Monday, July 1, 2013

Não Temais

Note from Mom: Hello to all our friends and family.  I thought I would let you know what was going on in the family so you know what Jess is talking about in his letter.  Our daughter Madison is expecting a little girl in November.  We are all really excited but wish that she lived close by.  Jess's birthday is coming up September 17th.  If any of you would like to send him a birthday card I am sure he would love it.  His address is as follows:
 
Elder Jess Robert Angus
Caixa Postal 13008
Porto Alegre - RS
CEP: 91010-971
Brasil
 
Thanks for all your prayers and support,
Debbie

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To Mom: O ... ... ... <-Super Long hug
I'm glad to see the family is getting better and stronger. I'm a little sad to know that we'll still be faulting testosterone in the family (I was hoping for a nephew), but I'm glad that another child of God will arrive in our family. However, if there's anything that I'd ask for my birthday, it's ties. At home, three ties is enough for a lifetime, but on the mission, six ties doesn't even fill a week! :l But I'm fine with just about anything, even if it's just a booby-trapped box. :P
Do not fear. Nor be ye dismayed. Little of us truly understand the magnitude of this commandment. Many of us are lost in a world of stress, anger, worry, sadness, and other troublesome emotions. We become wracked with questions, doubts, misunderstandings. We look everywhere, but hide within ourselves. A little bit back an Apostle, Deiter F. Uchtdorf, spoke that one of the most popular regrets in life is this: I wish that I'd let myself be more happy.
We need to be happy. It is our purpose here to grow and to find joy. Obviously we will pass many great trials and afflictions in life. Just as Adam was taught that he must work all the days of his life, so must we. However, we must remember that when we are doing what is right, the Lord will be with us. When the Lord is with us, nothing is impossible. When nothing is impossible, there is no need to fear, but there is reason to shout and rejoice. Maybe many of you think that I'm speaking foolishness, but I've seen for myself the effect. I already know the weight of a heavy conscience, or of a needy family. In fact, sometimes I feel like I'm carrying the whole church on my shoulders. But, what I've learned is that when we never let our weaknesses pull us down, nor abandon our efforts on what appears to be a lost cause, God Completes the Rest.

This week was the baptism of one of the strongest converts I've seen. In fact, she'd already been converted before I'd arrived here, but because of worldly influences and persecution, she never wanted to commit nor follow. For the past four months, we'd testified, taught, and invited, and it had appeared as if to no avail. Then, the senhor completed his part. A week or two ago, a member visited this family to say hi and to talk with the husband. When they were talking, he bore his testimony, just about the importance of a united family, but it touched her soul profoundly. We arrived just a few days later, and she'd already began preparing everything for her own baptism, and her testimony is a force to be reckoned with.
So, be of good cheer, for the Lord thy god is with thee, for wherever thou walk-est.
Thanks for all the love and support. Unfortunately I haven't received a promised package from the youth yet, but maybe it'll arrive in a few years. ;) Just make sure you send to the "caixa postal" (p.o. box) because the office is overloaded by worried families of other missionaries. :P
Anyway, até próximo!
Elder Angus
Word of the week:
Guri/Guria (goo-REE/goo-REE-uh) Meaning child/ young man/ young woman/ laddie. This word is used mostly by the southerners. 

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