Prayers

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey Howdy y'all!!

This week was... interesting. We spent a good portion of the week at the police station or at the magistrate's office or just working on filling out forms for a restraining order because I have a #superfan aka. a STALKER! Jokes aside, this week has been a bit of a toughy dealing with a lot of emotions that I've never dealt with before. I've felt a lot of fear, stress, uncertainty and distrust. I've only had one or two nights of real rest. But, it's all caused me really have to pray to God and to trust Him. I've also come to REALLY love the within sight and sound rule we have in companionships. I never want to be alone ever again! :)

We also had transfers and I got transferred! I won't tell y'all where I am now just for safety reasons. But, I can say that I absolutely LOVE where I am now! It's one of my dream areas and I'm around some of my favorite people! I love my companion! She's so beautiful inside and out! I'm really going to miss Mt Barker though. It's downright one of the most beautiful places I've ever been! Parts of it looks like Oregon but Aussie Style! So beautiful! I also already miss Sister Bradbeer! She's one of my best friends and we got a lot done together! I love her!

Spiritual Stuff:

This week, I've been thinking a lot about the priesthood and about God's power on Earth. The conclusion I've come to about it is that I'm SO DANG grateful for it! Priesthood blessings, priesthood ordinances, priesthood authority. I need ALL of it!! I'm thankful for all the opportunities I've had lately where I've been able to exercise faith and trust in priesthood power. Trust in the manifestations of priesthood blessings. Trust in the priesthood authority of my setting apart. Trust in the stewardship of others. I'm just so grateful and my testimony has grown SO MUCH! What's important to you about the priesthood?

I love y'all! I would really appreciate your prayers at this time! Stay safe!

- Sister Cummings

Grab your passport and my hand

 (Elder Mackrory)

Olá amigos e família!

Não foi uma semana inteira, mas vi 6,5 fuscas! Sim, você leu certo. Eu vi um meio fusca! Significa que minha missão felizmente vai terminar com um número inteiro.

What's up my friends! These few days have been kinda hectic, but so fun. Before the conclusion, I’ll give a brief summary of what happened.

Last pday we started off with the transfer announcement, and it was kinda weird not being the least bit worried about the outcome haha. I finished packing everything and we left for the mall to have lunch. The rest of the zone was there, but us four ate at Jorge’s pizza place. He gave us a nice discount, and it was nice to see him once more. We then tried to go bowling only to find out that you have to make reservations beforehand. So we went to the chapel to play soccer. Elder Roca and I took a bit longer because I bought a new Vasco Jersey with my name on it. That night we travelled to the Botafogo house with all of our bags. I arranged as well to meet up with Rafael and Marcel before going to bed, which was really nice. Good to see them, but hard to say goodbye.

On Tuesday, a lot happened. So much. Also because Wednesday felt like a continuation of it. Anyway, at 6:30, before I could stumble across the room to turn off my alarm, Elders Smith and Westover arrived at our house to go running on the beach. On a whim I decided to go with them. It was super cool. We watched the sunrise next to Sugarloaf mountain. Heading back to the apartment, I got ready for the day and left with Elders Krummenacher and Coutinho, who planned to meet up with Vinicius. I got to participate in their lesson and said goodbye to him. At the office, I finished organizing the bags and making sure everything was under the weight limit. For lunch I went out again with Elders Krummenacher and Coutinho to eat lunch with Marcel. I’m glad my first and last meal in the mission field was chicken stroganoff. I hung out with the guys at the office until it was time to go, at which time Jade showed up and we got to talk a bit before it was time to get in the taxis.

We arrived at the airport and said our goodbyes to president and sister, which was super tough. We boarded the plane, and said goodbye to Rio for the last time (at least for now). Elder Patterson and I chatted a bit before trying to sleep. The flight was comfortable, but I only managed to sleep for a few 40 minute intervals. At Atlanta, we all headed to the Salt Lake gate and said our goodbyes. It was super tough, but most hugs ended with “See you in a month at BYU”, so most goodbyes weren’t so tough. But from that point forward, I was on my own. I headed to my gate, and boarded the plane. As soon as we got up to 30,000 ft, I went up to the front of the cabin to ask where the bathrooms were. This incredibly embarrassing conversation went like this:

Flight attendant: How can I help you?

Elder Mackrory (clueless): O banheiro fica lá atrás?

Flight attendant: Sorry?

Elder Mackrory (still clueless): O banheiro fica lá atrás?

Flight Attendant: *confused look*

Elder Mackrory: Oh! whoops. Is the bathroom in the back?

Flight attendant: Yes. But there’s one behind you that you are welcome to use!

Elder Mackrory (already cringing): Thank you!

I made sure to scold myself in the bathroom mirror after that one. Anyway I landed in Albuquerque almost a half hour early, and got to finally hug my mom and the rest of my family (not that I love them any less). The youngest three have all grown so much! It is so freaky. We went home and unpacked right away, and then went to Chick-fil-a for lunch. Man I have missed Root Beer and the Spicy Southwest salad. Coming home, I caught up with my siblings and did laundry. Basically just waited around for the Stake president to arrive to release me. When he arrived we had a good conversation about some of the key takeaways and how to apply the things I learned. Then he left and I took off my tag. That was kinda it. I’ll finish with some key takeaways.

Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world, and LIVES. There is no truth more significant than this. Everything else in which I believe is a mere appendage of this. As we prayerfully seek an understanding of this truth, we will feel the peace of the Holy Spirit testifying to our hearts that it is true. And what a marvelous truth it is! Jesus Christ is our perfect exemplar and prepared the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father. Because He suffered for our sins, we can overcome them and be forgiven. Because He felt each of our sufferings, sadnesses, and afflictions, we do not have to walk through life alone and without comfort. Because died and rose again, each of us will receive a perfected body in the resurrection. Because He loves us, we can be strengthened as we strive to become more like Him and overcome our weaknesses.

Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and translated the Book of Mormon by the gift and power of God. During my mission, I had the privilege of reading the book, “Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith”, and from doing so I strengthened my testimony of his divine calling. Through divine guidance, he was able to find the ancient record of the Americas and translate them by divine power. The Book of Mormon is true. As we read it, the power of the Gospel can enter into our lives with renewed power and joy. As we pray to know the truthfulness of the Book, the Holy Spirit will testify to us that it is. By the same power, we will know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church, led by Jesus Christ Himself through a prophet.

Our progress toward God is limited only by our own efforts and desire to seek Him. God wants us to come back into His presence, but no unclean thing can dwell there. So He asks us to be perfect and worthy to enter. However, in this life we have weaknesses, and this makes returning impossible. But God knew that it would not be possible for us to return on our own merits, so He, in His love, prepared the way back. Jesus Christ came to the world to make intercession for it. He paid the necessary price for all sins and allowed all of us to be clean. For Him to purify us, He requires that we strive. If we strive with all our heart, might, mind, and strength to be pure, Jesus Christ will grant us Grace, so that our efforts are enough, even being imperfect. No human that has ever stepped foot on this earth has not had the ability to become like Jesus Christ.

The best way to study the Gospel is by applying it. No book, video, or other study material will make us true Christians. Study material serves to teach us how to act. So we must then act. We must seek to be better in accordance with that which we study, or we are condemned. The same declaration that Jesus Christ is the Christ brought a devil condemnation, and Peter salvation. The difference? Peter applied that which he heard the Master say. Want to understand why we serve others? Serve others. Want to know why we pray? Pray. Want to know why we go to church on Sundays? Come to church! Want to understand the love Jesus Christ has for you? Repent of your sins and seek to love others.

Well, we’ve come to the end of this email, and thus the end of my weekly emails. Thanks so much for reading and supporting me during this incredible journey of learning and teaching. May God be with you and ever prompt you to do well. If you’d like to stay in contact with me after the mission, you can respond to this email within three months or just shoot me a message on instagram or facebook. @lyman.mackrory

I packed my bags, left Cornelia Street

 (Elder Mackrory)

E aí pessoal! Tranquilo?

Essa semana vi 7 fuscas, com o total chegando aos 1402,5. Vamos torcer para que minha ultima semana tenha um meio fusca.

What's up guys, I know that this is not the normal day for me to write, but yesterday was super crazy and I didn’t get to writing. Today is kinda like a second pday, but kinda not. End of mission stuff is confusing.

Last pday, I practice packed my bags. Turns out I’m underweight, so that’s nice. Then we went to the store and I bought a bunch of things for my family to try when I get back. That’s basically it.

On Tuesday we had our last district council meeting, and I gave the training this time. I invited a recent convert of ours, Jeiel, to participate and give his insights. It turned out really well, and the Spirit was there. We went to lunch at the mall with Sidney, Marcelo, and Edineide. They are awesome and I will miss them a bunch. We then went to visit Igor and his mother, who is having some health struggles. I had the opportunity to give her a blessing, and it was a tender experience feeling what the Lord wanted me to say.

On Wednesday, we had the baptismal interviews of Luciano and Rubi. They brought us some sonhos (Super amazing Brazilian pastries) since Luciano works at a bakery and confectionery.

On Thursday, we had the Farewell event at president’s house. Elder Roca and I went in a division, since 45ish people don’t fit in president’s living room. Arriving there we had our final interview with president, which was less about dating and marriage than I thought. Afterwards we had a testimony meeting with everyone, and it was super cool to see how everyone has grown so much during the mission. We then ate lunch, and went to the temple. Super awesome experience there, and I took a super sick photo in the sunset.

On Friday we had a super awesome lesson with Marlene. Then, we got really caught up on our online work, and went to an awesome burger night with Nubia.

On Saturday we had lunch with the Borre family, and it was marvelous. After a few visits in the vicinity, we did some online work and finished the day with soccer.

Sunday was a great day. We arrived at church, and Luciano and Rubi were already there. Then, one by one more of our friends showed up, totaling 10. It’s a tie for my record in Botafogo. After the meeting, the baptism of Luciano and Rubi went very smoothly. So happy for them. We had lunch at Maria de Lourdes house, and it was churrasco. Super awesome. Except it took a bit longer than we intended. Oops. Finishing the day with online work, I was able to mark a baptism date with our friend Vinicius who has been coming to church for a few weeks. Good way to finish off my last full day of missionary work in Brasil.

Tender Mercy: On Saturday we got word that Igor’s mother since the blessing that I gave has gotten much better! It was a tender experience pronouncing the blessing, and it was nice to see its fruits.

Spiritual Thought: Matthew 5

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

I love this scripture because it talks about something that I love to do. One of the things that I noticed after two years of teaching, is that people understand the message better when I try to transmit how the Gospel has blessed my life. When I try to transmit the joy that I feel, others feel it as well. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to see the light of Christ enter into the lives of so many people here in Brasil. I will miss it dearly. Seek always to let your light so shine that others seeing you may decide to also let their light shine

I love Jesus!

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey howdy y'all!!

This week was a good one! We did HEAPS of service which always makes me feel SO dang good!

We also had another music devotional and I got to play my violin which made me so happy! But, the best thing about music devotionals is that I get to reconnect with the friends and members I made in other wards. It always absolutely warms my heart to see them!

Sister Bradbeer and I had some CREEPY experiences this week but we got our house blessed so all should be good! #prayforus

Going straight into the spiritual stuff:

I'm still reading in Mosiah and today I was reading chapter 10 where Zeniff explains WHY the Lamanites hate the Nephites and it all boiled down to the fact that they didn't understand the nature of God and how he spoke to and directed the Nephites. A little obscure, but this taught me the truth that probably everyone knows but the only reason there is contention is because there is a lack of understanding. Whether it's on your side, the other side, or both. It's always a lack of understanding. So every time you want to hate someone or a group of people or you're just frustrated, etc you need to check your understanding and see if there's information that you don't have or a perspective you have yet to see. And, if you don't know how to gain that understanding, ask God (#james1:5). It's just that simple and also just that difficult!

Please be open to understanding other people's point of views even when you think you have all the facts! Let's be peacemakers and go for that #worldpeace

Have a good one! I love y'all!

- Sister Cummings

Video Games, you pass me a note

 (Elder Mackrory)

Boa noite gente!

Espero que a semana de vocês foi bem, a minha com certeza foi. Vi 9 fuscas, levando o total a 1393,5. Tenho mais uma semana para ver esse meio fusca.

What’s up guys! So excited to write once more. Today means that there are only 8 days left of my missionary service here in Brasil. It makes me very sad to leave this people whom I love so much. This week was unreal and fast. As I tried to remember last pday, if feels like it has only been three days, but when I remembered what we did, I had to think twice because I thought I was remembering the pday before last.

Last pday we stayed here in Iraja, and did a zone churrasco. As usual, my comp did the honors of absolutely killing it on the grill. We played a bunch of soccer, and I can see that my time playing with the boys on the street (who are way better than me) has made me way better than I once was. Goal goal goal goal. Good times.

On Tuesday we had our district council at the Ramos chapel for the first time this transfer. That afternoon both of our appointments fell through, so we basically spent the day doing online work, and it’s nice to have an area where that never lacks.

On Wednesday we visited a part of our area we hadn’t been to in a while, and had lots of success! We also visited a few members and that was really gratifiying and cool to hear their stories and get to know them.

On Thursday we had an awesome lesson with Luciano and Rubi, and we are so excited for their baptism this coming Sunday. They are so ready. Other than that, just more online work. For lunch we had to quickly head to the supermarket to grab some ingredients and so I grabbed some stuff to make a salad (lettuce, tomato, and onion) and then accidentally walked by the meat aisle and saw hamburger buns. So I accidentally bought them and accidentally made hamburgers for lunch. There was no salad for reasons I can not presently describe.

On Friday we were supposed to go to the temple with Jorge, but something went wrong and he wasn’t able to go. His day off this week isn’t on a day when the temple is open, and so unfortunately we will have to leave it to the next missionaries to take him. We managed to make a few phone call lessons in the time we would have been at the temple, so it wasn’t a wasted day.

On Saturday we were at lunch when we get a message from Carol that she’s on her way to the temple again! She’s super dedicated to temple work and doing her family history. That night we had our regular soccer with the boys, and I noticed that my confidence level was way up because of Monday's games. However, this still does not change the fact that I am the worst player on the team.

Sunday was a day of miracles! It didn’t start out great, since we had planned to chat with a friend of ours before sacrament meeting, but his bus was late. But then, two new friends showed up! They both loved the meeting and said they will come again. We had an awesome lunch, in which the tv was playing the remake of Jumanji with the Rock. We ate while the movie continued to play, and at the end of lunch, which happened to be the end of the movie as well, I shared a message based on the movie. It was funny at first as we chatted about how our life can be like a video game (NPCs, side quests, pay-to-win) and then we had a deeper discussion that was actually pretty cool about the spiritual gifts (abilities, in video game terminology) that each one has. We talked about how we need each other to be able to finish the game. We talked about how Heavenly Father anxiously waits for us to identify, develop and share our Spiritual Gifts. He is anxiously waiting to give us more of these gifts as we care for the gifts we have been given.

Tender mercy: This week I have seen how the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance all that we have studied. There were many instances in which I distinctly knew what to say because of my studies. One such moment was at Sunday’s lunch when the following quote came to mind:

“Each of you has been blessed with divine talents by our Father in Heaven. He is waiting for you to identify, develop, and magnify those talents He has blessed you with.”

Spiritual Thought: Ponder by yourselves about the Spiritual gifts you have been given. Prayerfully decide how you will develop such gifts, and ask for help from family and friends in developing them. Pray for help from your Heavenly Father, and you will see that you capacity to bless others will be increased.

Tender Mercy part two: Remember the Argentinian family that we taught portuguese? They got baptized this Sunday! It was super cool to see and I was bounding for joy.

Repentance, who knew?

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey Howdy Y'all!!

I had a great week this week! It went by so dang quick!

We've been focusing on inviting as many people as possible to church lately and that's exactly what sister Bradbeer and I tried to do! We invited in rain and shine. In parking lots and on the street! It was so good! We talked to probably close to 250-300 people in two days and got one yes! Hallelujah! She didn't come to church but oh well!

I performed at church yesterday and it went alright! It reminded of playing at home for Castle Hills Ward. I love all you people! I miss y'all!

I went on exchanges with Sister Arledge on Saturday and she is just an AMAZING missionary. Like, I actually learned more from her this exchange than she learned from me! I hope #futurecomps !

Here's some spiritual stuff:

Lately, I've been studying a lot about what the scriptures advise bring happiness into our lives and I found one obvious thing and that is REPENTANCE! Repentance always brings joy and happiness to our lives and here's proof

Mosiah 4:20

"And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy."

I have a testimony of repentance and the joy that comes through Jesus Christ and I hope y'all do too!!

I love y'all!!

- Sister Cummings

Drunk and grumbling on about how I cant sing

 (Elder Mackrory)

Fala pessoal! Tranquilão?

Essa semana foi menos frutífera, vimos apenas 4 fuscas. O total é 1384,5. A boa notícia é que agora estou ciente de um meio fusca. Sei onde está. Agora é só ir. Valeu Elder Owen

Last pday we went to a nearby shopping mall and had lunch at burger king. I for whatever reason did not have much hunger, so I put the other whopper in my bag for later. We then walked over to the other nearby mall for a really nice bookstore. I almost bought a book, but I refrained and bought some more pens instead. That night I ate my whopper while the mission president’s counselor explained about smoke detectors.

On Tuesday we did not have district council because half of the district went to the temple and therefore switched their pday. That day we focused on online work since the previous few days had let a bunch pile up. It was really satisfying.

On Wednesday we had district council, which included a training about planning and togetherness where my companion and I had to cross the soccer court (yes, it is a court, not a field) while I walked on my hands and my comp held me by my ankles. That night we talked with our favorites (If we did have favorites) Luciano and Rubi. We talked about the word of wisdom, law of chastity, tithing, and a few more. Despite the fact that the lesson was more focused on commandments, we were still able to emphasize the Savior’s atonement, which was the best part.

On Thursday we again focused on the online work, since we are trying to meet a goal for the number of people in our system that are deemed “interested”. The problem is that a majority of these are not interested. So we have to find those who are interested, and cut the rest. When I got here in this area, we were coming up on 500, which was really frightening for me since coming from the office, I knew that this area alone accounted for more than 10% of the mission’s “interested” list. We have that number down to a good 100, and we hope to get it down to 50 by the end of the transfer.

On Friday we had interviews with president! This time around, similar to what happened this time last year, president visited our house. I decided to make a cheesecake with jam on top in the shape of an American flag, but the blueberry jam I bought was not blue (ridiculous). So I made a key lime pie instead. It was, like most of my desserts that I make, more of a casserole due to the dish I use to prepare it in, but it turned out to be really good and both Sister and President liked it very much.

On Saturday we went early to do a service project, and then to lunch. Both were really good, but unfortunately my comp hurt his back doing some lifting, and that made him unfit for 3 hours of public transport to and from the temple (total, not each way). We were going to go with Carol, who was baptized this last Sunday, but we unfortunately weren’t able. To our surprise, Carol sent us a message that she went alone! Talk about really wanting to go to the temple! I let Elder Vogt rest for the day while I invited basically the entire world to church.

On Sunday, unfortunately the entire world had excuses. So we went to church and were really happy with our three friends that came. We had an awesome lunch with an awesome family, who actually has (despite the distance) a view of the Christ the Redeemer statue from the living room window. Elder Vogt’s back was still hurting quite a bit, so we stayed home during the afternoon, but we had a super cool experience that night.

Tender Mercy: On Sunday night, we went to administer the Sacrament to a family that lives nearby who was sick. Carol also came down with sickness, and so she was also there. When we sang an opening hymn, not a single person sang in tune. I can’t even say that I was singing in tune because no one followed my lead, and so maybe I was wrong. Anyway, for the first time in my life, I was not bothered by the terrible singing. It has always been a source of discomfort for me when people sing out of tune. I always thought it took away the Spirit. But I came to learn a great lesson last night. During the singing, the mother made a heart with her hands and the daughter made one back. The love and the spirit of devotion to Christ was still very much present. I decided I would focus on the words and the Spirit that could be felt. It was a marvelous experience that taught me much about reverence.

Spiritual thought: Jesus Christ truly said: Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) The Spirit of the Lord resides with little children. He resides with children in the faith, children in singing, and with all those who are striving without perfection. All these can be called “children” for are we not all children for that reason? The Spirit of the Lord does not withdraw when a child makes an accidental disruption in church, but withdraws when others try, harshly, to quiet the child. The Spirit of the Lord, does not withdraw himself when people sing out of tune, save from those who decide to be bothered by such imperfection. As we strive to see the good and the efforts of others, the Spirit of the Lord can testify to us, despite the imperfections of others.

4th of July!c

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey y'all!!

I am absolutely knackered today so this email is going to be bit a short. I'm just so tired!

We had interviews and zone conference this week and I straightened my hair just for a fun little shock and it was yeehaw! The joke was that I was a different Sister named Sister Goings. It was fun. It was also the 4th of July which really was YEEHAW!

We had a fantastic lesson this week with our friends Charlotte, Hannah, and Abbey! Please pray for them! If they decide to be baptized, they'll literally be such a miracle for Mt Barker! They already are!

Here's a really short spiritual stuff for ya today:

D&C 6:36

"Look unto me in every thought, doubt not fear not."

I think this scripture is so short but it's powerful! We all need this reminder over and over and over! Stop doubting and look to Jesus Christ for guidance and comfort and you will find it! I can promise you that!

I hope y'all had a great week!

- Sister Cummings

Guess I'll just stumble on home to my cats (yeugh)

 (Elder Mackrory)

Boa noite a todos!

Essa semana eu vi 6 fuscas, para um total de 1380,5. Estou começando a orar para ver um meio fusca, pois a busca está me chateando.

What’s up guys! This week was a blast and would (and will) do it over again another 3 times. Tomorrow marks three weeks until my return to the states. Last pday we kinda just hung around at home, with the only highlight being that an investigator (she’s like 90 years old) sent us a AI video of Elon Musk and Donald Trunk dancing to Stayin’ Alive. It was incredible.

On Tuesday we had an online district council due to the fact that Elder Vogt , Roca, and Cunha were sick again. I’m the last man standing here. We had lunch that day with the newlywed couple Claudio and Suzana and our ward mission leader Marcelo and his wife Edineide. It was really good, except for the fact that after Elder Vogt asked for thoughts after giving his message. This gave Marcelo the go ahead to share his testimony for an hour and a half (not exaggerating). It was all good, but we definitely stayed way over our allotted two hours for lunch. Then we went to visit our friend Leandro who lives in the neighborhood. He was busy but gave us a huge bag of frozen acerola to make fresh juice. Nice. We then went home to let my comp rest.

On Wednesday we went to a service project sanding the balcony railing for a less active member, who then gave us lunch. All of our appointments fell through, and so we went to the church to do online work. While there, we heard some kitten noises. So we went behind the chapel from where the sound had come, and we found two little kittens. So cute that we elected to do online work there with the kitten napping in our laps. That night we had a bomb lesson with Luciano e Rubi and remarked their baptism dates for the 13th. Super spiritual lesson as well.

On Thursday we again had all of our appointments fall through, and so again we grinded referrals and yellows. Again at the church, we heard the kittens again, this time, one of the kittens, who was having trouble walking due to weakened hind legs had fallen into a hole very hard to reach. But with some prayers and careful maneuvering of my arm, we were able to retrieve the kitten.

On Friday we again visited the church to do online work and see the kittens. To our dismay, the kitten who I saved the day before was lying on the ground barely breathing. We had noticed that it was slowly getting weaker, while the other kitten got stronger, and so we know that the mother of these kittens watches after them and that there is likely a problem with the one who was suffering that wasn’t allowing her to feed herself. We took her to a vet, and they are now in care of her. That night, the ward had an activity in which the primary came, and unfortunately they found the other kitten and began the fight over who gets to hold it. It was super loud and the kitten was obviously very frightened. So with the parents help we restrained the kids from being near the kitten. This resulted in many tears and silent treatments, but that’s ok.

On Saturday we went to lunch a little early because we planned to go to the temple. On the way to lunch, we stopped by the church to check on our kitten. Sure enough, the mother took her to another place. We heard the kittens cries on the other side of the church wall, so it’s likely that they just moved next door. We ate lunch, and went to the church and left for the temple. There, it was amazing! I got to see many friends from Macabu and Buzios, since they were both doing caravans to the temple that day. It was wonderful to see so many friends, including Elder Ribeiro, whom I thought I had seen for the last time at zone conference. We went to the temple this time with our friend Jeiel, who was baptized last month. He thought it was wonderful and is excited to go again. We had an awesome time chatting on the way back about Spiritual Gifts.

On Sunday we had the baptism of our friend Carol! She was the one who called us like a month again asking all the right questions and knowing everything already. She was so excited and ready to make a covenant with God. But… the right size baptismal suit was at a members house who washed it. So they rushed to the other side of the ward boundaries to get it and we waited. The baptism happened and it was wonderful. We then ate lunch and went straight home, following the members instruction. Sunday was the BIG game. Flamengo qualified for the Playoffs of the FIFA World Cup, and so that means dangerous streets and uninterested people. There were a total of six goals during the game, and each time our neighbors taught me new words I’ve never heard before. Even more so since Flamengo lost 4-2. Fireworks and gunshots celebrated the two goals of ours and the end of the game. Nobody answered the phone. I accidentally spent two hours studying Portuguese grammar.

This week was overall chaotic, but good. In general news, all of the gangs are at work and I don’t think I’ve gone one day without hearing gunshots. Saturday night the skirmishes actually entered into our neighborhood, but I slept right through them. My comp recorded an audio. But life is good, I’ve having toast and jelly with tea (calm down, it’s herbal) for breakfast, and so I’m happy (and safe, don’t worry).

Tender mercy: The fact that the cat moved next door was a huge tender mercy for me since I was worried about Sunday being worse than Friday night’s activity.

Spiritual thought: “And Alma related unto them his conversion, with Ammon and Aaron, and his brethren. And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them.” (Alma 27:25-26) I love the fact that sharing one’s testimony can bring joy to others. When we testify of that which we know, it enters into the heart of those who are willing to listen and edifies them. It transmits a joy that is only found in being converted. So, bear your testimony in every given opportunity! It will give you and those who hear you much joy.

Awesome Sauce

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey howdy y'all!!

I'm back again! This week was awesome! So awesome that I again can't remember much of what happened!

Random thing: I'm writing this email while staring out at the beach and ocean and I just gotta tell you that God. Is. Real. And We. Are. SO. Blessed. To live in such a beautiful beautiful world! #Alma30:44

Anyways, here's a few things from this week that i can remember:

- Sister Cutler gave me a haircut and it was the nicest thing ever! I've been NEEDING a haircut lately!

- I'm back to playing my violin and it's so yeehaw!

- Sister Bradbeer had me snort laughing everyday!

- We had FOUR services on Friday and it was amazing! We made two old ladies cry! I've never felt more fulfilled!

- I went on exchanges with the one and only Sister Tuiqali from Fiji and it was a miracle filled day! We made 3 new friends in like an hour and handed out a Book of Mormon! We also were biking and my bike's seat fell off so I had to pedal standing up. I was SO sore! So good though!

Spiritual stuff:

Right now, we're trying with literally ALL OUR MIGHT to make friends and find people who want to enter in to the fold and be baptized but this area is a toughy. I'm determined though. I have faith that miracles are here and coming! Anyways, we've started interviewing Australian converts here on their conversion processes and experiences with the missionaries just to see how we can alter our approach and better fulfill our purpose in this area. I've already grown so much hearing people's experiences.

So, this spiritual stuff isn't me sharing with y'all, it's me asking y'all to share your conversion stories with me. Even if you grew up in the church, I know you have one! I want to hear it! Please :)

Anyways, y'all have a good one! I love y'all!

- Sister Cummings

It feels like a perfect night for breakfast at midnight

 (Elder Mackrory)

Bom dia amigos e família!

Estou animado para contar pra vocês minha semana. Foi um pouco louca. Mas tudo bem. Vi 8 fuscas, para um total 1374,5. Ainda sigo sem ver um meio fusca.

What’s up guys! Last pday was really cool. Our recent convert Jorge invited us to have some pizza at the restaurant he manages. Uau. What a pizza. Authentic wood oven, and an Italian menu. The only thing that wasn’t so authentic was the dessert pizza, but I’m not mad about that. We then went home, got groceries and did online work.

On Tuesday we had district council for the first time this transfer. Last first district council. Our lunch was super good. It was crepes with ground beef, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. During lunch, the members were watching the FIFA world cup, and we watched the first half of Fluminense (team from Rio) and Borussia Dortmund (super bad team from Germany). Nothing happened in the first half, and when we left to go do visits i realized nobody was home (yeah right). Apparently nothing happened in the second half either, but the victory was given to Fluminense because of a previous game or something. After a pretty empty day of visits, we went home to study and do some online work.

On Wednesday we had my last zone conference, and to ensure we arrived on time, we left way earlier than we needed to and took an uber instead of the bus. Unfortunately Rio’s traffic had other ideas and I stressfully watched our ETA slowly change from 9:15 to 10:15. Luckily the route had us do some weird loop at the end, and so I just told the driver to leave us a bit before the end of the ride, and so we saved 10 minutes there. Conference was super cool and well oriented to help us be successful. At lunch I sat with President and Sister Dutson and Elder and Sister Butters. I was the first missionary to sit at their table, and also the last because nobody else wanted to. It definitely made me look like I was trying to suck up to president, but that doesn't make much sense since I'm on my last stint. Oh well. Good conversation. On the way home my comp came down with a headache and some nausea, and so for the baptismal interview that night we did a division. During the interview, which our district leader did in a part, I messed around on the old people workout equipment. The interview resulted in our needing president's further approval, which Carol understood.

On Thursday we had really good stroganoff and watched another first half of a soccer game, this time Palmeiras (a good team from São Paulo but not well liked) and some middle eastern team with a weird name. I’m pretty sure Palmeiras won. Then we went to the chapel where we met up with the formerly known Elder Levie, now just Paul. He and I go way back to my first new years eve in Brazil when the rest of the district decided rules are lame and went to the beach at midnight. Anyway, at the chapel we played ping pong and chatted. Basically the entire ward showed up to see him again. That night we did online work.

On Friday I got to do a division with my brozão Elder Patterson. We got caught up on an hour long bus ride and went to lunch. The ward in which he serves only has two missionaries, which made lunch very different from what I'm used to. When we got to lunch, there was a big black stain on the roof, and the Sister who gave us lunch explained that her pressure pot exploded and half of our beans were on the roof. We ate crepes with tomato sauce and ground beef and mozzarella again (better than the other time), and then gave the message. After a little insisting, we cleaned the roof. Super fun. We made sure before leaving to pray that no more beans hit the roof. We started doing some visits in the area, but shortly realized that no one wanted to talk, since the Flamengo X Chelsea game was going on. Flamengo is the most rooted for team in Brasil (possibly in South America as well) and Chelsea is a big name European team. When I say everyone is watching it, I mean everyone was watching it. The streets seemed quieter than Provo during general conference. The few people on the road were also watching the game. We got some ice cream and started for home. It was at that point 1-0 Chelsea. Then, shouts and screams and honks and engine redlining split the air for a good 2 minutes. It was abundantly clear that Flamengo scored. Then, shouts and screams and honks and engine redlining split the air for a good 5 minutes. At first, we thought the celebration was for the first goal still, but as we passed a pharmacy (yes, the pharmacy had a TV out to watch the game), we realized that it had been two back to back goals. I've never seen the Carioca people so happy. About 15 minutes later, shouts and screams and honks and engine redlining split the air for a good 5 minutes. 3-1 Flamengo. A man shouted words I don't know from a window, to whom we smiled, gave thumbs up and said “é noix”. At home we did online work and chatted about spiritual gifts until it was time to order pizza. They gave us a reasonably ETA and just like at zone conference, the ETA got worse and worse until we were eating pizza at like 11 pm. Oh well.

On Saturday Elder Vogt died. Not really, but he woke up with a pretty bad fever and more sickness. We arrived home to end the division and Elder Roca, who was also feeling a little sick went to the hospital with him. While they were at the hospital Elder Cunha and I did online work, kinda independently. That night we went to soccer and then back home.

For Stake conference Sunday, our ward (which is super far from the stake center) was allowed to have a transmission in our chapel, so nothing changed as far as the where goes. However, Elder Vogt was still dying and So Elder Cunha and I went to church to represent both companionships. We had three of our friends come, and it was super cool. That evening we did more online work. What do you do when your comp can barely get off the bed?

Tender mercy: This week the Lord saw fit for me to be shown some of my spiritual gifts. In many instances in the week I saw how the Lord showed me that I had been placed here in Iraja at the right time to meet the right people. I was aware of how I could help them using my talents and the abilities the Lord has given me.

Spiritual thought: Flamengo, After securing the lead, still made one more goal before the end of the game. Ammon, in the Book of Mormon, was diligent in keeping all the commands of the King, even after what he did to save the flocks would have been enough to gain the faith of the King. This is what proved his greatness. It reminds me of the scripture “Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.” When we do all that we can, not just the bare minimum, that is when the Lord magnifies us and our efforts.

Testimonies, who knew?

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey howdy y'all!

Y'all this week FLEW by and it was SO good! So good that I honestly can't remember much about what happened! But here are some highlights:

Wednesday we had MLC and it was inspired of course. President has started to use that revelatory power and is changing our mission to be better! It's exciting and I know the work is going forth!

We also got to go to the temple on Wednesday after MLC and I had a little "come to Jesus" moment that has changed my life in all actuality. I'm giving Him my actual all rather than just having the desire to do so. My perspective on everything has changed and I'm even more so determined to FIND, TEACH, and BAPTIZE. It's going to be a good transfer!

We had exchanges on Friday and I got to go with the brand new Sister Smith ("Sister" not to be confused with "Joseph"). Y'all, she is amazing! I'm astounded by her zeal for the work! We saw heaps of miracles and we actually met someone who is looking for a church right now! Such a miracle for this area. Mt Barker is a toughy but it's also SO GOOD!

On Sunday, I took the sacrament which was pretty awesome. #renewedcovenants

Anyways, here's some spiritual stuff:

Yesterday, we taught a lesson to a family in our ward about the purpose of having our own testimonies and it really struck a cord in me.

During the lesson, we had a bowl of water and two oranges. One orange, representing a person who has cultivated a testimony, is put into the water; which represents the world, sin, trials, basically everything bad you can think of. And because they have a testimony and that protective barrier, they droop under the water but quickly comes to the surface and floats. The second orange represents someone who has not taken the time to cultivate that testimony so when they are put into that water and into the hardships of the world, they sink all the way to the bottom.

This was such a powerful image to me and it was something I can completely relate to! We NEED a testimony of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, the Restoration, EVERYTHING, to stay afloat in this world of fear! Life is so much harder without it!

Anyways, I'd love to hear a bit of y'all's testimonies ON having a testimony!

I love y'all!

- Sister Cummings

Church, Church and CHURCH

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey howdy y'all!!

This week was AWESOME! We did heaps of exchanges and had transfers and things got changed up yet again! But not too changed. I'm staying in Mt Barker for a 3rd transfer but Sister Briscoe left and Sister Bradbeer came in! I LOVE SISTER BRADBEER! She's one of my BEST friends!!

We went on heaps of exchanges this week and they were all amazing! Sister Hadfield and Sister Bastedo are amazing Sisters! It's weird how much we each grow and change in such a short period of time. When I was companions with Sister Bastedo in Modbury, we were such different missionaries!

But yeah, overall, I had a great week!

Here's some spiritual stuff,

Lately, we've been REALLY struggling to get people to church and it's been pretty dog gone frustrating but what it has made me come to realize and to develop a testimony of is just how important church. When we invite people to church we have to promise and testify of the blessings of the sacrament and of taking the time to learn about Jesus Christ and His sacrifice every week. As I've testified over and over, I've REALLY come to 100% know that church is integral to conversion. You HAVE to partake of the sacrament EACH WEEK so that you can stay spiritually afloat. I never want to skip a sacrament meeting ever in my life! So, PLEASE go to church this week!

I love y'all!

- Sister Cummings

And thent he cold came, the dark days

 (Elder Mackrory)

Eae tropinha. Belezinha?

Essa semana tivemos uma colheita menos exitosa, devido àlgumas coisinhas. Vi 6 fuscas, para um total de 1366,5. Espero muito ver outro meio fusca.

This entire week has been absolutely freezing. I think at one point it got down to 55 degrees. Needless to say I’ve been using my jackets all week and sipping my hot tea in these bitter and trying times.

Last pday we had transfers announced, and I found out where and with whom I will spend my Last transfer. Turns out I'm staying here in Irajá, which I expected, and I'm staying with my companion Elder Vogt, which I kind of expected. We spent the day kinda doing nothing since we had left some time to spare in case one of us had to pack bags.

On Tuesday we had our last district council meeting, and unfortunately I didn’t make any cheesecake. We said goodbye to some of the elderes in our district that were being transferred, and I started to realized that since this is my last transfer, I know exactly who I won’t see again until after the mission. It is kind of a surreal experience. The rest of the mission that I will get to see again I will for the last time this week at zone conference. After council, we went home in the freezing rain and made lunch at home. Then, because of the rain, we stayed at home to catch up on our never ending list of referrals. That night, some members made us a churrasco to say goodbye to Elder Amorim who was being transferred.

Wednesday morning we said goodbye to Elder Amorim, and he and elder Roca left for the mission office. We did our studies, went to lunch, and started to do our normal visits, and then Elder Vogt started feeling not so good in the stomach. We rushed home and he spent the rest of the day in and out of the bathroom while I gave the house a good deep cleaning and did some online work. Upon the arrival of the other Elders, Elder Roca and the new Elder Cunha, we came to find that Elder Roca had been feeling the same way. So for our lesson, we did a quick division and taught Rubi (I figured out that you spell it with an “I” here in Brasil) and Luciano with Elder Cunha. We ended up marking their baptism dates. We stopped by the store so that Elder Cunha could have some food for the week since he’s new in the area, and I took advantage of the opportunity to restock on my tea, which had been going out. I got some really good raspberry, blackberry, and hibiscus blends that are so awesome. Sugar in the raw also helps with the quality.

On Thursday not much had changed about Elder Vogt situation, and so we spent the day online.

On Friday Elder Vogt was a little better and we were able to go to lunch. Upon arrival we heard loud orchestral music from a nice speaker system. It was really good music, so it stayed on during lunch, including an arrangement of Amazing Grace by a bagpipe band that may have pulled a few tears. Afterwards, we were able to do some visits nearby before Elder Vogt became fatigued again. Dude’s a trooper.

Saturday was a little slower again because the dumb stomach bug didn’t leave my comp. We had our usual soccer night, and this time, for the first time in forever, no one really got in any fights about who made more goals. That night we taught Jessica, who has been coming to church for the last few weeks, and while we didn’t get to marking an exact date, she is super interested in being baptized. There is, however, one small difficulty. She lives in the Rio South mission. So we’re in contact with the Elders from the neighboring ward and Jessica and her son Miguel will get to know the church there, and she said she will be baptized there. So it will all work out.

Sunday was nice, we only had 3 of our friends show up, which, while it was lower than what we are used to, it was kinda relaxing to not have to rush to get them to sit with members. Before church, however, there was a gang war happening super close by with all sorts of gunshots and grenade explosions, and so we decided not to go visit anyone before going to church. Afterwards we got a ride to lunch in a way over packed car, but it's ok, everyone fit, including my comp in the trunk. Lunch was divine, but unfortunately for Elder Vogt, it had too much cheese, and so we again spent the day at home, with exception for one close-by visit with Carol, where we went over the baptismal interview questions. Had a chat with president, who renewed my temple recommend, and made it online, which is super fancy.

This week, while it was a little slower and less fruitful because of complicated complications, was full of miracles and tender mercies. The greatest of which, in my eyes, was the opportunities to serve Elder Vogt when he was sick. It has helped me to see more clearly the love Jesus Christ has for each one of us.

Spiritual Thought: During my mission, I’ve thought many times, “I’m a good missionary, why doesn’t president make me a zone leader? or assistant, or district leader?” I don’t think I ever really made those roles my goal during the mission, but sometimes I’ve thought that perhaps if I was a little more obedient, a little more diligent, I would have been a more prominent leader. Then one day, I was reading in Matthew 8:5-13 about the centurion who had his servant healed. Jesus commended his faith as not having any equal in all of Israel. Wait, more faithful than even the apostles? Yes. Among all of Israel, Jesus had not found faith equal to that of the centurion. Christ did not, however, promote the centurion to senior apostle in that moment, but simply granted what the centurion desired and let him live a faithful life. Like the centurion, we can have faith as great as the apostles, and still not be called to leadership. We can decide to be no less serviceable to the Lord, leader or not. For this, I’m content that I have done my best to develop myself as a disciple of Jesus Christ on my mission.

Christlike!

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey Howdy Y'all!!

This week was awesome! I got sick and we had heaps of meetings so there's not much to talk about! Overall it was a fantastic week! I'd love to hear about y'all's!

Honestly, getting sick on the mission is really frustrating but also brings time for a lot of good reflection! I did a lot of reflecting and have discovered some things that I really want to enact and improve next transfer! So I'm hopeful and excited!

Here's some spiritual stuff:

Lately I've been thinking about Christlike attributes and something that was a lightbulb moment was I realized that these attributes of Christ are only "Christlike" because they are for the benefit of other people! Like knowledge is a Christlike attribute but it is only going to be "Christlike" if you share it with others and help them learn and grow! It applies to all of the attributes!

What Christlike attribute are you working on right now?

I love y'all! Sorry for the short email!

- Sister Cummings

Yeah, I learned my lesson, count my blessings

 (Elder Mackrory)

Opa tropa ta mais um email aí dando sopa

Espero que consigam ver a graça no ritmo dessa introdução. Pois eh. Vi 9 fuscas essa semana, trazendo o total aos 1360,5.

Last pday we took it slowly, and hung around the house. I made a raspberry-lime cheesecake for district council. I did some dishes and laundry and somehow managed to procrastinate writing my email.

On Tuesday we had district council and I brought my raspberry lime cheesecake which everybody loved. The only thing that didn’t go perfectly was the crust, which lacked butter and was therefore crumbly. After the council, a friend of ours Fabio came to church to see how it all works. We taught the first principles of the gospel, and he accepted our baptism invite. We did a reverse day from what is normal and did our online work in the afternoon and did visits at night.

On Wednesday we did some visits in the farthest neighborhood in our area after eating lunch in the mall. Afterwards we went to the chapel for seminary, and beforehand while calling referrals, Carol responded and told us how she had been taught by the missionaries before, she’s been reading the book of Mormon and want to be baptized and go to the temple. So there’s that. We marked a lesson with her for the next day, because our friends had arrived. With Luciano and Ruby with the help of the bishop we had a super spiritual lesson about the restoration. If they are ready, we hope to invite them to baptism this week. During this, our friend Jorge was interviewed for baptism and passed! Super crazy miracle about this. Afterwards we had some call lessons. One with Jessica, who is also super interested in being baptized, but she lives outside the mission in a super inconvenient spot that makes it easier for her to get a bus ride to our ward than to her ward. We will see about the situation.

On Thursday morning we called our friend Carol back, with the help of sister Barbara. She was so kind to Carol and helped her feel welcome and ready to come to church on Sunday. She was so kind as to invite Carol to have lunch with her the next day, which was the day we would be there too! After the call, we marked to meet with her that evening in the chapel, and invited a sister in the ward who lives on her same street. Unfortunately she was working, so to make the lesson work, we called up Luciano and Ruby again and they were able to participate in the lesson. Not members (yet), but at least we weren’t alone. We taught the plan of salvation, and it went really well despite some hiccups.

On Friday, we had lunch with Barbara, her family, and Carol. It was super good. Carol is feeling super welcome in the ward, which was one of her worries about coming. We went to go visit Joao on the complete opposite side of the area, who ended up canceling on us. That’s ok, there’s never too little online work to do.

On Saturday, we had a super cool lesson with Fabio, with a less active member we’re helping out. Super cool, and how they’re friends. We helped out with soccer that night, But we had to dip early to go to the family night marked by the sister who lived on the same street as Carol. Naturally, she asked us to invite Carol. We had a super good discussion about the restoration and the Book of Mormon, and she’s super excited about the Gospel Library.

On Sunday we had Jorge’s baptism, and some 6 of our friends came! Afterwards we had lunch at Nubia’s house, and were kinda stuck there the entire day because it was also Elder Amorim’s goodbye party since we are pretty sure he’s leaving.

Overall, it was a pretty full week. As I wrote, I went back like four or five times just because I forgot about a really important event.

Tender Mercy: Jorge was going to be baptized because we was supposed to switch jobs to free him up on Sundays. Come the interview, he passed, but said that some people at his current job left, and so now as a manager, he’s kinda stuck there. After some prayer and fasting, he spoke to his usually pretty stern boss, who told the first employee in the history of the company to take sundays off. Jorge told us Sundays off was never an option, never even a thought, and his boss just him he could have it. Prayer and Fasting really work.

Spiritual thought: I learned this week the two different Portuguese words that mean “blessed”. One (abençoado) means simply blessed, having blessings received. The other (bendito) has a higher meaning. Beyond its meaning of blessed, it means someone who reciprocates those blessings to others and someone who is grateful for such blessings. For example, 10 lepers were abençoados. Only 1 was bendito. Whenever the scriptures wish to imply more than simple blessing, they use bendito or its verb, bendizer. May we always strive to be the part of God’s people that is more than abençoada, but bendita as well.