The tradition here some what reflects the American version, with a few differences. The bunny and the egg continue to be major icons of the season. Eggs also become a popular decoration, as people hollow-out eggs, paint them, and put them together in wreaths/baskets/etc. However, they don't do Easter egg hunts. Instead, everyone comes together for a big barbecue and present each other with large chocolate eggs. (Basically wonder-balls ranging from the size of your fist to the size of your head) One thing that thankfully doesn't change, it is the time to celebrate Christ and His victory over death.
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This mother's day, I had the pleasure to see my family once more before the epoch homecoming. Everyone seems to be doing fine, and for that I'm extremely happy, but there is one thing that distresses me. It seems that while I've tarried away in Brazil, a cardboard figure masquerading my likeness has snuck his way into my home and my life. I have a doppelganger! D: !!!!!
Hehehe, just kidding. I actually suggested to do something of the sort (a paper plate with my face) but it looks like they actually went through with it. What a loving, dedicated family. ;P (For his cousins wedding we made a cardboard look alike of Jess so that he could attend the reception. I will attatch some pictures to this email.)
Anyway, with that on the side, we continue on to the week. This week we ended up doing things a little different, almost as if it were a "jump to the past." Instead of looking for entirely new investigators, we went back to continue where past Elders left off. We visited with past investigators and inactive converts. As we began to teach them, we could truly see their desire was still there to search and know the gospel. Some were truly dedicated to follow Christ, others who are searching honestly to find him. But, with all of them, my mind always returned to the same question. "Why don't you go to church?"
One of the men we taught, I can actually understand, for the very situation has been seen in Christs own teachings. He was an investigator about a year back, and he was labeled by the other missionaries as one of the best they've taught. Talking with him, we saw his true desire to do what is right and to be a good person. Beyond that, he has a powerful testimony of the truth of our message. He knows it's true, but yet he was never baptized. When he first went to church, he felt the spirit deep within, had desired it, wanted to follow it, and accepted a goal to be baptized. However, the moment he heard the word "tithing" his mind hardened faster than a fruit cake, and he didn't want to hear anything more. The missionaries tried to explain how important it was, and especially how it was different than any other church, but he wouldn't hear it. Just as the young rich-man who came to Christ asking him for guidance to eternal life. The man had obeyed all of the basic commandments of God, but when asked to make a sacrifice of his abundant goods, "he went away sorrowing."
It's been about a year since the man was taught, and he seems to be in much higher spirits, so it's my hope that he can open his heart once more so that the spirit can guide him on his path.
It's interesting though, that this falls among two of the greatest laws of God; the law of Obedience and that of Sacrifice. Christ gave the best example of how we can live these two laws together as he sacrificed not just goods, but his own choices, doing "nothing of [His] own will, but the will of [His] father in heaven." It is a question between belief and faith. What am I willing to spend to get what I want? Where am I willing to go, to find something? What would I do for a Klondike Bar? Just as we ask all these questions, we must always remember this, "What am I willing to give up to receive eternal life?" I know that if we trust in the Lord and do all we can to obey his commandments, we'll actually find out we're gaining a lot more then we profess to have lost. In fact, it's more than an experience, it's a promise.
Thanks everyone for the support, I hope everyone has a great week. So, until next time,
Elder Angus
phrase of the week:
-niga maluca(ni-guh mah-loo-kuh) A type of chocolate cake with condensed milk. Very delicious. (It also happens to be a literal translation of "crazy black person" so better use it in context)
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