August slipped away into a moment of time

 (Elder Mackrory)

Bom Dia!

Again it feels like it’s been 3 days since the last email. This amazing CTM experience is flying by. Last week, I promised to include the updates from that week as well, so we'll start there.

We've been getting better at volleyball. Every day we get exercise time and our district usually plays volleyball. We face off against other districts and it’s so much fun. As a district, we weren't very good. But we learned techniques and strategies from other districts and now we are a lot more consistently competitive. There is one district that has a 6 foot 6 player who played volleyball in high school that they pass to at every opportunity and so at the moment they are the best, but it’s like when the Cavs had LeBron. The really only won because of him.

One of the Elders in my district had a birthday a few days ago. For the past 3 weeks, we've been spending our vending machine allowance (each day we get 16 reais to buy snacks from vending machines across the CTM) on these chocolates called Looks. He really likes them and so we were able to gather about 156 of them for his birthday. We filled a whole suitcase of then and now we have no idea where we're going to put these. I guess we'll gain weight. Thats ok though, in the field I’ll be walking 6-8 miles a day so any weight I gain in the next month will be lost again in another month.

We went to a cookie shop last week on Tuesday and we got milkshakes. It was the best milkshake I have ever had. It was a cookies and creme shake, but the cookie they used was a sugar cookie instead of oreo. They also broke up a big chocolate chip cookie and put the chunks in the shake. Amazingly, the cookie chunks were not soggy, but they were perfectly preserved when you got the surprise spoonful of milkshake with a cookie bite in it. There was also a layer of caramel coating the inside of the cup.

I have been dreading the hot weather in Rio this whole time, but recently I've felt the need for a jacket when the room is 73⁰ F. Maybe I’m adjusting to Brasil weather, maybe I'm turning into my dad. I don't yet know which it is, but both options seem pretty optimal to me.

This last week has been really eventful, but when I write in my journal at night, I really only write the things that I've learned spiritually. The reason being that future me won't really care about the day-to-day things. The reason I will look back is to review the insights and personal revelation I received. Perhaps I'll start a list of the Day-to-day activities that might perhaps be email worthy and then look at that when writing.

I took down my fort because I got cold again under three blankets and I needed blankets 4 and 5. Perhaps I am turning into my dad.

This Sunday I accompanied an Elder on piano as he sang "A Great Work" by Nik Day. It was super easy to play, but the words in the song teach truth. It's also just a good song in general. I encourage each of you to listen to it.

I've officially started a series on my Facebook where I play a song from the Children's songbook on my Melodica (I have given a name to my instrument, His name is Mel). In these videos, I play the melody, put the lyrics and a spiritual though into the caption, and put a Baby Yoda figurine in the background. Not sure which song to do next; I'll take suggestions.

I also brough some grip strengtheners and they are WORKING. I was on the phone with my dad last week and noticed in the camera. The photo may be aided by angle and lighting but I def feel like my forearms are growing in size and strength.

It rained one night and it was so cool. It was about 6 pm which is about when the sun gets really low and the clouds and sky hang in majestic gradients of orange, pink, and mango. This night, however, there was no such poetic beauty. Blackness dominated the once prismatic flow of the sun's final exertion. At first the lack of vibrance was confusing and saddening. But as I came to understand the offlandish tendencies here in Brasil, the blackness grew in my mind from gloomy and disheartening to mystical and of surpassing majesty. It shares the wonder of obsidian's deep monochromaticity and a black horse's inspiring stoicism.

Spiritual Thought: I have been thinking a lot about prayer recently. Prayer connects us with our Divine Creator and Father. He loves us and wants to bless us with all righteous things. James 1:5-6 says:

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

As an extension to this scripture, I would say that prayer does not only help when you lack wisdom. If you lack any Christlike quality: faith hope, charity, love, virtue, integrity, patience, humility diligence, obedience, strength (may it be physical, mental, social, or social), motivation, kindness, confidence, etc., if you ask God with all the faith you have to develop any of these attributes, I promise He will aid you as you work towards them yourself. I have found that developing Godly attributes is very difficult if God is not part of the process.

Tender mercy: for the first few weeks of CTM, I was really struggling with getting enough sleep, and therefore being tired during the day. This annoyed me. I started a habit of sincerely asking for more efficient rest and for the ability to fall asleep faster. The night I started praying for this, I found myself sleeping much better, and since then I have not had a day where I’ve struggled to stay awake. Prayer works!

Tchau!

Elder Mackrory

1. Meo antebraços

2. Typical day

3. Study setup

4. Beautiful CTM

5. Huge matches

6. Dulche de Leche ice cream (if only I had a freezer)

7. Beautiful yellow tree.

8. Blurry picture of a classic mini

And we rule the kingdom inside my room

 (Elder Mackrory)

E ai, caras!

I almost forgot today was Pday, it feels like 3 days ago I wrote an email. Here at the CTM, days feel like weeks and weeks feel like days. I feel like I’ve learned so much and so little at the same time. Although I have learned more words, my knowledge of what I still have to learn has increased more.

My district and I signed a contract that we're not allowed to speak any English unless we're in our doctrine class. So far its been awesome and its sucked. In the 24 hours that this contract has been in place, i feel like my ability to express what i want to say has increased tremendously.

I also built a fort with one of my extra blankets that is own little kingdom. It is where my companion and I study.

Today was a very short Pday, there wasn’t much time to write emails, so next week I promise ill write more things about this week and the things of next week, but for now I’ll leave you with a spiritual thought and a tender mercy.

Spiritual thought: the word for "hope" in português is esperança. The verb "to wait" is esperar. I feel like the word hope has never really meant much to me other than saying "I hope I get to do ___ when I’m older" or other things, but I never understood the meaning, only the connotation and usage. Now, I understand that a meaning for hope could be "wait in faith". A lot of good things are out of our control. We hope these things will come to pass. We wait in faith for these things to pass. The Lord will provide for His children. Sometimes all we can do is ask in faith. After that, it is in the Lord's hands.

Tender Mercy: today we went to the temple. The temple is the House of God. We go to the temple to worship him and learn of his Gospel. We make covenants, or sacred promises, with him to live as His son, Jesus Christ would. Since God is our Heavenly Father, his temple is the house of our father (in heaven). I always feel at home when I am there. Although I have not yet experienced homesickness, the feeling of being at home that is common in all the temples in the world brings peace and joy. It was incredible to experience the peace that comes in and through Jesus Christ. I invite each of you to search the scriptures for the prophesies about and teachings of Jesus Christ. They will bring you comfort as we move forward in this difficult mortal experience.

Until next week,

Elder Mackrory (the fifth)

Last week, I realized the pictures might have gone out of order from the list. This caption includes all of them, not in order.

There are two pictures of the Canpinas Temple. There is one of a lawnmower roomba (I invented this in my head like years ago they stole my idea). There is a blurry picture of a favela in the mountains. There is Guava juice (suco de Goiaba) whenever I want. My kingdom in my room.

The Elder Argyle Era: Round 2

 (Elder Putnam)

Labrīt Ģimene un Draugi,

about 8 weeks ago, Elder Argyle got transferred into my area. So we’ve been companions for the past bit and will be until the new Latvian missionaries come in after a month. We have been finding a ton and teaching a lot of new member lessons.

Won't lie, member-missionary relations have not been better as far as I understand. Absolutely vibing. There are a few reasons for that that I can think of:

1. We are visiting families.

We have visited the Bites twice now (those kids are the absolute cutest. I get high 5's from them whenever I see them). This most recent time I beat Brother Bite in a pull competition. 💪💪. Those weights and pull up bar are coming in real handy in that sense. We also visited Gvido Senkāns this past week. They fed us Latvian watermelon, curry with potatoes, and a chocolate ice cream bar. The Senkāni are just so cool.

2. We are chatting a ton with members after Second Hour and just overall spending time with them. I had a Star Wars lightsaber fight with Harolds cause he helped us clean up the stage. Love that kid. We even vibe with the Russian branch. Like we got invited to Sister Samigullina's birthday. Good times.

3. Sacrament Meeting. We play many different hymns in Sacrament meeting. I even learned some Fast Sunday Hymns.

We also have been asked to speak a few times which is good to know that they trust us in that sense as well. Rīga is rolling.

As for Language, I'm doing good. I finished the Book of Mormon like 2 months ago and the doctrine and Covenants 2 days ago. I'm planning on getting the Pearl of Great Price finished before the new missionaries come. I still can't translate in sacrament meeting which is žēl, but in all other areas Im kinda vibing. I got a Latvian Bible to go with my triple combination.

Personal Studies: I picked up Jesus the Christ by James e. Talmage. My dear brothers and sisters, every single paragraph is a Spiritual Thought that can be shared at district counsel. So good. I'm reading about miracles at the moment. Heck ya.

this past week we went to help out at a Spikeball tournament in Marupe. It was a great time. We helped set up and then they gave us snacks and we got to play around on a different net when there wasn't other stuff to do. The music could have been less heathen, and there could have been less vaping, but outside of that it was a great service opportunity.

But Marupe, being 40 minutes from Rīga is the ideal situation for new area. Cause we would still be supporting the Rīga branch, but we would be finding in a completely new area. Its mostly houses which means more families... and we already have a member there who can go finding with us. It would be ideal to get his family dipped first, but when can at least help him show up to Church on time. I wanna serve in Marupe so baddddd. Pray that this happens. Please In reality though, its all what God wants.

I do have one request for anyone who has made it this far. I was recently inspired by a testimony that was shared by a missionary. He said that his mother recently again started praying that he would have people to teach the gospel. And immediately they found a friend on the street. I ask that if you can mention it in your prayers, that you do pray that Elder Argyle and I will have people to teach. Because our area book is so dry. We have 5 new members, but also have no friends at all. So, I fervently ask, that you would include this minor detail in your prayers.

There is no greater work than the Work of Salvation going on today. I hope you have a wonderful week. I'll try to write a short email next week.

Pictures:

1. On our way to service in the beauty of Marupe's nature

2. Idk it was outside the Nation Library of Latvia

3. Spiritually and physically preparing for Bible study.

4. Hiding in the Bites Apartment building cause there was a ton of Rain.

5. Ernests came and visited then promptly stole my tie.

6. Some food for like really cheap.

7. Remember that Jesus loves you

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)

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