July 23rd 2012

Hello my family and friends!!! How are you all this week? Im doing pretty well. Had a decent week this week, with one of the best experiences of my life! I'd like to share it with you:

We were recently given a reference for a young family. There is a single mom and she has four kids ranging from 9 to 14 years old. Her nine year old son recently suffered a dangerous fall, hit his head, and has become permanently brain damaged. At the same time that this happened, the young mother lost her job. We arrived at her doorstep on the same day that she and her son came home from the hospital. She proceeded to tell us that she had seen us a week ago at a busstop, wanted to talk to us, but we got on the bus before she could. Since that day, she had been praying for the Lord to send us to her again. And there we were on her doorstep! With tears in her eyes she explained her situation to us, to which we replied, "We know; we are here to help you." We administered to her young son and the next day he was already doing better. To help her and her family, we took her to the church where the Relief Society was having a 'bazar'. All the sisters in the ward brought clothes and other household items to donate to those in need. This young single mother was so touched to see the Spirit of charity touching the hearts of the ward members who offered her complete help. As we walked back to her house, carrying in our hands many bags of clothing, pots and pans, and food supplies that she had never dreamed of having, I was touched by the Spirit and I started to cry. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was truly doing something completely unselfishly. I was truly helping another child of God who was in need. I got to our house that night and my heart was filled with more love and happiness than I have ever experienced in my life. I will NEVER forget this experience. Every time we visit that family now, the little boy runs right up to me and gives me a 'bear hug' (which I taught him). This blessing could never have come to me had I not decided to serve a mission...for that, I am forever grateful to my family, my friends, my Church leaders, and all who supported and continue to support and pray for me while Im serving the Savior. Im reminded of the scripture: 2 Nephi 5:27


This week was really hot! Yesterday, I drank almost 3 liters of water and I was still almost dying. I had the privelege to baptize another person this weekend. What a blessing it is to hold the priesthood! I also thought you would be interested to know that the Bishop in the ward I am serving has called me to be the new Gospel Principles teacher! Awesome!

Well, until next week! I know that this Church is true. Jesus Christ lives and He is our Savior and Redeemer.

Love, 
Elder Spencer D. Eastwood
2 Nephi 2:11-13
Alma 5:14-15

july 16th 2012

Hello my family!!! How are you all this week??

Im doing quite splendidly. A little sore from all the walking Ive done, but, today is Pday, so I can rest and relax!! This week was hotter than normal, but we got a lot of work done.
I will share an experience with you:
The other night, we had spent the whole day knocking on doors, with little to no luck. People werent home, they wouldnt let us in, or we were even yelled and sworn at by 
a Baptist minister. Suffice it to say, I was a little discouraged. My companion still doesnt understand much Portuguese, so he wasnt as discouraged. I will be honest and tell you that
I wanted to head back to the house early. It was about 8:30, so we still had some time to work. We were walking down a dark and dusty street with no name. I offered a prayer in my head
for Heavenly Father's help. As we walked past a house, I felt the strongest impression that we needed to stop and go back. I told my comp this and we turned around and headed back.
I was led to a house that had no lights on, and looked empty. I knocked on the door and my comp told me we were wasting our time. But I stayed there. I knocked again. Nothing. 
I knocked a third time. Still nothing. Then, just as I was about to leave, even more discouraged, the door opened and a young woman holding a little baby answered. She must have
about 24 years. I explained who we are and testified that we are true representatives of Jesus Christ, and without saying anything, she let us into the house. The lesson was one of the
most spiritual that Ive already given! 

It was a testimony building experience, because 1) The lord answered my prayer and 2) I was led by the Spirit. I felt like Nephi in 1 Nephi 4:6 when he said that he was "led by the Spirit, not
knowing beforehand the things [he] should do." That has happened a lot on my mission and Im sure it will happen more.

This weekend we had two baptisms, Stefany and Mariajulia, who are relatives to members and are only 8 years old. They asked me to baptize them! What a privelege that was for me. The experiences Ive had with 
little children here have made it clear to me that I should be a pediatrician when I get home, so that is what I will be studying for! 

Im SO Grateful for my mission. I love it, love it, love it!!! Thanks for all your love, prayers and support. I still need it :)

Love, Elder Spencer Eastwood

Moroni 7:41-42, 45

July 9th 2012

Well, this week flew by faster than ever!!!!! I remember when I first arrived on the mission, dad would always tell me "Make use of this time because it will be gone before you know it!". i didnt really believe it because I was having so many difficulties at the start, but now, I just want to try to keep all this time and memories that Im making!

As I said last week (sorry the blog email didnt work out, i hope you got it again), I have been called to be a trainer. Im training a new missionary named Elder Caballero, he is from paraguay and speaks Spanish! It is a little difficult, because he is still learning portuguese, so sometimes we dont communicate very well. The interesting thing is that he knows Elder Josh Quinn from our ward! He said that he talked with Elder Quinn on many occasions and that he is doing VERY well. Training is an interesting experience, because I passed many weeks since I was being trained. Now, I have to slow my pace down and help a new missionary learn the ropes of how to be a missionary! It is sometimes very stressful and I am doing a lot more teaching then normal. I lay down on my bed at night and just fall right to sleep. The only trouble we have is that he has some struggles being obedient, but Im helping him see the importance of this.

We have a baptism planned for next saturday....remember Hugo? Our recent convert? His sister has decided she wants to get baptized! Soon, we will convert their whole family! We also had the blessing of finding two more families, who live in very humble houses. The light that we brought into their homes was visible on their faces as we testified of the truthfulness of this message.

Well, my hair is getting long, I should probably get it cut. Im still losing weight cause we walk so much. I make smoothies every morning for breakfast with fresh fruits from Brazil! Today was pineapple, strawberry, and mango....what will it be tomorrow??? I got a package from Gma Joyce this week (thanks grandma, I loved it!). Thank you all so much for the love and the prayers you offer for me! I have felt those prayers and am most grateful for them!

Love,
Elder Spencer D. Eastwood

Mosiah 27:35-37
Hymns #140, "Did you Think To Pray?"

July 2nd 2012

Hey everyone back home!!!

Doin' well here in Goiânia! There were some changes this week...my companion, Elder Chandler got transferred and now he is my zone leader. Pres. Prieto called me and told me that he has decided I will be training one of the new missionaries that arrives tomorrow. I am excited!!! My first time as a trainer! So this past weekend Ive been staying with some of the other missionaries that are completing their 2 years and going back home today. It has been a good experience, because each one of them has shared with me their experiences from the mission and also shared advice with me on how to make the most out of my 2 years. Ive learned a lot and Im grateful that Heavenly Father gave me this opportunity!

The language is very well, I very rarely have any trouble and sometimes I even forget English words! It is so funny when I do that, because Ive spoke English all my life hahaha. Anyway, the work is good. I fasted yesterday to ask for help in finding more people to teach because it is really hard to not have many appointments. Then, last night, we found a new family with 6 people!!! And three of them have already been to the church! It was a straight-up miracle! Im so grateful that God answered my prayers.

Well, it is still hot as heck here. IT is getting to be kind of windy though, which is good! I get my new greenie on Wednesday and Im REALLY excited and Im grateful that Pres. Prieto trusts me with the responsibility of training a new missionary. He told me that the influence of a good trainer will be with the missionary for the rest of his mission. 

So that is about all for this week....nothing majorly exciting! Hope all is well back home!

Love, 
Elder Spencer D. Eastwood
D&C 122:7-9

In Portuguese this car says "i miss my mom!" Spencer saw it while walking and sent a picture cause it is true!:)