Matt #16

Wow this week has gone by fast and its really been a strengthening week for me.... Family, Friends, and those who I love with all my heart who read this e-mail. Words cannot express just how important a Mission is. Ive seen and witnessed things that I would have never seen in Rexburg and possible in my entire life ha but thats part of the strecthing process the Lord has preapared for us to grow! :) Jordan I loved your e-mail my friend, its intresting just how much letters and e-mails strengthen me each week. Im glad to report Jordan that I understood your e-mail word for word... Its intresting how the Portuguese just kinda comes haha but things are going great especially with the Language and also Ive already had two snake attacks down here haha one even kissed me on the cheek and I actually started yelling in English at her!!! She looked extremly scarred afterwards hahaha it was pretty hilarious, but its also a pretty serious matter. A lot of Missionarys get in trouble with snakes (Girls) especially down here in Brazil but Ive already learned how to avoid those situations and its not a problem for me haha :) I just have to think of all the incredible girls back home and the snakes dissapear here! :) But thank you for the E-mail Jordan. Also I havent recieved any letters for a month but President Tanner is visiting us tommorow and he said he is bringing everything for us. I hope I get my Care Package mom and lots of letters!!! :) Jenni thank you also for your e-mail about the Strippling Warriors and primary... It really touched my heart and I hope you know how much I love you and miss you.
         Well to start of this letter I want to touch on the subject "I choose to fill my life with things that invite the spirit...'' How can I acomplish this? One way you can do this is by listening to the song ''Consider the Lilies'' which is my new favorite song haha :) or you can do Three other very important things.... 1.Pray to Heavenly Father for guidance. One thing i've learned on the Mission is Heavenly Father is always there for you no matter what and he WILL answer your prayers. 2. Faith, There is a reason Faith is the first principle of the Gospel, Without faith all of our works are dead and we could not acomplish anything in our life. For example I have faith I will learn Portuguese and be able to be an Effective tool in the Lords hands. :) Because of the scriptures and what they teach of Faith I dont need to worry about my burdens or trials because I know the Lord takes care of us all.... read Alma 32 thats Faith. 3. This one is probabaly the most important and it works with Prayer and Faith, Its called Patience. Without Patience we could not fullfill our purpose. I love what Dieter F. Uchtdorf said about Patience. ''Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can- working hard, hoping, and expressing Faith. Bearing hardships with fortitude even when the desires of our heart are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring but enduring well.'' That is so true. If we can learn and not only learn but master and understand these three very important principles we dont have to worry about finding things that will invite the Spirit and fill our lifes with the Spirit, because we will naturally find them in our own personal hearts. The Spirit will natural want to dwell with us when we apply and do the things we know we are supposed to be doing. :) Patience has been big for me this past week as I've really been stretched with learning this Principle.... I know that I will learn Portuguese, I know that I will be an effective instrument in the Lords hands as long as I continue and endure all things with a smile on my face and a Positive attutidue! :)
        This week has been a blessing for my Companion and I, We have recieved our first investigator who has recieved an answer about what we have been teaching and she said that she would like to be Baptised! I Pray that all will work out and that she will now do her part and come to church! haha that seems to be a big problem down here.... everyone loves hearing about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ but when it comes to doing there part they NEVER follow through. Its so frustrating haha. But I know with consistant prayer and Faith we will recieve sucess.
       I hope you all know how much I love you.... I miss you all like crazy! haha Mom that was so hilarious what you did for Olivias birthday, thanks dad for sending the picture. I hope you know how much I love you all. Dad, Mom You both are my heros. I love you both so much and look up to you like never before. Your e-mails are incredible they give me so much strength and I wish I could respond to them in greater detail because they give me so much hope, you have no idea!!!! The one thing I will be eternally grateful for is that my Mission has opened my eyes to how important families are within the Gospel. When we teach the Principles of the Gospel within the walls of our homes we learn to love and strengthen each other! Its Awesome how amazing this Gospel is. I love you all so much and please keep the letters and e-mails coming. Tell everyone to send little e-mails of incouragement and Love. They really make all the diffrence you have no idea. Please remember how much I love you all and im so happy to be a servent of our Heavenly Father. Remember this work is more important then anything in the world. :) I love you too Ben, miss you like crazy! I love you too friends. I dont need to say names because everyone knows who they are but I love you all and I cannot wait for the day we all meet again. Also I have sent letters family so you should be getting them soon! :) Love Elder Matthew Ryan Doggett.

p.s. Keep me posted on the olmpics! hahaha :) oh also mom, dad can you print of my e-mails and bens too? I think it would be really cool to have them all when we return from the mission. Thank you so much for your Love, Love you all! 

Ben #15

 Que loco! alguem vezes eu acho, em Eu estou em Brasil agora? Que mutio loco na? haha. Wow, you all are such examples to ME! Matt, thank-you for your inspirational story.The Lod truely guides us. Mom, Dad your spiritual words bring comfort to my heart at this time. The quotes and scriptures you give me I write down and study and ponder them. They give me strenght throughout the week. Kristin, Lauren I got your letters! Thank you for them and both of your unwavering testimony if the Gospel. You both have truely built it upon the rock :) Rachel I got your letter as well, Sis can I just say how much I appreciate your letters you have faithfully been writing me and giving me strength. I love hearing your stories from home so thank you please keep them coming. Also to my Uncle Curt and Aunt Karen... WOW, the letters you wrote me were a divine blessing haha. The questions I had this week were answerd in your letters. Thank you. Uncle Curt, It brought me comfort to know your sruggle with the launguage and the in time (the Lords time) It will all work out. Also Clint! Man I got your letter and cant even describe how excited I am to have another Doggett alongside Matt and I in the Field. Its going to be a definate strength thats for sure! You have a amazing testimony the people of Africa will be tremondously blessed by you.
         As Matt said this week was for sure a tough one. SIMILAR EXPERIENCES!!!! haha I dont know where to begin or what to share with you all at this time. My mind is racing a 100 miles per hour (actually this week we went about a 140 miles in a car haha maybe thats why?:) haha) trying to think of what would be benificial to you all, and what the spirit would have me share. My thoughts keep turning to the Book of Mormon. I have come to grow such a deep love and respect for that Book, what a blessing it is in our lives. It truely is what holds our religion together. Everything is weighing on this Book. Thats why my heart is broken when our investigators dont read. If only they knew what that Book contained! A message that Christ Lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God! I mention this because I had a some what of a wake up call this week! We got a reference from a member to met with a man and his wife, his name was Fransico. We clapped at is door and were warmly welcomed into the house. There we taught him the Restoration of the Gospel and I felt the spirit so strong as we boar witness of the truth. We left that night with a sure conviction that this man, Fransico, was going to someday be the new Bishop of the Anhguera ward! :) We just knew it! Well, the wake up call!.. Last Friday around 7 o clock we clapped at his door. Excpecting the same warm welcome and gestures as last time, but we were mistaken. Instead the door opened slowly to Fransico standing there at his door. As I looked down I saw the Book of Mormon in his hands. I saw him next outstretch this Book of Mormon to us. Saying "Thank you for your time but I know your church isnt true. I dont need this Book, The cathloic is for me." - Family, friends I never truely understand how devestated I would be to hear these words. Instantly the spirit came and we asked if he had read, pondered, and prayed to God. He declared No he hadnt! and that He knew it wasnt for him! and said his goodbyes and shut the door. Turning around holding in my hands his Book of Mormon I felt so defeated. If only he knew how much this WAS TRUE, how much he DID NEED that Book. That what he had given back to us was the key... The key to everything we believe. There is no doubt in my mind that if he would have read, pondered, and prayed he would know for a fact this church is true... My heart goes out to him and he is in my prayers. He just wasnt ready... but in that moment I realized how important the Book of Mormon is to ME. I know its true. I have read every page and taken Moroni's challenge and testify, I know its true! It is the Key. Family Friends please read the Book of Mormon, make it a part of your life. By doing that you make Christ your life. I look back at my life and how many times I just walked by my Book of Mormon on my desk. Not fully realizing the power in its words. Its not just a good book... But the word of God I so testify! Never take such a precious thing for granet ( or however you spell that haha)
        Well I dont want you all to get bored of reading such a long email, but I just have so many things Im learning. I have to be honest. I look back at pictures of myself before I came out here and I dont feel like that guy is me haha. The mission is a blessing and I can see so many changes in my life and how I see things. A mission is a miracle, and I know it will make a miracle out of me, and anyone that serves. Its not easy being a missionary let me tell you. I feel so inadequate for this work, to be here in Brasil... But the Lord called me here, and like my wise Dad said "The lord didnt call me here to fail." I know thats true! This week I went to the Temple with one of our investigators Douglas, to show him around the grounds and teach of the Temple. We had the chance to go inside with him and sit in the waiting room of the Temple... As we sat there, I saw the room light up and the spirit filled me to such a capacity that brought tears to my eyes. I looked over and to my suprise our investigator also had tears in his eyes. He looked over at me and told me the peace he felt at this time... then said "Eu sei que este verdaderio." (I know this is true) Family friends... I know also, just like Douglas, that this church is true. Jesus Christ through a simple boy restored his church again on the Earth. I need to be here, I need to teach in the launguage of Porteguese no matter how hard it is! Because I know these things are true! I love you all and pray for all of you... and I mean all of you! :) Matt, YOU ARE THE SPIRITUAL GIANT! Keep working hard and know how much I love you. Remember we are in this together and Im only 45 miles away from you!... Again,  I thank you for your paryers and testimonies. I couldnt do this without them. I cant wait to hear from you all again... May God be with you all till we meet again.
Love Elder Benjamin B. Doggett

Picture Time from Ben

This is just gross. Thanks Elder Ben for sharing it. -eL

These are some pictures of our visit to the Campinas Temple. It is a beautiful Temple overlooking the city of Campinas. Its nothing like I have seen. Thats my investigator Douglas that I mentioned in my Email. What a great day at the Temple so powerful!



Matt #15

Youll all never understand how much e-mails,letters, and your examples strengthen me each week.... My eyes are filled with tears right now so its a little hard to write this e-mail hahah. The Spirit testifys to us everyday! We have experiences everyday that will strengthen our testimonies, we just need to learn to realize these blessings. Now im not sure what the Lord wants me to write today and Im not sure I can follow up my incredible Brothers e-mail. Benjamin is a Spiritual Giant and every time I read his E-mails im blown away by his strength! Thank you for your example Ben and for you incredible words of incouragement they really do more then youll ever know. :) Also thank you everyone else for your E-mails. I truly have incredible friends who I truly Love with all my heart. Jason congrats on the Mission call and dont worry about not speaking another Language because the real Language we all learn on the Mission is the Language of the Holy Ghost and thats a difficult Language to learn haha. 

      This Week has been a little tough, weve really had to learn about pacienciá this week and what it means to rely on the Lord for strength... I wont go into huge detail about the events of this week but it was hard, Several things that did happen this week was we lost all of our progressing investigators who had dates for Baptisim and the day before church someone broke into the chapel and stole everything and destroyed the Bishops office... I was in shock and felt overwhelmed. I remember just crying and thinking to myself why am I here? I didnt want my companion to see me crying so I tagged behind him as we walked to our next appointment. The mission is tough haha thats for sure and I remember thinking to myself (Matt your all alone here in Brasil without your Family and Friends.) I remember I countinued to say this in my mind, Your alone, Your alone, Your alone.... And then I looked up and saw my shadow and my shadow was split in two against the wall because of the Lights around us and everytime I took a step it looked like someone else was taking a step right behind me... Then I realized that every step I was taking something wasnt following my step but that I was following my Saviors footsteps. I realized that we are never alone even during the hard times. We must always remember that we have the power of prayer. We can talk with our Father in Heaven in any circumstance no matter how difficult the road gets. He will always respond and answers or prayers as long as we have Faith and pray with Real Intent! :)

     The rest of my week was incredible and after I realized this fact that we are never alone I become happy again and I felt that incredible spirit of Faith and Love return to my Heart. I want everyone who is reading this letter to know how much I love you all. There really isnt a day that passes by that im not thinking of you all trust me! Haha the Mission is tough work that is for sure, I have learned more about life in the past 3 months then I learned in 3 years of High School haha I know with every fiber of my soul that this is where we all need to be. Jason im excited for you to get in the field and experience the incredible growing experiences of the Mission. Remember the Lord is always with you even during the days you feel alone. Mom, Dad thank you for putting up with me throughout all the years. I love you so much and I hope that I can be the example and half the parent you both are! I love this Gospel and I love this work, there really is nothing like the Mission! I want all my Incredbile friends to know how much I love you all. You all are truly the best! Also Happy Birthday Olivia I hope its the best Birthday ever! Im just sad Im going to miss being the town creep again this year haha. :) Ben thanks for the E-mail about the Pipe field and Jamba haha how true that is!!! Kristin thank you for the E-mail you testimony is a huge strength to mine, thank you! 

      Always remember that I love you all and even if you never hear from me much on the Mission dont forget that I think of you all always. I love you all so much and I hope to hear from you all soon. :) 

 

P.S. I found out you can send DVDs like of the family and friends talking kinda like a letter through a DVD haha We have a DVD player in our apartment and everyone said its ok as long as its apropriate and its like a letter. :) Love you all      

   

Ben #14

 This week has been a WOW... First off let me tell you that it has been freezing this week! I never would have thought I would be cold in Brazil since I grew up in Rexburg but it happened haha. It has been raining non stop with intense lightning storms. I have never seen anything like it its crazy! The rain drops are the size of my HEAD! haha (ok that might be a little over the top) non- the less they are huge. Its also great to hear how everyone is doing in good ol Rexburg, Im sorry to hear about papa Roy send my love to the Hepworth family. Isnt it great though we have the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the great Plan of Salvation, what a blessing. Wow, alot of families moving in and out of the ward... Mom, Dad am I even going to recognize the ward when I get home? haha and Dad thank you for the words on prayer. I have really been focusing this week on having a personal relationship with my father in Heaven and your words inspired me even more. I LOVE MY PARENTS and their words of spiritual strength. Well, Jason is going to Oklaomah ( Sorry I slaughtered that name) MAN THATS AWESOME! Jason man welcome to Gods army, Its the best! Jordan I just love hearing from you... Porteguese is still a test of faith for me, to answer your question about it, but I know on the Lords time he will bless me with the gift of tounges. I just need to focus on the gifts of the spirit he has already blessed me with. I just need to learn to be PATIENT, its key! Lauren, It was so great to hear from you please keep me informed on life back home. Thank you for your testimony and so right you are. EVERYONE CAN BE A MISSIONARY, look for those oppurtunities to share the gospel with all your heart and serve. Dont worry about the letters. I know how crazy life gets.

      There is so much I want to share, but I just dont have time. This week has been a very spiritual growth for me. As I have been sitting here thinking about what I could share with all of you back home I feel inspired to share about a fight I had this week... A VERY REAL FIGHT... I have really been fighting a ongoing battle with the adversary. He keeps trying to pull me down and weaken my ability to mangify this calling as a missionary. He has been bringing thoughts of, again, doubt, fear, and frustration. That there is no way I can do this. As I got down on my knees and put to practice true communication with my Father in Heaven The strong feeling of peace and comfort came to my mind and these words pressed so deeply into my heart- Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself. There is a clear difference between humility and humiliation... Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weakness ( the words of an apost. sorry no name) I then realized I need to have childlike optimism in all things throughout my life. Then I can confidentaly say "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." Matt, you and I have similar experiences I have come to find out :) there are days when I want to crawl into th edeepest hole, and then dig a little deeper haha... but through the Atonement and true faith in Christ. All things will be possible.

     As Jeffery R. Holland once said " The adversary is real, we dont like to talk about it more then we have to, but sometimes we forget how REAL he truey is!" We know he is through the scriptures. In the first chapters of Mormon we see that he leads an entire nation to destruction... but Family, Friends have faith in Christ and childlike optimism for the future. When you feel incapable get on your knees and PRAY! Then you can win the fight over Satan, William Cowper declared "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees." Thats powerful huh? Its cause HE knows through Christ as our anchor he shall have no power! I testify of this truth cause this week I have witnessed first hand the power of this Gospel, Pray, and CHRIST. Its real, and I know it will bless all of you. Keep doing what is right and do your best. SATAN HAS NO POWER OVER YOU WITH CHRIST. Pray!

In closing once again it was awesome to hear from all of you and your testimonies. To hear the updates and all your lifes. Mom, Dad once again thankyou. You have no idea what your emails do for me. Oh, and send my congrats to Nate thats awesome! Matt... I love you bro. I cant believe I wasted time fighting with you when I could have been gaining a memory of laughter... Never again will I let that past :) Know I am doing great, Basil is alot different then America, but Im loving every moment! I have alot of great investigators and we even commited a family for baptism in two weeks. I hope everything continues well. They read the Book of Mormon together and really really love it! There is so much power that comes from the Book of Mormon, I love it.. Please keep them in your prayers. Sorry for how long this Email is. There is just so much I wish I could tell you all but this is all I have time for. In closing I want to share something that came to my mind that I feel will help you out Matt and I know you can relate to this

"Right now on our mission we are in the middle of the pipe field with the sun beating down on us and the mosquitos attacking us! Right now on our mission we are in the biggest rush at Jamba! Its the hottest day in the summer and its buy one get one free. The line is out the door! HAHA Remeber this important thing we have learned through out all our jobs... Take it one step at a time. Eventually the line will be finished, and we will sit in the shade injoying a nice Otter pop. Eventually all the people will leave in Jamba and the rush will be over... Things seem tough now with teaching, or the launguage. but remember it wont last forever. Eventually we will be what the Lord needs us to be. Keep a smile on your face and TAKE IT ONE STEP AT A TIME"... I love you all again. Cant wait to hear from you all soon.

Elder Benjamin B. Doggett

Picture Time from Ben

OK so we found a random couch in the middle of NOWHERE and thought it was the funniest thing so we got a picture in front of it. Sorry its a little poor quality... Next we went shopping in a FANCY super market haha and found a giant kiss and I mean huge!!!! Only in Brasil would you find something like that :) hope you enjoy, love you all!

Picture time from Matt

Alright so these are pictures of us at a ward party. We sang Backstreet boys and YMCA. It was way fun! Then there is a picture of Elder Michal and I teaching English. and then me with the family of our Ward Mission Leader. There an awesome family! :)

This is a picture of the family again and also of our Ward Primary. I love all those kids their hilarious. The last picture is with my friends from the CTM (From left to right) Elder Illum, Elder Woodruff, Elder Justinsin, and me. Oh by the way you're correct... Elder Woodruff is the great great grandson of President Woodruff... Hes and incredible Missionary. :)