Letter #3 - Oi

Hey family and friends,

 

I have almost been here for a two full weeks! I'm learning a lot and I know can carry a basic conversation with some of the Elders in class.  Today I woked at 5 am just so I could laundry and relax the rest of my P-day.  I'm exahusted but all is well and I wished I was in Brazil right know.  Well so far I have heard from Mom, Dad, and Spencer. LOL thanks Spencer for the beautiful letter.  And I didn't hurt myself the first day it was the second, first day of gym.  So how have you guys been? whats new? Is Spencer still fixed to that computer, just teasing.  How did Treyson do on Saturday.  Where are me goodies ;p again just teasing.  If you can't tell from this letter I'm doing really good.  I have  been to a lot a devo's and firesides in the last week.  They can be draining because we already sit all day in those sessions you get to sit more, in your suit, in a room filled with people.  The Spirit is strong but so is the body heat.  Utah isn't getting cold quite yet and thats good, I'm enjoying the weather and the perfect temp.  My last investagator was Valdimer, I was "transfred" and now have two new investagtors that I have yet to meet. Hopefully on wensday. Its hard to stay up and write this letter lol. So ya thats the bases of whats happened, my companion and I still get along well and we both like teaching, he doesn't like teaching in the language as much as English, but we both still like to teach.  Hows Max? :D I miss him and ya... well ummm O I got emails from my mission but I can't understand most of them because it is in Portuguese.  I tried reading them but it was really hard too.  One of these letters I'll start writing in Portugues and Dad will have to translate it  of Google Translate. I have 10 min left and write just writhing to use the time. We only get 30 min to write emails and only on P-day, so ofcourse I would write you every week Mom :). Good luck with everything and I miss all you guys and love you very much, can't wait to see you guys in two years (3 for Spencer) and I wish you all the best.

 

Elder Richard Scott Searle

Missionary Picture

Update on Elder Searle's Knee

Just to let everyone know - we received a phone call from the MTC and they have requested him to see an orthopedic doctor.  They didn't see any tears but did see floating cartilage.  Please keep him in your prayers.

Letter #2 From Elder Searle

Hello Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well and everything is going great.  I have learned that my pday is on Tuesday here at the MTC and will be for the next nine weeks unless I get my visa early.  The estimated date to go to Brazil is Nov. 14th but I could always go earlier.  The second day at the MTC was intense. My companion Elder Anderson and I had to go and teach an investigator in Portuguese and get to know him.  we found that Valdimer is Married and loves his family.  He is also an Evangelist and Believes in God and knows He loves him and his family.  We then gave him a BOM and left with a pray.  We also shared our testimonies in Portuguese as well as the pray.  It was hard but yesterday Felt like a dream.  We understood Valdimer better than we ever have and asked him if he would be baptized. He agreed and even would try to read as much of the BOM before he got baptized/ HE also went to church the first time and said he had a good feeling. The last few days feel like I just got here at the same time I have been here forever. The food is pretty decent and I'm warm at night, that part was for mom.  My knee is getting a lot better but I'm still waiting on the MRI results. I talked to the trainer and he said it might just be a strain, which I am hoping for and I asked my companion to give me a blessing. It was his first blessing too. He did a good job and he continues to do an excellent job. I feel the spirit very strongly here and the overwhelming feel has passed but the Spirit stays strong. Sometimes I feel it rush through my body with excite meant or its a reminder why I am her like Valdimer Saying he will be baptized.  Sunday was pretty cool because it actually felt like a break from all the chaos from the other days.  Elder Anderson also grew the most with the language and I think he is starting to enjoy it more.  Elder Anderson is from Washington, and loves extreme sports.  He is planning on going to BYU-I and kinda has a girl waiting for him.  The rules here are pretty strict however I was already committed, mind set, to them before I got here.  We have learned a lot about how to teach people and how to use the spirit in everyday tasks, especially using the language.  I only get 30 minutes to write emails so they maybe short and not very detailed in some areas. If  he want to know more you can email or write letters and I'll be gladly to add more.  I love you guys and miss you all.  I hope you are all having fun and everyone is helping mom.  I hope Spencer is being awesome in YSA and mission prep and Trey keep killing those vballs. Hannah I tell everyone that I'm exactly eight years younger and It was awesome having the same birthday. I also tell them I baptized you and it was an amazing feeling.  Mom I'm all good don't worry about me and my knee, it was a fluke in gym.  We accidentally fell on top of each other and the ball hadn't been played yet. I just fell wrong but I'll be okay.  Dad you should test how good my Portuguese is.  Amor voces!

Love from your son, brother, friend, and

Elder Searle

1st Letter from Elder Searle

Sept. 15, 2011

Dear Family,

The MTC has been a lot of fun at the same time very overwhelming.  I met my companion and his name is Elder Anderson.  He is pretty cool; he loves extreme sports and turned 19 a month ago.  I’ve met a lot of missionaries going to Cuiaba; 7 to be exact.  However, only 2 of us have done the online visa application.  They estimate that we will be in Brazil in November.  On the first day we taught an investigator and also learned a few phrases in Portuguese (I spelled that wrong but I have to write this letter quick).

The MTC has shown me what my weaknesses are and what I have to improve on.  When I have more time, probably when I email, I’ll send pictures or describe more of what’s happening.   I miss you all and love you very much.

From your loving son, brother,  friend, and Elder

Searle

So this is the 2^nd portion of the letter, they gave us time to write today.  I have already hurt myself by getting my knee dislocated and now I will be getting a MRI.  It doesn’t  feel too bad but it is still lose and catching.  They don’t think it is an ACL but they want to check.

It’s only the 2^nd day and the language teacher hardly speaks English.  Some of the elders are getting it fast.  I understand stuff when he writes on the board but when he speaks it is hard to keep up.  Elder Anderson and I are clicking well and we are feeding off each other through the gospel.

I’m well and I’m sure I’ll be fine with my knee and all.  I hope all is going well and no harm has come to you.  I pray for you all and love you guys.  Can’t wait to hear from you all.

From you loving son, brother, friend, and

Elder  Searle

Introduction

Today, the Arizona Searles are setting up this blog to make it easier for all to follow the missionary experiences of the family.  As many of you know, our son Richard has been called to serve in the Brazil Cuiaba Mission and another son that will be called next year.  So, in order to publish updates one time we have set up this blog. Primarily this blog will contain letters and hopefully photos of the missionaries that are currently serving our Lord and Savior.  Some posts will also include additional missionary experiences from the family in Arizona as well as other family members abroad (Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, etc.).  I hope all may enjoy the stories and experiences that will be posted here.
Scott & Chyleen Searle