I never saw it coming, nor would I have suspected it

 (Elder Mackrory)

¡Hola muy buenas a todos guapisimos! ¿Como están?

Don't worry about the Spanish, we'll get there. This week was nuts. We'll start as we always do: 18 fuscas, total: 717.

On pday, we pretty much just chilled. We went to the store and got our things, but that's pretty much it. At 6, when pday ended, we had our usual mission-wide zoom meeting. I don't remember if we did any of the usual things like review some standards or do a kahoot. President dropped some crazy news on us. Our mission boundaries are changing! We are opening 6 new areas in an new zone. This new zone actually covers where Elder Tacuche and I went for his eye appointment. So we went to the new zone before it was cool. Actually I've been there multiple times before because when we went to the temple with Sheila and Camila, we got off the train in Bonsucesso to catch a bus. But anyways, president said that the missionaries who were there (Rio South mission) had already been taken out, and so were not getting new missionaries. President would arrange an emergency transfer of 6 companionships to go fill those areas. Crazy. This is where the crazy starts.

Tuesday and Wednesday were pretty normal days. Elder Reis and I got a call Wednesday afternoon asking if I could be the pianist for zone conference on Friday. Great job giving me enough notice to practice. Jk I'm used to it. They asked me if I had sheet music for the EFY medley with “we'll bring the world his truth” and “as sisters in Zion''. I didn't, but luckily Elder Patterson hooked me up. Thanks bro. Turns out it's not difficult sheet music, it's just loooooong. We didn't have a printer, so we sent a message to president since we were going to see him the next morning for interviews. 10 minutes later we get a call from him to answer my question. First question he asks: “Does this sheet music have copyright?”. Oops maybe it does. Yeah it does. Saved by the bell. Now I don't have to learn 9 pages of sheet music in 36 hours. But I'm a little confused now. Why would president call just to ask that question? As my mind tried to find a reason, president answered. He said, “while I have you here…”. And proceeded to call Elder Reis to the new zone. So I asked him, “so what's the name of our new area?”. And he says, “oh, no, Elder Mackrory, you're going to stay here in Búzios”. Oh. Ok. Wait a second. “Who's gonna be my new comp?” I asked. “You will be with Elder Flores, covering the areas of Búzios 1 and Búzios 2.” Woah. “So then Elder Petersen Is out of here too?” “Yep. Elder Reis and Petersen will be companions in their new area. In fact, I was just about to call them”. “Alright then. Thanks president!”. Then the phone call ended and we're speedwalking home so we can see the live reactions of the others. We walk in during the phone call and Elder Petersen is jaw to the floor speechless. I got a good photo. So yeah.

So basically Thursday was spent packing bags and giving me the rundown of the area. Looks like it's gonna be fun! In the morning though, we went down to Cabo Frio to have our interviews with the president. We also did our district council that day to minimize travel. Super fun! The sisters who did the training made little cards to remind us all of that they taught. Then we got all our stuff that we ordered (box of copies of the Book of Mormon, pamphlets, and my package). I got some pretty cool snacks and treats including a soda I haven't had in 11 months(ish). Man, I love Dr. Pepper. And my mom. Unfortunately with all the packing, I wasn't able to take any time to practice for zone Conference.

Friday was zone conference! We took an uber because we traveled with all the bags. We had a great time learning and socializing. After it all, we went home, and Elder Petersen and Reis left after saying goodbye. So that leaves Elder Flores and I. For my area, we didn't have anything marked, but we did have something in his area with an inactive family. We visited them and it turns out they're from Venezuela. And they don't speak Portuguese. So I had my first lesson in Spanish! I think it went pretty well. Obviously Elder Flores led the lesson and I staggered pretty often, but I didn't speak any portuñol apparently. I was able to give a simple testimony and speak about simple principles. Pretty neat and spiritually uplifting experience.

For those not familiar with the term, portuñol refers to the way of speaking for people learning Portuguese from Spanish or Spanish from Portuguese. Because the languages are so similar, speakers often just speak their own language and substitute in the words they have already learned. It gets really confusing to understand. So I’m really glad that I was able to avoid that!

On Saturday, we had lunch with an old Hispanic couple. They made sopapilla (Is that how you write it?) And spaghetti and chicken and beetroot salad. The couple invited a neighbor to have lunch with us. The whole time the Old sister is walking around lecturing us about everything wrong with Brazilian culture and how Venezuelan culture is so much better. She's doing all this is Spanish. It was really runny. When she wasn't lecturing, she was shoving food onto my plate faster than I could eat it. I don't know what happened or how it happened, but apparently the sister was able to get her neighbor to commit to living the Word of Wisdom. So that's great. So we gave our lunch message and shared a little bit about the Book of Mórmon and she's interested in learning more! So I echo my good friend in Chile by saying I love sassy, ornery, and opinionated old Hispanic ladies. It's a party.

Other than that, not much happened. Was a pretty chill week I would say haha.

SummaRio:

18 fuscas, 717 total

Our mission opened up a new zone with 6 new areas.

Copyright laws saved me from having to sightread 9 pages of sheet music

My comp was transferred

My new comp's comp was transferred

We're taking care of two areas now

We taught a lesson in Spanish

We got a pretty cool reference from a sassy old Hispanic lady who made us lunch

Tender mercy: we are always busy. As missionaries, there's almost always too much to do. This makes it difficult to stay on schedule. But this week we have made a point of being exactly obedient to the mission guidelines to help us handle all the work. And we have not been late to any appointment. We almost always arrive exactly on time. To the minute. Despite what Google maps said, despite the rush hour traffic, despite everything, the Lord has prepared a way for His servants to accomplish the thing which He has commanded. And I'm so grateful for it.

Spiritual thought: related to the tender mercy:

1 Nephi 3:7

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commanded them.

There is nothing the Lord has commanded which is impossible for us. Even the commandment “be ye therefore perfect” is possible. Why? Because without the Holy Ghost, without access to the atonement, nothing is impossible. We would keep falling into further and further sin and ruin. The simplest commandment cannot be fulfilled without help from The Savior. And so, as follows, the most difficult commandment requires the same saving influence. The only difference is time. We will be made perfect one day. Just remember sometimes It takes a while, but that the Lord always prepares a way for His earnest followers.

1. Van windows are funny

2. New comp!!!

3. Flowers

4. What kind of doctor was doctor pepper? A fizzician

5. Elder Petersen’s live reaction

6. Burned myself making popcorn

7. 50 cents for a giant doughnut isn't bad

8. Xila lost two legs???? How????

9. Rebeca eating dinner

10. District council

11. Elders choir

I think I've seen this film before

 (Elder Mackrory)

Olá gente, vamos lá…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SummaRio:

18 fuscas, 699 total

Went to McDonald's on pday

Had 5 hours of travel to get to district counsel

Watched the emoji movie for English class

Played magic tricks on a toddler who was super cute

Comp study on the beach (minus the study)

Found a new way to knock doors

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

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

Tender mercy

Fotos:

1. Red Bull gives you Wiiings

2. Beach sunset (you can actually see some mountains in the distance that are part of my first area)

3. Xila

4. The difference between "a" and "para" finally

5. ✌️🐶

6. 🍽🐶

7. 3 wishes? Weak.

8. Beach swingset

9. That's a nice tower you got there... be a shame if somebody ďþəß ľĵęẃč ĝòpäɓẃq êŷ ĥĵ§øœp idk

What's with all the weak sauce trucks?

 (Sister Cummings)

Howdy y'all!

First off, I just have to put a warning out there for y'all for if you're planning on coming to Australia. So, be warned that there is not a SINGLE Tacoma truck in Australia. Not a single one! What the chunk?

Anyways, I saw my first kangaroo! It was dead on the side of the road though. Please pray that this isn't another armadillo experience where the first one I see alive is the one I just hit at 5:30 am. Talk about starting your morning off with a bang! (or more like a crunch). But yes please pray.

Moving on, I'm still absolutely LOVING it here in Australia. I've developed a love for knocking on doors and meeting so many different people. The other day we met a satanist which was a hoot! I'm just so happy to be here!

Here's the Jesus stuff:

I had the absolute HARDEST time thinking of a spiritual thought for this email so I just decided to share a quote that one of  my favorite people shared with me that has come to mean so much to me. The quote is from "And There Shall be No Death" by Elder Paul V Jackson and it says:

"Each of us has physical, mental, and emotional limitations and weaknesses. These challenges, some of which seem so intractable now, will eventually be resolved. None of these problems will plague us after we are resurrected. Alisa researched survival rates for persons with the type of cancer she had, and the numbers were not encouraging. She wrote: “But there is a cure, so I’m not scared. Jesus has already cured my cancer, and yours. … I will be better. I’m glad I know this.” We can replace the word cancer with any of the other physical, mental, or emotional ailments we may face. Because of the Resurrection, they have already been cured too. The miracle of resurrection, the ultimate cure, is beyond the power of modern medicine. But it is not beyond the power of God. We know it can be done because the Savior is resurrected and will bring to pass the Resurrection of each of us too."

I LOVE this quote. It speaks to my SOUL and has strengthened my testimony and understanding of my Savior's Atonement by ten-fold. It gives me so much peace to know that Christ really has already taken my trials, He has already redeemed me. He knows the exact things I am going to experience as I take on life's journey step by step. I just can't wait to take that last step and fall into the knowing arms of my Savior where He will tell me that He loves me, that He's proud of me, and that He was helping and holding my hand the whole time. This is what brings me peace and I hope y'all feel the same.

I love y'all. I LOVE America's strong sauce trucks. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Jesus.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

- Sister Cummings

Question of the Week: I loved y'all's responses to the last one. I read every one and tried to apply them everyday. Please keep responding!

The Question for this week is, what is your best advice for giving genuine compliments?

They're Lying to Y'all

 (Sister Cummings)

Hey y'all!!

I'm in Australia!! And I haven't seen a single spider and that's why my email is titled as such. I was so afraid that there were going to be MASSIVE spiders EVERYWHERE. But I haven't seen a SINGLE one. But I'm not mad. At all. I just have one word to say about it; Hallelujah.

Okay moving on, I absolutely love it here. My impression of an Australian accent is now practically impeccable. It's so much fun. One of the things that they do say wrong here is that their plural form of you is yous. It drives me INSANE. Everyone knows that if you're going for a plural you, you say y'all. Duh. Everyone knows that. I'm just joking, but I do like saying y'all.

I've been enjoying every part of infield missionary work so far! It's so fulfilling and that just tells me that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be! I love talking to people and I love sharing my testimony! I'm still learning a lot but my trainer, Sister Woodbury is so patient and so amazing! I'm so blessed.

Here's my spiritual thought for the week:

If y'all have interacted with me lately, you would know that I'm sort of going through a phase right now where I say Amen to literally everything. It's so much fun. However, I've started researching more about the word and it's sort of changed my perspective about it completely.

If you go to "amen" in the Guide to the Scriptures, it states:

"Means “may it be so” or “so it is.” Amen is said to show hearty or solemn acceptance and agreement or truthfulness... In Old Testament times, a person was to say amen when making an oath. Christ is called 'the Amen, the faithful and true witness.'"

Okay so this quote touches on a lot of things but I think it's just so amazing when you think about it under the filter of prayer. When we say "amen" after ending a prayer and asking for certain things from God, we are exercising our faith in God and His goodness and basically saying "may it be so". We are saying we trust that He will answer our prayers because we know He has the power to make it "so".

I also love the part that talks about the word amen being used when making an oath. Again, looking at it under that prayer filter, this changes my perspective of prayer. If we choose to see our prayers with God as new oaths that we are making with Him, I feel like it helps us see the importance of prayer more clearly. Oaths are important, when you make an oath, you don't break it. God will never break His oaths and because of that, He will always answer our prayers. Even when we ask Him for blessings or for forgiveness. It's amazing.

I truly have a testimony of prayer. I have a testimony that God hears and answers every single one of our prayers. I have a testimony of my Savior and I love that, like the quote says, He is my ultimate Amen.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

- Sister Cummings

PS: I loved the responses to my last email where y'all answered my question. I took notes and will keep everything y'all told me in mind. New question of the week; What's the best way to show love to people you've just barely met, like strangers.

I got my debit card!!

 (Elder Putnam)

What an absolute win of a week. I'm writing this now as my companions are shopping for me. I twisted my ankle and cant walk like usual so I'm minorly upset about that but all things come for good to those who love God and keep His commandments.

Thats the lesson that I learned this past week. A few weeks ago I lost my wallet. In it I had my TRP card, my personal credit card, some pictures, and my temple recommends. Kinda a big L on my part, but The Lord does amazing things. First off, I was able to share my testimony in the power of prayer with one of my friends we were teaching. That was the most immediate.

Then this week I was talking with Sister Makslahti-Tolstosheev and helped me see from a more positive perspective. She said that somewhere out there in Latvia, because of the cash that had been left in the wallet, for their first birthday, they got a chocolate cake with a big candle. I laughed it off the loss and decided to be more positive about it. For the past few weeks, since I had no money nor means of procuring any money, I have been leaching off of my companions. That has taught me to budget a little more heavily what is important and what is not important. So I learned that skill.

Well, now with this skill learned, the Lord decided I was ready to go back into the field with my own personal MSF card. On Saturday, Sister Makslahti Tolstosheev received a package with someone’s MSF card. Mine!! I was so happy I jumped up and down and almost hugged my mission presidents wife. I restrained myself.

There was a lot more that happened this past week including MLC, a finding activity with Elder McDougal (he's so fun), basketball club with a 60 year old sniper (I swear this man was hitting jumpers off of one foot from everywhere!), an interview with President wherein he did not give me marriage advice (still waiting on that), a hug from Brother Dombrovskis, and a fat chat with the Sapožnikovi, but ill have to leave it at that.

I'll include some pictures, including of my swollen foot (Henry I know you like it when I do that), and some Pday touring of Rīga.

1. Getting the best medical treatment there is from Elder Hall and Elder Malovich

2. a cool looking church lol

We found Wonderland, you and I got lost in it

 (Elder Mackrory)

Fala comigo! Tudo joia?

Hey y'all, it's been another week, another 7 days down. I'm super excited for Christmas. It's only 198 days away! That means you can start listening to Christmas music.

Anyway, I'd like to apologize for last week, I completely forgot to include the fusca count! These last two weeks I saw 17, making the total up to 681. This area has less fuscas than I thought.

This week was super interesting, way different than what I was expecting. Many things happened.

On pday, we just hung around the house doing cleaning chores and such. We also went to the beach. That was a highlight. Unfortunately, there was a sign that prohibited swimming, which means I didn't swim. (for those who aren't laughing already, missionaries aren't allowed to swim anyway). I also rearranged the bedroom to have more space. The furniture arrangement before looked like it was specifically designed to restrict space and movement.

On Tuesday, we had district council. My new district is awesome. I've finally got some people who like Taylor Swift too. Granted, They're sisters, which means it was a given, but its cool anyway. I finally got to play some of the new hymns. They're so cool. We then went to lunch, at a nearby self-service. For those who aren't familiar with this concept, let me explain. You pay a flat price for all-you-can-eat. Two catches: you can only have two pieces of meat, and you can only serve yourself once. It is usually well priced around 18-25 Brazilian reals. So naturally, missionaries usually put their Stomachs to the test. Miracles happen. Mountains are moved. Not literal mountains, but mountains of food. It's usually around two liters of food. Rice, beans, spaghetti, farofa, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, mashed potatoes, French fries and fried chicken. It's Thanksgiving. At this restaurant, they had a beef cut that looked like brisket or something. So I took two pieces (it was the biggest option), and sat down half expecting it to be the driest meat of all time. But then. Out of the corner of my eye. A glimpse of heaven. BBQ sauce. Yoink. A few good passes, and a few more, my meat expectations were going up, and my mouth became more and more anxious. I said my prayer of gratitude (truly grateful) and started the process of emptying my plate. The meat was almost on par with my mom’s cooking. It was that good. The restaurant gave us actual salad dressing, so the salad was amazing. Hot sauce in the rice and beans makes it go right on down. Little bit of olive oil on the spaghetti? Yes please. Parmesan? Obviously. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. I hope you enjoyed this journey with me.

On Tuesday and Wednesday we spent time exploring the area and visiting people. The area is pretty safe, only about half of it seems gang controlled. But I haven't encountered any drugs yet. Lots of walking (sometimes in the wrong direction) and trying to note the landmarks and places where we can take public transport. This area is especially difficult when it comes to addresses. Nothing is right, and some of the people just have their address as “Rasa” . That's the name of the neighborhood in which we work. So it's starting off slow, but if the area is slow for progress, there's always one person who is willing and eager to progress: me. I've taken to reading the scriptures during my getting ready times. Showering, getting dressed, and eating are all done as fast as possible in the morning, and I usually get an extra hour of personal study time. Same thing at night. It's an awesome experience. Highly recommend.

Side note: I named the spiders that live on our apartment balcony. We got Xila (she likes to sit in the shape of an x), Robertha (she likes to stay inside her little tunnel), and Rebeca (she's the biggest of them all, I just like the name). For those wondering: “Spider” is a feminine word, that's why they're all female names.

On Friday we ate corn dogs and French fries for lunch. It was really good. But we bought way too many French fries. So that's been a regular snack since then. Looks like Elder Kjar and I are on the same page.

On Saturday we had a service project using machetes and saws. Some good pics came from that. We did the service with the branch chorister, so she sent me the hymns in advance to practice.

On Sunday I was doing prelude (practicing the hymns of the day) thinking “wow it is so nice To not have to sight read and to have notice for things” and then the branch president walked up, shook my hand, and asked if I could speak. So yeah. God was definitely laughing His head off on that one. I only had to speak for 5 minutes, and I had things to say, and a general idea of where I wanted to go with the talk, but I was in no way prepared. So I did what a good friend of mine told me to do. Just bear testimony of Jesus Christ. So that's what I did. And it went pretty well. But it was still really funny.

Also on Sunday, I got news from my last area! Esther, the daughter of Sheila, was baptized! What's awesome about this, is that her father now has interest in learning about the church! I'm excited for Elder Tacuche and Elder Levie to continue the work there.

Well that's it this week, thanks for reading!

SummaRio:

17 fuscas in two weeks, 681 total

Calm pday, cleaning, and beach

On Tuesday I moved a mountain (go read)

Whitewashing is hard, but personal study is fun

I named the spiders living on our balcony Xila, Robertha, and Rebeca

We made corn dogs and French fries

I got to use a machete

I got to do give a impromptu speech in church

Esther was baptized in my last area!

Tender Mercy: on night, walking home after a long day of pretty much nothing, our branch president showed up out of nowhere and drove us the rest of the way home. He saved us about 25 minutes of walking.

Spiritual Thought:

Psalms 84

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

I focus on this a lot, but the first law of heaven can't be over emphasized. Obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that is, to “walk uprightly” is the only way to obtain life eternal. But it's not just that. Walking uprightly gives perspective, clarity, safety, joy, peace, understanding, love, charity, faith, hope, long-suffering, brotherly kindness, strength, gentleness, and all good things. Trust in the Lord to walk uprightly brings all good things. It turns this life more like the life to come. As you experiment upon the teachings of Christ, You will come to know of the truth of them. Experiment on them, ponder on them, pray on them, live them, and love them.

Tchau guys

Elder Mackrory

Fotos:

1. Pq não é quarta-feira?

2. The spider with the best business model

3. 7 string guitar?

4. View from service project

5. The Liger (mystical powers)

6. Lunch one day

7. Family night

8. Self service restaurant

9. Esther's baptism

10. My comp and I

11. Me at the beach

12. Rebeca

13. Robertha

14. My self service masterpiece

Sorry no picture of Xila, she's camera shy. I'll try again this week

Holiday House sat quietly on that beach

 (Elder Mackrory)

Boa tarde a todos!

Happy segunda-feira! I hope everyone is doing well. This week was quite eventful, so I'll get right into it.

On pday we went to central Rio. It was pretty awesome. We went to the old Brazilian bank museum and they had all sorts of money on display. I took so many photos. They had an exhibit that was a glass of water. That's it. It wasn't even water. It was acrylic in an acrylic cup. I found it funny. We also invited Elders Patterson and Lulich to be with us since we were in their area and because it was Elder Sousa Silvas last pday in Rio. We went and saw some arches and some super cool stairs. The stairs have all sorts of mosaic tiling and lots of little pieces of art. We even found a tile with the salt lake temple on it. We asked a dude to take our photo and he was really nice to us. So nice to the point where I thought he was a member of the church. Nope. Turns out he's just Canadian. Good pday.

On Wednesday we found out about transfers. Turns out I'm going back out far from the city! Not quite as far as Macaé, but I’m in a little City called Búzios, near Cabo Frio. We spent the entire day packing because Thursday was already completely booked. That night Elder Sousa Silva and Elder de Oliveira left for the mission office because Elder Sousa Silva had a flight early morning Thursday to Mozambique. Sad parting with both of them, but I’m glad they have completed their service in Rio. Elder de Oliveira is finishing his mission and Elder Sousa Silva's visa finally arrived to go to his original mission call in Mozambique.

On Thursday I had the greatest day of my mission. Maybe of my life. With Sheila, Camila, and Sheila's daughter (who will be baptized here pretty soon) we went to the temple!!! Since it was their first time in the temple, my mission president allowed us to go without switching our pday. The Bishops wife also came to support them and it was awesome. I can't express it. We ended up leaving later than we planned, because both Camila and Sheila said "This place makes me want to stay forever". Now they're hyped to return to the temple after doing a bit of their own family history work. Also, as a surprise for them both, I invited Elder Kjar to be with us too! It was an awesome experience all around.

On Friday, transfers happened and I left. We got to the mission office way early instead of just checking uber prices, we accidently called one. Luckily I had my stuff all ready already, but I did forget my pillow in the rush. After a long uber drive, I got to meet my new companion! He's fresh out of the CTM and I’m excited to be his first companion in the field. This means I’m training him. His name is Elder Reis and he's from São Paulo. After a long bus ride we arrived in our new house! It sits like a five minute walk from the beach. The previous Elders said they left the place very clean, so I was excited to not have to clean up. Nope. I'm so very scared for the condition the house was in if what I found was "clean". So that's fun.

On Saturday we activated Elder Reis mission credit card and got our food. With some other delays, we weren't able to make our lunch until 4:30pm. But we made pretty good stroganoff. The supermarket has so many varieties of everything. I bet if I went to the meat counter I could ask for swordfish and they'd say "how much do you want". I got a pillow next to the chip aisle.

On Sunday we went to sacrament meeting and I played the piano. When people started bearing testimonies, I was very surprised. The previous Elders told me that there are tons of Hispanics in this area and I just brushed it off thinking it was an exaggeration. Nope. 50% of the testimonies were in Spanish. So what I learned is that I understand Spanish about 80%. But it was really cool.

It was a really unique week, and I’m excited for the next 6 here in Búzios! See yell next week!

SummaRio:

1. We spent pday in Central Rio visiting all sorts of cool locations and accidently entered into a restricted military area.

2. Said goodbye to Elder Sousa Silva and found out I'm being transferred!

3. Went to the temple with Sheila, her daughter, Camila, and Elder Kjar! It was awesome.

4. Friday was transfers! I'm going to Cabo Frio and training a Greenie! Fresh out of São Paulo.

5. Cool supermarket in my area

6. Our branch is half Hispanic. Pretty cool. Time to learn Spanish.

Tender Mercy: Since neither me nor my companion know the area, it's really difficult to continue. Thankfully, our zone leader just came from this area so he's here to help us at any time. From what I know that's not very common to happen.

Spiritual Thought:

Wisdom and Understanding is the only thing we will take with us to the next life. No money, precious teddy bear, or favorite t-shirt will make it. This makes Wisdom and understanding of unequal value. But what is wisdom? What is understanding? Job asserts: "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding". I invite you all to read all of Job chapter 28. It's one of my new favorites.

Fotos:

1. Temple with Everyone

2. Fire CS Lewis quote

3. Elder Reis and me

4. Senna mural

5. Staircase

6. Arches

7. Ancient library

8. 20 thousand Brazilian reals

9. Cup of water (ooooh fascinating)

10. Temple mosaic

11. Everyone with the arches

12: me at the top of the stairs