Monday, June 29, 1970

The rest of the elders from Recife showed up today about 1:00. They all wanted to play beach soccer. I was already done in by the couple hours we spent playing volleyball this morning. Therefore, Elders Smith and Sarager and I decided to go to the show while everybody else played. Without thinking I took the key to the church with me, and nobody could enter to fetch the ball. They went to the SESC gym and were able to play futebol de salão there.

At 5:00 all 16 elders met at the church for our zone meeting. The theme was “When Thou Art Converted, Strengthen Thy Brethren.” I really enjoyed the talks prepared and the testimony session. Elder Christiansen recommitted us to our member goals.

Elders Camargo and Prisbrey were glad to be back in Maceió today. Aldo’s family was out of town and did not see them. Elder Blackham and I had home evening marked with them tonight. We showed up, and the house was dark and shut. We decided to wait a little while for them and had a really good discussion sitting on their front wall. The Recife elders had left at 7:00.

A letter to my family: “Yesterday I received a letter from Mom and was grateful to hear from her and to know that everybody was OK. I hope this letter finds everybody healthy and happy. The past week was rather exciting and full, to wit:

“Monday. It was our regular preparation day and also a holiday because of Brazil’s victory over Italy in soccer the day before.

“Tuesday. Another holiday, which prevented much work on our part. In the morning we taught a lesson. In the afternoon and evening we went to the farm of one of the member families (about 45 minutes out of town by car) to celebrate the eve of São João’s. We had a big bonfire (a standard São João ingredient) and lots of food and fireworks. It was certainly a wonderful opportunity to get closer to the two families participating.

“Wednesday. Today was São João’s Day (John the Baptist’s birthday supposedly). In the evening we held a branch home evening. We had told everybody that a special family from out of town was coming to demonstrate how to hold home evening. In reality the four elders were the family and nobody ever expected what was happening. I was the mother in the family. Everybody enjoyed the evening so much. At the end, following a talent show, we sang a song about Brazil that is so beautiful. Then three of the elders continued singing softly while the remaining elder bore his testimony, expressed his love to the members, mentioned our gratitude and love for Brazil and her wonderful people. The emotion of the moment was electric.

“Thursday. Today we helped an elderly couple move into a new house. We cleaned up for them, arranged their furniture like they wanted it, etc. They were grateful for the help.

“Friday. In the branch we are starting a project to have everybody reading the Book of Mormon this year. For each family we are making a big colorful reading chart. Our objective is to have them read a little every day instead of a bunch once or twice a week. The reasoning is that daily contact with the scriptures makes it easier to be in touch with the Spirit, because as the promise we make each week at the sacrament table indicates, we are then remembering Christ always so that His Spirit might be with us.

“Saturday. Another lesson taught this morning. Today two elders (one of them the zone leader) came from Recife to spend three days with us. Tonight at MIA we had a São João party, again with a campfire and all corn-made food (corn cake, corbread, corn-on-the-cob, corn pudding, popcorn, etc.). It was fun and we had the biggest turnout since I’ve been here (34 people).

“Sunday. Following sacrament meeting we showed a new film out about the Three Witnesses. Fifty-four people attended, the most I’ve seen crowded into our little chapel at once. A fantastic film.

“Monday. This morning we played volleyball for a couple hours. About noon six more elders came from Recife, and we held later in the afternoon a zone meeting (with 12 elders present). It was an instructive and inspirational session.

“Well, this is about an average week in the life of a missionary in Maceió. I really shouldn’t say average, because no week is really average. Each has a personality all its own. Many are the moments and experiences that a missionary would not trade for anything: a member with tears in his eyes thanking you for strengthening his family, a daily testimony meeting with your companion when your hearts and souls share love and testimony, kneeling in nightly prayer and pleading for the welfare of others. It is a marvelous work and a wonder, and I am grateful to be associated in it. I send my love and gratitude to all of you.

“P.S. Have a happy Fourth of July. Speaking of holidays, pretty soon I will be 21. Please check soon to see what is necessary to participate in the November election by absentee ballot. Thanx!”