Week 45 May 23, 2007

Family,

Well, this week was really hard. Last week we got a phone call from President Mack. Elder Luciano’s dad passed away the day before. Here in Brazil they have really weird law. Once someone dies you have to bury them within 24 hours. Elder Luciano’s family tried calling the mission to inform Elder Luciano what had happened to give him time to fly back home to see the burial but they didn’t get a hold of the mission office in time. President Mack called 8:30 in the morning, and the burial was at 4:00 and it was impossible for him to be able to arrive in time to see the funeral.

I talked to President Mack on the phone and he gave me some advice on how I can best help Elder Luciano. I was really shocked while I was talking to him. I didn’t really know what to do. I went and gave Elder Luciano a hug and stayed with him for a little bit and then went in another room and gave him some time alone. The LZ’s came over too and talked with him. He has been dealing with it very well though. His dad had 77 years and had diabetes. When Elder Luciano talked with him on Sunday, he seemed to be doing good so it came as a big surprise. He ended up dying with a heart attack. Elder Luciano is able to teach and smile and laugh at times right now but other times he has difficulties. He’s such a good guy and he says he is going to stay here on the mission.

The next few days we went to some family nights and Elder Luciano was doing O.K. We had two family nights this week. One with Eva and one with Maria Elaine. They went really well and we had a lot of fun. We taught Eva a lot but she still isn´t showing full dedication to being baptized. I won’t have the opportunity to baptize but I hope she gets baptized when I leave. It’s been a lot of fun to teach her and I have memories that I’ll never forget. It’s going to be really hard to leave Alegrete. Each day that goes by I feel homesick for Alegrete and I haven’t even left yet. I absolutely love the members here and I’ve made a lot of friends. Monday I’ll be passing by everyone’s house to say goodbye.

We were at Irmã Rosa’s today before we used the internet and she made us a churrasco. I think saying goodbye to Irmã Rosa is going to be the hardest thing for me It was a lot of fun today laughing with her. We listened to music and talked and I also painted with Irmã Rosa’s daughter (she’s about Anna’s age). We left kind of late so I don’t have a lot of time to write this week sorry.

Yeah I’m taking lots of pictures. I’m in the process of putting them on a cd. I’m putting explanations with each picture to not forget so it’s taking a while. I’m running out of space on my card so I need to hurry and put some on a cd.

That’s cool that you and dad went to a concert with Verlyn and his wife. That’s great that they’re keeping in touch. It sounds like dad’s going to have a rough couple of weeks having to work 55 hours a week still.

That’s crazy that the season finales are already ending. Are they good? Oh and what’s the news on LOST? I read a newspaper article on it here. They’re showing the 1st and 2nd season. How is the popularity of the show there in the states?

I want you all to know that I love you!!!

I love you infinity!!!
Elder Fowler

P.S. I got a letter from Zach that was really cool. He had to send a letter to someone for an activity for school and he mailed it to me. It was a life size drawing of himself. It was really cool. Could you let him know that I received it and I’ll take a picture of me with it and send it next week.