Well...I hope I can get all I want to say into this email. I'd like to start by answering the questions my parents sent me and then add some personal thoughts at the end. As you all know, the past 2 years I have been serving as a missionary in the BRAZIL MANAUS MISSION, which includes the states: Amazonas, Rondonia, Acre, and Roraima. When I started the mission, I was not mentally dedicated to the work but serving simply because I thought I had to. Sadly, I wasn't serving to help others but merely to say that I had served a mission and did my time. As if to smack me in the side of the head, a ton of challenges were thrown at me: mentally, physically, and spiritually. My testimony got rocked and I found myself questioning what I was doing. I left the comfort of my life back home, which in reality had no rules or limits, to be confined by many rules and talking to people I didn't even know. Just like a little kid with Legos, I thought…well, I'm here and there's no going back…I might as well build a testimony…or at least try. I continued to work to the limit with my companions (who also helped me a ton). At times, we had success and there were other times we didn't. Each was a step forward, though…one step closer to finding out who I am and what I am made of. Rather than walking with my head down in the streets lost in my purpose, I started to lift my head and think positively. Initially, I forced myself, but over time it became natural…one more big step toward reaching my goal. A Chinese proverb says, "A journey of 1000 miles starts with a first step." These were my first steps. With time and counseling from a wise President and friend, my testimony started to re-build, stronger than ever before. My purpose as a missionary was no longer just a phrase I recited every morning but a feeling inside my heart and mind that could be seen through my actions. I will never have the capacity in my mortal life to express my love and gratitude for President and Sister Jayme, my family, and my friends (Brazilian and American). Like many say, time passes faster with certain companions, but I was blessed to have great companions. With each one, I learned something different, something I could improve upon, something I wasn't doing, as well as that which I was doing just right.
Upon my return home, I will have saudades (longing) for several things. First off, I'm going to miss the people. I will also miss the language, the culture, and the food. The list goes on and on, but the friends I made on the mission sit at the very top of the list.
Years from now, what I'm going to remember are the sacrifices the faithful saints made here and their smiles upon changing their lives for the better. I will remember how many were rejected by family and friends to do what they knew was right. I will remember the love and courage of the people of the Amazon.
As for miracles I have witnessed, there are many. Several were experienced while I was in the Mission Office. At times, there were complicated circumstances with regards to money because of the huge increase in the mission territory and numbers, but somehow when it came down to the wire, it always worked out. Another miracle I witnessed was the area served by the office staff. It was known as the black hole of the mission and was dreaded by many missionaries, BUT with hope and force, we were able to turn it around. Within a few months, we were able to bring dozens of people to the gospel and plant several seeds.
With regards to accomplishments, well…I must say of all the people that learned something while I was on the mission, I was the one who learned the most, changed the most, and grew the most. My greatest accomplishment was my personal conversion. I had my share of challenges on the mission, but they were all necessary. At the time, I couldn't see that to be the case, but looking back with open eyes and better understanding, each roadblock, bad day, door slammed in my face, and drunk asking for money was part of the puzzle.
I hope those we taught really take to heart what they learned. I pray our converts stay firm in the gospel and those that have lost their way might be able to find their way back. Furthermore, I wish that each and every person that refused our visit might be able to open their hearts and one day accept the missionaries and the message that they carry. Lastly, I desire that their memories of Elder Mackay are equally as fond as I have of them and they will never grow tired of keeping in contact.
After 2 years of walking, talking, studying, etc., I know the work is true and it has no end. Like the prophet of the Restoration said, "Our greatest responsibility is to preach the gospel." I have done my part and will continue to do so. I know if it wasn't for Jesus Christ and the great Plan of Salvation, we would be a lost people without the slightest chance of making it back to the presence of God. I know we have a modern-day prophet and that the authority and power of God (the priesthood) is once again on the earth.
All this aside, in a few days I will once again be Taylor Mackay, the famous American poet, biochemist, and photographer, but please feel free to ask me about how my mission was down there in the Amazon...I'll be happy to answer. See you in a few!!!
BEIJOS,
Elder Taylor Mackay
P.S. Last night was awesome...the members threw me a going away party. It made me feel loved...I love them!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Elder Mackay Reporting for Duty at the 7th BIS Jungle Warfare Unit
Elder Mackay with Former Companion, Elder Seastrand
Elder Mackay at Lunch with the Family of Ana Célia
Here Kitty, Kitty! A Rare Black Spotted Leopard
Green Parrots Captured from Animal Traffickers
Hit the Deck! Elder Mackay Taking Target Practice
A Reminder of Home
A Beautiful and Rare Parrot from the Roraima Region
A Great Day for the Boa Vista Zone
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Elder Mackay with Former Companion, Elder Seastrand
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Elder Mackay at Lunch with the Family of Ana Célia
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Here Kitty, Kitty! A Rare Black Spotted Leopard
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Green Parrots Captured from Animal Traffickers
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Hit the Deck! Elder Mackay Taking Target Practice
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
A Reminder of Home
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
A Beautiful and Rare Parrot from the Roraima Region
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
A Great Day for the Boa Vista Zone
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Prepared for Battle
This week in the news...all went well with regards to the baptisms we had marked for Simone Gualberto, Pedro Henrique Gualberto Thomé, and Gercé de Lima Tomaz. I must say a key factor in the conversion of Simone and her son, Pedro, was the casal Francisco. They made several visits and really took good care of the family and helped integrate them into the ward. With all our combined effort and hard work, the ball is now in Simone and Pedro's court whether or not they stay active. After the baptisms, which took place at the District Headquarters, there was a cool, little presentation by the District Young Men and Young Women organizations about modesty.
This week I'm really starting to feel the effects of my 2 years serving a mission...2 years away from family and friends. When 10:30 p.m. arrives and my head hits the pillow, my mind starts to travel and think about the future, goals, ideas, and things to do differently upon my return and it becomes almost impossible to sleep. I find myself awake until 1 in the morning (haha) just thinking, and without an iPod plugged into my ears, it's darn near impossible to evade these thoughts...unless we have another day like yesterday when we walk the entire city frontwards and backwards.
The zone is doing really well with regards to the goals we made in addition to the ones made as a mission. So far this month, there have been 6 baptisms (3 of those being men and 2 being families). This week our branch has the possibility of 1 baptism (Angelo) and Elder Seastrand has the potential of 2 others. The work continues to move forward as we are still rolling with the preparation process. As 3 people took a big step in becoming members of the Church this week (Simone, Pedro, and Gercé), we were also able to mark (in 3 days) a goal date for a family that has ties to the Church (10 of July). Their names are Márcia and Francisco.
It was interesting to read the emails today because I was thinking a lot of the same things. On the mission, you are like a coach...you find people with potential, you teach them, they become part of the "team," and when you leave, it's gametime. You can do all the motivational talking there is, but it's up to the runners or players to put their technique and skill into use. It's up to them to stay physically and mentally strong. That's the reality of free agency. After I arrive back home, all I can do is stay in communication and pray that those we helped on the mission stay on the straight and narrow.
One thing that President Jayme has emphasized a lot on the mission is what he calls "Personal Victory," or in other words, personal study. Teaching as a missionary can be likened unto a Kung Fu Master going into a fight. If he hasn't prepared himself with the necessary knowledge or technique, it's GAME OVER when it comes time to battle.
Today, as a zone, we went to the 7th BIS Jungle Warfare Unit of Boa Vista. It was cool to see the lifestyle of a soldier and become familiar with many of the animals one might encounter in the greater Amazon jungle. Although the majority of animals were obtained because of animal trafficking and will never be able to return to the wild, it's good to see that someone cares about these rare creatures in Roraima, Brasil (the region in South America with more animal trafficking than any other).
Boa Vista has been a good place to die. The people here are great and like to talk with the missionaries. There are a ton of hippies that sell cool stuff you can't find anywhere else in the world. It's interesting talking to them because they aren't what some people might call brainless. They are just a different breed that has chosen a different path in life. I believe it is because of this factor that they are really interested in our work and our personal story.
I'm not going to lie. I'm way excited to finish the mission and return home to fulfill other duties. Yeah, it'll be extremely sad to say goodbye, BUT that's the way it's got to be when you serve a mission thousands of miles from home. Fortunately, with modern technology, my Brazilian friends will only be an email or instant message away.
Até logo,
Elder Taylor Mackay
This week I'm really starting to feel the effects of my 2 years serving a mission...2 years away from family and friends. When 10:30 p.m. arrives and my head hits the pillow, my mind starts to travel and think about the future, goals, ideas, and things to do differently upon my return and it becomes almost impossible to sleep. I find myself awake until 1 in the morning (haha) just thinking, and without an iPod plugged into my ears, it's darn near impossible to evade these thoughts...unless we have another day like yesterday when we walk the entire city frontwards and backwards.
The zone is doing really well with regards to the goals we made in addition to the ones made as a mission. So far this month, there have been 6 baptisms (3 of those being men and 2 being families). This week our branch has the possibility of 1 baptism (Angelo) and Elder Seastrand has the potential of 2 others. The work continues to move forward as we are still rolling with the preparation process. As 3 people took a big step in becoming members of the Church this week (Simone, Pedro, and Gercé), we were also able to mark (in 3 days) a goal date for a family that has ties to the Church (10 of July). Their names are Márcia and Francisco.
It was interesting to read the emails today because I was thinking a lot of the same things. On the mission, you are like a coach...you find people with potential, you teach them, they become part of the "team," and when you leave, it's gametime. You can do all the motivational talking there is, but it's up to the runners or players to put their technique and skill into use. It's up to them to stay physically and mentally strong. That's the reality of free agency. After I arrive back home, all I can do is stay in communication and pray that those we helped on the mission stay on the straight and narrow.
One thing that President Jayme has emphasized a lot on the mission is what he calls "Personal Victory," or in other words, personal study. Teaching as a missionary can be likened unto a Kung Fu Master going into a fight. If he hasn't prepared himself with the necessary knowledge or technique, it's GAME OVER when it comes time to battle.
Today, as a zone, we went to the 7th BIS Jungle Warfare Unit of Boa Vista. It was cool to see the lifestyle of a soldier and become familiar with many of the animals one might encounter in the greater Amazon jungle. Although the majority of animals were obtained because of animal trafficking and will never be able to return to the wild, it's good to see that someone cares about these rare creatures in Roraima, Brasil (the region in South America with more animal trafficking than any other).
Boa Vista has been a good place to die. The people here are great and like to talk with the missionaries. There are a ton of hippies that sell cool stuff you can't find anywhere else in the world. It's interesting talking to them because they aren't what some people might call brainless. They are just a different breed that has chosen a different path in life. I believe it is because of this factor that they are really interested in our work and our personal story.
I'm not going to lie. I'm way excited to finish the mission and return home to fulfill other duties. Yeah, it'll be extremely sad to say goodbye, BUT that's the way it's got to be when you serve a mission thousands of miles from home. Fortunately, with modern technology, my Brazilian friends will only be an email or instant message away.
Até logo,
Elder Taylor Mackay
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Recent Rains have Flooded Boa Vista
Elder Mackay with a Few Local Pigs
Elder Mackay with Fellow USU Aggie, Sister Poole
Elder Mackay with His Son, Elder Soleberg
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Elder Mackay with a Few Local Pigs
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Elder Mackay with Fellow USU Aggie, Sister Poole
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Elder Mackay with His Son, Elder Soleberg
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Swimming Pigs
Well...the week passed by really fast. With regards to Simone and Pedro, they had to take a trip to an interior city last weekend, so the baptism plans were postponed. Fortunately, it's a go for this week along with Gercé, the 14 year old brother of a member.
This week I picked up a book from the Mission Office that summarizes the history of the Church. There was a part that reminds me a lot about the mission...mainly the pioneer trek to the western states. NO...nobody has tried to kill me or kick me out of Brazil, but the whole trip, lessons, and sacrifices along the way can be compared. I found it interesting that Brigham Young had the Saints plant crops along the trail and move on before the harvest (only leaving a few people behind in order to care for the fields), so those who followed would have one less burden. How can this be compared to the mission? Well, as you go through the mission, you leave behind a legacy and many times you are unable to be present for the "harvest" or in other words a baptism or marriage. The president always leaves one person behind in a transfer to take care of the fields until the companionship is able to work in unison and reap the blessings of a work well done. It's a never-ending cycle that is completed upon arrival in Zion (aka the end of the mission)...BUT those two years of work have immeasurable value in the eyes of fellow missionaries, those you teach, and God.
So, this week we were able to take some difficult steps with our investigators. Yesterday at 8:30 a.m., we met up with Walquiria and Alcides at the cartório (don't know the word in English) to enter the 30 day waiting process for their wedding. They were excited and even more excited were their children, now fully grown who have been waiting quite some time for this day.
The months of May and June are marked by a lot of rain. Unfortunately, since Boa Vista is relatively flat, there runs the severe risk of flooding. As you can see in the picture, life becomes dependent on transportation by little, wooden boats. It's not exactly a fun situation, but I guess since it happens on a yearly basis, they are pretty used to it. Another interesting sight I ran into this week was a few little pigs snorting around a pile of trash. I'm sure people thought it was weird that I was taking a picture of the scene, but little do they know, I've never seen anything like it!
I had the privilege, with the rest of the Boa Vista Zone, to travel to Manaus once again. We left at 2 a.m. on Thursday and returned 1 a.m. on Friday...awesome, right? We were able to watch the conference with Elder Holland, Elder Godoy, and Bishop Edgley again (this time in better quality) and we had the Tur da Missão with Elder Linhares, a Seventy. I gave my last testimony at the conference. It was an interesting experience because at every conference you see missionaries bear their testimony and you think that your turn will never come. Well...it does and it did and this whole experience is going to be just a big dream once I wake up in my own bed in another country where people speak English.
The others that we are teaching are doing well and progressing. I'm not sure how the situation is with Angelo since he had to move back to Bonfim, a city on the border of Guyana. Fortunately, he should still be making weekend trips to go to church, so it shouldn't change too much. Also Bruno, a reference from a member, looks to be one of my last mission baptisms. It is marked for the 5th of June, less than 24 hours before my final flight back to Manaus. He is 19 or 20, so I'm pretty excited for the potential of him serving a full-time mission in a year or so. He speaks a little English, so who knows, maybe he'll get his call to Anaheim, California (haha). Until next week.
Falta três,
Elder Taylor Mackay
This week I picked up a book from the Mission Office that summarizes the history of the Church. There was a part that reminds me a lot about the mission...mainly the pioneer trek to the western states. NO...nobody has tried to kill me or kick me out of Brazil, but the whole trip, lessons, and sacrifices along the way can be compared. I found it interesting that Brigham Young had the Saints plant crops along the trail and move on before the harvest (only leaving a few people behind in order to care for the fields), so those who followed would have one less burden. How can this be compared to the mission? Well, as you go through the mission, you leave behind a legacy and many times you are unable to be present for the "harvest" or in other words a baptism or marriage. The president always leaves one person behind in a transfer to take care of the fields until the companionship is able to work in unison and reap the blessings of a work well done. It's a never-ending cycle that is completed upon arrival in Zion (aka the end of the mission)...BUT those two years of work have immeasurable value in the eyes of fellow missionaries, those you teach, and God.
So, this week we were able to take some difficult steps with our investigators. Yesterday at 8:30 a.m., we met up with Walquiria and Alcides at the cartório (don't know the word in English) to enter the 30 day waiting process for their wedding. They were excited and even more excited were their children, now fully grown who have been waiting quite some time for this day.
The months of May and June are marked by a lot of rain. Unfortunately, since Boa Vista is relatively flat, there runs the severe risk of flooding. As you can see in the picture, life becomes dependent on transportation by little, wooden boats. It's not exactly a fun situation, but I guess since it happens on a yearly basis, they are pretty used to it. Another interesting sight I ran into this week was a few little pigs snorting around a pile of trash. I'm sure people thought it was weird that I was taking a picture of the scene, but little do they know, I've never seen anything like it!
I had the privilege, with the rest of the Boa Vista Zone, to travel to Manaus once again. We left at 2 a.m. on Thursday and returned 1 a.m. on Friday...awesome, right? We were able to watch the conference with Elder Holland, Elder Godoy, and Bishop Edgley again (this time in better quality) and we had the Tur da Missão with Elder Linhares, a Seventy. I gave my last testimony at the conference. It was an interesting experience because at every conference you see missionaries bear their testimony and you think that your turn will never come. Well...it does and it did and this whole experience is going to be just a big dream once I wake up in my own bed in another country where people speak English.
The others that we are teaching are doing well and progressing. I'm not sure how the situation is with Angelo since he had to move back to Bonfim, a city on the border of Guyana. Fortunately, he should still be making weekend trips to go to church, so it shouldn't change too much. Also Bruno, a reference from a member, looks to be one of my last mission baptisms. It is marked for the 5th of June, less than 24 hours before my final flight back to Manaus. He is 19 or 20, so I'm pretty excited for the potential of him serving a full-time mission in a year or so. He speaks a little English, so who knows, maybe he'll get his call to Anaheim, California (haha). Until next week.
Falta três,
Elder Taylor Mackay
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Elder Mackay...AKA The Horse Whisperer
The Boa Vista Ward at the Mother's Day Program
Mother's Day Presentation by the Boa Vista Primary Children
Elder Mackay with Some of the Cooper Family
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
The Boa Vista Ward at the Mother's Day Program
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Mother's Day Presentation by the Boa Vista Primary Children
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Elder Mackay with Some of the Cooper Family
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| From Taylor Mission Pics |
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Horse Whisperer
Who you calling crazy? So this week, as we walked the streets, we ran into a troubled man who looked at my name tag...then looked me in the face and asked, "What is crazy?" I looked him in the eyes and thought for a second, because in the past, I admit I have been judgmental, and then I responded, "Well, I guess crazy would be someone who knows the truth or what is right and does the complete opposite." I guess that's my new concept of crazy.
So far, this week has been really good and has strengthened my testimony of the idea: "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." Sure, there are some things in life that are downright hard, but the majority of our failures are a result of not even trying.
This week we have really stepped it up a notch with regards to being on the offensive: destroying procrastination with action, burying doubt under faith, and dismembering fear with confidence. I am extremely excited with our zone and all they are doing to meet the goals we established as a mission for 2010. Everyone is focusing on their areas and using the members to help them teach and baptize (essential steps that are generally absent in the majority of the areas).
Yesterday was one of the best days on the mission. No, we didn't teach a billion people, but we stepped up to the plate and took a swing with those we ARE teaching. Now, along with Simone and Pedro, we have marked the baptismal dates for Angelo (20) and Gercé (14) on 22 May, Ricardo (30) on 26 June, and Alcides (70) and Walquiria (60) the end of June!!! I'm excited to get the news of their progress even after I've left Brazil. I know on Sunday I said we had cut Alcides from our teaching list, but out of nowhere, Walquiria told us that Tuesday of next week they will be turning in the money and papers to the cartório. Everything is really coming together these last few weeks to make the process of finishing the mission a lot more enjoyable.
So, tonight at 2 a.m. we will be catching our plane to Manaus and then exactly 24 hours later we will be catching a plane back to Boa Vista. Sounds like fun right? Fortunately, the whole mission will be together, so it will be one last chance to bid farewell to my amigos and take a few pictures as well as learn some stuff from a General Authority.
Well...I'm dying, but I'm still kicking. Just in case you are wondering, it's not going to hit me until I wake up in my own bed back in Anaheim. Fortunately, just like a hero of war, I'll have the occasional benign flashback (haha).
Abração,
Elder Taylor Mackay
This keyboard is killing me...the space bar is busted.
So far, this week has been really good and has strengthened my testimony of the idea: "It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." Sure, there are some things in life that are downright hard, but the majority of our failures are a result of not even trying.
This week we have really stepped it up a notch with regards to being on the offensive: destroying procrastination with action, burying doubt under faith, and dismembering fear with confidence. I am extremely excited with our zone and all they are doing to meet the goals we established as a mission for 2010. Everyone is focusing on their areas and using the members to help them teach and baptize (essential steps that are generally absent in the majority of the areas).
Yesterday was one of the best days on the mission. No, we didn't teach a billion people, but we stepped up to the plate and took a swing with those we ARE teaching. Now, along with Simone and Pedro, we have marked the baptismal dates for Angelo (20) and Gercé (14) on 22 May, Ricardo (30) on 26 June, and Alcides (70) and Walquiria (60) the end of June!!! I'm excited to get the news of their progress even after I've left Brazil. I know on Sunday I said we had cut Alcides from our teaching list, but out of nowhere, Walquiria told us that Tuesday of next week they will be turning in the money and papers to the cartório. Everything is really coming together these last few weeks to make the process of finishing the mission a lot more enjoyable.
So, tonight at 2 a.m. we will be catching our plane to Manaus and then exactly 24 hours later we will be catching a plane back to Boa Vista. Sounds like fun right? Fortunately, the whole mission will be together, so it will be one last chance to bid farewell to my amigos and take a few pictures as well as learn some stuff from a General Authority.
Well...I'm dying, but I'm still kicking. Just in case you are wondering, it's not going to hit me until I wake up in my own bed back in Anaheim. Fortunately, just like a hero of war, I'll have the occasional benign flashback (haha).
Abração,
Elder Taylor Mackay
This keyboard is killing me...the space bar is busted.
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