Failing Flesh

Unfortunately, lifting groceries is not a sufficient enough exercise to prepare one for service in Brazil. I learned that this week as my companion and I did a little service for our Branch President, making a few modifications to his house and fence. To those of you who don't know, every single building constructed here is made of any combination of wooden slates, brick, concrete, and stone. Unfortunately, this particular work involved more of the latter, carrying 88lb stone blocks from the front yard to the back. o.o' Let's just leave it to say that my arms still haven't recovered from the incident. 

But, although I wasn't entirely prepared physically, I like to think I was well prepared spiritually. "Whom the Lord calls, he qualifies." On saturday night, I was awakened by my companion with the frightening news that I, he'd remembered, had a talk to give the next day. ...:l So, after slowly getting out of bed, I went on a frantic search for the topic and material for the talk, only to find I had left it at the chapel the day I received it. X( But, as eager as I was to prepare that talk when I got to church the next day, I still had responsibilities to do. So, in about the last few minutes before sacrament meeting, I quickly skimmed over the material. Subject: missionary work. -.-' What a relief! Fortunately, I've talked so much about the subject in Portuguese before, I was well prepared to give the talk. >:D Does that mean I'd do this again?...No, no I won't. However, this is just another witness that as we are doing what we're supposed to, and fulfilling all of our responsibilities, the Lord will help us conquer anything he asks of us.

Nothing much else happened this week that's worth mentioning (that I remember), but this upcoming Saturday, we'll be having three really powerful baptisms. This family is well prepared, and have really strong testimonies. Two days ago, they even went with us to help teach another family, and during the lesson, they bore their testimonies so powerfully you could just see the light of Christ manifest in their hearts. Unfortunately, the parents have yet to be baptized, so only the kids will be baptized this week. Nevertheless, they will certainly serve as a strength and an anchor to help their parents make the next step.

Thanks everyone for the help and the prayers. Yesterday I ate the last Skittle in remembrance of all the good you guys do for me. But, instead of an emergency re-supply, I ask for something a little different. Instead, I ask just that you all sacrifice a little of your time, or show a little bit of courage to talk with somebody about the Book of Mormon. That's right, I just went there. >:P That means those of you who know, talk to others, and those of you who don't, talk with those who do. There is a lot of truth, power, and happiness that is riding on this one book of scripture, and we should never fear to declare this glad tidings unto the world (or to search for them, for that matter).

Anyway, don't lose your cool. You are children of God, and only you can throw off your groove. ;)

Élder Angus

Wards of the week:

Portugués - Churrasco (shoo-ha-scoo) Meaning barbecue. Here in the south, they have alot of it. Usually they do ribs or sausage rotiserie style over a charcoal flame. Delicious. :P~

Mission - Trunky (this actually might be Portuguese as well) The state of a missionary as he begins thinking a lot of home. For example, my companion is going home in 14 days, so he's gone all kinds of trunky. 

Note from Breanna: No, Trunky is not a Portuguese, it's a term used in all missions. :)