Sunday, August, 22, 2010

Hey Family,

This wek was a big change going from Santarém to here, but it was a great week. Tavira and Santarém have a lot in common but at the same time, are very different. You´ll see what i mean.

Here in Tavira we have a lot of members, just like everywhere in the mission. But here, all but about 12 to 15 of those members are active. Yesterday during church i had to remember that because i couldn´t figure out why i was so tired. Then i remembered that me and my companion had taught primary, taught gospel principles class, blessed the sacrament, and passed the sacrament. From what i am to understand, thats how it goes every week. And on top of that i gave the opening prayer in sacrament meeting and gave a talk. Also, like Santarém we have very few people to teach so the Elders normally spend alot of time visiting inactives. Tavira is also a huge tourist town, which i didn´t know until i got here. The entire Algarve is full of tourists this time of year which means i hear more foreign languages than i do Portuguese. Portimão wasn´t like this but then again i didnt serve there in the summer! It makes the work a little tough but its not too bad.There also aren´t alot of people in this town so everyone has talked to the Elders, which makes finding people a little more difficult. Also, the weather isn´t too bad but its still really hot. Plus its really humid so alot of times it feels like where swimming through a hot tub rather than walking down the street. With all of that you think i would have an excuse to hate this area already, but the funny thing is i really like it here. I dont know what it is but i really enjoy serving here and all the unfortunate things that happen dont really phase me all that much. Its actually already becoming one of my favorite areas and i really dont know why. The work is really tough and serving here is a really humbling experience but i´m really excited to see how much i learn and grow here. It funny because this area is known as being the area that people try to avoid going to and most missionaries tell jokes about it. I even told jokes about it. But now i´m serving here and loving it.

My companion, Elder Torgesen, is a good Elder. He already has one transfer here in Tavira and already seems pretty tired and exhausted. He also seems pretty frustrated with the members and the work but still is dedicated. His companion before me was here for 4 transfers, which is said to be a trial of your faith, but he managed to survive so i´m sure i will too.

My toe is doing better this week but i realized that every time i bash my toe i leave an area. I say that because the last time i smacked my tough was the night i left Portimão. Funny coincidence.

Also, tell Warren thanks for the email and the advice. They really helped alot.

And you guys dont have to worry about my temper because now i´m too far away from anyone to get mad at someone, except for myself.

I didnt pull out any money last week but i did today because we´re probably going to need it to buy food here pretty soon. Sorry. I´ll try to do better in the future.

Well, i think thats it for news this week. Thanks for all the prayers and love. Eu amo vocês!

Com amor,

Élder Haws