January 28, 2013

Answer to DAD:

So I got the packages with the shoes. Thanks a bunch.  The beef jerky  tasted real good. Oh and my comp didn't like it at all. He actually thought it was horrible. He is actually a picky eater. It's funny to be on the other side of the story now. Haha. I understand what everyone was saying for so many years now.

The glasses haven't gotten to me yet. I don't know if there was a mix up in the office or something, but next week we will be getting packages again, so we'll see.

Being District leader is going well. On Sunday it was a little crazy. Saturday night I was going to interview a man for baptism, but for some reason he had to go the the hospital and we had to do the interview on Sunday. A member took me to their ward during Sunday school to do the interview. Lot's of hassle but it turned out alright in the end. 

Oh and also ______ was baptized. I'll try and send some photos of the last few baptisms by email. I have been waiting for the memory card to fill up to send some photos home. But it doesn't ever seem to end.

I have been in Santo André since October. It's been about 4 months or so. I'm guessing I'll stay here until March to finish Elder _________ training.

Well I'm off to the mother's email. Tchau tchau, boas compras.

Elder Cameron Bruce

Answer to MOM:

I'm doing well. I'm real happy today because yesterday was a super good day. ____ was baptized. Her mom came to the baptism which is the first time she has come to church, we'll keep working with her. _____(her brother in law) also was there and talking with some other missionaries and he said he is feeling closer and closer to be ready to be baptized. And the other missionaries in my district had some baptisms. Woot. Goot week. Oh and we had a meeting with an Apostle and inspection/interviews with President. A crazy week in all. But these kind of weeks are always more fun.

So let me talk a little about the meeting with Elder Bednar. It was super interesting. First off, he is really funny. After saying some joke or something he stopped and said, "Now you may think, 'what is he doing? You can't joke around and feel the spirit.' That is a false tradition. It's called the plan of HAPPINESS." He talked about a few other false traditions, such as how we normally take notes in the church, we write words or phrases that the person says. He said that we will never review them and probably lose them. So in the end we take notes we won't use and can't find, How dumb is that? (his words) But then we got into the real discussion he taught us about three of his talks, Ask in Faith, Converted unto the Lord, and a devotional he gave Learning by Faith. Basically the theme was that we need to be agents and not objects. We were created to act and not to be acted upon. He used an example of another false tradition in the church. Oft times to end a sacrament meeting the benediction is offered by some one who uses these words, "bless those that aren't here this week that they might be here next week" he said that those words are practically faithless. He said the prayer should be "Father we see many empty spaces here where our brethren should be, protect us as we leave to visit them and bring them here next week." He said the only thing we need to ask for from God in this situation is that he inspires us so that we don't all visit the same Brother. I gave a talk on Sunday and basically discussed these topics. He also taught that we have another false tradition. We say that Joseph prayed to know what church was true, that isn't the whole truth, he prayed to know which church was true to know which one he should follow. Asking in faith requires action. Or at least a promise of action. That is the real intent that Moroni was talking about. And that's why we challenge people with baptismal dates before they receive an answer. So that they can show Heavenly Father that they are willing to act.

Super cool.

Interviews went well. President was super happy with us and how things are going. He also loved the apartment. Sister _________ (an elderly couple missionary) said we are the only missionaries who use a table cloth (bonus points). Also I made cookies for them. Sister _______ grabbed the recipe ;) needless to say I think we are in pretty good standings to win cleanest apartment.

The whole mission here memorized 3 Nephi 5:13 a few months ago. In Portugues though.

That's a great story from President Warning. I think I might use it next time I give a talk, which in this ward is bound to be pretty soon already. I have given a talk in November, December, and January now. But tell him thanks for the great lesson.

So the small Preach My Gospel is an official product or no? Sister and President Tanner have one, and many missionaries made there own at some stores and such. I would happily accept one if you want to send it. In Portuguese Obviously. Haha. 

So the glasses haven't made it here yet. Don't know whats up with that. Oh and you sent Phase 10 right? Not Uno. 

Oh and feel free to throw some mac n cheese in any package you send. Just because I'm not picky anymore doesn't mean I don't love the classics. ;)

Well that is all for now. Até mais

Elder Cameron Bruce

P.S. Hoje falta exatamente sete meses até eu voltarei para casa. Aí sim.