Santarém 2

Hello people,
This week was a blast and super fast. We worked hard, but one of the highlights was on Thursday we had divisions and I got to be with Elder Bell, a cross country runner from South Carolina, and so it was two Americans working and it was great. We had a blast and talked about running and shoes. Then in the house we stayed at the other two missionaries were one American and one Peruano so there weren't any Brazilians. It was a blast, we had a party, and then when the Peruano went to bed we talked in English and that was fun too. Then the next day was p-day [preparation day, laundry, clean the house, something fun, that kind of stuff] because it was a holiday here so President made it p-day so we went to this awesome meat house. It was like the best meat I have ever eaten and there was just like endless meat and it was so so tasty we forgot to take pictures. Then we were going to go to a tereré store but it was closed, but I will go back because I love tereré and the store has lots of cool stuff for it so I want to buy some souvenirs. Then we hiked up a small mountain and looked out over the river and the city and it was sweet, but didn't show up too well in the pictures.
This week we found some really cool people to teach. One is a couple that sells bananas. We gave them a Book of Mormon and they read the whole thing and say it's true. Another is a kid that was never baptized because his parents wouldn't let him, but now he is 19 so he can be baptized. On a side note there is one guy in the ward that was baptized by Uncle Ben!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So that was sweet to talk to him and see that connection. Now this afternoon we are going to climb a plateau and play soccer so that should be fun. Also we met one guy that is a chess professor so he taught me some fun tips and tricks.
This week is zone conference and next month President [Almeida] is going to go on a mission tour and in February an apostle is coming to the mission so that's exciting news. Spiritual thought of the week is Helaman 10 [vs 4&5]. It is important to align our will with the will of God and when we do that we will be blessed and everything we ask for in our prayers will be given.
Love,
Elder Holcomb

[the following photos are from Elder Holcomb's last area, but someone recently sent them to him]