A New Hope

If you think it's hard coming up with a unique subject for every e-mail, you should see my journal. There I need a unique title for every day. Xl I feel like it's a rising scale of difficulty that can only be contained by cheating and using a different language later. :P

Oh right, now that my side thought is over, I'd like to say hi to all you out there! All you wonderful readers that are sticking with every estranged word that I write. You are truly legit... maybe too legit. o_o I almost think the same of the mission thus far. Although every day down here is filled with miles of walking under the blazing hot sun, there are definitely miracles to be seen down here. But I'll get to those in a bit.

First of all, I got to talk to my family this week! As well (as far as I know of) you all may have been privileged to see my terrible little "speech." If you did, this is probably a good time to apologize for my ignorance of the manual focus on the web cam that I didn't notice until after I hung up. :l Sorry Mom, you'll just have to wait till Mother's day to ridicule my face. :P But fortunately I still had the privilege to talk with my family, discover that they're just fine without me, but as well that they continue to grow and become stronger in the Lord. It kind of reminds me of when, in the Book of Mormon, Alma came across his old friends, the sons of Helaman, and rejoiced that they were still his brethren in the Lord. I didn't cry or anything that cheesy, but I guess it is still a somewhat good representation. The unfortunate part, though, was that while they had a nice fresh coat of snow, I've been sitting in 100 degree temperatures with humidity. -.-'  I guess that's just the way it is.

As for the rest of the week, I will describe it with this emoticon: \'o'/ We did a lot of work this week. One of the more important occurrences however, is that several landmarks were reached: both the first baptism of my mission, and the first for this area! Probably one of the coolest experiences was seeing Jaqualine make these final steps to baptism. After she emerged from the water, I could feel that she was certainly prepared of God to help the small little branch we've been working in. My companion and I have been discussing this and have decided that God has prepared those who are truly strong in the Lord to lay the foundations for his church here in Ivoti. With some of the people we're teaching now, I have no doubt that is the case. 

I'm running out of time, so the spiritual thought will be quick. There is a time and a purpose for all things under heaven. Just as Jaqueline wasn't baptized eight years ago with the first set of missionaries, over these years she received even greater preparation and a spiritual witness of these things, and has entered into an area that truly needs her help. Never doubt  if the Lord is there, or if the things that are in this world are solely that of the devil. Always remember that God loves each and every one of you, and that just as a an evil man can give good gifts to his children, then can God give good gifts unto us, his children.

Thanks everyone for the prayers and the support. Thanks for the recipes too Mom. ;) We now have everything we need to actually cook, so this will be great. 

Stay sweet,

Elder Angus

Merry Christmas from Jess

Since our missionaries get to call home on Christmas and mothers day, we had him record a little message for all of you.

That video has been uploaded to the facebook group: Elder Angus

A late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ashes of the Pheonix

And thus did he cry from the wilderness of Ivoti, "Repent thee, repent thee oh though wicked generation! How hast though drawn so far from thy God!" Okay, I have yet to say this, but it is truly what all missionaries are called to do. >:D

Hello world, and thanks for tuning in to the wonderful mission of Elder Angus as he struggles to save the souls of all he can. This week was truly beginning to become testing for me and my companion. First of all, many of the past few days have been really hot, and I mean really hot. Really' it's just hard enough to stay dry sitting down in front of a fan, let alone walking quite a distance from house to house in the sunlight. An interesting thing I've been seeing is that as time goes on, we are walking further and further in this area. I don't know why, but for some reason we never seem to teach people all in one area, and investigator by investigator, we are slowly expanding out to quite some great distances. The weird thing, though, is that we often encounter these people in street contacts on the other side of town! Why? I don't know but that's the way it is. We also had some trouble with the progression of many of our investigators who were unwilling to follow up on commitments, some even that have completely lost their desire. :( I guess that's just the way it is with this kind of missionary work. You bring the truth to all the people you can, but it is truly up to them if they want to follow through and discover the truth of these things for themselves.

The week wasn't all downs though, for some truly inspirational things occurred. For one, I received a wonderful package of cookies and candy from my Mom. (Thanks Mom) But more than that, we had a special Christmas dinner in our small little branch here in Ivoti, where we had the opportunity to teach about Christ to investigators and countless neighbors and friends that outnumbered the number of members. >:D What was really cool, is that one of our investigators invited a friend, who discovered that she had already known the church and the missionaries, but hadn't met with them in eight years, but wants to be baptized. :D It is truly a blessing to see the souls prepared by God making their way towards the right.

I guess I should finish up now. Thanks everyone for all that you do for me, and I'll let you know when the first set of Skittles arrive. ;P Remember that all of you are children of God, that he has a plan for you, and that one day he will place his servants in your path. When this happens, don't push them away, for they truly carry a message of great worth.

Teu amigo,

Elder Angus

Salvation of the Drunken

Friends, Romans, countrymen.

Four score and seven years ago I had a dream. I don't quite recall this dream, but it had something to do with ice cream. Hello everyone, and Bem Vindos for the next episode of Angus in the White Fields! This week was a little different than others because a lot of it was spent outside of our area. This week we had the priviledge to visit the Porto Alegre temple on Tuesday, a mission Leadership Conference on Wednesday, and than a Zone Confrence on Friday, all of which require us grabbing an Onibus to Novo Hamburgo (and for some a train to Porto Alegre). Although extra instruction is great, I feel like this entire week was overloaded and we got very little done with the time we had. However, there were a lot of good experiences we had.

An interesting story of what came to pass two days ago is that of our saving a man who was extremely drunk and nearly died in the backyard of an investigator family. However, after already typing a few details then deleting, I've decided that one is better left for the imagination. After all, the better stories are those of when souls are saved, not only vitality. This week had an especially legit experience with an investigator named Luciani. We had encountered her while knocking at a random door after having lunch with a member in the far reaches of the city. She's only lived here for a few months, but moved here with her daughter, son, and husband (whom I've never met). She's really progressing well and is one of two people (her and Michael) who actually visited church a second time in a row. This week, when we visited her we started by asking if anybody had questions. Luciani's hand shot strait up and she said I have one! Of course, at this time we have all the different scenarios running through our heads, what rumors she heard, what her husband said, etc. Then, to our surprise, she said, "What do I have to do to be baptized in your church?" :l ... :D It took a few seconds for the question finally sunk in and we realized what she had said. After that, me and my companion excitedly explained all she needed to know. We can't set a date yet until she has plans for marriage, but she is certainly ready to receive and has a desire to do so! :D

I could probably relate more, but I'm an extremely slow typer, so I'll just finish with my motivational thought. This week I've been studying the General Conference talks in the Liahona (in Portuguse :l) and encountered a talk by Elder Quentin L. Cook titled "Can you feel so now?" (I think) and the first things he talks about is repentance. Often we see repentance as solely a means to receive forgiveness, but this is not it. Repentance is like the remedy to a sickness. Whenever we take anything into our hearts or our souls, it damages us and makes it difficult for us to move or to act. Repentance is the means by which we can relieve our burdens, open our spiritual sensitivity, and realize more of our grand potential. 

Thanks everyone for your love and support. I gotta run!

Elder Angus

P.S. Thanks to anyone with plans to send Skittles ;)

Skittle Famine

Gazooks!

I figured my letter intros needed to be a little more interesting, so I started to improvise. Todays letter, however, will begin with my lamentations of the long lost product of infinite worth... Skittles. They don't sell them here! DX I don't even think the black market smuggles them in, mostly because they're focused on the Old Spice. The lack of thereof, has inspired a desire within those touched by the rainbow that they will even surrender time in their day and teach with the missionaries just for a bag of skittles. So, I make an official plea to the world that is listening to send me this precious commodity. ;P

Okay, it really isn't that dramatic, but there litterally are no skittles here, and one of the five male members of the branch here will only combine with us for a bag of skittles, a little joke. I am glad to announce, however, that we have finally received a fridge and stove! Now all we need is gas and we'll be ready to eat something other than sandwitches and cereal for breakfeast and dinner. However, we have had some nice treats to snack on from families we've taught. My companion told me that you know a person/family trusts you when they send you home with food, and you know they love you when they make you Churrasco (pronounced shoe-haus-coo, meaning barbecue, sweet sweet barbecue). Luckilly, both of these things happend this week, wich means we have alot of friends and alot of good food. :D

But the food certainly isn't the best part of the mission, nor is it the purpose. The best part is the people. For example, one of our investigators, Michael, is probably one of the best people I know. Unlike every other investigator we have, he actually calls Us to confirm appointments. :D He's also studying the "Principles of the Gospel" book for sundayschool and asking us questions when we stop by. The best part of all is that he will go to the church on his own, and drag his family along too. We're considering calling him a dry member, because all he needs is baptisim. :)

But when it all comes down to it, we all should be this excited about the word of God. It is not some form of fantasy, a good story, or a means by which we justify our actions. No, the word of God is an essential part of all our lives to secure our salvation and the salvation of those we love. It answers all of our questions, and it prepares us for that which matters more than all things, returning to the presence of our Heavenly Father. Please, no one take these things lightly, but don't be afraid either. When we have treasured the word unto our hearts unto action and following the word, we have secured our salvation and in this we may have joy.

Thanks everyone for your love and support. We'll be having a baptisim this Sunday and I hope you all pray to make sure it happens. In the end, this branch is amazingly small and we need more members to help. :) 

High Fives, handed out like party favors!

Elder Angus

Days Without Rain

Opa!

Once again you have the great opportunity to hear the toils and random nonsense of Elder Angus out in the farthest reaches of Brazil (well, okay that may be a little exaggerated). The only real way to describe how life is here is adventure. In our house, we haven't had power for the duration of the week, so we haven't been able to wash our clothes or iron them, and we also have been taking cold showers by candle light every night. Elder Tenório, my companion/trainer/Pai, says he's always had everything he needed in a mission house, and so he feels very unprepared. However, just this morning, the lights suddenly came on and it was like a hallelujah chorus. However, we still haven't had the chance to use it. :l Oh well.

The work here is going remarkably well. Among all the chaos of a new area and a new home, we've been meeting some great new people. We met a family the beginning of this week who are from Forteleza, and they were really receptive. My companion is from Forteleza as well, so immediately they hit off a great friendship. So far we've been teaching them everyday and already have the kids set for baptism on Dec. 9! Oh sweet beans and hot sauce! Sorry for my weird exclamation but I just think this area is really cool. Literally no one here has heard about the church and everyone is letting us in for at least one lesson. What's really cool, though, is that this Sunday we had eleven investigators and a few children come to church, nearly doubling the size of the branch attendance! That's already tons for this mission, but me and Elder Tenório have even greater goals, to help everyone we can, find the pathway toward joy and salvation.

For my little spiritual message this week, I'd like to talk about one of our investigators. We've only taught him once, but we are already certain he will be ready for anything we throw at him. He's the father of one of the branch members here that was recently converted, and he has a great interest in truth. After we finished teaching him and challenged him to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know of its truth, he said, "Com certeza," ("without a doubt," in this case) and explained that he felt a true knowledge and spirit within us, and that he had studied and searched for truth in all things. Furthermore, he explained that he had no doubt that if these things were true, and if God were to affirm this through prayer, he would, without a doubt, be baptized and become a member. This is the kind of person we all need to be. Not necessarily in receiving the gospel as such, but we must be actively seeking for truth, or more truth. We must be searching to learn more about God, about his plan, about our responsibilities, and even simply about the world he created if we so choose. When we do this, when we are in a state of active search, it is then that the Lord reveals his truths unto us.

Just a note for my Mom, the little worry wart, ;) I'm fine and eating well... at lunch. The members truly feed us well, and although we only eat cookies for breakfeast and dinner, the lunches make up for the rest. >:D

Thank you everyone and thank you for your prayers and support. I'd hug you all, but that's a little difficult to do from here, so hug yourselves for me. :P

Your friendly laborer in the field,

Elder Angus

For all mail and packages, send to 

Elder Jess R Angus

Caixa Postal 13008

Porto Alegre - RS

CEP:91010-971

Brasil

Elders at the airport Wendy's (Elder Christiansen at front)

Me w/ Mission President and wife (Pres&Sis Wright)

The Elders of my CTM district

The CTM View at night

My whiteboard drawing of Christ

My CTM companion on his bed (Elder Davidson)

My CTM district + Irmã Menezes

Me w/ CTM President and wife (Pres&Sis Dane)

Our new House and Eldder Tenório

Arrived safely

Casa Branca

Ôla!

Elder Angus here on another great addition of the wandering missionary. So, I'm finally out into the field! It's kind of crazy down here but one thing is for sure, this place seems more like america than Brazil. If the people here spoke English, you wouldn't tell the difference. So, I am now in my first area. The interesting part, though, is that it also happens to be a new area. What I've been told is that the town of Ivoti has never had missionaries before, and that they've held a special fast in order to receive them. :D Que coisa boa! There are only about twenty members in the branch here, but they are all really strong members and about half of them speak descent English. You'd think that would help me, but in reality, my entire life right now is in Portuguese. At times I, I even think of a Portuguese word first, label it as English, then speak the English equivalent as Portuguese. X( But the good thing is that although my language system is a complete wreck right now, I can still teach. 

So, since this area is entirely new, we're doing a lot of contacting people. We've been "knocking on doors" (which is actually clapping at gates) and making a lot of street contacts so we can find people to teach. The funny thing is that nobody here knows who missionaries are, so you'll be standing on a street and see hundreds of people stare or take double takes at you with confusion in their eyes. I don't blame them though. Usually its not normal to be walking around on a hot day with a shirt on here, let alone pants and shoes as well. We also just got a new house to stay in, so we literally have nothing in the house but two mattresses, two lawn chairs, a bathroom + shower, and a sink (which we barely finished installing this morning). But its all a fun experience.

There is one family I really like so far. We encounterd a man, Michael, on the street and he said we could visit him. When we went to visit him though, he wasn't there. However, his Mom and sister were, and when we taught them the first lesson, I could see on their faces that they liked it and they wanted to learn more. My mom has been worried about her talk this week and has been desperately asking me to say why I chose to leave on a mission. The awnser is this, that I love to see other people when they are happy. The gospel we have to teach is a powerful tool that brings families closer, and people closer to Heavenly Father. This naturally brings people, like me, great happiness in their lives, a happiness you can see in their smiles and their behavior. This is something priceless, and something that brings me great joy as well. 

Good Luck on your talk Mom and thanks everyone for your love and support. Iforgot to bring my photos and info with me today, so expect them next week. Just know that there are no gaurantees the current mission adress will work, unless you're using the one that goes to the post office box. Love you all, and stay sweet!

Elder Angus

Time Compression

Holar from Brazil!

 

Surprise! I`m still at the CTM! Don`t worry, I didn`t do anything wrong or something like that, I just got an extra day here, which just so happens to be my p-day. >:D Apparently there is an area conference soon, so all the Mission Presidents are here in São Paulo. Makes, sense to delay travel a day, otherwise we'd be arriving at our mission areas with nobody to help direct us. So, I'm just living the life here for my last day at the CTM.

 

We went proselyting this morning as well. Normally we would have done it yesterday, but it rained a lot and that slows the buses down, so we ran into a time constraint X(. Luckily however, we had this extra day on our schedules in which we could try again. Rather than proselyte around here, we ended up going to Paulista Ave. (I think I spelled that right) which is downtown São Paulo. Their they have at least twenty times more people walking around. To get there, we took the onibus, where me and my companion taught someone who speaks English. Apparently she was an exchange student in Indiana, where she went to a Catholic high school. How cool is that! It seemed kind of odd, yet easier to be able to teach in English.   I think it went very well. Once off the bus, we talked with a lot of people. Probably the most interesting thing I've seen so far, is that the people who are most receptive to the truths we have to share, are those who don't normally appear to be receptive, and those who are young. All in all, I think it was a successful day.

 

As for the rest of the day, I've been packing up my things and preparing to leave. This mostly involves washing and folding laundry (something my college roommates can affirm that I dread) and searching for all my stuff that mysteriously disappeared. Surprisingly, the only things I can't find are a few articles of clothing, and a sandwich that went missing a few weeks ago. O_O I really hope someone took the latter. Also, I bought a cheap chess set a few weeks ago that had two black royalties instead of a white one, so I decided to hand the pieces out today and have everyone hide them in rarely seen places. It's like a meaningful scavenger hunt. Just like the right people to teach, sometimes you have to search in the most obscure or unlikely of places. ;)

 

I've been thinking a lot lately about what I could tell you all. Just a few days ago, we "baptized" our practice investigator. Even though she wasn't an actual investigator, it really felt like we had helped another child of God return to the fold. Recently, also, the instructors had a play to show us how we can work with members to help them spread the glorious gospel among their friends and family. And so, I've decided to tell you about faith and fear. In the Book of Mormon, the first people we read about is Lehi and his family. Laman and Lamuel always murmered against their father, a prophet, and the commandments of God. We read many times that they repented and that they began to do righteous things, but they always strayed off the right path because they feared what the future could hold. When asked to retrieve plates from Jerusalem, they tried once and failed.  Fearing they would lose their lives upon a second attempt, they began to doubt God and his power. Please brothers and sisters, be not like Laman and Lamuel, but be as Nephi, and have faith in the Lord and his promises. Fear not to share the gospel, or to do what you know is right. It is likely that we may consider this a "hard thing" to do, and that the risks are high. But please, doubt not, for the Lord will always bless and help those who act in faith.

 

Thank you once again for all your love and support.  I pray for all of you and ask you all to be strong and of great courage. Doubt not for the Lord shall deliver.

 

Stay awesome.

Elder Jess Angus (The best link to my name is McDonalds here. Who knew.)

Sunshine sprinkled with dew

Wow, it`s cool to see how the world goes on, and just how secluded I seem to be. At the same time, though, the world has the most powerful influence of all. Just today, for example, I've been praying for someone who will rule with wisdom and righteousness to win this election. It doesn't really matter who it is that wins to me, but I know that if that person holds to the strong family values and the love of God as they rule and make judgments, they will be a good leader and help this country to progress. As such, it is important that we always support our leaders in their positions. When we disagree with an action, it profiteth none but the adversary to comment with scorn or hate. We must be active in the civil process, kindly inform our leaders of our views, and make sure to elect leaders who are righteous and who listen.

Today is my last P-day at the CTM, and as such I may not be writing for a while. I head out to the field next Tuesday, sometime in the morning, and then the real work begins. Just yesterday, we had a little taste of what the work would be like, and I loved it. We went out in the afternoon and endure three hours of walking and heat to spread the word to the people and to share the Book of Mormon with people on the street. It was so fun and so spiritually enlightening. For example, we met one lady who was walking her dog and at first she said "she already had a religion," but when we told her about the Book of Mormon, how it testifies of Christ and the love of God to his children, and after we testified of the truth of it unto her, she seemed so excited to receive one and told us she would read it that night. :D So awesome!

We often take for granted the power of the Book of Mormon. It is not just another book of scripture, or just some story of the people in the ancient Americas. I know this book is true, that the the prophets who wrote the passages therein did so for the benefit of our day. This wonderful book truly does testify of God and of Christ, and I feel closer to them each time I ready and ponder its words. I would like to challenge all of you who are reading this to treasure up the Book of Mormon into your hearts, to seek for knowledge, truth, and understanding. However, I most of all seek for you all to find a greater testimony in Christ, for he truly is the foundation of all things. I know this is true and I know you will be blessed as you do this, and with that I testify in the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank you everyone for your love, support, and candy. I wish all the luck to your future, and say good luck in all your endeavors.

With Giant Hugs,

Elder Angus

P.S. For halloween, we totally went full out and dressed as missionairies! Some of us switched name tags for fun just to confuse the new people. ;) You can always find joy in the little things.

Note: Jess has only one more week at the MTC.  He won't get the mail that is sent to the MTC.  You can send him mail to the mission office down in Porto Alegre.  He should be able to collect mail from there until we find out his new address.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  He is doing great!

Elder Jess Robert Angus

Brazil Porto Alegre North Mission

Av. Visconde de Macaé, 245

Cristo Redentor

91350-290 Porto Alegre - RS

Brazil

Epoch of Zanarkand

Hello!

 

I`ve officially decided that I am going to share the subjects of my e-mails with one of my week`s journal entries. There is so much I write in these journal entries, mostly about random non-sensical stuff, I'm starting to second guess my willingness to go back through and read them. I'll see though. I hear I've got a strange sence of humor, and when I go back and read these entries or letters two years from now, maybe I'll get a good laugh. :D

 

Not alot of interesting things are happening on this end of the world except for the heat. It's crazy hot here right now. Standing in one place, you'll start to sweat within a minute or two. It makes me really miss cold Colorado weather. Especially when all the Air Conditioning units in the Training Center stoped working. 'XO I just got the halloween package from my mom this morning and it reminds me of being a little kid, having a bunch of candy all piled in a row and waiting to be devoured. I have to take it easy though because my teeth need to last me for a few good decades more. Recently, we wrote Dear Johns to the English language, and all of them were especially mean. I tried to let her off easy, but I think that was a bad choice because I just can't get rid of her now. English is my new little stalker. Not that I mind right now, though. I'll just worry about her later.

 

I think it's getting to the point here at the MTC where I can't really learn any more Portuguese. Given that I have only two weeks left here before the field, that's probably a good thing, but I am starting to get antsy. It seems like classes, although memorable, are starting to become less and less productive. I want to get going and preach the gospel to actual people! People who are searching for truth, searching for answers, searching for some confirmation in their life that there is a God and that he is looking out for them. I understand the purpose I have here though, and that is to help me to fill my purpose as a missionary. "Convidar as pesoas a achegaram-se a Crist, ajudando-as a receber o evanjelho restorado por meio da fé em Jesus Cristo e em Sua Expíação, do arrependimento, do batismo, de receber o dom do Espirito Santo, e de preserverar até of fím." Which means, "to help others to come unto Crist by helping them recieve the resored gospel, through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptisim, receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."

 

Everyone, thanks for all your prayers, your love and your support. I want to wish good luck to everyone else that has also decided to go on a mission. Apparently, since the anouncements in General Conference, Missionary applications have increased to 400%+ than the usual! That shows how incredible this work is! My prayers go out to you all and I hope you all find your way to True Happiness.

 

Your Laborer in Brazil,

Elder Angus

Hit But Still Kicking

Hello World,

 

This week is all starting to fall into routine. Although there are new things to learn and more incomprehensible people, it all seems to be the same. However, it also makes it so I can enjoy the little things. For example, earlier this week we had the first breakfast of pancakes since I've been here. Everybody seemed so starved of pancakes it seemed like the trays were emptied before they even hit the counter. I'm among a crowd of crows! Anyway, another example is the drawings we make on the whiteboards during transition periods. I've really gotten to know my district well and they're all quite the crazy bunch. I'll make sure to take plenty of pictures to send ya'll when I hit the field in a few weeks.

 

We recently got new Brazilian roommates, and these Elders are awesome. They're the first Elders with us that don't know a lot of English, so we're helping them learn. So far we've successfully taught one of them the phrases "Howdy Elders!" and "Evnin' Ladies." :) They're helping us out with Portuguese a lot too. One of the coolest things is that I'm already catching onto the language so well. I can't speak it very well, but I can understand a lot of what the Brasilieros say (as long as it is gospel related). Just yesterday, we were practice investigators for the Brasilieros, and it was really fun. The best part about it is I also figured out how bad I would be at teaching the law of chastity. I got good ideas though. Beyond that and the random blackouts and loss of water pressure in the building, nothing else is new this week.

 

Now, for the spiritual part. This is all about Faith and action. As it says in James, "faith without works is dead." This may seem kind of extreme or harsh on the surface, but it states a true fact. If we are to claim to have faith in anything, what does it mean if we do not act? If we believe that the universe was created through the source of the "Big bang," what good does it do us if we do not seek out proofs, search for answers and test the results? Or, perhaps you don't use that knowledge to improve current technologies, advance human understanding, or simply search top advance your own? If you don't, it remains an empty belief, a bias that twists you in one direction of an argument, but does nothing for anyone but add a number to a chart. Is faith in Christ so different? Everyone, I challenge you all to act on your faith, dive deep, advance your knowledge, seek for answers, and help the world come to a better understanding of what our savior has done for us, and all we can achieve through him.

 

Thank you all for you prayers and for your support. My prayers go out to all of you as well, and I wish you all safety in whatever journey you are on.

 

Sincerely,

Elder Jess Angus

The Tie Half-Mast

Hoy, como vai o mundo?

 

Over the last week, I've come to realize that there are a lot of parties and holidays in Brazil. Just this week was a combination two holidays and one party, which means nothing for us other than our instructors are too tired to teach us for a while. One of the holidays was Kids Day, something that we don't celebrate in America :( but is really big here. Everyone pretty much got off work that day, but it also could have been because it was also Nosso Senhora Aparecido (Our Lady Appeared) Day, which is a major catholic saint around here. The most interesting part of her story, though, is she achieved sainthood as a statue. I don't know all the details of it, but it's pretty interesting.

 

This Saturday was our half day at the Missionary Training Center, so we honored the moment by tying our ties half mast. The funny thing is a day later, we were all asked to avoid "silly traditions." It could be just coincidence, but I'm not ready to accept that. I don't mind giving up traditions, but I'm certainly glad they didn't cancel our shower singing privileges. Just in this last week we've done near imperfect renditions of "Nearer My God, To Thee", "Barbra Ann", and many more beautiful songs. I've actually found that I can be a lot more sociable when you can't see my face.

 

This week I learned a lot about foundational strength. In order to help someone become closer to God, you must always start with the basics. Unless someone is completely solid in their understanding that God exists, that he loves us, and that we can return to him through Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to his commandments, they will never fully comprehend nor desire the mysteries of heaven. This is my greatest problem, because I'm fascinated by the mysteries of heaven. However, I have realized that as I search for the answers to complex questions, I often may falter in my Faith if i have not established myself sturdily into the recesses that God has provided. We must all learn to build strong foundations in Christ if we seek to know more and not falter. Build in yourselves Faith, Hope, Charity, Love, Diligence, Obedience, Patience and Long Suffering and I promise that you will find all things to have meaning. Follow the example of Christ, and he will follow you wherever you go.

 

I love you all, and thanks for your support and for your prayers.

Holy Conference, Batman!

Dear people of the cyberkinetic communication network,

 

The heat is comming as the Colorado-like weather we have in São Paulo is turning into what one might expect for Brazil in the winter/summer. Luckily the CTM has plenty of Air Conditioning so I'll be fine for at least the next five weeks I'm here. The atmosphere and culture around here is sometimes interesting to imagine. Alot of stores directly nearby have prices that are abnormally high, because they know missionaries live here and everyone thinks "Americans have tons of money!" In a way they're right, but at the same time they don't consider how much money we're actually putting into our mission already. :)

 

I'd say I was well fed this week, not in food (although it is pretty good) but in soul. This week was General Conference for the church, and what a truly blessing opportunity it is to hear the Prophet and Apostles address the church twice each year. This may sound wierd comming from me, who only a few months ago would fall asleep within the first talk, but there is a truly inspiring spirit that I felt this time. The spirit of the meeting, combined with the spirit of the mission combined to create a full fleged tidal wave of spiritual confirmations. I think that my feelings will be best displayed as I quote parts of my journal entry for the day...

 

"Ok, General Conference. Holy Pokémon! There really is no better way to put it! At times I surprised :o. I Times I was overjoyed :D. At times I even Cried :´)...First of all, I am so shocked that there will now be 18 year old Elders and 19 year old Ssters (serving missions)! Holy cow we are certainly in the last generation and we are viewing all the moments of the restored gospel (of Jesus Christ) explode onto all the faces of the Earth. Knowing the power of God, it nearly eliminates all fear for what's about to happen among the children of men. I can feel the spirit so strongly right now, more perminent than I have ever remembered it being before... It's this awesome feeling of truth, an ongoing witness that all of this is true ... (and) I hope to give to others like me... We are all enlisted until the conflict is o'er and we will love every minute!"

 

Sometimes I read my journal and see just how many mistakes I'm getting due to the Portuguese invasion. Well, that's it for my time. I pray for you all, each and every day, and I feel all of your prayers taking hold as well. I know God loves all of you and he will do what is best for his children.

 

Até mais,

Elder Jess Angus

Insert Nonsensical Title Here

Dear ´merica,

 

I´m glad to see that everything is functioning like a well oiled machine. Not alot of new things have been happening this week other than my sudden realization that I had a blue dot on my name plaqueta more than two weeks ago, and just this week, the third set of new missionairies will be comming in since I´ve arrived. :o I feel like I´m not progressing very quickly in comparison to the nine weeks I´m at the CTM, but in comparison to the four years of Spanish in highschool, I´m accelerating at a rapid pace! It just goes to show that the spirit´s gift of toungues really works. Unfortunately, it also requires the effort of the recipient, something that I havent yet put in 100% yet. But, I promise I will by the end!

 

My days have become somewhat routine now, but there´s always something new to experience. My journal entries over the whole time period have always taken one to two pages. Going back and reading them reminds me of two things: Alot of strange things happen to me and I have a strange sense of humor. Each day has a title, and each of them makes very little sense. I guess thats just the way I am. It makes me wonder though if anyone will take me seriously if I stop them on the street and say I would like to share great joy and peace with them.

 

There´s so many interesting things that happen around here and so many things to talk about, but I have so little time :(. Unfortunately, I can´t upload any pictures until I´m in the field. I might just send a letter with some developed pictures sometime next week so you can see a little of how my life is here in Brazil Part 1. I think I´ll just talk about a few interesting things about my life to finish up this letter. One, the pizza here is really bad, and by bad I mean healthy. They don´t put any sauce between the cheese and the bread, and all the toppings are really wierd. There is, however, one good pizza, and that is the banana-nutella pizza. :P~ The deliciousness of this magnificent creation is self evident, so I´ll leave it at that. Two, my roomate got sick last week and was quarantined in the room for over 40 hours. It sounds terrible, but because of that he is farther than all the rest of us as far as studying. Three, I finally put the mini golf set to use on Sunday afternoon during the three hour freetime after church. Everyone in the hallway took turns trying for a hole in one down the halway. And might I say, golfing on tile is very difficult. Finally, the Monday Lunch special is called Feijuada (I think I spelled that right) which is essentially, an entirre pig chopped up into rice and beans. Now, when I say a whole pig, I mean ALL the pig (although, I´m not sure about the intestines or gut)

 

That´s all. Thanks for all the love and support. I forgot to congratulate Danielle on her mission call (cool beans by the way) so I will do so now. Also, I guess I´ll leave you with a scripture in Portuguese. 1 Néfi 3:7 - "E aconteceu que eu, Néfi, disse a meu pai: Eu irei e cumprirei as ordens do Senhor, porque sei queo Senhor nunca dá ordens aos filhos dos homens sem antes preperar um caminho pelo qual suas ordens possam ser cumpridas." Never doubt the Lord, for he will always provide a way to conquer all the obstacles you face. My prayers go out to all of you.

 

Até mais,

Elder Angus

Rooming with Brazilieros

I'm really beginning to enjoy the work. Yesterday we had an 'English fast' which essentially meant we were quiet for most of the time, but it also was fun to see how much Portuguese I knew. This way of learning is growing on me. I probably said this before, but they don't teach grammer here as much as they teach you how to teach. We've had tons of practice investigators, and although we don't know much at all, we can say enough to let the spirit guide our conversations in a good direction. I know I'm becoming a much more powerful teacher in English, now I just need to transfer it to the next dimension. I havn't heard alot more about Porto Alegre yet except that the temperatures are extremes on both ends, the genetics are well mixed, and the language is so well spoken it is as if the people sing Portuguese rather than speak it. All in all it makes me want to get out in the field even more.

 

As for more information about here, I'll start with food. Lunch is the largest and every meal is stuffed full of protien. That combined with three Gym times a week means I'm putting on a few pounds. Don't think I'll keep them for long though. :D My companion's name is Elder Davidson. He lives in the Bay area of California and went to BYU Hawaii. He's beastly huge and a pro at basketball. Overall, he's nearly the oposite of me. In a room, we have six people. Me and my companion, Elder Newey and Elder DeYoung (the musical geniuses), and two Bazilieros (whose names I have already forgotten). It's fun to talk to the Brazilians because it gives you a chance to practice your portuguese.

In the end, everything is great, the people are wonderful, and the spirit is more poerful than any credit we can give him. Of that I can testify. Thanks everyone for your prayers and for your words. May the Lord bless you in all your endeavors.

 

Sincerely,

Elder Angus

Hiyah from São Paulo, Brazil.

The CTM (that's portuguese for MTC) is huge, and crazy. Apparently it's one of the largest LDS buildings outside of the states. Cool Beans right?

Anyway, I officially know that prtuguese is a real pain to learn. Four years of Spanish kind of helps, but it is also the opposite. Basically, portuguese is a french style of Spanish, and it is a completely different way of pronouncing practically every letter. The way they teach is interesting too. Just in this first week my companion and I have learned to pray, bear our testimonies, and we have taught two investigators. Que legal! (How cool!) The atmosphere here is really an interesting one. You are surrounded by hundreds of people from several countries, all speaking different languages, but all coming for one purpose: to preach the word of God unto the nations and bring others closer to Christ.

I'm going to skip the 10 hour flight stories and save you the trouble. When I got here, it didn't feel any different from Colorado. Turns out, this is one of the hottest and dryest winters in Brazil. So naturally it is about twenty degrees hotter and alot mioster than when I arrived. :T' <- Sweaty Emoticon. São Paulo is quite incredible. The city is gigantic and there are high rises as far as the eye can see, even when in flight. The driving is probably the only thing that makes me realize I'm in another country. As you go down the road, you will hear alot of quick horn honking, which means that someone is switching lanes abruptly. Essentially, it's like blaring your horn, turning into the next lane and hoping nobody hits you as you do this. Another thing, which may or may not be true, I heard that if you hit a pedestrian with your car, it's not punishable by law unless you stop. Thus, cars naturally have the right of way on all streets. Imagine that.

Anyway, I, a lowly servant of the lord, am toiling away in study and prayer in order to better prepare myself to teach with confidence and knowledge, and do it in Portuguese. I only get 30 minutes to write here at the CTM, so I'll say just a few more things. One is that the Brazil national Hymn sounds so much cooler than ours, and I'm officially adopting it, even though I have yet to understand the lyrics. >:D Two is taht prayer and study, when combined are a true force that can build upon the very foundations of your education. Finally, Charity is everything. Without Christlike love for one another, we become nothing but creatures destined to thrive in sorrow or greed for the rest of our lives.

Thanks for all the prayers and the help you all have given me.

Sincerely Elder Angus.

P.S. Postage trakes 2 weeks+ to get here so DON'T send letters. E-mail me. But if you do send letters, send them to my mission address instead of the CTM, otherwise they will be returned if I've already left for the field. :'(

Hello Brazil!

Jess has safely arrived at the MTC in Sa Paulo, Brazil. A brief email was sent to my dearest mother to inform her he had arrived. It was full of useful information but I can only hope that they too gave him that crucial bit of advice that I gave a few nights before he left: "Jess...don't get eaten by Piranhas."

We are hoping he writes us a letter every week (if he doesn't, President Garret will haunt him with a late night telephone call) so there will be plenty of adventures to post on here (as long as he follows my advice because if he doesn't then...well the adventure will be cut short). We're just glad to know that he has arrived safely and even if he is in the southern part of Brazil and not in the Amazon forest where there are all sorts of creepy crawlies and deadly beasts...I still stand by my advice because getting eaten by Piranhas, as great a story it would be, would really hinder his ability to do his duty as a missionary.

Good luck, Elder Angus.