Nice to meet you, where you been?

 (Elder Mackrory)

Boa tarde todos!

                This week has been amazing, and although I met my district last week, there wasn't much to talk about because we had known each other for only a day. I feel already that I know these people so well. Every one of them adds something truly unique to the group. I wish I had met these guys way earlier, we would have been tight.

                My teachers are super cool. One of them is a complete enigma; we learn more about him every day and its almost unbelievable. He was a semi-Olympic swimmer, sergeant in the army, knife collector, martial artist, he's getting married, and he's very fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. But you wouldn't every guess that all all from looking at him. And he's done all of this by age 23. My other teacher is super fun to be taught by, she hooks us up with all the slang. Her classes are always a blast.

                The food here is eh. A lot of people say it's bleak or gross, but I'm content with the constant of rice and beans. the Juice is really good though. my favorite is from a berry called "Acerola".

                It feels like I’ve been here for at least a month or only 3 days. It is flying by but so slow at the same time.

                The showers are gross we have to wear shoes and that’s kinda weird. My district likes to sing hymns together there but 3 of them are tone deaf so its not exactly the Tabernacle choir.

                The artwork is super cool here. Some paintings I’ve never seen before and ill include some of my favorites. A friend of mine requested that there be lots of photos so they'll be there.

                I love discussing doctrine with my district, they call me "deep doctrine dave" because I get really into those conversations.

                Those are my updates for this week, now for the scripture thoughts and tender mercies:

                The Holy ghost is the best teacher. When a teacher testifies of the gospel, the spirit echoes their words. If you go into a lesson expecting to be taught by the teacher, you will leave there unsatisfied. If you go into a lesson with ears and heart open to receiving the testifying promptings of the holy ghost, you will leave there spiritually fed and nourished. See John 15:26.

                Spiritual thought 2: while practicing singing in Portuguese, I sang hymn number 136 (Hino N° 70 em português). I didn’t try to figure out what I was singing, but just trying to figure out what syllables go with which note. I sang the sentence "Eu sei que vive meu Senhor". At that moment I was pricked in the heart (Acts 2:37) and started tearing up. I had no idea what I had said but the spirit of the Lord bore testimony of it. It was only later I would realize that it meant "I know that my lord lives". I testify that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world. He died for our sins and rose again on the 3rd day. He conquered death. He lives so that we can obtain eternal life. See Job 19:25-26, 1 Corinthians 14:13-15, and Doctrine and Covenents 25:12.

                Terna Misericórdia: I was able to go to the temple here in São Paulo and it was so peaceful and comforting to be in the House of the Lord. Simple story but not in any way insignificant.

Until Next week, tchau!

Elder Mackrory

1. Tiny banana

2. Caramelized French toast featuring that banana

3. Lehi's dream painting

4. Meme

5. Dolce de Leche filled churro balls

6. Cheese filled bread ball (very delicious)

7. Snickers bar that says "confused"

8. Jesus calming the waters

9. CTM entrance

More photos in a part two (there's an attachment limit)