Dow Jones Just Went Up

Well...this was a big week. For starters, all of the baptisms we had scheduled went as planned and Ruan, Kesiane, Lucas, Raian, and Luana were all baptized. Everything is also going perfectly for the upcoming wedding of Bosco and Maria. Unfortunately, though, I won't be present for the great event, which will take place on the 2nd of May, because I have been called as Financial Secretary of Missão Manaus! This new assignment took me completely by surprise. I got the call on Saturday informing me that I would be getting transferred. I was initially bummed by the news since things were going so well in the Jardim Botânico Ward and the work had really been progressing. The members of the ward were very good to me...they were with me through the good and bad and were able to see the blessings the ward received once I came out on top. They were sad to see me go and the feeling was mutual.

As we sat in the transfer meeting, all the changes had been announced for the other zones and then they finally reached the last zone–Zona Oeste. They called my name and informed me that I would be reporting to the Mission Office. I guess in six weeks I'll be the guy who people call and yell at if the money hasn't fallen into their account on time (haha). I know the position I now have will not be as effective in baptizing, but it will have a great amount of responsibility to keep the mission up and running.

We work in the office every day until 4 p.m. and then we go out to teach in an area called Flores. Our P-days are a little weird and cut short, but it's all good. I am now companions with Elder Guerrette, from Maine, who is training me for the position, and Elder Noorda, from Salt Lake City, who serves as Supplements Secretary. They are both really cool and easy to get along with. The room where I work is right next to President Jayme's office, which will be a great learning experience. In case you want to see exactly where I'm living, we are in a nice building next to the capela (church) in Alvorada on the street Loris Cordovil (right by a track and soccer stadium). It was sad to leave the jungle, but it is a welcomed change. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve others and to learn more in a way that will bless the lives of many and open up more opportunities in the future.

By the way, this was the last transfer for Elder Cain. Right now he's probably sitting on the couch watching TV or in St. George wakeboarding. As for the photos, I have included an explanation for each one.

Tchau,
Elder Taylor Mackay