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| From Recently Updated |
Making His Way Through Fazendinha/Alfredo Nascimento
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| From Recently Updated |
Receiving the Prized Piece of Dany's Birthday Cake
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| From Recently Updated |
Ouch!
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| From Drop Box |
Let's Rock and Roll!
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Fire Inside
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be ignited." There is little in my memories pertaining to my mission that I would consider of little importance. As I started my mission, I was initially very dedicated to writing in my journal. However, after a few months I woke up and realized that my writings were of little or no significance for myself and future generations. Rather than write in vain, I decided to do as Nephi and write "that which delighteth my soul." Truly, the fondest of my memories will forever be recorded in ink on the first pages of my study journal. That is, the names of my companions and those whom we were able to help take upon themselves the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.
My mission thus far has been one of great lessons and sacrifice. By no means was I or am I the world's best missionary, nor do I compare to such trailblazers as Dan Jones and the Sons of Mosiah...but the changes I have been able to bring about in myself and others is something that will forever be burned in my mind. As Confucius, in his timeless wisdom, once said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." I witness to you that I have fallen several times on my mission, to the point where screeching wheels and jet exhaust entertained my thoughts, but I can also say proudly that each time I fell, through God's guiding hand and sufficient endurance, I stood back up and stepped up so today I can say I am on higher ground, a level at which I can reach down and lift up our struggling brothers and sisters. I am thankful for the opportunity we as members have to serve missions, for our Savior's atonement, my family and friends, and their positive influence to me while I was at home, college, and now in the mission field.
In the future, I'm sure someone will tell me I had a lot of luck on my mission. To be honest, I will say, "Yes," because luck is something God gives us when preparation meets opportunity. Luck is the result of spiritual guidance and tuning through fasting, prayer, and scripture study.
Forever etched in my memory will be the pain I saw in the faces of those struggling with addiction, temptations, and the weight of sin. There is also a special spot reserved in my heart for all the smiles I shared with investigators and members whom we were able to bring back to the fold of the Good Shepherd. Looking back now, I am thankful to God for all the trials I encountered on my mission, because just as a gem cannot be polished without friction, a man cannot be perfected without trials. Por todo tempo e eternidade Missão Manaus é a MAIOR.
Carinhosamente,
Elder Taylor Mackay
My mission thus far has been one of great lessons and sacrifice. By no means was I or am I the world's best missionary, nor do I compare to such trailblazers as Dan Jones and the Sons of Mosiah...but the changes I have been able to bring about in myself and others is something that will forever be burned in my mind. As Confucius, in his timeless wisdom, once said, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." I witness to you that I have fallen several times on my mission, to the point where screeching wheels and jet exhaust entertained my thoughts, but I can also say proudly that each time I fell, through God's guiding hand and sufficient endurance, I stood back up and stepped up so today I can say I am on higher ground, a level at which I can reach down and lift up our struggling brothers and sisters. I am thankful for the opportunity we as members have to serve missions, for our Savior's atonement, my family and friends, and their positive influence to me while I was at home, college, and now in the mission field.
In the future, I'm sure someone will tell me I had a lot of luck on my mission. To be honest, I will say, "Yes," because luck is something God gives us when preparation meets opportunity. Luck is the result of spiritual guidance and tuning through fasting, prayer, and scripture study.
Forever etched in my memory will be the pain I saw in the faces of those struggling with addiction, temptations, and the weight of sin. There is also a special spot reserved in my heart for all the smiles I shared with investigators and members whom we were able to bring back to the fold of the Good Shepherd. Looking back now, I am thankful to God for all the trials I encountered on my mission, because just as a gem cannot be polished without friction, a man cannot be perfected without trials. Por todo tempo e eternidade Missão Manaus é a MAIOR.
Carinhosamente,
Elder Taylor Mackay
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
To Tie the Knot or Not?
Dear Family and Friends,
This week went well. This Saturday we have planned the baptism of the brother of a member (Gabriel- 13) and then his sister will be baptized the following week. The family is really cool and very humble. We are teaching their mother and she has accepted everything so far and has even ditched the café which isn't easy. The determining factor will be marriage. Once again, we have managed to find a great family that keeps progressing, but then we hit the whole commandment of marriage and everything slows down a bit.
Today we got up early and headed over to Êxodo to play some soccer with a few locals and a kid that I'll be interviewing later to see if he's prepared for baptism. A good time was had by all. I don't have any pictures to share this week, but I'll have a few for sure next week with all that is going on.
I have some cool news regarding a friend I met while on the mission. Remember Selena? She is from Compensa, which was my first area. She was called to serve a mission in Recife, Brazil and will be leaving the beginning of April.
It's kind of a weird feeling knowing I only have two more transfers left, which is the amount of time I have been training Elder Soelberg. I have no doubt that the remaining time will fly by even faster. It's funny how the mission works...in your first year, you kind of wish you had more time under your belt, but once you hit a year and change, time starts flying by. It reminds me of the movie, Home Alone, when he wishes he never has to see his family again. The moral of the story: be careful what you wish for...it might come true.
I'm anxious to see what will happen this next transfer. Hopefully, I have the opportunity to leave Manaus and serve in another city or state. Don't get me wrong, I have very much enjoyed serving the people of Manaus in Zona Norte and Zona Oeste. However, since the mission is so expansive, it would be cool to get to know another part of the country.
A highlight of the week is that we have been teaching the next door neighbor of Carlos, Teresa, Dany, and Jéssica with their help. After several visits, we made a goal with her yesterday. With a lot of support and visits, we decided she will be 100% ready for baptism and confirmation on the 8th of May. I know I'm probably not going to be here when it happens, but it's cool to know that I had a part in the process. Hopefully, all goes well.
Apparently, the new church building they are constructing in Alfredo Nascimento should be ready by April, but we'll see. In my opinion, it still has a long way to go. They originally said it would be ready November of last year.
So, this week I bought some new shoes to get me through the next couple of months. They have managed to give me some sweet blisters in just a couple of days. They're not Eccos, but they will have to do.
In other news, I received the package from Grandma and Grandpa Mackay this week. It was full of a ton of great stuff. Thanks for thinking of me...I really appreciate it.
The preparation for the World Cup should be flaring up any day now. According to locals, there is Brazil apparel everywhere. Although I have yet to see any, I might just have to get myself a jersey when I do.
I know I'm a little lost when it comes to news, but it seems like there have been quite a few earthquakes lately, i.e., Haiti, Chile, and Turkey. There are several people here from Haiti that are staying in an immigration building waiting for the situation there to improve. Since Chile is quite a bit more established, I'm sure there will be fewer people leaving the country to seek refuge. That's all I have for this week. Até mais.
Tchaaauuuuuu,
Elder Taylor Mackay
This week went well. This Saturday we have planned the baptism of the brother of a member (Gabriel- 13) and then his sister will be baptized the following week. The family is really cool and very humble. We are teaching their mother and she has accepted everything so far and has even ditched the café which isn't easy. The determining factor will be marriage. Once again, we have managed to find a great family that keeps progressing, but then we hit the whole commandment of marriage and everything slows down a bit.
Today we got up early and headed over to Êxodo to play some soccer with a few locals and a kid that I'll be interviewing later to see if he's prepared for baptism. A good time was had by all. I don't have any pictures to share this week, but I'll have a few for sure next week with all that is going on.
I have some cool news regarding a friend I met while on the mission. Remember Selena? She is from Compensa, which was my first area. She was called to serve a mission in Recife, Brazil and will be leaving the beginning of April.
It's kind of a weird feeling knowing I only have two more transfers left, which is the amount of time I have been training Elder Soelberg. I have no doubt that the remaining time will fly by even faster. It's funny how the mission works...in your first year, you kind of wish you had more time under your belt, but once you hit a year and change, time starts flying by. It reminds me of the movie, Home Alone, when he wishes he never has to see his family again. The moral of the story: be careful what you wish for...it might come true.
I'm anxious to see what will happen this next transfer. Hopefully, I have the opportunity to leave Manaus and serve in another city or state. Don't get me wrong, I have very much enjoyed serving the people of Manaus in Zona Norte and Zona Oeste. However, since the mission is so expansive, it would be cool to get to know another part of the country.
A highlight of the week is that we have been teaching the next door neighbor of Carlos, Teresa, Dany, and Jéssica with their help. After several visits, we made a goal with her yesterday. With a lot of support and visits, we decided she will be 100% ready for baptism and confirmation on the 8th of May. I know I'm probably not going to be here when it happens, but it's cool to know that I had a part in the process. Hopefully, all goes well.
Apparently, the new church building they are constructing in Alfredo Nascimento should be ready by April, but we'll see. In my opinion, it still has a long way to go. They originally said it would be ready November of last year.
So, this week I bought some new shoes to get me through the next couple of months. They have managed to give me some sweet blisters in just a couple of days. They're not Eccos, but they will have to do.
In other news, I received the package from Grandma and Grandpa Mackay this week. It was full of a ton of great stuff. Thanks for thinking of me...I really appreciate it.
The preparation for the World Cup should be flaring up any day now. According to locals, there is Brazil apparel everywhere. Although I have yet to see any, I might just have to get myself a jersey when I do.
I know I'm a little lost when it comes to news, but it seems like there have been quite a few earthquakes lately, i.e., Haiti, Chile, and Turkey. There are several people here from Haiti that are staying in an immigration building waiting for the situation there to improve. Since Chile is quite a bit more established, I'm sure there will be fewer people leaving the country to seek refuge. That's all I have for this week. Até mais.
Tchaaauuuuuu,
Elder Taylor Mackay
Thursday, March 4, 2010
The Leite Family with a Few of Their Fans: Elders Mackay, Soelberg, Reis, and Smith
Elder Mackay in His Botafogo Soccer Jersey
The Ceiling of the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House)
Elder Mackay Clowning Around in the Opera House
Another View of the Ceiling in the Teatro Amazonas
Elder Mackay Quenching His Thirst on Another Hot Day in the Amazon
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| From Recently Updated |
Elder Mackay in His Botafogo Soccer Jersey
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| From Recently Updated |
The Ceiling of the Teatro Amazonas (Opera House)
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| From Recently Updated |
Elder Mackay Clowning Around in the Opera House
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| From Recently Updated |
Another View of the Ceiling in the Teatro Amazonas
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| From Drop Box |
Elder Mackay Quenching His Thirst on Another Hot Day in the Amazon
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| From Recently Updated |
Curiosity + Blowgun = ...A Dead Cat?
Dear Family and Friends,
This week went by really fast. At this point in my mission, it seems like each week passes faster than the previous. Even so, our teaching has been going well and I remain focused on the work. In fact, as we made our way to the LAN house today to use the Internet, we met our new neighbors who are excited to go to church with us. They kind of just showed up out of nowhere, but we are excited to start teaching them.
For those who might be wondering, I do not have a pet cat. Instead, I am posing with Little Rib who belongs to Carlos, Teresa, Dany, and Jéssica. They thought he was going to die because he was depressed last week and wouldn't eat. I decided to take advantage of the situation and take a picture with the cat before he kicked the bucket. In case you were worried, he has recently started eating again and is healthy. Something I have learned in Brazil is that cats have 7 lives and not 9 like in the United States…bummer!
Yesterday, we toured the Opera House in Manaus also referred to as the Teatro Amazonas. It was built during Manaus' affluent rubber boom period and is truly amazing. Much of the materials used in its construction came from as far as Europe, including paintings by Domenico de Angelis which adorn the ceilings. It took fifteen years to construct and opened on December 31, 1896. Since flash photos are not allowed in the Opera House, my pictures don't do it justice.
Another part of our P-day adventures included going to a native products store with a returned missionary and a recent convert. There was a ton of cool stuff there and the experience was pretty interesting. I asked the clerk if we could handle the objects and she said, "Feel free." Being the curious person that I am, I picked up a wooden blowgun and loaded it. I blew the dart softly into my hand and it kind of hurt. That was a good sign. I thought to myself…if it hurt when I barely blew into it, let's see what happens when I put some force into it. As the lady had her back turned to us, I aimed at a wall on the other side of the room (not thinking it would travel that far). To my surprise, the little bugger ripped through the air and logged itself into the concrete wall! I casually walked over, not wanting to cause a commotion, and plucked it out of the white painted wall. I was impressed with the product and will certainly buy it the next time I'm in the area.
Also on our way to the center, we paid a visit to the Leite family. It was great to see them again. The family is doing well but misses having the missionaries frequently stop by their house. From what I have been told, the missionaries in the area only stop by for lunch, but hopefully that changes in the near future.
Now that I have had a few weeks and divisions as district leader, I feel like I have a handle on the job. It's not too overbearing and you get a chance to know a ton of people as well as missionaries. Every other Thursday, we have a leadership meeting with the zone leaders to better our work, districts, and zone. The extra responsibilities really haven't affected my teaching in our area too much since I only have two divisions each transfer and our Thursday meetings don't last too long. As for baptismal interviews, I only perform those on appointed days such as Friday or Saturday after 6 p.m., but I would honestly be willing to interview anytime since it's a pretty important step in the conversion process. Including myself, there are a total of six people in our district: Elders Keicher, Melo, Bittencourt, Cainã, and Soelberg.
Our district looks to have an awesome month in March. So far this transfer, we have baptized three people but have really set the stage for success in March. We made a goal of nine baptisms (three men and two families). As of now, we already have thirteen people with dates marked for baptism in March with a potential of even more. We are passing by the homes of these individuals nearly every day to maximize the possibility of their acceptance and conversion.
Now that Elder Soelberg and I are no longer living with another companionship, we are responsible for covering both areas (ours and the other companionships). It makes for a pretty spacious area, which requires a lot of walking. My legs are beginning to get back into pre-mission shape like when I was running. Let's hope the same thing happens soon with my abs (haha).
Beijos,
Elder Taylor Mackay
This week went by really fast. At this point in my mission, it seems like each week passes faster than the previous. Even so, our teaching has been going well and I remain focused on the work. In fact, as we made our way to the LAN house today to use the Internet, we met our new neighbors who are excited to go to church with us. They kind of just showed up out of nowhere, but we are excited to start teaching them.
For those who might be wondering, I do not have a pet cat. Instead, I am posing with Little Rib who belongs to Carlos, Teresa, Dany, and Jéssica. They thought he was going to die because he was depressed last week and wouldn't eat. I decided to take advantage of the situation and take a picture with the cat before he kicked the bucket. In case you were worried, he has recently started eating again and is healthy. Something I have learned in Brazil is that cats have 7 lives and not 9 like in the United States…bummer!
Yesterday, we toured the Opera House in Manaus also referred to as the Teatro Amazonas. It was built during Manaus' affluent rubber boom period and is truly amazing. Much of the materials used in its construction came from as far as Europe, including paintings by Domenico de Angelis which adorn the ceilings. It took fifteen years to construct and opened on December 31, 1896. Since flash photos are not allowed in the Opera House, my pictures don't do it justice.
Another part of our P-day adventures included going to a native products store with a returned missionary and a recent convert. There was a ton of cool stuff there and the experience was pretty interesting. I asked the clerk if we could handle the objects and she said, "Feel free." Being the curious person that I am, I picked up a wooden blowgun and loaded it. I blew the dart softly into my hand and it kind of hurt. That was a good sign. I thought to myself…if it hurt when I barely blew into it, let's see what happens when I put some force into it. As the lady had her back turned to us, I aimed at a wall on the other side of the room (not thinking it would travel that far). To my surprise, the little bugger ripped through the air and logged itself into the concrete wall! I casually walked over, not wanting to cause a commotion, and plucked it out of the white painted wall. I was impressed with the product and will certainly buy it the next time I'm in the area.
Also on our way to the center, we paid a visit to the Leite family. It was great to see them again. The family is doing well but misses having the missionaries frequently stop by their house. From what I have been told, the missionaries in the area only stop by for lunch, but hopefully that changes in the near future.
Now that I have had a few weeks and divisions as district leader, I feel like I have a handle on the job. It's not too overbearing and you get a chance to know a ton of people as well as missionaries. Every other Thursday, we have a leadership meeting with the zone leaders to better our work, districts, and zone. The extra responsibilities really haven't affected my teaching in our area too much since I only have two divisions each transfer and our Thursday meetings don't last too long. As for baptismal interviews, I only perform those on appointed days such as Friday or Saturday after 6 p.m., but I would honestly be willing to interview anytime since it's a pretty important step in the conversion process. Including myself, there are a total of six people in our district: Elders Keicher, Melo, Bittencourt, Cainã, and Soelberg.
Our district looks to have an awesome month in March. So far this transfer, we have baptized three people but have really set the stage for success in March. We made a goal of nine baptisms (three men and two families). As of now, we already have thirteen people with dates marked for baptism in March with a potential of even more. We are passing by the homes of these individuals nearly every day to maximize the possibility of their acceptance and conversion.
Now that Elder Soelberg and I are no longer living with another companionship, we are responsible for covering both areas (ours and the other companionships). It makes for a pretty spacious area, which requires a lot of walking. My legs are beginning to get back into pre-mission shape like when I was running. Let's hope the same thing happens soon with my abs (haha).
Beijos,
Elder Taylor Mackay
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Elder Keicher and Elder Mackay Posing as Natives
Elder Mackay at the Amazonian Cultral Center
Elders Melo, Mackay, Keicher, and Soelberg Enjoying P-day Together
Elder Mackay Looking for Natives
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| From Recently Updated |
Elder Mackay at the Amazonian Cultral Center
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| From Recently Updated |
Elders Melo, Mackay, Keicher, and Soelberg Enjoying P-day Together
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| From Recently Updated |
Elder Mackay Looking for Natives
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| From Recently Updated |
No Princípio Criou Deus Os Céus e A Terra...e A Amazônia
This week flew by fast. Get this...a pair of my shoes had a massive hole in the bottom, so I gave them to a member in the ward to resole. That left me with only one other pair. Then, out of nowhere, a hole emerges in the heel and then another in the forefoot. I couldn't believe it! Since it happens to be the rainy season, I'm walking around like a homeless person with a layer of cardboard between my foot and my shoe. Fortunately, I'm the only one who knows, but let's hope those other shoes get fixed soon.
Today we decided to go to the Bola da Suframa to go bowling or to play soccer on a synthetic field. As luck would have it, the bowling facility doesn't open until 3 p.m. and the guy who watches over the field decided to take an undetermined amount of time for a coffee break. Since we were already a distance from home, we decided to visit the Amazonian Cultural Center since none of the other missionaries had been there. It was pretty cool to learn more about the culture, people, and rituals.
In other news, I don't know if I have mentioned my favorite team here in Brazil, but it is called Bota Fogo. There was a big tournament with all the teams in Rio de Janeiro...and they won! I'll include a picture in next week's e-mail.
As for the missionary work, it is going well. We are working with four family members of a rapaz (boy) called Gabriel, three of which already have baptismal dates. They are really interested in the Church, enjoy our visits, and are keeping the commandments. We just have to continue teaching and answering their questions so that all goes well on the 13th of March. Along with this family, we have a few others we are teaching...several of which are progressing.
Our district is doing really well. We are by no means the highest baptizing district, but I would like to think we're the highest quality. In the past two weeks, we have baptized three people: one man and one family. Not too bad, right? March is looking to be a big month for our district (Jardim Botânico - the new Canaranas). We have made a goal of nine baptisms, three of which will be men and two of which will be families. I have absolutely no doubt that we can reach the goal we have made. All in all, we actually have a potential of eleven baptisms, so I'll be doing quite a few interviews and divisions.
This past week I received a little envelope from a friend (Aaryn...thanks a ton) with a letter, picture, and sweet tie. It goes great with my suit...check out the pics. It made my day at conference since it had been over a month since I had received anything from anyone.
That's pretty crazy that you encountered someone online who is here in Cidade de Deus with me. They were pretty excited to be corresponding with my family in the States. That's about all for this week...thanks for the love and support.
Abraço,
Elder Taylor Mackay
Today we decided to go to the Bola da Suframa to go bowling or to play soccer on a synthetic field. As luck would have it, the bowling facility doesn't open until 3 p.m. and the guy who watches over the field decided to take an undetermined amount of time for a coffee break. Since we were already a distance from home, we decided to visit the Amazonian Cultural Center since none of the other missionaries had been there. It was pretty cool to learn more about the culture, people, and rituals.
In other news, I don't know if I have mentioned my favorite team here in Brazil, but it is called Bota Fogo. There was a big tournament with all the teams in Rio de Janeiro...and they won! I'll include a picture in next week's e-mail.
As for the missionary work, it is going well. We are working with four family members of a rapaz (boy) called Gabriel, three of which already have baptismal dates. They are really interested in the Church, enjoy our visits, and are keeping the commandments. We just have to continue teaching and answering their questions so that all goes well on the 13th of March. Along with this family, we have a few others we are teaching...several of which are progressing.
Our district is doing really well. We are by no means the highest baptizing district, but I would like to think we're the highest quality. In the past two weeks, we have baptized three people: one man and one family. Not too bad, right? March is looking to be a big month for our district (Jardim Botânico - the new Canaranas). We have made a goal of nine baptisms, three of which will be men and two of which will be families. I have absolutely no doubt that we can reach the goal we have made. All in all, we actually have a potential of eleven baptisms, so I'll be doing quite a few interviews and divisions.
This past week I received a little envelope from a friend (Aaryn...thanks a ton) with a letter, picture, and sweet tie. It goes great with my suit...check out the pics. It made my day at conference since it had been over a month since I had received anything from anyone.
That's pretty crazy that you encountered someone online who is here in Cidade de Deus with me. They were pretty excited to be corresponding with my family in the States. That's about all for this week...thanks for the love and support.
Abraço,
Elder Taylor Mackay
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