Circumstances

Sometimes I look at my name tag and think, "Wow, I'm actually the missionary now." Ever since I was a child, I'd thought about being a missionary, but I don't think I ever really imagined what it would involve until about two weeks into the mission. How interesting. :P 

Anyway, this week was especially gratifying. Yesterday, we finally were able to bring three special investigators to church that had never arrived there before. But, even more special than them arriving was what they felt and learned. One woman we'd been teaching ever since I'd arrived here in Rio Pardo. She had lost her son to drugs a few months back and was really devastated. Then after we began to help her understand a little more, she began to really desire to go to church. Unfortunately, every week had an excuse; work, visitors, birthday parties, even sleeping. Finally, this week she decided that without a doubt, she'd go to church. Once there, she felt so good, she began thanking everyone, from us to all of the members, for all that they'd done to help her feel good. She returned home ready to tell everything to her husband, and ready to return every week she could.

The other more interesting story is that of Daniel. We've been teaching him quite some time, and he's one of the greatest people I know. Unfortunately, he'd never had time off work since we began... until now. However, although he enjoyed church a lot, what was even more special was the night before. Just to help him really be interested in going to church, we did a tour of the building, showing the rooms, the baptismal font, and finishing in the chapel. When we arrived in the chapel, he got really excited as he laid eyes on the piano. After playing a little, he told us about an experience where in a time of need, God had provided him with a keyboard and taught him how to play. In just a month, he'd been playing better than everyone else. Ever since, he'd felt that God wanted him to play in a church, but every other church he visited didn't feel right. Then, when he saw the piano in the chapel, he knew. As he put it, something so good and so big grew in his heart that he could barely stay in the building too long. :) In that moment, he knew where all the pieces came together.

It's moments like these that truly make the work worthwhile, and truly testify to me the power that God has. Our father knows and guides each and every one of us according to our own selves, and he will prepare all to receive and to know of the truth through whatever means arrive closest to our souls and our hearts. What we decide to do afterward is up to us.

Thanks for the prayers and support. I'll make sure to send photos next time. Until then, vai com fé, nada duvidando.

Elder Angus

Phrase of the week:

vai com fé (vai cong fey) Go with faith.

P.S. For those who want to know, my companion is from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais born in the church and a lot like me. :P 

Firm Foundations

Leaving Colorado, I thought that maybe the weather would become more stable. Unfortunately, the weather here is just as unpredictable here as it was there. One moment it's freezing cold with powerful winds and heavy rain, the next it's clear skies and blazing hot. The worst problem of all is it changes so quickly that everyone gets sick. But in the end, I hear I didn't get the worst of the weather front. Unfortunately, my family doesn't inform me very well, so I only hear rumors from people that watch the news down here. As far as they're concerned, the whole country is being destroyed by tornadoes and hurricanes. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the various disasters. 

Anyway, this week was fun, first of all due to my new greenie, Elder Pereira. He was born in the church but only his close family are members. As well, he's part of the first 18 year old crops that are entering the mission field, but even so, he is almost more prepared to serve than I am. I have alot to learn. :D The only problem is that he's as ashamed to talk as everyone else. It's interesting how all of us really want to talk about something, but are really shy about it. When the world is so loud, we should let the gospel shine forth if we expect things to get better.

Last week, Vladimir was baptized, but I didn't have time to explain why. This man had been going to church since the dark ages. He knew it was true, knew it was better than any other he'd visited, but because of daily trials and persecution from others, he never joined. Even a few members had begun labeling him as crazy or saying that he'd never be baptized. However, my companion and I, and a few members on our side, did as Jesus directs and saw him as our Heavenly Father does.  Despite all the trials, the problems, the past, we saw him as our brother and continually invited him to become better and feel better through the gospel of Christ. Finally, we arrived one day and he was happier than I'd ever seen, and excited to speak with us. We asked if he'd received an answer. He looked at us with firm resolution and said, "I cried like a baby."

Last year, the prophet spoke to us on how we should not see people as they are, but see them as they can come to be. Truly this is an eternal principle, and I can witness of it's truth. Had we continued thinking the same way as others, that this man was crazy, that he'd never change, he'd still be in the same state of misery he'd been before. We are all children of the same Heavenly Father. We have a responsibility to help all of our spiritual family be comforted, helped, and best of all, informed of the great plan of redemption given us through our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Thanks for everyone's prayers and letters. Unfortunately, some packages are still only rumors and haven't materialized in my hands, but I hope for the best. May god be with you all, always.

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

envergonhado(a) (en-ver-goy-nyah-doo[duh]) means ashamed or made shy

Pilars of Light

Mosiah 18 gives us a great understanding of what it means to be in the church of Christ. We must always seek to do what is right, and show kindness for one another. We must mourn with those that mourn, comfort those in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places. We are the light of the world, and we must shed our light upon all who are in the house. This week, more than ever, we had the pleasure of lighting the way and the truth for those who needed it.

For the past few weeks, we'd been teaching the daughter of a member. The mother, already old and unable to walk, spoke with us, and her, the importance of God in her life. Then, just a few days back, she passed away. Moments like these become really difficult for people to overcome, even for those who understand the hope that comes after death. Just a little bit afterward, we'd begun planning how we could help her overcome this sadness, but came up with nothing but a few tears and a few shots in the dark. Then, when we arrived in her house yesterday, we began to talk, just following the spirit. By the end of the lesson, everybody had gone dry with tears, both of sadness and of joy, and we left feeling better than ever. 

In the end this showed something to me. As one of our recent converts said, "when God's with you, he'll put the right words in your mouth. You just need to speak." If I had more time or could write faster, I'd pass hours just on this subject, but sufficeth it to say that we should never be worried about what we'll say, or how we could help.  Just pray for the spirit and open your mouth. The rest will be up to the Lord.

The weather here is a killer, switching between hot and cold faster than Katy Perry, but all is well with me. Thanks everyone for your prayers, letters, and worries. If there was anything I could ask more, just give my family a great big hug.

Anyway,

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

Calçada (kal-SAH-duh) Meaning sidewalk. Apparently the government isn't responsible for the sidewalks, so there are many places where there isn't any. :l

Hybrid

Diligence. Laziness. Two words that are as different as black and white, and just as the gray scale goes, if you're being less diligent, your just being lazier. This week was probably one of the most interesting that I've had yet, specifically in the last two days.

Saturday, unfortunately, could be defined as the laziest of all. Filled with long discussions about mission experiences and snacks, practically nothing got done. In fact, I don't even like to talk about it, but suffice it to say that we returned home that day feeling sick, feeling dis-animated, and feeling wrong.

Sunday, however, was the most inspirational day I've had yet on the mission. Why? Diligence. From the moment we woke up until the moment we went to bed, we were looking to be better than what we'd been the day before. We were walking distances just to talk to people who weren't answering their phones. We talked to everyone we saw in our path. We taught as simple as possible, and as many as possible. We grabbed a member and drove all around looking for our investigators. In the end, we've been enlightened. Our spirits feel higher than the moon. People are happier than we've seen them. Prayers have been answered. Miracles have been wrought. One has been baptized. And in all this, we've had the pleasure to be witnesses.

If there is anything that I've learned, it's that laziness passes time, but only diligence brings happiness to our souls. As the prophet Nephi wrote, "it is by grace we are saved, after all that we can do." (2 Nephi 25:23) My invitation to all of you is to awake, and rise from the dust. Be the people you can be. You are children of God, and there is nothing you can't do. All you need to do is believe and to work, Diligently.

Elder Angus

Oh, I forgot. Transfers are tomorrow. I'll be staying here in Rio Pardo, but I'll be receiving a fresh new companion straight from the Training Center. I'll make sure to inform all of you next week about him.

Oh, that and give Dad a high five. Bishop Angus, what a title. ;D Good Luck.

Word of the Week:

Estragada (es-trah-gah-duh) An adjective to describe when something is terrible or isn't functioning right. As well, a cook can use it to describe food that's so good, they don't want anyone else to eat it. >:P

Photos:

-Baptism of Vladimir

-Fishing in Rio Pardo

Wet Season

I once heard the phrase "Rain or sweat, always wet." At the time I thought it ridiculous, but now I'm starting to see otherwise.

This weeks history get's a little interesting. In the first place, the entire week was getting freezing cold. The air basically turns into fog, and everyone starts walking around in coats, except for Elder Angus. Quite a few people ask me why I'm not cold in a short sleeve shirt, so I use the opportunity to explain where I'm from and why I'm here. That's the upside. The downside is that the houses aren't built for winter conditions, so the outside and inside are about the same. That, and it rains a lot. (Thank goodness for Hot Chocolate) 

For some time now we've been teaching a man named Roni. His story is interesting, in the fact that we don't know it. I talked to him the first day I was here in Rio Pardo, and I thought that he was really a character. He lives on the street, but he has the intelligence of the Pope and Bill Gates together. He also claims to be a prophet and can see the past of anyone (accept for members of The LDS Church). Although he seemed like the strangest or most unlikely person who'd accept the gospel, he's been wonderful. He's still a little different, but at this point in time, he's already prayed about the Book of Mormon and read it through, as well as all of the other messages we've left with him. Now every time we pass, he asks when he can get be baptized. :) That and he wants to interpret his dreams.

It's interesting how sometimes we can judge people by their covers, or sometimes by what it is they do, and be completely mistaken. Time and time again, the scriptures have testified of one truth: do not judge one another, because we are all children of God, and the value of every soul is great in the sight of God. For this very reason, we should think of our own potential, and seek to share our happiness and knowledge with all that we can. Whether you are the one judging, or the one being judged, remember this great truth and you can find a lot more happiness in life.

Thanks for all the prayers, letters, and jokes. Fortunately I haven't received any loaded peanut jars in the mail, (Not a suggestion) which means I'm still on people's good sides. Que Benção.

Elder Angus

Word of the Week:

Que Benção (Kee ben-song)What a blessing! It's silly how many times I say this.

Sorry If I didn't write much, I didn't have a lot of time.

Woodcutting

Ugh, this week was hard to deal with because my companion and I were getting trunkier then ever. But it was still a wonderful opportunity to speak with my family on mothers' day. My companion said that his mother and his girlfriend cried. I don't know what that means about me though because my family didn't even get watery eyes. <_< Eh, but I feel they still love me. For one, they're nice enough to not move before I get home, a pleasure few missionaries enjoy. :P Anyway, I should probably get to the week.

This week was pretty interesting, putting all the trunkiness aside. The week started out on a high note, when my companion and I went fishing for P-Day. What's more interesting is that the fishing here is more simple. Instead of a pole, you have fishing line wrapped around a water bottle, with a weight and bait at the end. To fish, you swing the weight around like a mad man and chuck it into the water. If you were wise enough, you'd already have your foot on the bottle to secure the line, if not... swim! D: Fortunately nobody had to swim this time, unfortunately, fish don't get much bigger than the bait.

The people we've been teaching this week are pretty interesting as well. One family we taught this week was an old couple that were practically like children, innocent and of difficult understanding. They love us, always invite us over, but never understand what we're teaching. I guess some things just take a lot of time. Another cool investigator we found this week was a man named João Batista (John the Baptist). He is a really strong believer in Christ and found a lot of understanding when we passed by. My companion and I, and now him, have been joking ever since that if one of us, representatives of Jesus Christ, baptize him, we'd rip the time space continuum. 

Well, other than a lot of walking, weird weather, and a really stinky house, that's about all I remember this week. But in remembrance of mothers' day, I 'd like all people to know that the family is one of the most important things that we have on this earth. God and Christ have certainly spared no effort talking about "honoring thy father and mother," "loving thy neighbor as thyself," or being an example for your children. Almost half, if not more, of the teachings that God has given us are about love for one another, something that is the most important to apply within the home. Children everywhere, see that you honor your parents, and parents, see that you teach your children. Love one another as Jesus has loved you, for if you do, "thy days may be long on the land the Lord thy god hath given thee."

Thanks for the letters and the goodies as well as the prayers. I truly need them all! Until next week.

Elder Angus

Word of the week:

Sanduíche (sahn-dooee-shee) Meaning sandwich. I always describe prayers like a sandwich. You always have bread, but what you want between. When you pray, You start with "God", "Heavenly Father", etc. and end "in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen." What you say in between is whatever you want to say to God. What a wonderful Snduíche.

Where the River Bends

This week was exhausting. Truly, extremely exhausting.  In the mission, everybody's been tossing around the word "diligently," as in working until you drop dead, and then some.  It would be safe to say that this week came somewhat close to that kind of work.  Xl  But I guess that's a good thing, because it's only when we put forth our best efforts that we begin to see the best results.

The weather here is really starting to be more of my enemy than my friend. The sun is scolding hot, but the mornings and nights are extremely cold. Then, throw the heavy rains in and you got a wonderful Xis Missionário (~hamburger made from missionaries). Okay, that probably doesn't make too much sense, but oh well. The nice thing is that a few of our investigators all live extremely close together.  So, we pass a few minutes at one house, go to the neighbor, then two houses down, then return to the other neighbor.  Unfortunately, even when they're so close together, one can still get really soaked when they forget their umbrella.  >_<  Suffice it to say that I've learned my lesson.

Last Saturday, we received a call from someone that had been switching between wanting and not wanting to be baptized.  Expecting the usual "I don't know if I want to be," we picked up the phone and received a wonderful surprise: "I've decided, I want to be baptized, Today!"  What a marvelous thing. My companion and I began rushing like crazy just to set everything up and find somebody that wasn't doing anything to attend.  A few hours later, we witnessed the baptism of Cleonir, and all the stress we had with helping her became completely worth it. 

If there's is one thing I like about the people here, it's that they have a lot of confidence and respect for one another. The best example of this is that the one who cuts the cake always cuts it evenly and always chooses first. I think about our normal custom (one cuts, the other decides) and I see how many of our customs are built off of mistrust. Love and respect are two principles that walk hand in hand and are extremely important for all of us to develop one for the other. Even if the person we are talking about is your worst enemy of all, we should learn to love and to help them. There are only so many people we will come to know and meet, because time on the earth is extremely short. Why then should we lose the great opportunities to make good friends or to be good friends while we can? 

That's about it for the week. The rest is just the usual labors and things I do every day at this point in time.

Elder Angus

Words of the week:

Bispo (biss-poo) Meaning Bishop.

Bispinho (biss-pee-nyoo) Meaning Little Bishop. Apparently returned missionaries can become like these. ;)

Photos:

-Eating Fried fish at Maria's house (I think he forgot this picture because there were only two in the email)

-Chimarron

-Baptism of Cleonir