Nice to meet you, where you been (Lyman's verson)

 (Elder Mackrory)

1.Sunset do São Paulo

2. For Drew

3. View from my Sala de Aula (classroom)

4. Campinas Temple

5. São Paulo

6. Meu Distrito (home mtc)

7. Riley and Me (apparently didnt attach properly last time

Flew me to places I've never been

 (Elder Mackrory)

Olá amigos e família!

It hasn't been too long since the last email so there won't be too many updates. I am now in Brasil at the Sao Paulo Centro de Trenamiento Missionario. I got to meet my companheiro Elder Otterson, he's pretty cool. The plane ride was about 9 hours long overnight so I slept most of the time. the Weather down here is pretty nice; it is not super humid and a comfortable temperature outside. The inside is kept quite cold so I've found myself wearing a jacket most of the time in my dorm. We got new phones that we had to set up and that was pretty cool, it was like a puzzle trying to work with an OS that I’m not familiar with.

Something that I've been asked a lot today is why I'm serving a mission. There is a plethora of reasons but these verses from The Book of Mormon cover a lot of them. This is from Alma chapter 29.

1 O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!

2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.

There is a lot of sadness in the world. I don't like that. I don't think anyone does. But what I know that many people don't, is that relief from this grieving comes through Jesus Christ. He is the only source of true, complete, and lasting Joy. As we put our faith in Him, and as we continually seek the blessings of repentance through the savior's atonement

One terna misericordia from these few days is that I didn't forget anything. As of yet with unpacking everything into my dorm room I have had everything I needed and will need for these two years. I know everyone worries about leaving something behind and I'm no exception.

Elder Lyman Mackrory

Photos:

1. Guaraná on tap

2. My roommates (Companion was ready)

3. CTM view of São Paulo

4.My friend Riley Who I invited to Church

5. My District (home CTM)

Drop everything now

 (Elder Mackrory)

Bom Dia amigos e família!

This is my first group email and I am so glad you are all here to support me, it means a lot.

     I have been called to serve in the Rio de Janeiro Norte mission. My purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

     This first week I am studying at home, learning Portuguese and teaching methods. On Monday I fly out to Sao Paulo for my in person training.

     Although I have been at home, I have learned so much and have grown so much in my faith in Christ. He is our redeemer! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true gospel. I know this to be true with every fiber of my being. I cannot wait to be in person. The zoom meetings are always edifying and I can tell everyone is united in the purpose of bringing others unto Christ.

     I got to meet my companheiro (companion) and my district this week. They are so awesome and were going to have a blast at the Missionary Training center in Sao Paulo. I am the only one from New Mexico so I get questions like "What goes on down there other than Breaking Bad and Aliens?" It's difficult why I'm so fond of New Mexico given that there really isn't much more than Breaking bad and Aliens. Maybe I can say we have sandstorms. Oh well.

     The subject line refers to the fact that I put everything in my life on hold for two years to serve the Lord. Education, Dating, movies, music (I'm gonna miss 1989 tv), and pretty much everything that I love because I love the Lord more. I know He will bless me for this service.

     Every email I send out will include a tender mercy. The phrase tender mercy refers to several verses in the Old Testament (Psalm 25:6; 40:11; 51:1; 69:16; 77:9; 79:8; 103:4; 119:77; 145:9; Proverbs 12:10) There's a lot of verses there but I encourage you to read them to gain a greater understanding of what a tender mercy is. For me, a tender mercy can be anything from a great miracle to just something that made me happy; anything to help me get through the day joyfully. This week a tender mercy was being able to teach a mock lesson. My companion and I taught a lesson to our MTC instructor which made me really happy. I love to testify of truth and to share the love of Christ to everyone. I invite each of you to look for the Lord's hand in your life and I can promise that as you look for ways to be joyful in Christ, you will find your burdens become bearable and manageable and life will run more smoothly.

     Thanks so much for reading! My next email will be Tuesday and then from there the updates will be weekly. I'd love to hear from you all, but be sure not to hit reply all haha.

Elder Lyman Mackrory

Līgo: The Summer Solstice Celebration

 (Elder Putnam)

So the 23rd of June is the day with the earliest sunrise and latest sunset. To Latvians thats really important. Pretty much everyone goes out into the countryside to celebrate. Its a good time and everyone drinks a ton of beer. Unfortunately since everyone is out in the countryside, nobody is in Rīga and theres not as much missionary work to do.

We still got to celebrate with the stake at the Imanta church building. All the members and missionaries from Liepāja and Daugavpils also came. It was a good time.

Thats most of whats in my mind right now except for pday today. We again went to the Imanta church building and played volleyball, Baltic Ball, and games. Elder Khilabok grilled up some very delicious meat as well. I was impressed. I got a slight sunburn but it was a great time. All the Rīga missionaries except for the Assistants showed up. It was a great pday. Elder Davis said that I jump like a drunk frog.

The last thing on my mind is that we get a new mission President this week. President Anti is what we call him because we cant pronounce his last name. He will lay down the law. Itll be especially interesting because he already knows a lot of the missionaries and especially the members. Lots of things will change, both with missionaries and members.

Anyways, loving my time here. Its a great experience and the work is moving forward.

My next chapter: Riga 2

 (Elder Putnam)

Ok so here’s the takes from Rīga so far. They’ve got a lot of things under control. like split second hours and stuff like that. Brālis Bite is an absolute legend. We went over to his house on Thursday and it was a blast. We acted out Nephi obtaining the brass plates with the kids. It was awesome. He also led the second hour discussion last Sunday which was pretty great.

Rimi ran out of pelmeņi which caused me to improvise a little this week on food. The fridge is a little smaller too so I’ve had to dk a little dance there too.

Elder Argyle is an absolute G. He left behind a bunch of stuff for me to eat. Mostly chocolate and cookies and stuff. but some decent spices which i very much appreciate.

Definately missing Elder Bastow rn. Definitely also missing, like teaching people. that was kinda nice.

Anyways that’s pretty much it for today.

My next chapter: Riga

 (Elder Putnam)

Aight so the big news is that I got transferred. Imma miss Liepāja and I’m gonna miss Elder Bastow, but Elder Jessop and I are gonna live it up in Rīga. Its gonna be sick.

For now Imma just say that I’ve enjoyed my time in Liepāja, especially with Elder Bastow, I’ve loved the people here and I can't wait to bring some energy to Rīga. Should be dope.

The other big thing that happened this week was Mothers day!!! I got to speak and I actually gave a pretty darn good talk, given the fact that Latvian is my second language.

Heres some pictures from the last week:

1. There are some murals all over Liepāja of various sizes. This is one of the bigger and more famous ones.

2. We had a service opportunity on Friday and Sunday. We helped a person move to a new house (I should have seen that it was a shadow of things to come)

3. Jānis Mandeiks (he is one of the members of the ward here) sends me the playoff basketball updates. Its sick

4. These biezpiens bumbiņas are the best things on earth when fresh. My goodness.

6. Heres another mural. Its got Madison Beere in it. Check her profile picture on instagram (per Ernests Migla)

7. The Northern Forts were my first and last pday in Liepāja.

Weekly May 1

 (Elder Putnam)

Yoo, heres a recap of the week.

 

Monday: I arose early. Being compelled by Sister Lū we decided to be efficient in the morning. I got a solid workout in then showered and we headed to lidl. We went crazy again on the eggs and other high protein goods. I also found a new pastry there. Todays big purchase was a six pack of multifruit juice. Then we hit Rimi for a few items. I snagged Ramone (the purple car from Cars - ill include a picture). We also got tabasco sauce from Rimi which saved us a trip later. Then we met the former missionaries at the church to go to the Southern Forts. Ive never been there and so it was quite fun to check out. The Southern Forts are a bunch of cavish looking things made of cement. It was full of beer bottles and potato chip bags. We kinda just vibed out there for a short while. Then Elder Bastow and I did a lift (like the dancing thing where you lift the person in the air from the waist). Shoutout to James Lear for the pointers on that. The pictures not so great. We then went back to the church and played duraks and citrons, followed by Unstable Unicorns. I pulled like no useful cards for myself, but a bunch of downgrade cards. So I ended up looking like the villian when really I was only doing that which was effective. So finished up by sending off my email. Then we went to the Ščerbeniņi for Benja's birthday. Benja is the cutest little kiddo. We gave him cars for his birthday. I also got clowned for not having made siļķe kažokā (herring in a fur coat) which is just way not my thing. But I am a missionary. So I got seconds. Mamma, I dont wanna hear the echoes of old memories "on your mission youre gonna have to eat tomatoes" or "youre preparing for a mission so eat those mushrooms." And Father,,, I have not eaten a single chicken foot my entire mission thus far. For the most part, the food here is pretty darn solid.

Overall day: 9/10, lots of fun and relaxation

 

Tuesday: We had district counsel, went home. Did studies. Then we went whiteboarding in the rain with Ernests. It was not very effective but we talked alot about missionary work which was good. then in place of art night we had a lesson about the plan of Salvation with Emīls. He is starting to pick up the stuff that we put down. We just gotta poke him to get him moving (figuratively of course). Then we had a heart to heart with Raitis on the way home. I ate left over chicken pesto pasta for dinner.

But Ye Elders of Israel goes so hardddd.

Overall day: 7/10 not a crazy amount was accomplished. I also started to fall asleep during language study.

 

Wednesday: we started off by going to Miko bakery. Its so good. Very cheap for decent pastries. They have old bagged ones you can get by weight. I got maybe 20 little mini pastries for like a euro. Such a deal. Then we went to the church for Kristīnas Study. Garett was also there. He brought his dog, which im pretty sure is not allowed in the church, but I honestly have no idea what to do in that situation. Near the end, the former missionaries showed up to say goodbye. I must say, they are so cool. Like very respectful and kind. They seemed proud of us. Made me happy. Then we went home and did studies. Neither of us set a timer so im pretty sure it went over by like 30 minutes. But its ok. Then we went back to the church for seminary and the chosen night.

Overall day: 7/10 good day, but nothing overly significant.

Thursday: We went to the bakery again for comp study. my MSF is getting shot. English Night was alright. We were in charge of the beginner class which is just two 13 year old Russian girls. They are not at all focused. Then on our way home, Brālis Hilton messaged us and we found out that he, Brālis Bastian, and Jordan Harmon, who all served in Latvia 2 years ago, (and Brālis Hilton and Brālis Bastian taught us in the MTC). They’re dope.

Overall day: 6.5/10, the tougher days help you appreciate the better ones.

Friday: We started the day off with some finding. It got mad chilly on Friday just kinda out of nowhere. We went walking in a different direction and across the bridge. Its right next to the beer bottling factory. Anyways, nobody was outside due to the weather and the wind. There’s always the struggle of walking back towards home and then one girl is walking in front and keeps taking the same path that we need. It makes you look and feel like a stalker. But ya, then we went back to the apartment texted people, and did language study and lunch. Then it was Facebook and piano work until sports night. Sports Night was the first time we got to see the former missionaries. They are dope. I love them. Brālis Bastians was only speaking Latvian to us, which I was low key a fan of. Our friends liked them too. After Sports night we hurried home and grabbed our pelmeņi and a pot. Then we ate with the former missionaries and just talked about divine things.

Overall Day: 8/10, lowkey mad stressful, but definitely a fun time.

Saturday: We had a very stressful day. We wont say what started the day, but it was unsuccessful and a bit of a waste of time. Then we went home to fix our water filter, spending way too much time on that, and found out that the Suisses, who were gonna come up from Lithuania and teach an Art class, cancelled on us. So we spent a short sec informing a ton of people that we were cancelling an activity. It was tough. Then we went to the church and ate tacos with Lāsma, her kids, Raitis, Ernests, and the Māsas, kuras (klasisku māsu modē) nokavēja😁. Then we had a long game night. A part way through the former missionaries joined in and we had a solid time. I think the youth especially liked the returned missionaries. It gave them a tom of energy. After game night we talked for a long time with other people. I got to talk with Samanta and we just conversed. She taught me a new phrase. It was dope. Also the entire district leader call heard the last half of the conversation. It was good.

Overall day: 8/10, some good moments just kinda surrounded my chaos.

Sunday: It was good. the former missionaries spoke. I played piano badly in front of them. The church was very alive. Also, one of the newly called Stake Presidency members was there. He’s pretty cool, but his kids are absolutely crazy. They speak minimal Latvian and no English so I learned that Banan means Banana in Russian. Who woulda thought? After second hour we raced to do some Facebook work but just ended up talking with President Blūms about deep doctrine and how to improve the Facebook page. That Facebook post never did get written *sigh*. But President Blūms is dope. We like him. Then we had the classic Sunday calls. Elder Bastow and I have a new tradition though for Sunday dinner. But I wont include it here. Chicken Pesto Pasta for dinner.

Overall day: 8.5/10, good and also surprisingly chill for a Sunday.

Keep up your faith in Christ. He magnifies your efforts

Putniņš out✌️

Latvian word of the day: mieloties, meaning, to feast.

Mēs ar Talmadžu un Kraiganu mielojamies ar pelmeņus.

We feasted upon pelmeņi with Talmage and Cragun.

Spiritual Thought: We listened to the talk %1 better in Second Hour at church on Sunday. if every day you improve by 1%, you will be 38 times better of a person after a year. That’s an incredible difference. However, you have to have consistency. Keep the grind up. You wont see results day to day, but God will work His magic on you and through you.