A Foot or Two: I think I've seen this film before

(Elder Mackrory)

Olá gente, vamos lá…

This week was pretty good, lots of miracles and cool experiences. We saw 18 fuscas this week, bringing the total to 699. So freaking close to 700. But we will make it. I saw one today that will be counted for next week so technically we're already at 700, but not officially until next week.

On pday we just chilled around. Went to McDonald's and got ice cream. I discovered everyone says “Méque” instead of McDonalds. It's a nickname that even McDonald's has accepted and puts on the billboards here. I prefer Rei dos Búrgueres (Becá) personally.

On Tuesday we had district council in the farthest chapel from where we were. We had to leave the house at 6:45 and we still missed the bus, arriving around 9:20ish. Then it was another 2 and a half hours back. Great view on the bus ride. If I wasn't sleeping I would have taken some photos.

On Wednesday we had English class! This time we organized a special event for the students with the Branch president. We watched a movie! In English! I was looking forward to it since last Wednesday, and I was so disappointed that they chose the emoji movie! probably one of the only times in the mission that ill get to watch a real movie, and I had to watch that one. Oh well it was fun to watch and eat popcorn.

On Thursday we had lunch at a Hispanic family's home, and I was surprised that I understood all that they said! It was a good meal too. Venezuelan missionaries are eating good. I haven't the slightest idea of what it was that I ate, though. It was good. They also had the cutest little 2 year old girl that thought I was a magician. She had a little plastic ruby jewel that she handed to me, and I did the classic pretend-to-grab-with-the-other-hand-and-pull-it-out-of-her-ear gag. She didn't catch on, but she did start to check her ears when I made it disappear. So then I pulled it out of her nose and she was completely awestruck. She loves to blow kisses and make half of a hand heart to make you make the other half. Super cute.

On Friday our Door knocking led us to the beach (oops). So we did our companion study (took photos) and took a little breather (played on the swings). We're getting better at actually doing companion study, but it was nice to visit the beach. The beach is windy at sunset.

On Saturday we had an awesome day! At district council I got a new idea for how to do door to door contacting from another missionary. So we tried it out and found It works great! Turns out people love saying prayers. When you show up at someone's doorstep Asking to say a prayer, people oblige and become curious and ask why. So we tell them about our purpose as missionaries and teach just a little bit of what we believe and if they'd like to know more. Simple.

And it worked for us. On Sunday after church, we came back to this lovely lady's door and she gladly let us in and we were able to talk about the Book of Mórmon and help them understand the purpose of life. It was a great experience. The mother is also like 9 months pregnant, so she is definitely giving birth this week. That'll be fun for us. But it does give her time to read and ponder the things she's learning. So we're glad about that. We went to a public park expecting to do contacting in public, but turns out there was a big party with lots of alcohol and such, so plans changed haha.

Something else that happened this week was in utilizing my downtown to read the scriptures, I was able to read the last 50 Psalms, last 20 chapters of Alma, the book of John, half of The Acts, and many other gospel study resources. It's so fun to be able to have such an opportunity to learn and grow. I feel so close to the people I read about such as Moroni, Helaman, Nephi, John, Steven, Paul, and lots more as I read their stories, plights, and triumphs. I become to know that they are real people, that lived real lives, and that they all had faith in one man: Jesus the Christ. Through my scripture study, I do feel close to the people of whom I'm reading, but I feel closer to the Savior than anyone else. He lives. He loves you, individually and intimately. He did all that He did so that you could come back to live in His presence and in the presence of The Father. The prophets, apostles, teachers, and saints of the Gospel did and do nothing except it was/is to testify of Him who saves, be it through action or word. And it is all I desire to do as well. I find total joy in this work even though I live miles and miles from family, friends, Chick-fil-A, and every part of the culture that I grew up in. Here I find comfort and safety in knowing that I trust in the most trustworthy person to ever walk the face of the Earth. I find joy in seeing others learn and grow their faith in Him who brings joy. I hope the same spiritual relief that is offered to all those who diligently seek Him and desire to stay close. I guess this will be the spiritual thought today, it's getting late for me.

Tender Mercy: leaving lunch on Sunday, we were expecting to have to take two busses to get to our area, but the one bus that takes us directly to our area (it only shows up once in a blue moon) showed up in the first minutes of waiting at the bus stop! We were able to then dedicate more time to finding, teaching, and everything else we do. Also we saved a few bucks.

SummaRio:

18 fuscas, 699 total

Went to McDonald's on pday

Had 5 hours of travel to get to district counsel

Watched the emoji movie for English class

Played magic tricks on a toddler who was super cute

Comp study on the beach (minus the study)

Found a new way to knock doors

Taught an awesome restoration lesson to a VERY pregnant lady. We will let you know how that goes thus week

Got to read tons from the scriptures this week and always felt close to the savior (go read)

Tender mercy

Fotos: