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. :'(