December 9, 2013

Família,

   Wow. I can't believe that this day has actually come. I didn't think it ever would! Thanks for your letters. I'll give you all some quick answers to all of your questions:

I'm excited for all of my appointments. Africa kind of messes you up after a while. haha Sister is going to give me a worm pill, but a checkup from an expert is going to be a welcome experience. I hope I don't have too many cavities. I think I have two though. As for my shoes, they look alright. They could have been better, as it's not always as easy as going to Walmart to pick up some polish when you run out. As for the boots, they look great on the outside, but the inside got drowned out from a really bad rainstorm. I do know Kayla Hoover! Do you remember Mike Hoover? It's his sister. That would be really cool to see her and maybe Sam Horman too.

   Thanks for the money. I think that that should be plenty for everything. Chandler will be the only one from my MTC group going with me. Mcallister and Wilson are going home in January. It would be cool to see Wilson's homecoming, but I think we'll be out in Cali by then, so... no worries there. He'll live without me. ;) Speaking of Cali, Elder Kelsey is living down there. I talked with Chandler, and he said that if we're in San Diego, him and Kelsey could easily drive up to say hi. Let me know if you'd like to meet them.

   Weston, Owen, I have a mission for you: When I come down the escalators, I want you to be ready with some music. Buy the song ''King of Pride Rock (Score)'' by Hans Zimmer, and as soon as you see me, start playing it at the really happy part that starts at about 4minutes46seconds. You'll know what to do. It should make things way intense. :)

   Well, I'm excited. The mission's been good. I don't know how many I baptized, per se, but I made a list of people who I thought I helped come unto Christ, and the number is 33, with about 23 of them active. I hope that's good. 

I love you all so much. I'll see you soon,

Elder Alex Hobbs

December 2, 2013

Família,

   Wow! Thank you all so much for all of the birthday wishes! And, more important, thank you so much for the birthday gift! That will work out just perfectly! haha I loved the video. When Elders Chandler and Stewart saw Dad, they said that he needs to buy a Harly with the beard and short haircut! haha They thought he looked way cool!

   This week was way fun. We had Thanksgiving, and we played futebol: The Turkey Cup. I ended up going on Team Lubango, because Team Cassequele was full. Little did everyone know, Elder Andre, an Angolan waiting for his visa to Portugal, has crazy feet, and we ended up taking the championship! It was a lot of fun. The Paulo family thought my birthday was the 28, so afterwords, we went to their house and had some cake. It was really fun to have them sing 'Para bens a você.' But yea, it's weird that I've finally reached drinking age. I'm excited.

   So yesterday, I got to say goodbye to T from Luanda II. His conversion story is actually a lot cooler than I knew. He came to church, and the first thing that he said to himself was: ''This church isn't for me. I can't read all of these manuals and scriptures. I'll just go back to the Pentecostal.'' But then he said that he felt the Spirit very strongly that day, and later he had a dream that told him that the Elders were people of great power, so he kept going until he was baptized. He's way strong, and I felt really good seeing him again.

   I can't wait to be back in the snow with y'all! It's starting to really cook up here. I'm getting a really nice tan and sweating as much as I drink! But things are running very smoothly. The Elders in the provinances are all up for a big Zone Conference with Elder Hamilton from the 2 Quorum of the Seventy, so work is going to slow down a little this week for meetings and whatnot. I've pretty much got a cake walk for the rest, but I'll keep doing what I can to share my apple!

   Well, not all to much to write. Here's some pics!

DSC03750 Beautiful Downtown Luanda

DSC03736 Elder Chatwin

DSC03751- M P's family

DSC03754 Chandler, McAllister and I on the beach by some cool grafiti blocks

November 25, 2013

Família,

   It was another good week this week. We did a lot of meaningful work, and got rewarded very nicely for the weekend: On saturday, a protest group petitioned to protest, and the government told them no, but they threatened to protest anyway. Fearing agressive police, President Merrill had all of us stay inside that day. It was a nice little rest. So, A and E's baptisms are being moved to Dec. 7.

   Then, yesterday was absolutely amazing! We had a primary program, and that was absolutely beautiful! I felt a very special Spirit as the children sang their songs and said their parts. Just so you know, the primary program in Angola is the same as anywhere else. ;)

   After that, we had some interviews with President, and he told me my flight plans. Nairobi-Paris-SLC-IF. That's pretty crazy. I'm excited though, because I can buy an actual African tie! haha. Plus, I'll have officially been in 5 different countries! That is a cool acheivement. 

   Yesterday, I also had the opportunity to start saying some goodbyes. I went to M P's house, and saw her and the kids. The kids attacked me when they saw that I had come in. It was really nice, but super hard to say goodbye. It was like a piece of me was still in their house as I left. Way rough. But it was a happy goodbye in the end, no tears, just smiles.

   Well, I'm doing good here. I just wanted to run one idea by you all really fast: most of my recent converts have a facebook account, and I'll be able to chat with them when I get back. However, R and P don't, and they don't have money to use cyber cafés. What do you think if, for christmas, I got them a cheap $20-$30 cell phone? It's apparently a lot cheaper for the US to call to Angola rather than vice versa, as a lot of RMs from here have said. I don't know if it's a good or bad idea, so I just wanted to run that by ya.

   Alright, so I'm not 100% sure I know all the rules for the ''Do you think Alex will...'' game, but I'll try to make a few:

   

• Be shivering his tan off when he gets back?
• Still recognize the inside of the house?
• Believe how much everyone has grown?
• Be really ''Peter Priesthood''?
• Have a really cool haircut?
• Talk with a funny accent and say things wrong in English?

There's a few that I'm not sure about! hahaha

Thank you so much for my birthday gift! I'm not sure what it is, as there wasn't a pic attached, but it's up to you all if it's supposed to be a surprise or not. I'm just excited to see all of you!

   I love you all so so so very much. I'll see you soon. 

Love,

Elder Alex Hobbs

November 18, 2013

Família,

   Well, I'm NOT getting voluntold. Pretty sure, at least. Sister called me this week and asked for my passport number, and also which airport I wanted to go to. I told her the IF airport, so I think that she bought the ticket.

   This week has been absolutely awesome! We've been doing some really good work. We marked a baptismal date with N and her son, and they'll be baptized on the 7 of December. I'm way excited. Also, Amany is going to be baptized this week, and he chose me to baptize him. That will be cool as well. So, everything's good to go.

   As for me, I'm just doing some prep work for December. I'm starting to use pdays to buy last minute souveniers, and also to go and visit some people. Everything is really good. I'm happy and as healthy as normal!

As for the first meal, it can be anything. Maybe cheesey potatoe
soup. On the first Sunday, however, it has to be good 'ole SPAM
sandwiches. First fast food is Fiesta Olé. haha We dream about food a
lot here. Funge is getting old! haha

   

   Also, let me know if there are any requests for souveniers. I'm doing my last few runs soon, so I'll need to know. :)

I love you all so so so so so so so much. 

Elder Alex Hobbs

November 11, 2013

Família,


  This was one of the best weeks in my mission. We had miracles
happen nearly every day. So many people came to church, and so many
people are appearing out of no where!
  A and E are both scheduled for baptism on 23 Nov. I'm way
excited. Also, we found an awesome new family!
  We were sitting in a taxi, waiting for it to go, when a woman
walked up to Elder Chatwin and asked who we were. Her name was N.
At the time, we had forgotten our phone at a member's house. We left,
and went to the member's home to get our phone. She had already
called! That never happens. We went back to teach her, and she was
asking perfect questions about the plan of salvation (another thing
that never happens. usually, Angolans just ask if it's bad to worship
on saturday), like ''is there really life after death?''. It was way
cool. Then, we taught her about the Restoration, and invited her to
church.
  We were going to meet her at a bank in the morning, and when we got
there, we tried to call, but her phone was off. 3 minutes later, she
pulls up in her car. ON TIME. Another thing that NEVER happens. She
really enjoyed church, and we're going to meet with her again this
week. So cool!
  Well, to answer questions, my plans are to come home and start
working until the fall. I figured I could try and apply for like 3
jobs and start saving up cash to get started. So, I suppose a good
time for a vacation could be before or after Christmas. If you choose
to go afterwords, I don't think that that will cause too many
problems. It's up to y'all. :) As for birthday or Christmas presents,
you've already been showering me with love and also money for cool
African stuff, so if I only got clothes, I'd be satisfied. I'll be
looking for the basics for college: clothes, study supplies, etc. I'll
need a computer, but those are expensive, I'll take care of all that
stuff when I get there.
  As for travel plans, I haven't heard anything about them. President
held them from Elder Kearney until he had 3 days left. So you'll
probably get them before I do. To be honest (don't freak out just yet,
and don't tell anyone this), I have a small fear (fear is a bad word.
anticipation or assumption might be better) that I might get
''volun-told''. The new Elders coming in are having a bunch of visa
problems, and no one has news about anything. We've also got
interviews coming up with President in 2 weeks, and since I've gotten
no flight plans... it just makes me assume things. But that's not for
sure, and chances are it won't happen, so don't worry.
  Anyways, I love you guys. I can't wait to see you all again. I'm
going to miss this place like no one knows, but I'll have y'all.

Love,

Elder Alex Hobbs

November 4, 2013

Família,

   Sorry that I didn't get to write you some more last week. Elder Chandler was pretty upset about his transfer call. So, we didn't end up going back to an internet cafe.  I have a new companion. His name is Elder Chatwin. He's great. Really nice, super strong.

So, Elder Chatwin and I left, and started walking. We walked for quite a while without anything happening. Then, for one reason to the next, we turned into a bairro that no missionary has ever entered, garunteed. This bairro is litterally a hole in the ground. As I walked through, the scripture in Jeremiah 16:16 was being said in my head; ''from out of the holes in the rocks.'' As we walked, I saw a big red door. I stopped, and then I knocked on it. 

The door opened, and a woman answered. After explaining, she got a big smile on her face, and we were invited in. What was there? Eight people that had gotten together to study the Bible. We had a lesson and taught the Restoration. The Spirit was there, and they're all really excited to receive a copy of the Book of Mormon. I was stunned. It was a miracle from God.

   I feel great now. I'm ready to finish off really strong this transfer. I'm way excited. I'm going to do all I can to help or find whoever I need to find. I'm excited to come back, but I'm going to stay focused this transfer. It was hard at first, because Elder Kearney also went home. ( I saw him in the wrap line at the MTC!) But I'm excited to work again.

   Thank you for all that you've done to help me out. The only thing I might ask is to send me a link so I can renew my driver's license. It's expired, now. I don't know if I can just renew it online, or if I have to wait until I come back. But, that's fine too. I'm just excited to be back. Also, let me know what you think I should bring back, and what I should ditch! 

I love you all with all my heart. I hope that I've done enough on my mission that I deserve to come home to you all in December. I've given it my all.

I love you all so so so much.

Elder Alex Hobbs

DSC03702- Mauro's family, left to right. Mauro, Chris, Maria Conseição, Maria De Fatima

DSC03705- Chandler and I with Guilherme, a friend from Terra Nova who's going to Moçambique for his mission (to the right. I don't know who the guy on the left is, as Angolans like to jump into pictures.)

DSC03711- General Conference, Sunday morning session.

DSC03721- Elder Kearney and I.

DSC03708- Angolan mopping technique.

October 28, 2013

Família,

   I'm going to write another letter later today. We just came to see the new transfer calls, but I couldn't resist reading some of your letters as well.

   I thought I would take this moment to reveal my decision. But before that, a quick sidenote: I sent that first letter as a joke. However, I also sent another letter with the subject ''just kidding'' right after! I guess it got lost in cyber space. Sorry to make you all wait another week, I didn't mean to!

   Now for the grand reveal. Drumroll!









I'll be home for Christmas. You can count on me. I'll be home for Christmas: one more transfer for me

   My official release date is now December 11. So I should be getting home sometime on the 12 or 13, because Chandler's date is the 12, so we're not all too sure how that's all going to go. But that's the news with that! I'll write you all a little later today some more! Love ya!

Elder Alex Hobbs

October 21, 2013

Família,

   Well, I've come to a decision on when I would like to come home: but I'll just write it at the end of this email to keep you all on the edge of your seats. ;)

   The week went fairly well. We were able to get some good lessons in, and we finally set a baptismal date. There's a kid named Am, and he is Ch's brother. He lives at the P's house, and he's pretty much ready to be baptized. He's a great kid. He'll get dunked on November 9th. Also, M has started to go walking with our branch president. It's really good for him, and I think he's getting excited to serve a mission as well, because his sister is almost done with her application. Cool stuff! We were able to start working with another less active named Os, and he's coming back as well. On friday, we went into the biggest bairro I've ever seen, and taught a man whose backyard is the ocean!

   Numbers got up this week, so that's good. 

   Other than that, nothing really too new. Well, love ya. See you next week.

October 14, 2013

Família,

   This week has been a good one. Elder Chandler's foot is feeling better, so we were able to get out and do some good work. D has set some goals with us to stop smoking weed, and is supposedly only going to smoke it 3 times this week, which is a reduction of 4 times a week.

   We started teaching a familyl. Their names are A and O. So far, they really enjoy their visits, and we've had some good lessons with them. A has some doubts each time, and she doesn't read a lot because she's a studying mom of 4 children. O seems to really REALLY like what we teach though. I hope that we see some good progress with them.

   We took Maria F with us to a lesson with A and O as well. Maria F is M's sister (M was the first person that I ever baptized). She's preparing to go on a mission, so it she really liked it, but she was way nervous, I could tell. We also walked with M. He's been less active since I left Cassequele the first time, but he came to church this week! I got to sit next to their family in sacrament, and it felt awesome! Our branch president had an interview with him and tried to motivate him to go on a mission. I think he'll probably start up his papers soon as well. AWESOME!

   As for coming home, I feel that I have a different answer every day. Today, I want to go home for Christmas, yesterday, it was January. I would love to come home for Christmas, and I'm sure that Elder Chandler and Grandma are both praying for that to happen. However, sometimes I fear that I'll go home and feel like I'm supposed to still be here. I love it here too. It's hard. Normally, I wouldn't stress so much, but there are things in my patriarchal blessing that make me worry. (if mom and dad want to look, it's in paragraph 4) I'll need to make a decision soon though. October 23 is probably my absolute last chance. I guess we'll see.

   I love you all so so so very much. Thank you for your letters, pictures, and packages. I'll see you all soon (whether it's this year or next, I don't know).

Love, Elder Alex Hobbs

October 7, 2013

Família,

   This was a very good week in the transfer. Elder Chandler's foot was still hurt for most of it, but I was still able to go out and work by doing some divisions. There isn't a TON of news, but I do have some:

   First, D has given up everything except for weed. I'm not sure if I told you that last time, but that's how excited I am! He's a really good guy, he's just a little trapped right now. I know that if he uses some time, the Atonement will free him. He's so close! He's given up alcohol, tobacco, and crack. Way awesome.

   Nothing big happened during the week. But today's Pday has been really awesome! All the Elders got to go to President's house on Sunday night and watch the 2 Sunday sessions. It's weird to watch at 5pm and 9 pm (due to download speeds). But I enjoyed hearing it in English. It seems like the leaders of the church were all inspired to cry out against social changes that our country is slowly letting become the norm. We thought it was awesome. I also enjoyed the many kind, loving invitations to repent. It was great.

   After that, we got to do a ''sleepover'' at the mission office. I didn't sleep too good on the ground, but it was fun all the same. In the morning, we got to go to the beach! It was a ton of fun. First, I caught some crabs, made some shapes in the sand, sat and watched the beautiful ocean, and then built a sandcastle. Remember my stories about Elder Fontaine?  Super fun.

   That's where I am now. We're going to go to the Weggeland's tonight for family home evening, so we're all excited. Sorry that the letter is shorter, but I hope I compensated with some pictures! Also, I recieved my two packages. Rebecca and Peugar should be getting their gifts soon, as well as I have my personal card now, so you can send me the PIN anytime.

I love you all more than you can know,

Elder Alex Hobbs

   3680- Elder Chandler and I at the big District Conference a few weeks ago with Rebecca and Peugar.

   3683-Elder Stewart, my District leader, with his crown of power!

   3691- Me in Africa.

   3687-The missionaries waiting for General Conference to start.

   3681-Gotta get these two to smile!

September 30, 2013

Família,


  The week was a long one. Elder Chandler and I were getting really
motivated at the start of it. We had a great family night at Mauro's
house, and everyone felt the spirit and had fun. On tuesday, Elder
Chandler got sick. On wednesday, we had a zone conference, and we both
got really excited to go out and hit the pavement hard. Then, the next
day, we got up, went running, and came back. After about an hour of
being back, Elder Chandler's foot started to hurt, and it made it hard
for him to walk. He says
that he's feeling better now, and that this next week should go much
better.
  It did, however, give me some time to think about what I'm going do
about my release date. I made a decision. It's not a FOR SURE thing
just yet, but I think I'm going to come home for Christmas with you
all. I decided on Saturday, and I haven't talked to President yet, but
I think that's what I'm going to do. I'll give you the FOR SURE answer
this next week, I promise! It's funny though, Elder Chandler has been
playing Christmas music nd we lit my candle. haha I
keep telling the other elders in our house ''merry Christmas''.
  I recieved the packages this week! I love my new tie, and the
photos look great next to my new cash card! haha. If you could send me
the pin, I've got it safe and sound.
  But no new news other than that. I've got some more pictures for
you all, but of course, I'm at a cyber that won't let me send them. I
should be able to get them to you next week, because we should go to
the good one there.
  I do have one really big piece of news: D has been able to quit
drinking, tobacco, pills, and crack. He only needs to nick out weed,
and he should be able to start listening to the lessons! I was super
happy for that!
  Thanks for the pics of Grandpa. They're really cool. I love getting
pictures in the packages and emails that you all send. They're the
best part. Angolans really like them too. haha
  Well, I hope that you all are doing well, and that everything keeps
going the way it should. I'll see you soon! I love you!


Elder Alex Hobbs

September 23, 2013

Família,

   The week was a good one. It was still slow as to the work, but overall, I was pretty happy this week. We went to our branch President's house to start things off, and we talked about what his goals for the branch were. He's big into missionary work. He wants us to find any youth possible, and introduce him, because their records aren't all too great. He also wants to start walking with us once a month to get to know where some of the members actually live. I'm way excited for that. Things are finally starting to move along on the branch side of things.

   We've been working a lot lately with a man named D. He's a really cool guy, as he speaks russian, english, portugues, and a few other languages. His big problem is that he's a big marijuana and cocaine user. He knows it's wrong and wants to quit. He already gave up drinking, and he wants to give up tobacco next. He also promised he would stay away from cocaine, as the last time he used it, he ended up in the hospital, and said that it wasn't worth it. D is very... wise. He's pretty much searched the bible himself and understands a lot of basic themes in the gospel. Weed makes you think deep! But he's a very nice man. When we talk with him, I feel that we're talking with a child. He's very humble.

   I don't know if I've told you all yet, but M's sister, Maria, is going to serve a mission. When I left Cassequele a year and a half ago, she was inactive, and piercings filled her face. When I came back, I didn't recognize her, and she wants to walk with us now! I'm stoked. She's going to help M so so so much.

   On friday, we had our integration night. We watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restauration. It went really well, as D came with another investigator named B. They live on the same street and speak english together. Actually, the lesson with B was really funny, because his drunk brother walked in and saw us, stared, then yelled ''A PAZ DO SENHOR!! (the peace of the lord!)'' We told him thanks, and he left for about 2 minutes before he returned with a bible, knelt down on the ground and asked for a prayer. So I started to pray. I thanked God that we could come to his house, and for the blessings we had been given, when all of the sudden, he lifted his hands in the air, started shaking and yelled ''Halleluja! Halleluja Cristo! Halleluja!....'' and then I said amen to stop it, but he just kept going (he was feelin it!). So then B said 'amen' again and his brother suddenly stopped and said 'amen' then was silent. I know how to pray!

   Then, to finish things off, we had District Conference this weekend. It was a lot of fun. I got to see pretty much every convert I've had on my mission, excepting one or two. I love the members here. I have some pictures to send you all, but this cyber isn't all too trustworthy, so next week for sure. I sat next to Peugar, and we played hangman during some of the more boring parts. hehe. But I almost cried as I thought about some of the people that were there. Dani, Aida, Maria Pinto, Lemba, Rebecca and Peugar, the Paulos, Luisa, and so many others were all there. The members here all know my name. It's wierd.

    I'm still not 100% sure about coming home for Christmas. I would have to make a decision by October 28. I'm hoping that I'll have decided by next week though. If I extend, my release date would be January 22 ish. If I come home early, I would arrive home on December 12. Just about a 6 week difference. I talked with President Merrill about it.  

   I'm still unsure. I'm going to do a fast or two this week to find out what God wants from me. Because for me, I'd be happy either way. I love it here so much. It's going to be hard to leave. I want to do all the work I can. It's hard to choose, but I'm just going to do what God says, because I have no idea what the heck to do! haha

   As for college, I'm really thinking about Utah State. But my out of state tuition for the first year would be horrendous, so I have to find a way to get residency. Elder Stewart says that if Grandpa graduated from there, I would get Alumni scholarship, and it would lower the cost A TON. If not, I was thinking about going to BYU provo for the first year (as the cost only matters if you are a member or not), and then transfering to Utah State. Utah State has one of the best pilot courses in the country, apparently. So... that's where I am with that. Did Grandpa actually graduate from there? If so, that would help Utah State's argument quite a bit! haha

   Well, that's the week in rap for yall! I love you all so so so much. I can't wait to see you. I'm excited for the future! I love you all.

Elder Alex Hobbs

September 16, 2013

Família,

   This was a pretty slow week. We didn't get to see a ton of people. The assault was pretty hard on Elder Chandler. But I think that better days are still ahead of us. We've got a lot of phone time to burn, and some elders dropped about 11 references on us a few days ago. I'm going to be calling a lot of people this week. 

   But I'm doing well. This week, we got to go to Al's house (he's a member) and make his family tacos! Not everyone liked it, as Angolans have a very bland taste, but Al thought it was great, and he wants to start a taco kart here, because it hasn't quite hit the market! haha

   We were able to see Mauro, the first person that I ever baptized. He's been inactive. But he came to church this week, and his sister (who the last time I saw her she was full of peircings and completely inactive) is going on a mission soon! It's very exciting. I can't wait to see him come back and get the priesthood and perhaps serve his own mission. Mauro is a very good guy.

   We also had a really good lesson with the Paulo family. We taught about the Gospel of Jesus Christ (faith, repentence, baptism, the gift of the holy ghost, and enduring to the end). It was very very spiritual, and I think that it had a very good impact on a few of members of the family that aren't members.

   I've been starting to think of life after the mission. What do you all think of me becoming a pilot for an airline? We've got an Elder here who's been talking it up for quite a while, and it sounds like a good gig! haha. I've also been trying to weigh out all my options for college: BYU-I, BYU, Boise State, Utah State. These are the ones on my mind. Tell me what you all think!

   To answer the questions, this will most definately be my last area. I'm at my ''dying grounds''. Another thing that I wanted to ask you guys about was the subject of my return date. The idea to come home for Christmas has been on my mind a lot lately. Pretty much all of the elders are telling me to go, especially Elder Chandler, because I would end up going with him.  Also, I'd be home for Christmas, and I could get a little of a head start on finding a job to save money for college. Tell me what you all think. I want your honest opinion. :)

   But that's the news for the week. I love you all SOOO much.

Elder Alex Hobbs

September 9, 2013

Família,

   The week was a little crazy. Well, Elder Chandler was assaulted about 2 weeks ago. I think that it was really hard on him. President Merrill put me and him together this transfer. We're going to be serving together in Cassequele B, my first area. It's been really fun. President Merrill told me to make sure that Elder Chandler goes out happy. I'm sure as heck excited! I get to go back and do it with my best friend on the mission! Not a whole lot of lessons this week, but it was still really good. We're going to see some miracles I think!

   C finally got baptized with her cousin, N. I've wanted to baptize her since I first got to Angola, but for silly reasons it was delayed until now. But it was good. I was happy. I'm feeling a lot better now.  But now I know that this last part of my mission is going to be perfect. I have full faith that I'm going to finish out strong and happy. I might come home a little fat, because we get fed a lot in Cassequele. Time to brush off the dust off of our P90X DVDs!

   But I got to see Mauro this week. He was the first person I got into the font with. He's been a little inactive lately, but Elder Chandler and I had a great lesson with him. He felt the Spirit, that's for sure. I also saw the Paulos. They are still just all happy and fun loving, nothing new there. I've also talked with a bunch of all the old branch members and it was a blast!

   Shoes in Peru? Seminary? Hunting? Back to school? Wow. Life is moving on over there. I feel a little paused here. Most of everything is the same each day. But with the new area, we've got to find new people, so Elder Chandler and I are going to go on a lot of adventures. It'll be good.

I'm doing well. I love to see the pictures and hear the stories from you all. I love you. I can't wait to see you all in 4 months-ish.

Love 

Elder Alex Hobbs

September 3, 2013

Family,

   The week was good. A R (A member of the P family) had her baby this week. She's a cutie. Also C and N are good to go to be baptized, so that should be really cool. Elder Pimentel and I have been working really hard, and I think more success is on the way. I've been a little run down, but I'm still doing very very well here.

   Please say some prayers for Elder Chandler, he's passing through a very hard time right now. Pray for his family in California.

   But things are going pretty normally here. We were able to sit with a ton of recent converts this week. I also learned a new patty cake here with Namara. I also got to participate in a baby blessing for the first time. That was pretty neat. I'm not all too sure what to write right now. I guess I'll tell you all about some of our investigators.

   Maria Pinto's family is quickly becoming my favorite one here. Since they've been baptized, they've been very strong in the church. Maria herself got a calling as a relief society teacher. She's doing very well. The kids are all well. Andrew got the aaronic priesthood about two weeks ago. I come to find out that he's been giving some sick blessings to people, so we had to explain a few things to him. haha. But he looks up so much to the Elders here. He'll be going on a mission when he turns 18, no doubts.

   L and A are doing great. Lemba sent us home with a bunch of food a few nights ago. We're going to be eating speghetti for quite a while now.... haha. But it really did help a ton. They're just working on their marriage now. L's faith is on fire, but A thinks that he's mister righteous man, because he served a catholic mission back in the day. So, he misses church sometimes. He knows that the church is true, but I think he thinks he's above it sometimes! haha

   Neves, a less active man, came yesterday. He's living with another woman now. He was described to me as ''baptized without a chance.'' It's sad. But he came and I think that he liked it a lot. Now we just need him to keep coming. I love the guy a lot. It feels really good to hug him each time I see him.

   Well, these are the people that I think of most these days. I hope that I can help them come the rest of the way, but transfers are on the way. I'm excited for the last of my mission. I think that some really good things are on the way!

I love you all so much. Thank you for all you do for me.

Elder Alex Hobbs

PS If possible, I would really like some flossers for my teeth. The floss here is terrible and won't go behind one molar. :)

August 26, 2013

Família,

   I had a very fun week this week. To start off, I went on a division with Elder Fontaine. He is so funny. It was a blast for me! I guess I don't know how to explain, but it was pretty much nerd talk the whole way through. I'm still the same me! haha

   We had a lot of success in a lot of ways this week. We were able to get some new investigators, we had a baptism (L), we brought a less active man (A) to church, and... drumroll... we were able to go on a SAFARI in our zone today! It was fun. A lot of the new Elders were way excited to go. We saw SO MANY girrafes! I'll send you some pictures.

   So first was L's baptism. She is a great girl. She's about 13 or 14 (we don't know because she was born in a provinance) and is still learning to read in Portugues. She was a reference from her aunt, and she's been coming to church long before I got to the area, so Elder Pimentel and I decided to baptize her! haha. It was good.

   Next, was A, our less active. Since I've been here, he's never come to church. I think he felt guilty about something. But yesterday, after an investigator fell through, we went to his house instead and he actually was there! We went to church with him. After the second hour, I asked him how the class was and he just said: ''It feels really good here. I'm glad that I came.'' I'm way excited, because he also has a friend who's less active as well, and I hope that they start coming to church together. For me, less active work is just as rewarding if not more rewarding than baptisms. It feels so good when they come back. I can't explain it.

   Not a whole lot of news. A, one of the P  family, or in other words, C's aunt, had her baby. She was really cute, and she was excited to have us over. Chelsea will get bapitzed in two weeks. We're excited!

   It was a regular week other than all this. I wish I could write more, but I'm not all to sure about what to write! The church is growing faster and faster. I've been trying to put a big focus on branch coordination, because once the branches get strong, we'll be able to baptize like crazy! But for now, we're going at a controlled pace. We had over 100 people in our sacrament yesterday. Which is very good for the Benfica branch. We'll probably split again when we hit 200. So maybe 1 more year!

  I love you all so so very much. I'm excited to skype at christmas and then to come home 3 weeks later!

Love, 

Elder Alex Hobbs

PS Luxana got another letter from Rebecca. Rebecca really wants a reply letter! :)