Mission Office- Week 32

Freezing Rain, Wind, and Dominos

Hello world!!!

This past week, I felt like I was back in Virginia with the cold temperatures and cold wind. Almost every day this week was cold, rainy, and windy, but those are signals of the coming winter weather here in Curitiba. This past week was pretty normal in terms of routine. We did, however, have a Family Home Evening with a family in our ward. We had invited a less member to come too but he ended up not being able to come since he had just had a fight with his wife. He ended up separating with her on that very night and that became the reason why he could not come to the Family Home Evening. We felt really sad, but made the best of the night. We are planning to get back in contact with him, and we will try a second take on our Family Home Evening. Also, the Family Home Evening provided me the opportunity to try pepperoni and cream cheese pizza from Dominos. (It is as good as it sounds). 

On Wednesday, I went on split with my zone leader Elder Searcy. It went really well. We had a day full of visits and I go to know Elder Searcy a lot better. He is from Utah and was going to BYU Provo before his mission. We chatted a little bit about that. Over all, it was a really great division and we had a good time. I learned a lot from him in the way that he teaches and talks to people. 

Elder Herd and I decided to go on a little adventure today. We went to WAL-MART. Our area is the only area in the whole mission that has a Walmart so we took some extra time to walk over and see what they have different. Sadly, it is basically just any other Brazil market, but it just feels and looks like a Walmart. 

All in all, I had a great week. I am learning a lot and I enjoy being a representative in Christ. I know that this is His work and that we are working to bring His children an eternal happiness. Love and miss you all lots.

Com amor,

Elder Pinkney

Mission Office- Week 31

Hello World,

This week was really good. It was a week a lot more slow pace, which was good. We were needing it after all of the crazy work we did last week. Elder Herd and I got to work in the field a lot, and we had some really good experiences. For example last week, we were knocking doors at night (not one of my favorite activities) and a gentlemen answered. He came out to the gate and he said, "Hey, Elder I am a member of the church but it has been a while since I have gone to church." We started talking a little with him and we marked another day to go back and leave a message with him. We went back yesterday and had a great visit with them. The less-active told us his whole conversation story and he starting tearing up as he spoke. The spirit was really strong in the room, and we were able to invited him to come back to church. He paused and thought a little. He shared that he wanted to come back, but that maybe it would take a little time. We agreed to help him, and we are going to have a Family Home Evening with him tomorrow. It was a really great experience that strengthen my testimony. 

The rest of the week was really calm. I had an brief interview with President that was good too. I had not had an interview in a long time.

All in all, I am doing well. Hope you all have a great week. Love and miss you all.

Com amor,

Elder Pinkney

Mission Office- Week 30

Hello World,

This week was really good. We worked a lot and we had a lot of trials, but I am seeing the hand of Heavenly Father in the little miracles every day. Elder Herd and I are getting a long really well. He is a really chill guy and we have a lot of things in common. I am grateful that Heavenly Father let me be companions with him and he is helping me be a better missionary. 

This week we also had zone conference with President and Sister. It was really good. We learned a lot about the importance of the Atonement in missionary work and how we can apply that in our lessons. We did a lot of practices and we read a couple scriptures. All in all, it was very upliftings. Also, it was sad to think that this was my second to last zone conference and the next conference will be my last......I promise that I´m not trunky kkkkkkkkk

I want to also this weekend give a shot-out to my wonderful Mother, who through all this time that I have been away from home, is still talking care of me and inspiring me to be a better person. Love you so much Mom and thank you for all you do. Happy Mother´s day. 

Hope you all have a great week and Happy Mother´s day to all.

Com amor,

Elder Pinkney

P.S. Highlights this week. We went to a restaurant that has all you can eat chocolate pizza. That was a good day.

Mission Office- Week 29

Hello World!!!

This past week was really really busy. We had all the crazy running around of transfer and the new missionaries arriving. I got a new companion, Elder Herd!! He will be the new Executive Secretary. He is from Orem, Utah. We are getting a long really well. He got thrown into the action right from the start, but he is picking things up really fast. This past week, we were on the grind of getting everything done. 

Also this week, my good friends Elder Arscott, Eddington, and Cappi went home. I am going to miss them all lots, but I know they are in a better place now.

We had a funny experience yesterday. Elder Herd and I were knocking on doors last night; just doing our thing. We then knock on a door and this older gentlemen answered the door. He looked a little bit like Santa Claus. He came to the gate to talk with us and we started talking about our missionary purpose. We were going, but then he cuts us off and asked where we are from. We said that we were from the United States and answered out of now where. "I hate Americans!" Elder Herd and I just stopped and looked at each other for a moment. The gentlemen went to say how all Americans are prideful and lots of other stuff. Elder Herd and I just listen for a few minutes and then I switch the topic to ask him if he believed in God. He said he did and we went on to have a good conversation for thirty minutes. He shared with us some life experiences that were really touching. All in all, it ended up being a really great, impactful experience. He did not accept a second visit, but I believe that he has a better impression of Americans now.....lol

All in all, things are going great. I love and miss you all lots. I am so grateful for the experiences that I am having. Hope you all have a great week.

Mission Office- Week 28

Hello World!!!

This last week was pretty normal. We had a lot of work to do because this next week is transfers. We had a lot of paper work and logistics to get worked out. I am excited because this coming transfer I will be switching out of the office. I am going to train the next excutive secretary. I don´t know who it is going to be yet, but I am really excited to pass him all the things I have learned here in the office.

Today was Elder Gil´s birthday! He is turning 20 years. Happy birthday to him!!! We have been companions for almost six months, so this is a pretty memorable moment.

This past week I went on divisions (splits) with my zone leader. We had a really good and quick divison. I got to meet some really incredible investigators. We taught one gentleman who has problems with smoking and drinking. However, through meeting with the missionaries, he has already made a huge effort to take these things out of his life and start doing what is right. He was really receptive and we had a really good visit with him. I felt really gratefull for the chance to meet him and hear his testimony of God´s commandments.

All in all, I am doing well. I love my mission and I am gratefull for every day I have to be a part of this amazing work. 

Love and miss you all lots,

Com amor,

Elder Pinkney

Mission Office- Week 27

Hello World,

This last week was pretty normal. We had a lot of work in the office to do and we have had to work a lot outside of our normal hours. However, everything is going alright. I am learning a lot how to be patent and loving. I have being particularly grateful this week for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in my live. More than ever before, I feel Him by my side. I know that He never lets us work alone in this world and during our trails. I am very grateful for the moments in my mission where I have felt closer to Him and felt His love. This week, we remember the glorious Easter Sunday; the day that He rose from the dead and walked again. I am so grateful for that day and for all the blessings that come because of Him. I know that He rose again and that He lives. I grateful for what He did for me and for each one of us. 

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16  

I invite you all to remember Him during this pascoa and in ever moment. I love and miss you all lots. I hope you all have a great week. 

Com amor,

Elder Pinkney

https://www.lds.org/youth/video/because-of-him?lang=por

Mission Office- Week 26

Hello world!!

This past week was really busy here in the office. I am getting as much done as I can until the transfer starts to end, so I do not get swamped like I always do at the end of the transfer. 

I am super excited for my brother Kyle. He got his mission call to CANADA MONTREAL MISSION SPEAKING CHINESE!!!! I am so proud of him and his decision to serve the Lord. He leaves on the 17 of July!!!

I loved General Conference!!!! I loved Elder Uchtdorf´s talk about missionary work. He really highlighted the big point about the importance of preaching the gospel to every creature, nation, tongue, and people. I can not express my strong testimony of the importance of missionary work. There is no other work on this earth that has the same importance to save the soul of every man. I am so grateful for apostles and prophets today that guide and direct us. All in all, it was a really good conference. 

I went to the Policia Federal on Wednesday to renew some visas with three missionaries. I got to talk with Elder Martinez who is from Australia. It was really cool. He made me want to live in Australia for a moment lol.... It is really pretty there. 

As many of you know, I am not a big fan of dogs. My companions are feel aware of this too, so last week when we were at lunch with a member, the member´s dog came up of the coach and started licking my ears. I made a sour face, but I let the dog stay. My companions thought it was funny so they took a picture (see below). I will admitted that it was not as annoying as I thought it would be. 

The rest of the week was pretty normal. Everything is running pretty smooth in the office and with our investigators. We are going into the fifth week of the transfer now. The time is flying by, but I am so grateful to be on the mission and for every day I have her to learn and grow. 

I love and miss you all lots,

Com amor,

Elder Pinkney