Set precisely in the middle of our stay here in the Language Training Mission, the mission conference this past weekend was a great spiritual feast. Six weeks are behind us now with only six remaining until Christmas and Brazil. The great conference sessions make a good bridge between what is already past and what still lies ahead. Charity, or the pure love of Christ, was the conference theme. Moroni 7:47 was the foundation scripture: "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."
In Saturday morning's opening session President Yarn, head of one of the campus stakes, and Robert K. Thomas, academic vice-president of BYU, addressed us. President Yarn developed the theme "Who is Christ that I should love Him?" My eyes filled with tears and the Spirit seemed very near as he closed in testimony enumerating all that Christ has done for us. In light of these things there are really no valid reasons why we should not love Him. Brother Thomas spoke of the different kinds of love and emphasized what charity was about.
The evening session Saturday was a talent show, which we did not attend.
Yesterday's morning session featured mission leaders on the love of companions, the love of leaders, and the love in general required of missionaries. The zone counselors over Zones I and V both spoke. President Taylor of the mission presidency then concluded.
Elder Richard L. Evans of the Council of the Twelve Apostles participated in the concluding evening session of the great conference. He is at any time a wonderful source of inspiration. In his talk he ranged over a great variety of subjects, tying them together finally with his witness of the work. All that he spoke of related to our callings. Some observations he shared: find a way or make one; he can who thinks he can; the way to be nothing is to do nothing; love is a verb not a sentence. I am not sure I understood his meaning on that one.
Presidents Harris and Wilkins of the mission presidency both spoke—and Sister Wilkins also. All in all, it was a great two days of conference.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sunday, November 10, 1968
Somewhere I blinked my eyes and two weeks slipped by. Now that we have moved into second level work and memorizing the discussions, time is really valuable. We must put at least 35 hours in a day, or so it seems. The weeks clip by at an unbelievable rate: by the time it is Friday I am still thinking in terms of Tuesday. Weekends are necessary to catch up with myself: little details like letter writing, laundry, scripture study, journal entries, and such as that.
Halloween visited the missionaries and the Great Pumpkin, sponsored by Karen, blessed our district. On the eve before Halloween a plate of homemade donuts were brought, and the district had a feast. Elder Burr had a trick-or-treat surprise for us Halloween night in the form of sacks of candy.
Beginning second level has introduced several changes into our schedules. Retention every evening is now held at BY High rather than in Allen Hall. Afternoon proselyting class is now conducted in Portuguese. We are given various situations or objections we might run into and discuss how to resolve them. Last weekend Elder Rencher and I spent many hours preparing our flannel board figures, plastic coating them, cutting and trimming, putting on tape, marking them.
The United States paused Tuesday to elect new leaders. Richard M. Nixon, the Republican candidate, will be the next president of the United States. Hubert Humphrey trailed uncomfortably close in popular votes, even leading at various times. George Wallace captured a significant percentage of the vote (I was told 14 percent) but managed only to carry three southern states. In Utah by margins of two-to-one liquor-by-the-drink was defeated, and Calvin Rampton, Democrat, was reelected governor. I was greatly pleased with the election since Nixon was my man.
Fast and testimony meeting last Sunday lasted two hours and 15 minutes. Elder Ostergar, who was conducting the meeting, could not turn it off. A great number of novos [new missionaries] spoke in what Portuguese they knew.
I have been called to be the Live Your Language chairman for the Marília District. Essentially it involves promoting the new speak total program, keeping a record of the district members who do speak total, and representing the district on the zone committee. The speak five program has been replaced by the Live Your Language (or viva sua lingua) program, which means total effort during the official day, 7:30 to 10:00 on weekdays. Either an elder speaks all the way or none. Individuals are recognized in zone meeting daily for the previous day’s efforts. Individuals and districts are recognized weekly in the leadership meetings.
Last Saturday night following the zone talent show, our district retired to the home of Elder Burr's girl friend for a pizza fest. It was financed by the cinco centavos we had been charging in class every time English was spoken. Elder Burr showed slides taken on his mission. Elder and Sister Welch attended also. We had pizza and root beer floats. Because of their great love and help for us, we presented both professors a little gift.
Elder Rencher and I saw Taming of the Shrew yesterday. Costuming, acting, and photography were all fantastic. And who can beat Shakespeare for excellency in script? I had seen the show once before. About the same time we were watching the show, Utah State was slaughtering BYU on the football field.
After living a week in the Lund Motel we were finally moved to the Rambler Motel on 5th West at 8th North. It is so much nicer and even closer to Allen Hall and the Wilkinson Center cafeteria. Before we had to ride the city bus every morning to breakfast, which was becoming expensive.
The district is now about half way through the first discussion. I have never studied so hard for so long in my life. Friday afternoon I presented all I knew to Elder Burr in 40 minutes, terribly slow. To pass all of it off it can only be 55 minutes. We learn generally about 50 to 60 lines a day and pass off that new section the next morning. If we make it within the time limit and mistake limit, we receive a blue mark on our chart. That is all both Elder Rencher and I have thus far.
Dr. Chauncey Riddle, my philosophy professor from last year, spoke in last Wednesday's leadership meeting. He is a giant of a man who holds my greatest love and respect. It was he who introduced me to what the gospel was really all about on a level deeper and more meaningful than I had ever known before. He delivered a stirring sermon, carried by the power of the Lord's Spirit that accompanies him. Afterward I went up and spoke with him—Elder Ballard also—and he remembered us and seemed glad to see us.
Brother Riddle emphasized the necessity of living by the Spirit. Then he moved into a discussion of stewardships. In the priesthood there are three basic relationships: father/mother, brother/sister, and son/daughter. In a temple marriage the priesthood stewardship relationship is one of father to daughter. The husband presides over the wife and the two together preside as a quorum over the family. He explained Cain’s and Abel’s situation. Their stewardship relationship was brother to brother. When Cain slew Abel he usurped priesthood authority he did not have by assuming a father role over Abel. The Lord appeared to demand an accounting for that stewardship. Cain was not meant to be his brother’s keeper. In Brazil we will be in a father role over the people there because, as representatives of Jesus Christ, we are duly authorized to act for Him even as if He Himself were there. The father stewardship is one more of blessing rather than just dominion over.
Brother Riddle also taught a lesson in how to deal with leaders over us we think are doing wrong. To criticize them is only to question the Lord’s ability to direct His own Church. Perfect obedience best helps that leader. Then if he really is doing wrong the Lord will remove him. It is not ours to ask an accounting of his stewardship.
From Brigham Young: "To be gentle and kind, modest and truthful, to be full of faith and integrity, doing no wrong is of God; goodness sheds a halo of loveliness around every person who possesses it, making their countenances beam with light, and their society desirable because of its excellency. They are loved of God, of holy angels, and of all the good on earth" (Discourses of Brigham Young, 280). Sounds like part of a description of one who is a disciple of Christ in truth and in deed.
The world has been beautiful recently. Yesterday the heavens were crying. Today a sharp blue sky clashed with the snowy peaks of Timp. The air was crystalline fresh. Stubborn leaves still cling to the trees that gave them birth but months before. The glory of God is manifest in all His creations.
Karen Stockton wrote the following poem last July:
A mission—separation—
Not a tearing apart
But a molding together
Through parallel growth.
Thoughts, hopes, dreams,
Cherished experiences, care
Woven, delicately yet strongly,
Into letters—a bridge across the miles.
Always present in the memory
A knowledge of past joy;
Fleeting glances in dreams
Of future joy to share.
Two years will pass by quickly.
It will be hard to leave
Your newfound life of service.
But old friends will welcome you
To a life—familiar—yet somehow new.
The past is gone.
But ahead lie bright horizons,
For old friendships
Made ever more meaningful
By growth and wisdom
In two years of blessings from God.
Halloween visited the missionaries and the Great Pumpkin, sponsored by Karen, blessed our district. On the eve before Halloween a plate of homemade donuts were brought, and the district had a feast. Elder Burr had a trick-or-treat surprise for us Halloween night in the form of sacks of candy.
Beginning second level has introduced several changes into our schedules. Retention every evening is now held at BY High rather than in Allen Hall. Afternoon proselyting class is now conducted in Portuguese. We are given various situations or objections we might run into and discuss how to resolve them. Last weekend Elder Rencher and I spent many hours preparing our flannel board figures, plastic coating them, cutting and trimming, putting on tape, marking them.
The United States paused Tuesday to elect new leaders. Richard M. Nixon, the Republican candidate, will be the next president of the United States. Hubert Humphrey trailed uncomfortably close in popular votes, even leading at various times. George Wallace captured a significant percentage of the vote (I was told 14 percent) but managed only to carry three southern states. In Utah by margins of two-to-one liquor-by-the-drink was defeated, and Calvin Rampton, Democrat, was reelected governor. I was greatly pleased with the election since Nixon was my man.
Fast and testimony meeting last Sunday lasted two hours and 15 minutes. Elder Ostergar, who was conducting the meeting, could not turn it off. A great number of novos [new missionaries] spoke in what Portuguese they knew.
I have been called to be the Live Your Language chairman for the Marília District. Essentially it involves promoting the new speak total program, keeping a record of the district members who do speak total, and representing the district on the zone committee. The speak five program has been replaced by the Live Your Language (or viva sua lingua) program, which means total effort during the official day, 7:30 to 10:00 on weekdays. Either an elder speaks all the way or none. Individuals are recognized in zone meeting daily for the previous day’s efforts. Individuals and districts are recognized weekly in the leadership meetings.
Last Saturday night following the zone talent show, our district retired to the home of Elder Burr's girl friend for a pizza fest. It was financed by the cinco centavos we had been charging in class every time English was spoken. Elder Burr showed slides taken on his mission. Elder and Sister Welch attended also. We had pizza and root beer floats. Because of their great love and help for us, we presented both professors a little gift.
Elder Rencher and I saw Taming of the Shrew yesterday. Costuming, acting, and photography were all fantastic. And who can beat Shakespeare for excellency in script? I had seen the show once before. About the same time we were watching the show, Utah State was slaughtering BYU on the football field.
After living a week in the Lund Motel we were finally moved to the Rambler Motel on 5th West at 8th North. It is so much nicer and even closer to Allen Hall and the Wilkinson Center cafeteria. Before we had to ride the city bus every morning to breakfast, which was becoming expensive.
The district is now about half way through the first discussion. I have never studied so hard for so long in my life. Friday afternoon I presented all I knew to Elder Burr in 40 minutes, terribly slow. To pass all of it off it can only be 55 minutes. We learn generally about 50 to 60 lines a day and pass off that new section the next morning. If we make it within the time limit and mistake limit, we receive a blue mark on our chart. That is all both Elder Rencher and I have thus far.
Dr. Chauncey Riddle, my philosophy professor from last year, spoke in last Wednesday's leadership meeting. He is a giant of a man who holds my greatest love and respect. It was he who introduced me to what the gospel was really all about on a level deeper and more meaningful than I had ever known before. He delivered a stirring sermon, carried by the power of the Lord's Spirit that accompanies him. Afterward I went up and spoke with him—Elder Ballard also—and he remembered us and seemed glad to see us.
Brother Riddle emphasized the necessity of living by the Spirit. Then he moved into a discussion of stewardships. In the priesthood there are three basic relationships: father/mother, brother/sister, and son/daughter. In a temple marriage the priesthood stewardship relationship is one of father to daughter. The husband presides over the wife and the two together preside as a quorum over the family. He explained Cain’s and Abel’s situation. Their stewardship relationship was brother to brother. When Cain slew Abel he usurped priesthood authority he did not have by assuming a father role over Abel. The Lord appeared to demand an accounting for that stewardship. Cain was not meant to be his brother’s keeper. In Brazil we will be in a father role over the people there because, as representatives of Jesus Christ, we are duly authorized to act for Him even as if He Himself were there. The father stewardship is one more of blessing rather than just dominion over.
Brother Riddle also taught a lesson in how to deal with leaders over us we think are doing wrong. To criticize them is only to question the Lord’s ability to direct His own Church. Perfect obedience best helps that leader. Then if he really is doing wrong the Lord will remove him. It is not ours to ask an accounting of his stewardship.
From Brigham Young: "To be gentle and kind, modest and truthful, to be full of faith and integrity, doing no wrong is of God; goodness sheds a halo of loveliness around every person who possesses it, making their countenances beam with light, and their society desirable because of its excellency. They are loved of God, of holy angels, and of all the good on earth" (Discourses of Brigham Young, 280). Sounds like part of a description of one who is a disciple of Christ in truth and in deed.
The world has been beautiful recently. Yesterday the heavens were crying. Today a sharp blue sky clashed with the snowy peaks of Timp. The air was crystalline fresh. Stubborn leaves still cling to the trees that gave them birth but months before. The glory of God is manifest in all His creations.
Karen Stockton wrote the following poem last July:
A mission—separation—
Not a tearing apart
But a molding together
Through parallel growth.
Thoughts, hopes, dreams,
Cherished experiences, care
Woven, delicately yet strongly,
Into letters—a bridge across the miles.
Always present in the memory
A knowledge of past joy;
Fleeting glances in dreams
Of future joy to share.
Two years will pass by quickly.
It will be hard to leave
Your newfound life of service.
But old friends will welcome you
To a life—familiar—yet somehow new.
The past is gone.
But ahead lie bright horizons,
For old friendships
Made ever more meaningful
By growth and wisdom
In two years of blessings from God.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 26, 1968
Writing in this journal regularly becomes increasingly more challenging as time continues. The single major reason is simply lack of time. And beginning with today available time will decrease even more, also cutting into scripture study time, because we are moving out of Allen Hall into the Lund's Motel at 250 South University Avenue. That means a long walk twice a day. Estimated time to breakfast is 30 minutes. A day's schedule is already full without all the footwork added. Our schedule now:
6:00 levantar, comer [get up, eat]
7:30 reunião da zona [zone meeting]
8:00 aula [class]
10:00 retenção [retention]
11:00 aula
12:30 comer
1:00 aula
4:00 aula de proseletismo [proselyting class]
5:00 gym
6:00 comer
7:00 retenção
10:30 deitar [go to bed]
6:00 levantar, comer [get up, eat]
7:30 reunião da zona [zone meeting]
8:00 aula [class]
10:00 retenção [retention]
11:00 aula
12:30 comer
1:00 aula
4:00 aula de proseletismo [proselyting class]
5:00 gym
6:00 comer
7:00 retenção
10:30 deitar [go to bed]
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 23, 1968
Not many days remain before we move into second level work. The first level is memorizing dialogues, learning grammar, and becoming generally familiar with the language. Second level means concentration on the six discussions.
President Palmer, just recently returned from the Korean Mission and now in BYU's department of Asian Studies, spoke to the combined zones this morning in leadership meeting. As the numbers increase each week in the Language Training Mission, the Social Hall where we meet becomes increasingly crowded. President Palmer continued the tradition of inspirational, informative, and uplifting talks. He chose as his theme the hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," relating it to missionary work by appropriate experiences from his own life and missions.
October's weather here in Utah Valley is the best that could be asked for. The mountains east of Provo no longer retain their brilliant color, but the trees in the valley keep their leaves still. Autumn is a swirl of color. All nature shouts in subtle whisperings that there is a God, the Master Artist. Nights are crisp, afternoons warm. Traces of snow still cling to the top of Timpanogos in the hazy distance. The world can be such a beautiful place.
President Palmer, just recently returned from the Korean Mission and now in BYU's department of Asian Studies, spoke to the combined zones this morning in leadership meeting. As the numbers increase each week in the Language Training Mission, the Social Hall where we meet becomes increasingly crowded. President Palmer continued the tradition of inspirational, informative, and uplifting talks. He chose as his theme the hymn "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," relating it to missionary work by appropriate experiences from his own life and missions.
October's weather here in Utah Valley is the best that could be asked for. The mountains east of Provo no longer retain their brilliant color, but the trees in the valley keep their leaves still. Autumn is a swirl of color. All nature shouts in subtle whisperings that there is a God, the Master Artist. Nights are crisp, afternoons warm. Traces of snow still cling to the top of Timpanogos in the hazy distance. The world can be such a beautiful place.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 21, 1968
Prayer is the choice opportunity to reach above the level of the mundane into higher realms. Someone once said that a man is greatest on his knees. This is true if he is really communicating with the Light above him, honestly confessing inadequacies and the necessity of reliance upon the Lord, humbly acknowledging the hand of God in all things. As such prayer is growth.
Today I noticed that zone, district, and private prayers number about 15 a day. My biggest challenge is trying to avoid the trite, the empty, and the insincere. Of course, limited vocabulary restricts that which I can express in Portuguese when that is necessary, but I guess the Lord hears the heart, not just the words.
Last evening following sacrament meeting our district repaired to Elder Welch's home for home evening. He is a fantastic man with a terrific wife. Elder Burr and his girl also attended. After Elder Welch's comments on how to get along with companions, a testimony meeting followed. Everybody participated. Such moments in life as this, when an entire group can draw together in brotherhood and united in faith, make me realize the multiplicity of blessings I enjoy. The Holy Ghost’s influence touched our hearts and spirits.
Sister Welch had baked pies for refreshments. They were great. It was somewhat after 10:30 before we returned to Allen Hall.
Today I noticed that zone, district, and private prayers number about 15 a day. My biggest challenge is trying to avoid the trite, the empty, and the insincere. Of course, limited vocabulary restricts that which I can express in Portuguese when that is necessary, but I guess the Lord hears the heart, not just the words.
Last evening following sacrament meeting our district repaired to Elder Welch's home for home evening. He is a fantastic man with a terrific wife. Elder Burr and his girl also attended. After Elder Welch's comments on how to get along with companions, a testimony meeting followed. Everybody participated. Such moments in life as this, when an entire group can draw together in brotherhood and united in faith, make me realize the multiplicity of blessings I enjoy. The Holy Ghost’s influence touched our hearts and spirits.
Sister Welch had baked pies for refreshments. They were great. It was somewhat after 10:30 before we returned to Allen Hall.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 20, 1968
The third week is over now and we will soon be moving into the fourth. The rate at which time flies is simply unbelievable. This morning I gave my first talk in Portuguese, a two-and-a-half-minute one for Sunday School. I spoke briefly, very briefly, about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Elder Welch, our morning professor, attended just to hear it. Already I understand almost all that is going on in the meetings now.
My pen kept quite busy this weekend. I wrote letters to Ray and Sheryl congratulating them on their marriage, to Jerry, to my wonderful parents, to Karen, to Brian Rabe, to Mark Smith, and to Dave Hart. That is enough for quite a few days.
Right now my scripture reading has me in the gospel of Luke and in Third Nephi, both great books because they share insights into the life of Christ. I have within the past year developed a hungry appetite for reading the scriptures. I have found no better instruction manuals for finding happiness and excellence in life.
I have written very little on these pages concerning my companion, Elder Rencher. It will soon be three weeks we have been together, and I am developing a great love for him, and we are growing together. At first his loudness came to my notice, but my quiet disposition soon learned that acceptance was necessary if the remaining weeks here were to be tolerable. Sometime later I saw his discouragement showing through and was told by our professors to love and encourage him. I have prayed extensively for guidance in doing my best in this area. Already I feel efforts are paying off. Friday evening we prayed together alone for the first time after a particularly trying and discouraging week. In district prayer we were a little too light of heart, and Elder Rencher finally spoke some words of rebuke. We all felt bad. It was after all this that the two of us communed with heaven. He acted as mouth. For that experience together I am grateful.
The Portuguese zone received 28 more new missionaries Friday evening. The traditional welcome was extended.
Following sacrament meeting, in which Elder Welch spoke, the district called two taxis to go to Elder Welch’s trailer home for home evening.
My pen kept quite busy this weekend. I wrote letters to Ray and Sheryl congratulating them on their marriage, to Jerry, to my wonderful parents, to Karen, to Brian Rabe, to Mark Smith, and to Dave Hart. That is enough for quite a few days.
Right now my scripture reading has me in the gospel of Luke and in Third Nephi, both great books because they share insights into the life of Christ. I have within the past year developed a hungry appetite for reading the scriptures. I have found no better instruction manuals for finding happiness and excellence in life.
I have written very little on these pages concerning my companion, Elder Rencher. It will soon be three weeks we have been together, and I am developing a great love for him, and we are growing together. At first his loudness came to my notice, but my quiet disposition soon learned that acceptance was necessary if the remaining weeks here were to be tolerable. Sometime later I saw his discouragement showing through and was told by our professors to love and encourage him. I have prayed extensively for guidance in doing my best in this area. Already I feel efforts are paying off. Friday evening we prayed together alone for the first time after a particularly trying and discouraging week. In district prayer we were a little too light of heart, and Elder Rencher finally spoke some words of rebuke. We all felt bad. It was after all this that the two of us communed with heaven. He acted as mouth. For that experience together I am grateful.
The Portuguese zone received 28 more new missionaries Friday evening. The traditional welcome was extended.
Following sacrament meeting, in which Elder Welch spoke, the district called two taxis to go to Elder Welch’s trailer home for home evening.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 19, 1968
I wrote this letter to my brother Jerry:
Only three months ago today was my 19th birthday. How clearly I remember that day. But what is remarkable is the continued growth I have experienced since then. The mantle of a great responsibility has been placed upon my shoulders. Ten years ago this very month you experienced a similar thing and know of what I speak.
The vastness of the Lord's work in South America is overwhelming: The stone Daniel saw is now filling the whole earth. The longer I live the more firmly I am convinced that the Savior's return is drawing closer and closer. So many signs have been given, including the gospel being preached in all the world. The elect are being gathered because the sheep know the voice of their Shepherd (and of His authorized servants) and are responding. We are all so blessed to be able to live in this part of this dispensation, a dispensation in which things are being revealed that have never before been revealed since the earth's beginning. Time is growing so short. Even now we are instructed not to take more than three weeks with an investigator. This week we were told that a time would come when six discussions would take too long and the elders could only stand on the streets to declare their message and bear their testimony. Yes, time is short.
This week in leadership meeting Steven Covey, assistant to President Wilkinson and formerly Irish Mission president, addressed us. His hour with us was a truly great experience. At the beginning of every leadership meeting the missionaries sing the opening hymn in their respective languages, meaning six languages all at once. That really sounds interesting.
Next Thursday or Friday we are moving out of Allen Hall into a hotel somewhere in Provo. The address will be the same though. It will probably mean more money but that depends upon where we move. I am going to pay all expenses here in just one check before leaving at Christmastime. Those bits of extra money I have, or assume I have, will really help.
Continue your wonderful letters. I really appreciate them. Thanks (obrigado).
Tomorrow morning I have one of the 2½-minute talks in Sunday School in Portuguese. The other night I finally was called on to give a closing prayer in front of the whole zone, also in Portuguese.
Grow closer to the Lord, Jerry, and He will direct your paths to your own best good. I can testify personally of that. I think most Church members don't really understand it, but if we expect to be in the celestial kingdom hereafter we must be charting a course here and now that leads toward perfection and becoming worthy to see the Savior and, through faith and repentance and His divine grace, becoming completely free of the sins of the world. The day of this life is the time to prepare to meet God, teaches the Book of Mormon. This life, not the next.
I thank you for all you have given me and mean to me. If only I can partly repay the debt. May God bless you.
Only three months ago today was my 19th birthday. How clearly I remember that day. But what is remarkable is the continued growth I have experienced since then. The mantle of a great responsibility has been placed upon my shoulders. Ten years ago this very month you experienced a similar thing and know of what I speak.
The vastness of the Lord's work in South America is overwhelming: The stone Daniel saw is now filling the whole earth. The longer I live the more firmly I am convinced that the Savior's return is drawing closer and closer. So many signs have been given, including the gospel being preached in all the world. The elect are being gathered because the sheep know the voice of their Shepherd (and of His authorized servants) and are responding. We are all so blessed to be able to live in this part of this dispensation, a dispensation in which things are being revealed that have never before been revealed since the earth's beginning. Time is growing so short. Even now we are instructed not to take more than three weeks with an investigator. This week we were told that a time would come when six discussions would take too long and the elders could only stand on the streets to declare their message and bear their testimony. Yes, time is short.
This week in leadership meeting Steven Covey, assistant to President Wilkinson and formerly Irish Mission president, addressed us. His hour with us was a truly great experience. At the beginning of every leadership meeting the missionaries sing the opening hymn in their respective languages, meaning six languages all at once. That really sounds interesting.
Next Thursday or Friday we are moving out of Allen Hall into a hotel somewhere in Provo. The address will be the same though. It will probably mean more money but that depends upon where we move. I am going to pay all expenses here in just one check before leaving at Christmastime. Those bits of extra money I have, or assume I have, will really help.
Continue your wonderful letters. I really appreciate them. Thanks (obrigado).
Tomorrow morning I have one of the 2½-minute talks in Sunday School in Portuguese. The other night I finally was called on to give a closing prayer in front of the whole zone, also in Portuguese.
Grow closer to the Lord, Jerry, and He will direct your paths to your own best good. I can testify personally of that. I think most Church members don't really understand it, but if we expect to be in the celestial kingdom hereafter we must be charting a course here and now that leads toward perfection and becoming worthy to see the Savior and, through faith and repentance and His divine grace, becoming completely free of the sins of the world. The day of this life is the time to prepare to meet God, teaches the Book of Mormon. This life, not the next.
I thank you for all you have given me and mean to me. If only I can partly repay the debt. May God bless you.
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