Saturday, October 31, 1970

A statement made by James E. Talmage in the October 1915 general conference, following his participation in the Congress of Religious Philosophies at the Panama–Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco in July 1915, applies perfectly to our experience of the last two evenings:

“I speak advisedly and after mature consideration when I say that the Mormon Church was the only Christian organization there present that had a definite, distinct, and unqualified philosophical basis to proclaim.”

We questioned the director why we were asked to appear twice. His reply: “We know what the Catholics and the Protestants will say; we are eager to hear what the Mormons have to say.” Certainly they all received their money’s worth. From the comments I gathered, we “won” both nights.

Tonight in MIA we showed several films from U.S.I.S. in Recife. One of them was the 1968 basketball championship between the Boston Celtics and the Cincinnati Royals, with Boston winning. That was exciting. Another film, entitled 5:02, was interesting. In 20 one-minute segments it showed what was normally happening all over the world at the same moment. A third film showed the inauguration ceremonies of the late President John F. Kennedy. Brazilians dig on anything Kennedy.

Today is my sister Jackie’s 14th birthday.

Friday, October 30, 1970

This evening and last night we had an excellent opportunity opened up for us. By invitation we were asked to participate two different nights in a special conference on the origin of man. We were the only religious group to take part twice, sharing the first night with a Baptist minister and the second with a Brazilian Catholic padre. The third night, tomorrow, has a spiritualist scheduled.

Three questions were posed: What is the origin of man? Was Christ a product of evolution? Why are there so many different churches if there is only one God? We could not have thought up better questions ourselves.

Elder Knecht answered the first and second questions last night. To help answer we showed Man’s Search for Happiness. Then Elder Hendrickson answered the third. We were not allowed our full 50 minutes because of starting late. With today spent in revisions and making two posters, we were even better prepared tonight. I took the first two questions, Elder Smith the third. We showed the film again.
Aldo and Virginia attended both nights. Tonight Edmilson, Sônia, Simone, and Paulo also were there. About 300 to 350 people filled the auditorium each night. We met in the Colégio Estadual de Alagoas, near the Praça Deodouro.

Wednesday, October 28, 1970

Yesterday Elder Smith and I worked together. We wrote some newspaper articles about the films we’re going to show Saturday in MIA. We also typed onto stencil the tracting letters and finished putting together the member packets. In the afternoon we attended Relief Society. A trip out to Gruta to see Apolinário filled up the evening. Among other things, the other elders visited a few of the members who wanted to go to tonight’s game with us. At night they had play practice at the church.

Tonight I saw my first real live soccer game here in Brazil. Besides us elders went Edmilson, Inez, Alexandre, Sônia, Simone, Nádia, and Ezdras. Agamemnon and David came out with us but entered the general admission where they had to stand up. We were pretty crowded, even with a place to sit. The crowds were pretty thick. The first game, between two Alagoas teams, was rather boring and had everybody fatigued by the time the Flamengo‒Cruzeiro game started at 9:45. Only one goal was scored during the entire game. The most exciting part was seeming some of the stars of the Seleção Brasileira that played in the World Cup: Tostão, Jair, Zagalo (the coach and a native of Alagoas).

Monday, October 26, 1970

Today was one of the sharpest, most enjoyable, and relaxing preparation days I’ve passed in a long while. I was up early writing let-ters. Elders Ferrin and Morrell had spent the night with us so that Elder Ferrin could teach us the last leadership training class this morning. We took care of that just after breakfast and just before the rest of the zone showed up from Recife. This has been a truly inspiring and uplifting course, and Elder Ferrin has done an excellent job in presenting it to us. I really love and respect him.

As soon as the Recife elders showed up, only four more of them because four in the zone are now on their way to Rio, and Elder Sarager and his companion missed the bus, a few of us went for haircuts. I cut mine really short. I had a nice chat with the barber, who is an Assembly of God, about religion. He was a very nice fellow.

We bopped back home, switched into some gym trunks, and headed to the beach for a soccer game there. I went out of my mind. Never have I enjoyed a futebol game as much as I did today. We came back home and kicked around for a while. Dona Creuza had made us chocolate chip cookies to munch on. Elder Ferrin and I decided to go back to the beach for the afternoon. He taught me how to throw a football, which I had never been shown in all my life until now, and we tossed it back and forth for a while. We watched some fishermen drag in a net and sort out their catch. We lay on the warm sand, with only our shorts on, soaking in the tropical sun as we pursued a lengthy and fruitful discussion. Finally the hour grew late, and we came home to a refreshing cold shower.

In the late afternoon we all gathered at the chapel for a zone conference, which again was an inspirational meeting. I certainly appreciate Elder Brinton as zone leader for his leadership and support. In my testimony as the conference was ending I expressed the thought that I have really grown to love and respect him.

At 6:00 the elders headed back to Recife, and we came home to eat.

We discussed with Elder Brinton the feasibility of attending a futebol game Wednesday night when Botafogo from Rio meets Cruzeiro from Belo. We will probably go. Yesterday Santos beat an Alagoas all-star team 5 to 0. Everybody went wild when they saw Pelé, the national hero. The Trapichão has been officially called Estádio Rei Pelé. It is the fifth largest stadium in Brazil, holding some 108,000 people.

Sunday, October 25, 1970

A beautiful day today. This afternoon for the youth fireside we held a special activity. We met at Aldo’s place and together went out to visit Apolinário and Idelta. She was not home, but he was very touched by our visit. After visiting for some time, we held a brief testimony meeting. That was so sharp. The Spirit burned within us. As the twilight gathered, a lovely sunset brightened the quiet Sabbath walk back to the bus, a fitting and proper ending to our excursion.

In sacrament meeting I recognized Edmilson for his loyal service and faithfulness to the Church on occasion of today being his first anniversary as a member. He bore his testimony. Zezira spoke next on the blessings of the priesthood in her home, followed by Nádia talking about faith. Nádia’s talk was the best I’ve ever heard from her. It was really touching. About half way through Nádia’s talk Elders Ferrin and Morrell pulled in. We had been expecting them, but it sure scared some of the members. They thought it was transfer time. Elder Ferrin spoke, following by Elder Morrell bearing his testimony. The choir sounded good for a change as it sang “Now the Day Is Over” (“Vai fugindo o dia”) as the closing hymn.

Saturday, October 24, 1970

Yesterday we worked on member packets and typed the letters that we will be using in our new tracting approach. Elder Hendrickson went through the phone directory, in the street lists, marking down all the people who have phones on a certain few streets in Farol. We have over a hundred names with which to start.

Following Primary last night Elder Smith and I worked together. Elders Hendrickson and Knecht were involved in play practice. The MIA is planning a play for the end of November. We took Sônia’s brothers home and had a short visit with her. Then we went to see Hévia. I asked her if she would talk in Sunday School. She was tickled at the idea.

This morning Elder Hendrickson and I had the chance to do a little tracting. That was fun for a change. We finished up the far end of Trapiche. Activity is growing out there in preparation for tomorrow’s opening game in the Trapichão.

This afternoon and evening were involved in MIA plans, activities, and meetings. We played volleyball. Ping-pong is a very popular sport.

Thursday, October 22, 1970

In a two-hour interview with Virginia this morning I heard her side of the story. Aldo and Virginia had a fight Saturday, and she has not spoken to him since. Their main problem seems to be lack of communication, blowing every little storm that comes along into a great tempest. It is not a new problem but has been going on for a couple years. Virginia explained that lack of common courtesies has killed any friendship between her and Aldo. She does not put the blame on Aldo entirely but accepts some of it herself. Were it not for the kids, she has considered throwing in the towel and calling it quits.

This afternoon we held a home evening together with Edmilson and Ivone, his sister. She gave the lesson. Adélia had to leave and could not attend.

The Aaronic Priesthood met at our place this evening for a poster party. We decided there was a need for reverence reminders in the chapel. Since some of the boys are the main problem, we thought it appropriate to have them help in the project.

Wednesday, October 21, 1970

Elder Smith worked with me during the day. He helped Vitória on a chart for Sunday School class while I worked on reports, business letters, etc. We went to see Pedro Maia, missing him by about five minutes. We also banked.

This evening was very instructive. Elder Hendrickson and I visited Nádia and Hévia first and had a productive visit with them. Then we went to Aldo’s for home evening, it being Aldo’s turn to give the lesson. The lesson itself was on the importance of putting first things first and was very good. But it was only a prelude to a long gripe session wherein Aldo aired all his problems, which center in three major areas: the home, his work, and the Church. His family life has not been too sharp lately, which magnifies the many problems at his shop and takes away the spirit of attending the meetings and other Church duties. Resolving his home problems would solve the others. Now I understand his attitude at church in the past few weeks. He doesn’t really hate everybody, but they were just in the way as his other problems were exploding within him and boiling out into the open.

Tuesday, October 20, 1970

Just for today we switched to the old regular schedule of three meals per day. Elder Hendrickson and I visited Adolfina and Pedro Maia this morning. Pedro was home finally but had such a hangover that he was in no way willing to talk about any drinking problem. So we did not accomplish a great deal.

After eating our noon meal, we held a district meeting, which was mostly a planning session. We are going to try a completely new tracting idea: by mail. Each of us will write up a letter, to give us four possible approaches, which will be mimeographed and mailed by name to families listed in the telephone directory on certain streets in Farol. Also we plan to create and distribute to the members packets that will help them be missionaries. We will include pesquisa forms, convites, Articles of Faith cards, and some tracts. On Thursday evening we will meet with the Aaronic Priesthood to make some reverence posters for the chapel.

Four ladies attended Relief Society today: Virginia, Zezira, Adolfina, and Noêmia (Vitória’s mother). I spent the afternoon working on the financial report and attending Zesira’s class. Tonight we visited Apolinário.

Monday, October 19, 1970

Early this morning we were up and on our way to Recife on the 6:00 bus. I took advantage of the travel time to read several chapters in Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. Upon arrival, we went straight to the chapel for the sixth and last leadership training seminar, held together with the elders of the João Pessoa Zone. We still receive number five next week in Maceió because we missed out last week. Elder Ferrin certainly has been doing a marvelous job in teaching this course.

We ate lunch in Elder Brinton’s apartment. We had planned to go to the beach with all the Recife elders, which I had been looking forward to, but we decided time didn’t allow it since we were returning on the 4:00 bus. We decided to see a show, but nothing decent was playing. We ended up just writing letters. I wrote again to Elder Blackham, which has been a highlight of many recent Mondays.

On the return trip to Maceió, Elder Smith and I had a long confidential talk, which I really enjoyed. By 8:30 we were home, which is nicer than the 11:00 that we have usually arrived in the past.

Sunday, October 18, 1970

Each weekend must age me about six months. Sundays certainly can be trying experiences. Tonight in sacrament meeting, for example, a bunch of greasy girls were visiting and made absolute fools of themselves as they laughed and otherwise disturbed the sacrament service.  Just before Elder Smith started speaking of respect they all left. It was not his planned subject. He was going to speak about repentance, but Inez did right before him. Edmilson also spoke. The choir was in bad form during the evening, even having sounded so sharp during practice.

Elder Smith and I went to see Pedro Maia this afternoon. He had left at 10:00 last night and had not returned yet. Umbelina wants so bad for him to be a good member of the Church. She wants us to really whap it to him.

Sônia taught the lesson this afternoon in the youth fireside. Attendance was low. We did not eat at Aldo’s today. Some sort of trouble is going on there. Aldo left early this morning without saying anything and did not attend priesthood meeting or Sunday School. He was at sacrament meeting but not in very good spirits.

Saturday, October 17, 1970

This morning we helped clean the chapel, which was getting to be pretty dirty. Paulo and a few of Vitória’s little brothers were the only ones who showed up to help. Edmilson hadn’t been informed. This afternoon we never did play volleyball because of rain and having to quit earlier in the afternoon because of this evening’s party.

About 5:00 we went to Pedro Maia’s place for a birthday party for Jacqueline, who is five today, and for Joseph Smith, who will be four in about two weeks. Pedro had gone out earlier in the day and returned drunk just before the party started. He was completely out of it. Umbelina was upset but kept her cool the whole evening. Nearly the entire branch plus many other people were there. Before we left Pedro took Elder Smith and me alone into the bathroom. It was a pretty humbling experience to see him on his knees sobbing his heart out. He asked for our forgiveness and begged us to help him.

With all this in progress, we left with the members about 7:30 to go to MIA. Elder Smith did not teach a lesson. We just had an activity.

Friday, October 16, 1970

Elder Stewart had good news for me. He feels it very unlikely that I’ll have to spend my last month in Rio. That is comforting.

The telegram Elder Ferrin sent Sunday morning arrived late Tuesday night. It was marked “urgent.”

Today the visits of the elders came to an end. To close our time together, we had an idea meeting, wherein we discussed everything and anything we wanted. A little more proselyting work to supplement our branch and member activities was suggested. We closed with a testimony meeting and sent them on their way. Elder Knight is taking a package to Elder Blackham for me. I sent a couple slides, a couple pairs of socks, his shell lamp (all of which he had forgotten), and a box of cookies from Dona Creuza. He should really love the cookies, which will give him saudades.

Elder Smith and I spent the afternoon writing an article about the Maceió Branch for the Church News. Elder Smith has the ideas; I write.

Primary attendance was good this afternoon for a change. Eleven children, which represents 50 percent, were out. After Primary, Elder Hendrickson and I spent the evening tracting in Trapiche.

Thursday, October 15, 1970

Today completes six months that I have been working in Maceió. They have been both trying and rewarding months. I am a much different person than the Elder Cleverly who arrived here in mid April, for as I witnessed in Elder Blackham, I too have developed and matured spiritually, emotionally, socially, and even physically.

For a few days we are privileged to have Elders Knecht and Stewart, assistants to the president, visiting with us. They arrived yesterday afternoon from Fortaleza. It was really good to see them again. Elder Knight went with Elder Smith last night and Elder Stewart, my old companion, with me to a home evening at Aldo’s house. Of course, everybody thought we looked like brothers.

This morning we spent in a special proselyting seminar, learning how to more effectively teach the lessons.

This afternoon Elder Stewart worked with me again while Elders Hendrickson and Knight went to teach a lesson to Helder Vasconcellos (they found lineage in the ancestry). We made visits with Virginia and Inez to invite ladies to attend Relief Society. Schools were out today because of a teachers’ holiday. Elder Smith and Knecht spent the afternoon at the church supervising special activities there. Once again tonight I worked with Elder Stewart. We saw Hévia and Apolinário.

Tuesday, October 13, 1970

Yesterday I wrote the longest letter of my entire mission: seven pages to Elder Blackham. There was so much to tell him, and I spent a great deal of space expressing my gratitude and love to him. His friendship and brotherhood are precious to me. I wrote four other letters also.

A little mix-up occurred today. Elder Ferrin had been scheduled to come yesterday to give us the fifth leadership seminar, but he never did show up. We had considered the possibility of his coming today but never seriously enough to drop by home to check. On our way to Relief Society, shortly before 3:00, we stopped by the house only to find them there waiting for us. Unfortunately, by this time he had no time for the meeting because return tickets to Recife were for 4:00. Sunday morning he had sent a telegram via the Brazilian postal telegraph system. We have not received it yet. A letter would have been here easily by now. Pois é.

Elder Hendrickson and I visited Apolinário and Idelta this evening. He is feeling somewhat better. I think his days are numbered, and he is slowly wearing out. We had an enjoyable visit with them.

Monday, October 12, 1970

Early this morning Agamemnon and David showed up to tell us they were not going to come back to church for a while. Idealistically, Agamemnon had decided to sacrifice himself to save Aldo from going inactive. Elder Smith tried to talk some sense into them, but they would not listen. A few hours later Paulo showed up. We asked if he were going to quit too. He thought that a silly thing to do. He is certainly a sharp young man. I grow to respect him more every day.

Tonight I had a long talk with Aldo. I think he’ll be over it in a few days. He realizes how childish he has been and is being (Betânia called him a five-year-old) but would never admit it. The other elders saw Vitória. Paulo had been to talk to them and their father found out about all that was going on. He said they had to attend all the meetings and to respect everybody. So they are restored to the fold. The crisis seems to be over. Aldo’s worst feelings are towards Elder Smith.

Sunday, October 11, 1970

Following Sunday School we listed to the last half of the sixth session and all of the seventh session of the semi-annual general conference. Except for a few times, reception was fair. The messages were instructive and inspiring. As the conference closed, President Smith left his blessing on the Church. Hugh B. Brown was ill and did not attend any of the conference.

Tonight’s sacrament meeting was one of the best and most spiritual I have seen in a long while. Simone spoke about the necessity of having love and friendship between members of the branch. Elder Smith then spoke in explanation of the chart we had made. He explained the será program after I had gone over the chart itself. The choir sang “More Holiness Give Me” (“Mais vontade dá-me”). I delivered a few remarks concerning the necessity of problems and the God-given gift of weaknesses. As I bore my testimony, I expressed my love for and left my blessing upon the members.

Then the fireworks started. Aldo was in a mood like I’ve never seen before, still steaming over the incident from last weekend. Agamemnon went up to him to see if there were any difficulty. Aldo blew up and right in front of everybody tore into Agamemnon and all his brothers and Paulo Santos Filho. Vitória was crying, saying she could never come back (and tonight she had just been sustained as a Sunday School teacher). Aldo hinted that he might not return himself and certainly Alexandre would not be around for a while. Everybody except Aldo was pretty animated when the meeting was over, but now everybody was disanimated and half of the members crying. Elder Smith tried to defend Vitória and company, and Aldo is rather ticked off at him too.

As we walked home, my companion and I alone, the tears would not stay back. Months of effort spent building the branch seem futile as it all seems to just crumble apart. The members seem to me as children, and I am pained as I see them quarreling and wrecking the good things of their lives. I felt particularly discouraged and lonely. In my prayers I poured out my whole heart, pleading for comfort and direction.

In answer the Lord taught a valuable lesson: I feel and understand a little how He must feel when He sees His children screwing up their lives. I see how my sins must make Him feel. It adds fuller meaning to the account of Enoch seeing God weep because of the iniquity of His children on the earth (see Moses 7:28–40).

Saturday, October 10, 1970

This afternoon we received over the short-wave set about the last half of the fourth session of general conference. Reception was good. What a glorious experience to hear the Brethren again. Among the voices we heard were those of Sterling W. Sill, Howard W. Hunter, A. Theodore Tuttle, David B. Haight, and Joseph Fielding Smith, who was concluding the session. After having expressed gratitude and announced the closing hymn and prayer, President Smith closed the meeting by saying, “This general session of the conference will stand adjourned until 10:00 tomorrow morning.” Followed by a pause, he continued, “I think it’s going to be in the Tabernacle.” Everyone cracked up on that one. He added, “Yes, that’s right, it will be in the Tabernacle.”

Tonight’s MIA was a really enjoyable and uplifting experience. Elder Smith’s lesson on sportsmanship was sharp and everybody participated. The activity was a new one that everybody enjoyed without goofing off or causing headaches for anyone. This afternoon we played volleyball again. An added attraction beginning this week is ping-pong.

Elder Hendrickson and I finished up the big chart all day yesterday and this morning. We even tracted this week.

Thursday, October 8, 1970

A beautiful letter arrived today from Elder Blackham. That was an animating experience. He affirmed that it was one of the longest letters he had written on his mission. By far it is the sharpest letter I have ever received. I would like to record all of it here, but its length prohibits all but the parts that more particularly touched me:

“You know, comp, I sure got shook up when I got transferred. For a while I wondered if I would pull out of my slump. Two and one half days of bus riding thinking about Maceió and my beloved companion is enough to make anyone sad. I had the good luck to receive a fine comp like Elder Christiansen. He’s a good man. If I had received a mais ou menos comp I think I would have been even longer in my slump. But you know, comp, you were right we were up for a very long time and it sure was great.

“I surely appreciate all the good times we had together. I thank you for sharing the work equally with me. That meant very much to me. I’ll always remember my work with you as a privilege. I guess I didn’t fully appreciate you until about a month previous to my transfer.

“In thinking about the relationship we had as comps the following thought keeps coming to mind. Elder Cleverly prayed to be able to have the pure love of Christ as a gift from God. As I think of our friendship that is what comes back to me. I think that is probably why we had such a good relationship. I firmly affirm that you, comp, manifested or shared with me that type of love. The Pure Love of Christ. I know that grace by grace your love for other children of God will increase. I think of any person I’ve ever really known you come closer to radiating the pure love of the Savior than any other. For that reason I think we enjoyed our little bit of heaven as you called it. That is certainly a good description. I always admired your capacity to love others and to some extent I felt very successful in extending my love to others by following your example. I think we were especially successful with each other. I think I can really and truthfully say I love you. I know that comes from inside and it is a glorious feeling.

“You know, comp, I don’t know what the President is going to do to replace you. I know there isn’t another elder like you. I just hope the branch can take the jolt. If you thought it was bad when I left, wait till you have to leave the old homestead away from home. You had better take buckets to church. That is going to be hard. Don’t worry about making yourself something you already are, indispensable!!

“Well (hole in the ground), comp, you are going to receive one of the longest letters I’ve ever written in Brazil. Four pages.

“I want to, as I terminate, express my love for you. I really do love you, Elder Cleverly. It is great to be able to say that and know that you know what I mean. I guess that is because you understand me. You understand me as a son of God as we are brothers in spirit. I said to you many times that one of the most marvelous principles of the gospel is that we as humans are capacitated to become like God if we make the effort. I pray for our success in returning to our Father’s presence. My prayers are with you there in Maceió. Keep up the good work.”

Sometimes the Lord answers prayers with a clear and unmistakable NO. I had prayed earnestly that Elder Blackham and I remain together longer as companions, if it were His will, but it seems it was not His divine pleasure to allow us that privilege. Every day I still remember my beloved brother and the things we shared, nightly expressing my gratitude to the Lord for Elder Blackham and his dear friendship and pleading that he be blessed in his new responsibilities in a completely new environment.

This week has been slipping right away. While working yesterday with Elder Knecht, I called Vitória to be a Sunday School teacher. Today Elder Smith and I worked together at Aldo’s house on a big chart we are designing to get the members involved in the work.

Monday, October 5, 1970

This morning I wrote a nice long letter to Elder Blackham. When Elder Blackham left for Rio, I told him the first thing he had to do when he saw a Bob’s was to drink a laranjada dupla [a large orange drink] for me. The letter I received from him last Wednesday started thusly:

“How are you today? I just thought I’d drop you a line and first of all tell you how much I enjoyed my first laranjada dupla, which I drank in your behalf. It was scrumptious, refreshing, really cold, strong and clean. I really enjoyed it. But you know something? It doesn’t compare to Dona Creuza’s apple pie or banana cream pie.”

All of the elders went to the beach today to play futebol. It really was a lot of fun. Elders Smith and Knecht didn’t show up quick enough from Maceió to play but were available for another leadership training session and a zone conference. We returned to Maceió this evening, leaving immediately following the conference.

Yesterday we tried pretty hard to get general conference. I finally found the session in English just as it was ending. Pois é. Then started a session in German, which was strong and clear, but I don’t remember much of my German. At least the choir sounded good. On the same frequency the Portuguese session began as soon as the German ended. This was at 7:00 in the evening when reception should have been good, but there was so much static as to make nothing understandable. It must have been an inspiring conference.

Yesterday’s meetings in Recife were enjoyable, but I sure missed Maceió. One of the most difficult decisions I have ever had to make was whether I should stay in Recife the entire weekend or return to Maceió for Sunday and back to Recife on Monday.

Yesterday Aldo taught a special lesson on chastity in priesthood meeting that got a little out of hand because of gross questions from the boys. Vitória taught her first Sunday School class and was super nervous. Adriano and Fátima were confirmed in fast and testimony meeting.

At night they also tried to listen to general conference at the church. There was a little falling out between Alexandre and Paulo, David, and Agamemnon. They had been playing like they should not have been, and Alexandre became a bit ticked off, and the three pounced on him. Aldo was asleep, but Elder Smith woke him up at this point, and was ticked off also. In MIA Saturday night there were some rough waters too.

Saturday, October 3, 1970

Following a simple preparatory service at the church, many of the branch members gathered early on the Pajuçara Beach to watch Fátima Maria Sabino Tenório and Adriano de Oliveira Tenório become members of the Church of Jesus Christ. Elder Smith baptized Fátima, and I baptized Adriano.

Immediately following the baptism, Elder Hendrickson and I grabbed the 7:30 bus for Recife. Upon arrival there, we headed straight for the chapel. How good it was to see once again Elder Monte Stewart, my old companion and friend, and his present companion, Elder Michael Knight, now both assistants to the President. They are touring every city in the mission. This afternoon we, the district and zone leaders, had a wonderful “excitement council” with them, the first to be held in the Nordeste.

Without any success, we tried to locate conference on a short-wave set the elders had borrowed. This evening I worked with Elder Brinton. We showed a slide strip to relatives and neighbors of a member. Elders Knight and Stewart left for João Pessoa. We are spending the weekend with Elder Brinton’s district, who all live in the same apartment.

Friday, October 2, 1970

Time really slips by. General conference begins today in Salt Lake City. No way does it seem like six months from the April conference. We hope to get part of the proceedings by short-wave radio this weekend.

Wednesday morning Elder Brinton worked with Elder Smith, and Elder Ferrin worked with Elder Knecht. My companion and I kept ourselves busy. As soon as we ate lunch, the two visiting elders returned to Recife.

Being at a month’s end, we have spent a great deal of our time this week on reports. The secretaries of each auxiliary are learning how to do the correlated reports. Inez and Sônia, doing the Sunday School and YWMIA reports, know fully how to do the complete reports. Vitória filled out her first Primary report. Alexandre did his first YMMIA report. Zezira knows her report but is still out of town.

Vitória, at my request, will teach the youth Sunday School class this week. Hopefully it will work out for her to replace Elder Blackham.

This afternoon before Primary I interviewed Fátima to be baptized. This evening Adriano was interviewed. The Aaronic Priesthood boys went out collecting fast offerings tonight. We had a really good talk with Sônia and Simone last night.

Tuesday, September 29, 1970

A very important concept was impressed upon my mind in Aldo’s home evening last night. The lesson was on the necessity of opposition in all things, the point being made that unless we felt sadness we could never know happiness. Now I appreciate why I felt so lonely and so disanimated and so very low after Elder Blackham left. The reason was because for three or four weeks we had been so consistently high and animated and together. Never before have I felt so bad in my whole life as last week. But never had I felt so good than with those last precious weeks with Elder Blackham.

Elders Milton Brinton and Ronald Ferrin arrived today to spend two days with us. Following lunch (we ate at noon today), we held another leadership training session under Elder Ferrin’s direction. I worked in the afternoon with Elder Brinton and this evening with Elder Ferrin. Relief Society fell through on us this afternoon. We checked by Adolfina’s, and she had gone, but we missed her at the church. Tonight we visited Apolinário and Idelta. He has been pretty sick lately but was up tonight.

Monday, September 28, 1970

Yesterday’s meetings were good. The monthly branch presidents meeting in Recife was canceled, and I did not have to go this weekend. Edmilson still taught the priesthood lesson, however. The subject was the Word of Wisdom, and he did a fine job. I am so proud of him and his growth. Youth fireside was at the chapel this afternoon. We previously ate at Aldo’s house and helped Adriano celebrate his eighth birthday, which was Sunday. The choir sang “Meu Testemunho” ["My Testimony"]in sacrament meeting. The new elders both spoke briefly. It was a good day.

Today we did not play volleyball because Elder Knecht had a sore back. We talked of going to the beach but never did make it there. I wrote a lengthy letter to Elder Blackham, in which I filled him in on everything that has been happening and how everybody reacted to his leaving and how I felt about it all. Tonight’s district meeting was mostly planning and orientation for the two new members of the district. Elder Hendrickson and I directed home evening at Aldo’s place.

Tomorrow is Mom’s birthday. Number 55, I believe. I wanted to radio to her, but it did not work out.

Saturday, September 26, 1970

About 11:30 last night I was awakened by a knock at the door. I stumbled out of bed and found the keys and opened up the door to find two elders standing there. Our companions had finally arrived! Elders Scott Knecht and John Hendrickson came together from João Pessoa. Elder Hendrickson, my new companion, traveled together with me as we were transferred north from Rio. When I came to Maceió, he had gone to João Pessoa.

A postcard arrived from Elder Blackham. He will be working now in Jardim Botânico in Rio. I enjoyed that branch while I was there, and I pray he will also. But he made the biggest change possible within this mission. Jardim Botânico is about as different from Maceió as you can find. His companion now is Elder Terry Christiansen, the North zone leader before Elder Brinton. He is fortunate on that count.

We played volleyball this afternoon. We missed Elder Blackham on the field. As Primary showed last night and MIA this evening, and I think the choir even more tomorrow, we miss Elder Blackham’s musical abilities also. I enjoyed Elder Smith’s lesson in MIA.

Thursday, September 24, 1970

A surprise came today by way of telegram. Elder Christensen is transferred to João Pessoa! As soon as we received the telegram at the post office, we went to inform Virginia and the kids. Inez didn’t believe he was going too, thinking the telegram was just a hoax. (On April Fool’s Day two years ago, Elder Cottrell made a fake telegram and transferred Elder Swingler out.)

While Elder Christensen packed, Elder Smith and I bought his ticket for 4:00. The three of us dropped by to tell Vitória. She cried her poor heart out all over again. Then we went to Aldo’s for a farewell dinner, the second one this week. Elder Christensen returned home to finish packing while Elder Smith and I went to tell Edmilson that he was going. Dona Creuza, still mourning the loss of Elder Blackham, cried again. I seriously think this softened her sadness though.

We saw him off, together with Virginia and Alexandre and Edmilson. Elder Christensen was not too sad when he left, unlike Elder Blackham, who probably felt he had died inside.

Tonight Elder Smith and I went to teach a first lesson to Helder Vasconcellos. He had had to travel. We visited Dona Creuza to cheer her up.

Still no word on any new companions for us.

Tuesday, September 22, 1970

Today a heavy quietness hung in the air and a restless lonely feeling in the heart. Elder Blackham’s leaving has really left the house empty. Dona Creuza, who arrived this morning still crying, said that it seems like we are faulting ten people. She said that the departure of all earlier elders had been sad, but this was no comparison. Once today I tried to comfort her and ended up bawling together with her.

Working in threes, we visited Adolfina at her house. Later we ended up at Aldo’s house, where Elder Smith worked on a Primary poster, Elder Christensen typed Apolinário’s membership record, and I worked on various delinquent reports. Elder Smith had planned on going home teaching with Aldo this evening, but Aldo had to work late. We decided to leave Elder Christensen with Alexandre to work on a chart he’s doing for Edmilson. Alexandre wasn’t home. The three of us went to home evening at Apolinário’s.

Monday, September 21, 1970

Today has been one of the saddest days of my life. This evening my beloved brother and companion, Elder Blackham, left for Rio on transfer. The short four and a half months we shared together came to an abrupt end yesterday afternoon when he received a telegram informing him of the change. He elected not to tell anybody until in sacrament meeting, in which he became the last speaker.

He passed the afternoon in complete external calmness, both during our youth fireside at Aldo’s house and at choir practice. Aldo took an entire hour for his sacrament meeting talk. Elder Christensen was the second scheduled speaker but did not speak. The choir sang “Abide with Me, ‘Tis Eventide” (Elder Blackham’s favorite hymn), and he and Vitória sang the second verse as a duet. Then he spoke. He expressed his overflowing love for the Brazilian Saints and especially his closeness to the members in Maceió. Tears were streaming down his face before he could announce his departure. Nearly everybody was crying before he finished. We closed the meeting with “God Be with You ‘Till We Meet Again.”

For the first time in Brazil I cried openly in public, moved to tears by the emotion of the moment. In it I could see a preview of my own departure.

Following sacrament meeting nearly everybody sat around crying for more than an hour. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. It’s nothing anybody could really understand without having served among the precious children of our Heavenly Father in this city. Their love is profound. Their respect for the elders is nearly worship. Their hearts are warm and open. The best way to describe it is as a funeral at the death of a beloved friend or relative. Most likely these members will never see Elder Blackham again in this life, a sobering thought.

When we finally did make it home, Elder Blackham and I were up until about 2:30 or 3:00 packing, evaluating, talking. The other elders were in bed by midnight.

One of the choicest moments of my mission and my life was our testimony meeting we held with each other before we knelt together for the last time for companion prayer. At that moment our souls were knit together, our hearts one, as we expressed our love and gratitude for each other and bore by the Spirit our witnesses concerning the truthfulness and beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Just a few nights ago I had shared with Elder Blackham my patriarchal blessing, honoring him as the fourth person ever to read it outside my immediate family. Others have been Bob Russell, Elder Monte Stewart, and Elder Ronald Axtell. While packing, he showed me some pictures from before his mission that he has never showed another living soul during his mission.

Today we played volleyball at the SESC for the last time. Elder Blackham had played on the BYU volleyball team.

About 10:30 Elders Ferrin and Greenhalgh arrived to hold the second leadership training session with us, which we held about 3:00. Elder Blackham and I went to visit Aldo’s family, and Hévia and Nádia and Vitória were there. For about an hour we went down to visit Sônia and Simone, then came back for a farewell dinner for Elder Blackham.

Dona Creuza took his departure really hard. I felt particularly sorry for her. As she left for the evening, they cried on each other’s shoulders.

The two elders from Recife returned on the 6:00 bus. Elder Blackham left at 7:00. Many members were at the bus station to see him off and to cry some more. Since my arrival here in Maceió I have seen four elders off, and none of this had happened before. A great compliment was paid him by someone comparing it to the departure of Elder Eric (Clarence E. Ott), a beloved early elder in Maceió.

Elder Blackham is gone now. My new companion will not be here until Wednesday or later. We work in threes until then. Tonight I felt lonely, like I had just lost my right arm. Elder Blackham had been such a help to me in my responsibilities as district leader and branch president. His support was loyal and complete. He was serving as branch clerk, branch music director, Sunday School teacher, home teacher, choir member (as lead voice), district historian, my unofficial counselor, my companion, friend, and brother. As I reflect upon it all, I suspect that I have never been closer in my 21 years of experience to another human being than I was to Elder Blackham.

Saturday, September 19, 1970

In all my life I don’t think I have ever been so consistently happy during so long as I have been during the past three or four weeks. I owe that to Elder Blackham’s companionship.

We all are starting to heal from our recent sunburns. Yesterday I was still pretty sore, especially on the legs and feet and on the back of my neck.

This afternoon we played volleyball again at the church. My sunburn was fairly healed as to allow playing. I am really learning to love the sport and even learning somewhat how to play it right. I am grateful to both Elder Smith and Elder Blackham for their constant encouragement and help.

Tonight in MIA Elder Smith’s lesson on dress and grooming standards created widespread interest. Everybody listened. Paulo Santos agreed to cut his hair, and Inez promised to lengthen her skirts.

Friday, September 18, 1970

Once again words cannot adequately express the happy swellings of my grateful heart. Oh, how glorious is life and friendship! In rich abundance today my heart has overflowed with the pure love of Christ as I communed heart to heart and spirit to spirit with my beloved brother and companion, Elder Blackham. We spent precious hours today discussing prayer and our testimonies and our friendship. Throughout our discussion the Spirit bore strong witness to my soul of the wholesomeness of the things we were sharing.

The spiritual gifts of peace, happiness, and love were abundantly manifest. I openly shared thoughts about my testimony and spiritual progression—things that to me are most sacred—which I have never discussed with any other person. Elder Blackham and I seem to understand each other. We are counselors to each other. Today we were experiencing a bit of what the celestial glories must be like, and I can truly testify that the joy we were feeling, the love that filled our beings, far transcends anything of this world and is shed forth from above. We are actually the sons of God, literally His spiritual offspring, at once a sacred and beautiful thought to both of us. And we are brothers.

Thursday, September 17, 1970

Today morninged too early. I passed the night with little sleep as I lay on top of my bed suffering from widespread sunburn. Elder Blackham slept in his hammock but didn’t fare much better. Elder Christensen seemed to suffer the least, or at least complained the least. Elder Smith’s legs and feet were burned badly. I walk kind of like a duck because of my burned parts. Our goal of running lasted only two days and will not be reestablished anytime during this week.

This afternoon we taught a sixth lesson to Adélia, Ivone, and Edmilson. We previously discussed how we should handle hitting Adélia up on her church attendance and decided to mention it in this lesson and then in a special lesson next week really whap her from the angle of sacrament participation. Elder Blackham taught the part about the commandments, examining each one carefully. I hit her hard on tithing, which she does not pay, letting her know she was robbing God, promising great blessings if she would live this law.

Wednesday, September 16, 1970

Today is Alagoas Day, celebrating the independence of this state. Since it is a full holiday, we took advantage by planning a full day of MIA activities, starting early this morning with a picnic to Ipioca Beach, some 45 minutes out of town by bus. There were about 16 participating. Aldo and Virginia came later by car. We found a beautiful spot where a small river ran into the sea. We waded, and the members swam in this stream. We played quemado (dodge ball), ate, took pictures, and just generally had a good time.

About 1:00 we headed back to the city. Unfortunately, four hours of tropical sun directly on bare and white legs and feet was sad news. This afternoon volleyball was played at the church. I was already feeling too sore to play, so I kept score.

At 7:30 tonight we had a fireside featuring the slide show with Aldo narrating the history of the branch. It was a really good fireside, although four sunburned elders felt it to be a bit long. The day was long and hot, but we survived.

Tuesday, September 15, 1970

At 6:00 sharp the alarm sounded, and Elder Blackham and I hopped out of bed and dressed down to only a pair of shorts and shoes and socks and took off running around the block, circling the engineering college and the far edge of the Praça Sinimbú. For such a short jaunt I sure was puffing by the time we made it back to the house. I guess for the first time I can expect to be a little out of shape.

Upon return we both continued with our regular exercises. We place the old hammock on the floor of our room and do the exercises on it. Elder Blackham usually does 50 six-point leg lifts and some sit-ups. I have been doing an ever-increasing number of leg lifts, push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and various stretching exercises. The running will be a valuable addition. I am now probably in as good a shape physically as I have been at any point in my life. Elder Blackham says he is completely out of shape. He comes from a very athletic family, although he says he was the least endowed.

Today and last night Elder Blackham and I have been preparing a slide show that will portray the history of the branch of Maceió. We are using almost exclusively Aldo’s slides with a few recent shots from Elder Blackham’s collection. The slides will be shown in the fireside Wednesday night.

Tonight Elder Blackham went home teaching with Paulo Filho and I with Edmilson. We visited at Aldo’s, although he was not home, and at Vitória’s. The others saw Pedro do Nascimento, Adélia, and Nádia and Hévia. They learned that Nádia is trying to kill herself off. She just contracted to teach nights at the Escola Técnica. She already teaches every morning and studies at the university in the afternoon. She used to use her evenings to study and prepare her classes. What she’ll do now I don’t know.

District meeting last night was interesting. I had elders think up an ending to the story associated with the scrolls we are reading. Then I set that aside and gave a brief talk on Paul, the greatest missionary. I had arranged with Dona Creuza to bring in on a plate with candle the end of the story rolled up as a scroll as soon as we finished the closing hymn. I read the story’s end. The scrolls were given to Paul. It was so sharp.

Monday, September 14, 1970

A letter to my mom and dad:

If at any point my handwriting gets rough in this letter, don’t worry: I’m writing this letter lying on my back in a hammock. In some places here in northeastern Brazil (although not in Maceió) hammocks are every bit as common as beds. They certainly have a lot more class and are very practical during the sweltering months. Here in Maceió we are just entering into summer again. The winter which has just passed was roughly comparable to a southern Idaho summer, except that it was wetter here.

This morning we played volleyball for two hours and now are just lying around taking it kind of easy for a while. I thought today I would take time to write a nice long letter. If it appears disorganized, it is because I’ll just be rambling around for a while.

The past two weeks—and particularly the last one—have been the best of my mission. Words cannot express some of the feelings I’ve had and the experiences I’ve shared. Life is beautiful. Every new day is a miracle itself. My companion (Elder Dane Blackham of Seattle) and I have grown really close to each other, bound with a deep friendship, during the time we’ve been together, which has been about four months, but most particularly these past two weeks. I really appreciate his loyalty and support in the responsibilities I hold. I love him for his humility, his sense of humor, his ability to love others, his talents.

As I briefly mentioned last week, we spent Monday visiting the falls and power complex at Paulo Afonso. Leaving at 4:30 A.M., we rode with Irmão Aldo and his wife Virginia to their farm in the country (her parents’ farm really). From there we left at 6:00 for the four-and-a-half hour trip to Paulo Afonso, most of the way over dirt roads. Paulo Afonso is located on the São Francisco River, which is the border between Alagoas and Bahia. The city of Paulo Afonso itself is in Bahia. It is desert area and at a distance looks just like parts of southern Idaho, although at a close up the vegetation is different. We had a free guide during the entire afternoon for just the six of us (four elders, Aldo, and Virginia), and we visited all over the entire place. It was really quite amazing. I took a bunch of pictures. We were all pretty tired by evening before we started the long trip back. We were home by 11:00 P.M.

Tuesday dawned early with all of us done in but with much to do. We have an elderly couple here who have been waiting about 14 months to be baptized because of a desquite problem. In Brazil there is no divorce, but a sort of legal separation called desquite. However, it prevents remarriage legally. Since by the law people who have desquite are living in adultery if they remarry, they cannot be baptized without express permission of the General Authorities. This couple was plagued by this problem even though they’ve lived together for 17 years. We finally received by letter just last Sunday the OK for baptism. But there was still one problem. Because of stroke, heart, and kidney trouble, he has been off-and-on sick during the last year. Probably the only thing keeping him going was his determination to be baptized before he died. Here in Maceió we baptize in the ocean. That would never have worked for him. So on Tuesday morning we announced to him that he could be baptized finally and that we wanted him to go to Recife for the special district conference two days later and be baptized in the font there. He agreed.

Wednesday we had a special fast because one of the members of the branch (who has a VW bus that we needed to take everybody to the conference in Recife) could not go. At the end of the fast the member came to our house to give us the answer. He said that he could not go but that he had prayed about it and the Lord said he should go, so he decided to go. I was so happy. Obviously it was an immediate and direct answer to our fasting and prayers. Because of his decision we had a representation of 19 members who could go to the conference.

Thursday was the big day of conference. We left early by bus to make the four-hour trip to Recife. At noon we held a missionary conference. I gave the opening address, speaking on “Priesthood Stewardships and the Blessing Powers of the Priesthood.” Sister Johnson and Sister Hinckley spoke next. President Johnson spoke after them. During his talk I had my interview with Brother Hinckley. Finally, we had a two-hour question-answer period with the visiting Apostle, after which he spoke for a while to us. That was truly a great experience. In the evening was held the district conference with a packed chapel. President and Sister Johnson and Brother and Sister Hinckley all spoke, the latter two using interpreters. Elder Hinckley’s talk was so inspired, at least the things the Maceió members needed to hear.

After a full day of all that, we still held a baptism service following the conference. My companion and I both baptized and confirmed.

The next morning, following a night spent beating off mosquitoes in our hotel room, we had the first of a series of six leadership training conferences. At noon we left by bus to return to Maceió, arriving back in time for Primary.

Well, you see that it was a full, inspiring, exciting week. Tiring too.

Recently I received an application for readmission to BYU. The spring semester begins February 4. That leaves about a month of free time before school starts. You might keep an eye out for any jobs that might be available during January. According to what Brother Hinckley told us about the draft, I should have no trouble. My number is 227.

São Paulo now has its third stake. Zion is growing down here in Brazil on every point. Brother Hinckley effected its organization just last Sunday. Prospects for Rio are looking better all the time.

Please express my regards to everybody in the ward, particularly to Brother and Sister Garner, Sister Hurren, and Sister Leavitt. I’ll have to be closing this letter or it will cost a fortune to mail it. May the Lord’s choice blessings be ever yours. Have a happy week. Write sometime.

P.S. I was going to mention how well we’ve been eating here in Maceió. We have a full-time maid (Dona Crueza) who shops and cooks for us. We have taught her how to fix all sorts of good stuff to eat. We are among the few elders in the mission who regularly eat apple pie, oatmeal cookies, pancakes, French toast, beef stew, baked potatoes (Brazilians eat potatoes, but not baked), plus tomatoes and cucumbers and carrots, etc.

Sunday, September 13, 1970

The other afternoon when we returned from Recife, I asked Virginia how Apolinário had made the return trip. That had been a big day for him: the trip itself, seeing an Apostle, being baptized. I was somewhat concerned for his health. Virginia answered, “Oh, don’t worry about him now that he’s full of the Holy Ghost.” Of all the people I have ever baptized, none have wanted into the Church as bad as Apolinário, and I doubt any of them were as truly repentant before entering the waters of baptism as he. Apolinário and Idelta made it out to Sunday School this morning.

Aldo recorded Brother Hinckley’s talk Thursday night, but the volume was turned to zero and he caught nothing.

In our weekly planning and evaluation session the week before last (we hold them on Sunday night after meetings), Elder Blackham and I instituted a new plan of attack for more effectively reaching our goals. Two weeks of practical experience has proven its worth. We decided that a major reason for not reaching goals was lack of follow through. Therefore, we placed our personal goals on the back of our planning cards and each night went over them one by one to check each other out in a mini-evaluation session.

My goals for this week consist of the following: (1) think about the Savior; this was inspired by a talk Elder Blackham gave two weeks ago wherein he pointed out that we covenant in the sacrament to always remember the Savior but rarely do in our daily lives; (2) be out on time; we’ve been lax at times; (3) read the handbook and tract, a weekly goal; (4) read the scriptures at least 30 minutes; this means half an hour actually spent with the scriptures beyond the many hours required by the study guide; (5) watch conversations; this is one of the best goals, keeping us aware of our callings and helping us maintain a higher spiritual level; (6) be grateful, going out of the way to be thankful; it works wonders; (7) love people; (8) help my companion, going out of my way to make him a better missionary, a happier person; (9) pray more frequently and fervently; I try to pray every afternoon in secret to supplement morning and night private prayers; (10) do reports, planning, and evaluation nightly; (11) get to bed on time; (12) exercise; Elder Blackham’s exercising has moved me to take it up also and it feels great; (13) run; this is related to the last goal but is a new one we will try out this week, running around the block the first thing every morning; and (14) be happy, which falls naturally into place when I do everything else.

Elder Blackham’s goals are very similar. He also has added a goal of controlling his temper, which he has been doing admirably the past two weeks.

Because of these several goals our nightly evaluation sessions have become so enjoyable that we really look forward to them. This program has done wonders for our friendship and our love for each other. And this in turn has improved our every working day and our missionary work. Particularly, we are improving our spirituality. Our confidence is waxing strong in the presence of God.

Yesterday afternoon we inaugurated volleyball on the field at the church. Earlier we had to clean off all the weeds that spring up so fast. Elder Blackham and I never did play because we helped give the chapel a major clean up. It was disgracefully dirty. We plan to make every Saturday afternoon an activity period, under the MIA’s direction, with volleyball and ping pong and futebol de saláo and anything else they might want to do.

Elder Smith spoke tonight in sacrament meeting. In the afternoon the youth fireside was held at our house with the lesson under the direction of Elder Christensen.

Friday, September 11, 1970

The gifts of life and friendship and love have filled my heart this day. Because of a first in a series of six seminars on leadership training being taught by Elder Ferrin, we spent the night in a Recife hotel and returned to Maceió this afternoon. The leadership session was a great and fun learning experience but was quite overshadowed by other spiritual experiences of the day.

Elder Blackham and I had put in a full day yesterday, but we remained up a bit late to discuss the activities of the exciting day and to share our thoughts with one another. That was the prelude. Today’s return trip developed into a four-hour evaluation session that was one steady session of love and understanding and friendship. The entire afternoon was one long spiritual experience neither Elder Blackham nor I shall ever forget. Our common desire today was that the trip to Maceió be ten hours instead of merely four, but that could not be arranged.

We started a discussion of yesterday’s conferences and dwelt at length on that. We talked of the progress we’ve seen the branch make and particularly the members. We agree with Sister Hinckley, a miracle indeed. We talked about ourselves and our relationship and our common efforts during the past four months. As we communed together, our love for each other increased even more, if that seems possible.

All of a sudden it was given me to understand some of the purposes of life and things. Let me explain. When I was in the Language Training Mission, one of my professors there, Elder Tom Welch, promised me that the Lord had a specific reason for wanting me in the Brazil North Mission and added that some day I would know the reason why. He said I might know during my mission or not until later in life. I explained this to Elder Blackham and told him that now I knew. My companion understood the reason too without my having to form into words the thought: I was called here to build the branch of Maceió, to establish the kingdom, to place my bricks.

My life has been one great blessing, I explained to Elder Blackham. I told him of the two greatest lessons I learned my year at BYU. The first was how little I really knew. The second and most important was how to really love others even more than myself. I am still learning that because few have been the people that have meant more to me than me myself. And then to Elder Blackham I said, “In all sincerity I mean this: I love you every bit as much as myself. As my comp, you mean more to me than myself. And I am grateful for that.” Our hearts were locked at that moment and an eternal friendship made secure. Words cannot express the upward swellings of two grateful souls, united as brothers, enjoying the happiness of those precious moments.

At some length Elder Blackham told me of his life and how miraculous he considered it that he was in the position he now is in rather than a low and immoral drug addict in some dirty slum. He told me of certain people who helped him completely change his life, keeping him true to the heritage of his birth. God is mindful of Dana Blackham because he is one of His noble sons and has the talents and gifts to contribute much to the building of Zion.

If ever in my life I have experienced true joy, if ever I have known real happiness, if ever the Spirit has spoken peace to my soul, it happened this day. The Lord has been generously merciful to me to have blessed me so much. I pled with him last night in my prayers that, if it be His will and suit His holy purposes, Elder Blackham might remain together with me at least until the next regional conference in November. I even told Elder Blackham about that request.

Following Primary this evening, we prepared a birthday gift for Hévia and went to deliver it. She was touched by the fact that we remembered her. The thought was more important than the gift itself. It was fun to see her happy.

Thursday, September 10, 1970

Elder Gordon B. Hinckley of the Council of the Twelve met with us all afternoon in a regional missionary conference, including the elders from Fortaleza, and this evening with the members in a special district conference. Sister Hinckley and President and Sister Johnson also participated.

In the regional conference, by some twist of fate, probably President Johnson’s twisting, I was the only missionary participant, sharing the program with Sisters Hinckley and Johnson and President Johnson and Brother Hinckley, who spoke in that order. I was first on the program, discussing for a few moments priesthood stewardships and the blessing powers of the priesthood. Our conference started somewhat after 12:00.

Sister Hinckley’s talk really impressed me. She spoke of the modern-day miracles she has been seeing, including the growth of the Church and the members thereof. Last Sunday, she related, she saw the third stake in São Paulo being organized. South America holds a special spot in her heart. She compared the work here to the construction of a great building. Sometimes an elder may feel he has done nothing on his mission, but hundreds before have felt the same. In reality, they have all placed their bricks into the edifice, and the kingdom grows.

During President Johnson’s talk I had a brief but wonderful interview with Brother Hinckley. Knowing I was branch president, he asked me a little about Maceió, both the city and the branch. We talked about Elder Blackham briefly. He asked me what I most admired in him. I had to think on that one, not that I could not think of anything, but that I had to choose one trait of many that I admire. I answered, “His ability to love others.”

Brother Hinckley asked, “Don’t you love people?”

I responded, “I certainly try.”

He rejoined, “But your companion does a better job?”

He told me he had recently been to stake conference in Nampa. When I asked how they were doing, he replied, “They miss you, Elder.”

We also spoke of my schooling plans, and I learned that Brother Hinckley once had been an English major also.

Elder Blackham was interviewed right after me. He was asked about his companion too. This evening Elder Blackham shared with me what he said to the Apostle: “I love him for his ability to stay close to the Lord.”

A quartet sang “Ó Montanhas Exaltai!” in the conference. Elder Blackham had been invited to sing the alto part and was really looking forward to it, but we arrived late from Maceió, not having been able to get a 6:00 bus, and somebody else was chosen. I shared in Elder Blackham’s disappointment.

The highlight of the afternoon was when Brother Hinckley held a question-answer session and spoke to us. That was a marvelous experience. Once again the Spirit bore witness that here was an Apostle of the Almighty God. I was so impressed by so many things he said that I cannot even write them all here.

He taught us that there was no shame in saying, “I don’t know,” if we did not know something. He said that to him the gospel is becoming simpler and more beautiful and his faith likewise simpler. To me that was profound. He told us to stick to the scriptures and not worry too much about reading everything else that comes off the presses.

Someone asked him about the Second Comforter. His response was that we have our hands full trying to keep the constant companionship of the First Comforter. Worry about that first.

His comments on the draft situation make me look pretty good as far as being able to finish my education without interruption. He spoke also about adultery and fornication by way of inspired warning. He said he did not always speak of that subject, as if inspired to do so on this occasion. And then he bore his apostolic witness to the divine mission of the Savior and the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel.

This evening’s district conference was an added spiritual feast. We had Maceió all sitting together on the front three rows. As great as were the talks of President and Sister Johnson and Sister Hinckley, and all of them were, the highlight once again was Brother Hinckley’s remarks. The beauty of his lessons came from their simplicity. He took a flower from a bouquet on a nearby table and compared it to a member of the Church, beautiful today but tomorrow dry and withered because it had been cut from its stem. Inactivity because of misunderstanding, harsh words, personal weakness leaves us cut off from the Church, and we die spiritually. He spoke about the word recife, which means reef, since he was in Recife, comparing it to the Church as it protects our lives and gives them peace and calm. Brother Hinckley has a fantastic sense of humor. Elder Coleman of the district presidency did a super job of translating for him.

Following the session a quick baptism service was held. Elder Blackham baptized Apolinário Cecílio dos Santos, and I afterward confirmed him. I baptized Idelta Craveiro Santos, and Elder Blackham confirmed her. They were certainly happy. It had been a big day for them. We were filled with a special joy, Elder Blackham and I.

Wednesday, September 9, 1970

Beginning last night we are fasting in behalf of Pedro Maia so he will be successful today in collecting money and therefore able to go to the conference. We will also be fasting tomorrow, eating only this evening’s meal. I really prayed hard for Pedro, and I think Elder Blackham did also.

This afternoon we discussed it and were mutually surprised that we reached this similar conclusion: This was probably the best fasting and prayer experience of our missions. We really pled with the Lord. A miracle of answered prayer happened when Pedro arrived to tell us his verdict. He did not travel but spent the day thinking and tinkering on his kombi. Finally, he decided to pray about it, which is so very out of character for him, to see what the Lord thought about it all. He was told to go to the conference. And so he is.

Tonight was had to inform everybody going with him that they were indeed going. That includes Edmilson, Adolfina, Simone, Vitória, David, Agamemnon, Paulo Filho, and Suely. Going with Aldo besides his family are Nádia and Apolinário and Idelta, making eight in his car. André and Adriano are not going. Maceió will have a representation of 18 at the conference.

Captain George is in town again. Elders Smith and Christensen saw him twice today. He said he is staying on a Greek ship in the harbor. There are no boats in the harbor, nor have there been for a week.

Tuesday, September 8, 1970

As tired as we were from yesterday’s trip, we were up bright and early today with lots to do. Elder Blackham and I headed first for Apolinário’s place to tell him he could now be baptized. We were afraid the good news would give him a heart attack or a stroke or something. He took it OK. He was already planning on going to Recife on Thursday for the conference with Brother Hinckley. Taking into consideration his health and the fact that President Johnson wants to interview them again, we arranged to perform the baptism after the conference in the font of the Recife chapel. The ocean would have been too hard on him. He is so happy now.

Next we went to see others of our members to arrange for the conference. At this point only Aldo’s car is going and is already more than full. Tonight we went to see Pedro Maia to see if he was really going to take his kombi. We explained that if he did not go the majority of those going could not go. He is in a very tight situation financially and says he has to work (going to the conference will cost him valuable time) because of the four-day holiday weekend just past. He plans to travel tomorrow to collect money. If his day is successful, he will go. He will have an answer for us late tomorrow afternoon.

Monday, September 7, 1970

Today is Brazil’s Independence Day. By 4:00 we were all awake and readying for our trip to Paulo Afonso. About 5:30 we arrived at the farm of Virginia’s parents, located near Atalaia, where we left Adriano and Inez, and we left by 6:00. The sunrise over the Alagoas farmlands was a sight beautiful to behold. Patches of fog hovered over the greenery. About 7:00 we stopped for a guaraná break in Palmeira dos Indios. From this point on the road was dirt as it stretched out across the dusty and drier sertão. We stopped occasionally for pictures or gas until we reached Paulo Afonso shortly after 10:00.

While Aldo and Virginia waited on top of a bridge, we descended 334 steps down to the São Francisco River and took some good pictures. The climb back up was bad news in the hot desert sun. I promised Elder Blackham I would never complain again about the little hike up the hill to Aldo’s place. Finally we drove across the bridge into the state of Bahia. The town is on the Bahia side of the river. We ate a nice noon meal in a clean restaurant that offered all a person could eat for Cr$5,00.

From 1:00 to 5:00 the six of us had our own personal guide for free. He gave us a really sharp tour. The falls, of which there are two parts, were every bit as impressive as Niagara when I was there. In a cable car we crossed over the top of one part of the falls. Words cannot justly describe the experience. Just nature’s part of the show was worth our trip, but almost equally impressive was the gigantic power complex being developed there. Four new turbines are being built, which will produce more power than the present nine already operating. Eighty-meter deep wells, one of which we went to the bottom of, give the water the necessary force to generate the power. Paulo Afonso provides electricity for the entire Nordeste.

We also visited a farm owned by the same company (CHESF or Companhia Hidro Electrico do São Francisco, 51 percent of which is government owned, 49 percent private industry) that was quite interesting. I took one and a half rolls of film (a lot for me). Elder Blackham took 64 slides during the day.

About 5:30 we headed for home. Soon it was dark, and we had a few close calls on the return trip, but we reached the fazenda safely by about 10:00. Dead tired, we reached Maceió at 11:00. Wow! What a trip!

Sunday, September 6, 1970

Today proved to be quite eventful. Apolinário and Idelta made it out to the meetings this morning. They brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Virginia had gone and picked them up. In testimony meeting Apolinário arose and through tears bore a beautiful testimony, which set the stage for one of the best meetings I’ve seen in this branch. Except for the conference with President Johnson in July, Apolinário has never made it out for the meetings on Sunday.

By coincidence, as we checked the postal box this afternoon, a letter had arrived from President Johnson with long-awaited news: the General Authorities had given approval for the baptism of Apolinário and Idelta. One of the most joyous moments of my life was to read that letter. Elder Blackham was very happy also, as were the members of Aldo’s family.

President Johnson also wrote the following note dated September 1: “I have just wanted for some time to write and express appreciation to you for your steadfast devotion to the work of the Lord. Your letters and reports are appreciated so much, not only for what is mentioned in them, but for the spirit so apparent as you write them. It is the same spirit with which you confront the many responsibilities and opportunities no matter where your assignment. I just wanted to say thank-you for all you have done, for all that you’re doing in Maceió—and the branch never looked better—and all that you will yet accomplish. It is a blessing to associate with you in this great work. May our Heavenly Father ever bless and be with you.”

The youth fireside was held at Nádia’s house. To get to know everybody better we played a variation of the “Newlyweds Game.” Inez and I won.

We had planned to leave this afternoon with Aldo to the fazenda and leave early in the morning from there for Paulo Afonso. Adriano became quite sick and had to stay in the casa de saúde from 4:00 until 10:00 receiving glucose. We spent the night, therefore, at Aldo’s. I went to bed early, about 9:00.

Saturday, September 5, 1970

This evening in MIA we celebrated Brazil’s day of independence, using the following program with Nádia as emcee:

Opening hymn: “Hino Nacional Brasileiro”
Prayer: Edmilson
Introduction: Nádia
Song: “Hino à Bandeira Nacional”
Reading: “Oração à Bandeira” by Sônia
Song: “Hino da Independência do Brasil”
Jogral by Inez, Simone, Edmilson, Sônia
Reading: “A Pátria” by David
Slide show by the elders (108 slides of Brazil)
Special number: “Agora Cantarei a Ti” by the elders
Reading: “General Moroni and the Title of Liberty” by Vitória
Special number: “Brasil” by the elders
Closing prayer: Elder Cleverly

The program was really sharp. Unfortunately, attendance could have been better. This was largely an elder-sponsored show, our way of showing that we are concerned about Brazil and her people. One of the songs we sang I wrote the lyrics to during this afternoon. It goes to the tune of “Oh, Beautiful for Spacious Skies.” The words are as follows:

Agora cantarei a ti, meu belo lar natal,
Hinos de paz e gratidão, do meu coração.
Ó Brasil, o meu Brasil, que Deus te abençoe.
Tu és meu lar e sempre eu serei um filho teu.
 
Os montes cantam teu louvor, os campos pois também,
Cidades lindas, beira-mar e praias imortais.
Ó Brasil, o meu Brasil, que Deus te abençoe.
Com devoção e grato som: Salve a patria!
 
Nesta terra da promissão eu viverei feliz,
O sol da liberdade brilha no alto céu.
Ó Brasil, o meu Brasil, que Deus te abençoe.
O meu amor és tu Brasil, ó patria sem igual.
 
Quão lindo é o meu país, estrela entre mil,
Terra de meus antigos pais, também dos filhos meus.
Ó Brasil, o meu Brasil, que Deus te abençoe.
Eu cantarei do coração: Salve a patria.
This morning Elder Blackham and I visited Pedro Maia to see if he was going to the special conference next week. He had traveled to João Pessoa for the weekend. The rest of the time we spent beating our heads out for ideas for tonight. We asked members all week long for ideas. Their only response was that they had never seen an Independence Day celebration.

Friday, September 4, 1970

Last night at Aldo’s place we discussed and decided to go to Paulo Afonso on Monday. We had wanted to take some of the branch members, but it only works out for Aldo, Virginia, and us four elders. Elder Blackham and I even checked out the feasibility of sending some by bus. It is not feasible. The bus leaves at the wrong time and takes 10 hours.

We nearly finished up the monthly reports. Sônia had her report done when we picked it up. Edmilson came and we helped him out on the report for the Aaronic Priesthood youth. An interesting note: the YWMIA had 148 percent attendance last month due to the talent show and the family fair.

Immediately following Primary Elder Smith and I came home. At 7:00 I held a meeting with Edmilson, Paulo Santos Filho, and David about fast offering collection. We sent out Edmilson with Paulo and took David with us to Aldo’s place, where we got Alexandre ready, and sent him out with David. Both pairs had a successful night. David and Alexandre did not report back until 11:00.

Tonight Elder Smith and I talked out his problems and how he has resolved them. He decided to cool it with Sônia so that nothing develops there. His other problems just sort of fell in place because they were influenced by this one. Elders Blackham and John spent the evening at Sônia’s and Simone’s.

Thursday, September 3, 1970

Elder Blackham and I worked together on the correlated reports about half of today. As branch clerk, my companion is an able and valuable assistant to me. He is a good worker. Once again we had a special personal conversation as we worked together today. I marvel at my growing love and appreciation for Elder Blackham. Right now he has felt he has serious problems with himself, things like temper, straying thoughts, too great of a lack of the Spirit, etc. To use his own words, he sees himself “as an all-important handsome brute.” But the marvelous thing about it all is that he is growing. I have seen much maturing and growth in him just since we’ve been companions.

We saw Vitória today and helped her fill out the Primary report. We took forms to Sônia for the MIA report. Without much success, we tried to catch up with the three families who have fallen through on us. This we did during the lunch hour.

In the afternoon we taught a lesson to Edmilson and his sister Ivone and aunt Adélia. Adélia said she can’t come to church by bus because of her nervous condition, which we didn’t know she had, and because the bus does not pass on her street. She’s right there, but it does stop a block away on the street that crosses hers.

Wednesday, September 2, 1970

Yesterday afternoon, as we were finishing study class, Elder Smith broke down and poured his heart out to me. “Elder Cleverly, why am I so hard to get along with?” was the opening question, which lead into more than an hour of pretty serious discussion. We talked about his troubles in getting along with Elder Christensen first. Sometimes Elder Smith even feels all three of us gang up on him. He talked of uncertainties, weak testimony, lack of desire to do the work, disanimation. He feels, based on information given him by Elder Christensen, that Elder Blackham thinks that Elder Smith dislikes Elder Blackham. Part of this last problem is Sônia/Simone related, which leads into Elder Smith’s most pressing and dangerous problem: He thinks he might like Sônia. We talked at length. I agreed to fast with him for some answers before doing anything drastic, like reporting anything to President Johnson, which would mean immediate transfer for Elder Smith.

This morning I took the liberty of speaking with Elder Blackham about what Elder Smith thought concerning him. He was hurt a little because he really likes Elder Smith, as Elder Smith does Elder Blackham. We straightened it out though. We also discussed Elder Smith’s and Elder Christensen’s relationship as companions, since Elder Blackham has known Elder Christensen from childhood. That was instructive. Our morning-long conversation was in such a vein and of such a spirit as to be constructive and uplifting, even uniting Elder Blackham and me in a closer bond of brotherhood. I am so very humbly grateful for Elder Blackham and his friendship. We bask together in the light of each other’s love. And I am thankful for our mutual ability to share the thoughts and aspirations of our hearts one with another.

The Lord has been good to me once again, as always He is, to let Elder Blackham and I share together these wonderful months of service in this special branch in this special city. I count my friends as among the greatest blessings heaven has graciously bestowed, and of my true friends I already count Dane Blackham as one of the greatest.

I am reminded of a passage from the Old Testament: “And it came to pass . . . that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. . . Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:1, 3). Well might our two names be substituted for those of David and Jonathan!

Consider how well this applies: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17). I can testify of that. I am a better man for having known and loved Elder Blackham.

Captain George again became the subject of conversation. Today Elders Smith and Christensen ran into Humberto Soares, director of the Centro Cultural Brasil—Estados Unidos. He asked the elders about Aldo, saying he had been told Aldo was a “boozer,” had many women, and had embezzled Cr$3.000 from the Church. They soon learned that our friend, the Captain, was behind such malicious rumors. He had been with Humberto, telling stories about Aldo and Milton Soares of Recife.

The elders went with Humberto to Aldo’s, and Aldo related his story. A few years ago Aldo chased Captain George out of his shop with a gun and called the police. Captain George was already suspected for smuggling, sabotage, or even spying. The authorities have not yet been able to put a finger on him legally. A special investigator from the army is on the case.

A further note of interest, Captain George told Humberto that he neither believed in Joseph Smith nor the Book of Mormon. While with Humberto, he guzzled down half a bottle of conhaque. He says he likes the missionaries because they are just innocent kids that don’t know what’s going on. If he only knew!

Elder Smith and I ended our fast this afternoon. I had no opportunity to talk with him in private, but he says his major problem is resolved.

Tuesday, September 1, 1970

Last night’s district meeting was a challenging, inspiring session for the elders. Following “Oh My Father” as opening hymn, Elder Christensen offered the opening prayer. In business session we briefly discussed the holding of an Independence Day commemoration in MIA Saturday evening since next Monday is Brazil’s birthday. I introduced the new scroll, number four, which begins today. Its theme is “I Am Nature’s Greatest Miracle.” Our first activity was a five-minute written evaluation of each of the other three elders, including such things as first impressions, strengths, weaknesses, and overall missionary image. Elder Blackham was invited to sing “I Am a Child of God.” A second activity involved a ten-minute self-evaluation, written to include how we thought others saw us and how we saw ourselves. These evaluations were distributed to the several elders and were studied briefly and individually. I shared a few remarks on the subject “Come unto Christ,” followed by a period of testimony bearing. Elder Blackham offered the benediction after we had sung “Behold, Fast Falls the Eventide.” Our abraços afterward were ones of greater love and deeper respect than before, for “had not our hearts within us burned.”

Perhaps it would prove instructive to record here for further reference the evaluations I received. From Elder Christensen first: “You have an emanating power of authority, that is, people are very inclined to believe that what you say is true because it almost always is. You are kind and usually patient and likeable. You have good habits and are thorough. You organize things well. You seem at times unsure of yourself or image before others when you should have no worry at all.”

From Elder Smith these observations: “One thing I can say in evaluating your image is that emotion really does show in your face. I believe sometimes it may hurt someone to know how disappointed or upset you are, when if you could cover it, a solution would come before the person is hurt. I think one thing you could work on a little is humility. You live a very righteous and godlike life except many times when you express or show these attributes they are in a way as to make other people feel smaller because of their faults. Help others to feel they are better than you even if they aren’t. Your missionary efforts are hard to criticize and so I’ll stop without trying.”

My companion, Elder Blackham: “Very sharp as far as missionary image is concerned. You are concerned for other people, which is a very good trait. Now that I know you better I am aware of this concern and innate gratitude. In improving on this strong point, the only thing I see is that of expressing more to others the concern that you have for them. Another capacity you have is that of being spiritual. This is another great characteristic. Unfortunately, however, you sometimes let my conversations or that of others rob you of this spirituality. If you could keep me aware of the Spirit I should have with me, I will be able to be a help instead of a hindrance. I enjoy your humility and also your ability to love others.”

Now that is five minutes worth of how I am seen in the eyes of those who live with me and know me somewhat. Concerning myself I wrote the following observations:

“In personal evaluation, as I suspect others might see me, I would offer: an inspired and quiet missionary. Any other traits would likely be overshadowed by that image. As to physical ability or beauty, negative, and rightly so even in my own sight. I see myself as one who loves the Lord, who wants to build His kingdom, seeking after heaven’s inspiration, but because of personal weaknesses (such as trusting in the arm of flesh, fear of men, straying thoughts) living far below my capacity. I love people fairly easily. Basically I find myself a grateful, happy person. My conscience is at ease. Other people are important to me, as are such things as friendship and love. Hypocrisy I don’t like, nor cruelty in any form. I often judge others and speak evil of others when I should not.”

Immediately before yesterday’s district meeting we saw Around the World in 80 Days at the São Luiz. This is the third time I’ve seen the show, the first as a small child, the second last year in Rio. It was uplifting, clean entertainment.

Good news arrived today by way of letter from President Johnson. A special district conference will be held September 10 with Elder Gordon B. Hinckley and his wife in attendance. President and Sister Johnson will be with them. We were asked to have as many members as possible at the Recife meeting. That was truly exciting news.

Tonight Elder Blackham went home teaching with Paulo Santos Filho, Elder Smith with Aldo, I with Edmilson. Elder Christensen stayed with Alexandre for the evening. Edmilson and I visited the homes of Paulo Santos, Vitória, and Aldo.

Inez directed last night’s family home evening on the subject of prayer. She did a good job.

Saturday, August 29, 1970

Today is the day of the biggest festa that has ever been seen in the Maceió Branch, the first annual (and possibly last) Feira Familiar. As one entered the front gate of the church, he was met by a money changer collecting entrance fees of Cr$3,00 per family or Cr$1,00 per person or Cr$0,50 for children. The next vital point was a ticket booth which sold ingressos of Cr$0,10 (100 beans) each to be used in the many booths.

Out in the garage we had a sponge throw, ring toss, fishpond, bottle throw, ball in the basket, dart throw, and ball in the mouth booths. The fishpond and bottle throw proved to be the most popular booths. Each of these booths was two ingressos each.

Inside we had the food booth, under direction of the Relief Society, selling popcorn, candy, hotdogs, punch, cookies, and cakes. Food is always popular. A marriage booth attracted what few teenagers showed up. A cakewalk and the quebra potes were both very popular. All the prizes won at the several booths and everything else we were trying to sell were featured in a general store, Lojas SUD. In every part the rooms of the church, the chapel excepted, were decorated. A carnival atmosphere was in the air.

Starting at 7:30 this morning we slipped over to the church to finish decorating and everything else incident to the fair’s opening at 3:00. How we ever made it I’ll never know, but we met the deadline and the doors opened on schedule. Afternoon traffic was slow. In the early evening almost everything stopped. All of a sudden, people showed up and we kept ourselves more than busy. Zezira showed up with the hotdogs at 7:00, not realizing that we were starting at 3:00. The festivities ran on until after 10:00 (and we had thought of stopping at 8:30).

The members at no point had ever caught on exactly the scale of this carnival we were planning. Hence, not as many people as we needed showed up. The purpose of all this was to raise money for an organ in an animating way. But some of the members did not realize money was involved and did not tell invited friends to come prepared. Without a doubt the fair was wholly animating.

The help we received from Elders Morrell and Prisbrey was invaluable. Never would the four of us survived without them. They leave tomorrow morning on the 6:00 Recife bus.

We collected Cr$463,00. Considering how many people attended, we must have wrung every penny out of them. That represents about Cr$230,00 profit. It if had not been for Aldo, the fair would have been a flop.

Friday, August 28, 1970

The entire week was spent in feverish and exhausting preparations for the carnival. Since Thursday was a holiday, we had a workday at the chapel for all the members. All day today was spent decorating.
Elders Prisbrey and Morrell arrived this evening from Recife to help us out tomorrow. We sure need them. Elder Camargo planned to come with Elder Prisbrey but could not because he works with MIA in Recife.

Elder Christensen conducted Monday’s district meeting. Fasting and prayer as missionary tools was the assigned theme.

Sunday, August 23, 1970

Today was a full and interesting day. Elder Smith and I left at 6:00 this morning for Recife. I went to attend a branch presidents meeting with the other leaders in the Pernambuco District. I also met with Elders Brinton, Ferrin, and Sarager in a planning meeting. The Recife Relief Society had a lunch prepared for us. We headed back at 1:00, reaching Maceió in time for choir practice. I had left Elder Blackham in charge of the branch during my absence. Edmilson taught the priesthood lesson this morning.

Last night at MIA we held a really sharp talent show with Pedro Maia as emcee. I didn’t realize we had so much talent in the branch. Alexandre and Betânia both sang with the guitar. Singing solos were David, Vitória, and Pedro Maia. Virginia played a piano solo. Nádia, Agamemnon, and Sônia participated in a jogral. Simone and Aida Santos gave poetry readings. Elder Smith played a trumpet solo with my accompaniment on the piano. With guitar, Elder Blackham sang some solos and a duet together with Elder John (Elder Christensen). The whole evening was animating. Attendance was very good.

Friday, August 21, 1970

A letter came today from Elder Brinton, the new zone leader in Recife. Elder Christiansen headed south together with Elders Dabbling, Carter, and Hironymous. Four new elders came north, including Elder Ferrin, who is the new district leader of the Recife District and also the teacher of the leadership course that will be given. Elder Morrell came from Fortaleza to be in Boa Viagem. He had been zone leader and branch president there. Those jobs are now divided among two elders. Elder Paige Jeffs is the new branch president.

Apolinário was feeling sick when we went by Tuesday evening. Yesterday Elders Blackham and Christensen went to check up on him. He was not home.

We have been working on preparations for the Feira Familiar the last few days. Elders Blackham and Christensen have bought some prizes, also Elder Blackham and I. At Aldo’s house we have been making quebra potes (piñatas) for the carnival.

Elder Smith has tried all week to get a trumpet to play in tomorrow’s talent show. He tried the Assembly of God Church, but the minister said their instruments were consecrated and could not be given out to pagan hands. He finally found a pretty bad trumpet today just before Primary at the Escola Técnica Federal de Alagoas.

Tuesday, August 18, 1970

A letter to my dad and mom that I started yesterday and finished today:

This week’s letter is going to be pretty short. Today we had visiting with us from Recife 12 more elders to meet in a zone conference. That took most of the day, and so there is no time left to write a letter.

[Next day] Here it is Tuesday already, meaning that it is illegal to write letters. I just wanted to mention briefly a special youth home evening we held Sunday. It is held weekly for 12 young people who are from part-member families where it is impossible to hold home evening in the home. Every person had to list five specific reasons why he liked another given person. You cannot imagine how positive and how love-filled such a session was, with the Spirit being poured out in rich profusion before we had completed. It was truly fantastic, something every family in the Church might profitably use. Tears filled many eyes: tears of gratitude, tears of pure love, tears of happiness.

Sunday evening our branch choir sang for the third consecutive sacrament meeting, a special arrangement of “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.” I spoke on the life and teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith, including the visit Jerry and I had with him and Sister Smith four years ago in their Salt Lake apartment.

I subscribe my full love and gratitude. I pray this finds everybody healthy, happy, and smiling.

Monday, August 17, 1970

About 10:30 today Elders Christiansen and Greenhalgh arrived from Recife. I went to the church with Elder Christiansen to audit the financial records. About noon the rest of the elders from Recife showed up. Shortly thereafter we held zone conference in the chapel. We received the third scroll: “I Will Persist until I Succeed.”

In the afternoon we had arranged to play basketball at the SESC gym, but when we arrived there at 2:00 the baskets had not been put up. We bagged the idea of having a district-against-district tournament but put up a net and played volleyball instead. Recife and Madalena won two out of three games over Maceió and Boa Viagem. Then everybody played futebol de salão. Before returning to Recife, the elders ate at the Sayonara. Aldo’s family came to see Elders Camargo and Prisbrey.

Tomorrow President Johnson will be in Recife. He is closing a deal on land being bought in João Pessoa for a chapel. A major transfer is in the wind. Elder Christiansen was instructed to buy four tickets south, but he does not know who is leaving us. Hopefully (and probably) Maceió will remain untouched.

Sunday, August 16, 1970

Continuing in the same fine tradition, our third youth home evening was another special experience. When all the smaller kids were around, they created such a bagunça, but they finally left, and we had a memorable spiritual experience that I’ll not soon forget. Each person in the group had to list five specific reasons why he liked another determined person in the room. After that anybody could add other observations. With a little bit of pulling previously, I had Elder Blackham assigned to me. It is strange what an experience like this can do to people. I really have grown to love Elder Blackham but have never thought of particular reasons why I did. He has so many great qualities that my choosing involved selecting the best five for the particular moment. I appreciate him and am grateful for his talents (especially his singing), for his eagerness to work and serve, for his humility, for his ability to love others, for his sense of humor, and for his testimony. Such a great positive feeling of love was generated during our session that all were uplifted and edified.

Yesterday afternoon Elders Blackham and Christensen taught a first lesson to Pedro Guimarães and his wife, in our area. They said it was sharp.

Thursday, August 13, 1970

“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Week” is well underway, although we are lacking in follow through since our district meeting on Monday. In that meeting each elder had to think of a specific thing he could do to be a better missionary. Elder Smith suggested letting virtue garnish his thoughts unceasingly. Elder Christensen said he needed to smile more. Elder Blackham: “Only the work matters; love the people.” I mentioned dedication and evaluation.

This week we have been doing a great deal of tracting. It’s surprising what happens when we do that. Elder Blackham and I have three lessons marked, the first of which was for tonight. It fell through, however. Vera’s parents were tracted out by Elders Smith and Christensen and are receiving the lessons. They have now had two.

Tuesday evening we held our second family home evening with Apolinário and Idelta. It is always such a treat to visit in their home. My greatest desire is to see them baptized before either Elder Blackham or I leave Maceió. They consider us as their very own children. I love them very much, and I know Elder Blackham does.