(Elder Mackrory)
Feliz Páscoa! Ele vive!
Vi 2 fuscas essa semana, totalizando 1303.
This week was good, although a little long. As you are
aware, we switched our pday to Monday so we could be with the district today.
Last Sunday was super cool because it was Jade’s baptism. The water heater
wasn’t working (it was completely removed due to some Rio bylaws about where
you can and can’t put a water heater), and so the water was a little cold.
While I was pulling the drain out, I mentioned that I didn’t think the water
was that cold, and so she told me it was because I didn’t go under. So, I
dunked myself, and sure enough the water was pretty cold. That night we had a
stake music presentation in which I sang with the ward choir. One of our
soloists was helping set up audio stuff so I jumped in on the solo just for
rehearsal. Later, the soloist tells me that he would travel the next Sunday and
so when the ward choir sings for the ward Easter presentation, I would sing the
solo.
On Monday we had our normal meeting, except all the sisters
in the mission were doing a pday together, and so It was just us guys there. We
got tapioca and it was super good. I also had a meeting with our
representatives at the MTC who gave me some good tips on how to help the
mission improve our work with social media.
On Tuesday we left for lunch (it was confirmed for 12:30)
and we got there on the dot. No one answered the door, so we called her and she
was at the gym. She said that dinner was confirmed for 6:30. So we’re just
sitting there at the waiting room of the apartment complex awkwardly, really
confused at what happened. So we got McDonalds real quick and headed back to
the office. Then we went to dinner.
On Wednesday we had a really cool family night again at Copacabana
beach. We ate dinner and had some good talks about what one can do to study the
gospel. He's super interested in learning more and wants to apply what he
learns.
Thursday I finished reading the teachings of Joseph Fielding
Smith and started on Harold B. Lee. We also had English class which went well.
Friday we had a super relaxing day because it was the first
day that we didn't have an urgent reason to get to the office before 10. So we
finally got to do personal study at home and in the morning which was amazing.
That night we had a lesson with Erick about Easter and it really strengthened
my testimony.
Saturday we also had a super relaxing morning with good
studies. At the office I completely remodeled the way our mission does social
media posts and this next week I'll put it into full swing. That night we had a
lesson with Jade at her house instead of at the mall because she broke her foot
working out. She called her cousin over to be there with us and we had a great
time talking with the two of them about the Restoration of the Gospel and daily
habits of conversion. When the lesson ended we ran home because it was raining
and we didn't have umbrellas.
On Sunday we had a special presentation, and it all went
very well. My solo went well and I was able to sing without gringo accent, so
that's a win. Later we had the baptism of the man himself, Rafael. He has been
investigating the church for about seven months, and was originally taught by
Elder Kjar and Elder De Los Angeles. Rafael is seriously the coolest dude. That
afternoon while we planned the day, we got a call from president informing us
that Elder Patterson and Elder Dodge were robbed and were in need of new
phones. So we quickly headed back to the office and prepared their new (old)
phones and sim card. With all that taken care of, we contacted our referrals,
studied, and had the mission Easter devotional, which was really good. I bore
testimony of what Easter means to me and how it makes me who I am and who I
will be.
Tender mercy: I feel like I speak pretty good Portuguese.
However, it kinda messes me up sometimes because I know more grammar than I can
apply. So sometimes I stutter. But I had a realization that whenever I
intentionally bear testimony of what I am teaching, my Portuguese flows really
nicely and I can express exactly what the person needs to hear. I've found
recently that as I make a conscious effort to testify more in the lessons that
they flow much better and the Spirit is much more present.
Spiritual Thought: Happy Easter! Yesterday was a special day
that brings meaning into the lives of all who understand its significance.
President Nelson taught: “It is the most important religious observance for
followers of Jesus Christ”. The resurrection of the Lord promises hope, peace
and joy to those who have none, new life to all, and higher meaning to the
things He taught. There is true joy in pronouncing that He lives! And I testify
that He does live! I invite all who read this to ponder in their hearts what
the phrase “He lives” means to them. For me, it means the words of “I know that
my Redeemer lives” in Portuguese.
1. I know that my Lord lives!
My sublime Savior!
Who lives and reigns over us
His voice calls to all
Who always prays before God
Watching over his children;
Who lives to support me
And to comfort my soul.
2. I know that my Lord lives!
And that he has great love for me!
While he lives I will sing:
“O Redeemer, Lord and King!”
For him I will give my life
I will conquer death;
I will prepare my place,
In heaven, which is my eternal home.
3. Who lives, oh, give praise!
And always exalt Christ!
Let us cry out, today, with fervor:
“I know that my Lord lives!”
Who lives to encourage me
To calm my anguish;
My troubled heart,
calm it
And inspire new breath
4. Who has counsel for me
And sends his peace without end;
Who lives to console
And guide me with tenderness!
Who lives, oh, give praise!
And always exalt Christ;
He is the Redeemer of the world.
I know that my Lord lives.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment