane. I hope Joe, Renee and Mom have a safe trip up to Nor Cal and have a blast seeing Dana and the kids.

I know that i'm sure enjoying the final stretch of my mission. Yesterday in church I was invited to give a talk about missionary work, but it wont be until August. At least now I have time to prepare. This ward is really focusing on missionary work and getting members to go out and talk to their neighbors, and leave pass along cards. 

Wow this transfer has gone by fast and I don't want to think about how fast my last two will speed by. Nothing really big has occurred this week. Unfortunately Pedro didn't go to church but we did a large amount of proselyting and found some new investigators to teach. One man, Roberto is super tight and humble. He saw us walking up a gnarly hill and said "Hey Mormon's! Come inside and teach me something about God." I thought that to be pretty cool. Heavenly Father knew we needed a break from walking up these hills all day. Our mission now as missionaries is to bring everybody to church. I know that service is one of the most important things in this life and that everyday we can choose to do good and bless the lives of our fellow man. 

Com amor,

Elder Kennedy

Put your shoulder to the wheel

Hey! That's cool about the BYU-I program, i'll definitely think about it. I was thinking about Mira Costa a bunch but this sounds like a sure way to get into BYU. Surf is a factor though....

This week was tranquila (quiet). Elder Ferreira is getting excited and nervous about being home in two weeks. His excitement can be difficult sometimes, but I get through it and remember my mission is ending so I have to get myself in gear and put my shoulder to the wheel. Looks like we get to go to the temple this week for his last time on the mission. 

I hope church was awesome for you guys. For me it was a blast. I gave the lesson in Gospel Principles on working and how it's an Eternal Principle. Pedro Lucas was there again and we are seriously trying to baptize this kid next week, but he is hard to get a hold of. Please pray that he will accept the invite and date for baptism. 

You asked what my favorite hymn is? Hmm favorite hino? Creio em Cristo (I believe in Christ) and Brilha, meiga luz... forgot what the title is in English, but yeah i love those hymns!! Wait, it's Lead, Kindly Light!

I was able to meet our new President and get to know him a lot better. He is super awesome and truly inspired. I know he will lead this mission to success. 

Love,

Elder Kennedy

Well, Gally...haha (that was for Renee)

Hey Family,

Renee- I hope you are all right and recovering. Those gallbladders can be crazy. Anyway, you are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm sure you'll be out having fun in no time. But take it easy.

Wow! So Brazil got slashed in the World Cup, the people of Brasil are heartbroken and embarrassed to say the least. They took 10 goals and only made 1 between those last two games. Never in history..... anyway i'm happy Germany won! I was rooting for them and the USA before the Cup started. 

So this week was great. I'm getting to know the members of Curado better and having lunch with them is always sick because we can talk and get to know them and their families and leave a spiritual message. The ward is pretty relaxed but it's a little harder for them to open up than any other ward i've been in. Anyway, Sunday we had two investigators at church! The first one: Patricia is the wife of a member and they are waiting to have money to be able to buy the necessary documents for marriage, (not married legally). The other investigator was a young man of 14 anos Pedro Lucas. He is super tight and came to church all by himself. This past week was hard because of the games and we had to be inside a lot, but that is O.K. 

Something I read this week that stuck with me is found in Abraham 3:25- when the creation was happening and our purpose of being sent to earth is manifested.

25: And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

Anyway, I think it's a neat scripture and it made me reflect on why we are here and what we need to do in this life.

love you all! Renee, please get better.

Elder Kennedy

P.S. Oh hey! Happy B-day on Sunday Bro Joseph! 

Trying not to get trunky

Hey family!!

Sorry, my companion got a virus last week, so I wasn’t able to write on p-day. I actually caught a bit of that virus after our lunch on Sunday I think..... Don’t worry we still managed to get out and do some work last week. We were able to work a lot more this week. My companion is dying but really using his Jedi missionary wisdom and experience in practice. News for this week: Layze (our baptism from last week) was Confirmed on Sunday! Totally sweet! And I got to meet my new Mission President, President Bigelow and family. President and Sister Bigelow are the coolest people ever!!! My old President Lanius was cool and taught us a lot about being obedient and working hard in order to keep the spirit with us always. President Bigelow is super friendly and seems super stoked to be here. He is from Salt Lake City (born in California "Bay area"). He served in Chicago Spanish speaking but already speaks Portuguese like a boss!!! He spoke Spanish like everyday for 7 years, so the transition was easy for him. Next week he is going to interview us and get to know all of the missionaries! Super stoked. I can’t wait to see the changes and new ideas that he will bring to our mission. 

4th of July was dope because Brasil played and beat Colombia, so there were plenty of fireworks and we had a churrasco (bbq) at a member’s home. It’s been pretty rainy here and we have been walking a lot and doing some trackting. We aren’t seeing too much success but a obra missionária nunca é fácil.

You asked what the weirdest thing I’ve eaten so far is. The answer is probably goat intestines. Yep. I can’t believe I have just over 15 weeks left. Pretty soon they will let us know when my official return date is. Can you tell I’m trying no to be trunky?

I am soo thankful for the gospel in my life and this opportunity to teach and share with others these wonderful truths. Bearing my testimony with others really makes the difference in my day and I always feel happy and sustained afterwards. I know the Lord is with us always and that He leads and guides this work.

Boa semana para todos!!!!

Elder Kennedy

Quick note

Sorry family. I don't have much time. But yes I was able to see the game on TV against Chile. Bummer we had to knock Chile out! But it was very close and a great match! Love you all! Thank you for your support!