O Remo

Everything continues to go well here in Staff. President Jayme finally returned from his conference schedule where he traveled all over Amazonas, Roraima, Acre, and Rondônia. Elder Seastrand and I also just returned from our travels, lunch with a family who lives in the Biarro da União. Their house is on wooden stilts and the quintal is full of coconut trees.

I wasn't able to send my e-mail yesterday because I got sent to MAKRO, a big supplier like COSTCO, to look at some items the missionaries are needing in their homes, such as washing machines, ovens, fans, irons, etc. It's been a complicated process, but it looks like it will be 100% complete in just a few minutes, minus the payment which is the easiest part.

The baptism interviews for Viviane, Dulce, and Aline will be held tomorrow at 4 p.m. Hopefully, we have prepared them well and everything will go smoothly. The baptisms are planned for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. (Dulce and Aline) and 12:15 p.m. Sunday afternoon (Viviane). We have also been preparing Anfrísio, the cousin of Viviane, so he can receive the priesthood on Sunday. We have given him a white shirt and tie, since his family doesn't have the means to buy one...he was pretty excited.

Since nearly no one has cars here and church is relatively far away for some, we cruise around in a big, white school van every Sunday morning picking up our investigators. This week looks to be a good one for the Cooper family (family of Anfrísio and Viviane) since a lot of exciting things will be happening with their family at church this Sunday (for some, it will be the first time in 7+ months that they will be in attendance).

So, one of the interesting things of the week, I wouldn't say highlight, was the High School Musical show the Stake put on. First off, everyone here is obsessed with this movie. On the very first song, the music cut out, but the crowd knew the words and sang for the performers. I was really shocked when I realized this...I almost felt bad that I didn't know the lyrics, but the fact that it was High School Musical softened the blow. I was talking with Elder Seastrand at one point and asked a good question, "How interesting can this be when they don't understand the words and the actors are lip-synching the lyrics?" Due to the long intervals between scenes, many people left during the show, leaving few in their seats at the end (we were one of those who left due to our curfew).

This has been a pretty low-key week with regards to crazy events in Alvorada. One of the blessings of the week was that the pão de queso at the bakery was extremely delicious and fresh out of the oven every morning we passed by. Also, I started a little jump rope routine that should really trim off all the unneeded fat that is trying to accumulate at my waist.

Lastly, I'd like to give a shout out to Kyle, who will be heading up to USU on Saturday. Congrats and work hard. Don't accept any contracts from NASA unless they give you a signing bonus and make sure to become a true Aggie ASAP (except don't make the same mistake I did by kissing someone who lives in your hall...it makes for an awkward rest of the year). Take advantage of the environment, resources, facilities, and activities. You better continue to e-mail and send pictures throughout the year. Make sure you study up on Calculus...I'll need the help in 2010...yeaaaaahhhhhh!

Até mais,
Elder Taylor Mackay