Que Loucura! (What Madness!)

Week #81

I probably won't tell too much of this week so I have something to talk about on Christmas, but this transfer has been very interesting. 

Two areas, two companions, and this transfer just got cut short by one week. About half the mission will switch around December 30th. I think Elder Holmes will leave which means we'll have spent two weeks as companions. Certainly the shortest amount of time I've spent with somebody on the mission.

Elder Holmes is from Maryland and has been a missionary for a little more than a year. He was born in Fort Collins, Colorado and spent some times serving the Washinton, Tacoma Mission. I'll send a picture of him.

Here in the Center of Canoas I have seen a lot of people I already know. My first day here, I met Francilaine and her family from Guajuviras, Claudia from Montenegro, a family from Rio Branco and one more sister that was visiting her family in Montenegro. I also met somebody that recognized me from Venâncio Aires and many people said they saw me in Guajuviras. I don't remember every getting comfortable in a new ward so quickly. 

We'll be spending Christmas with some families here, so I should be able to take lots of pictures. 

Until Thursday.

Elder Dickson

Elder Holmes 

My new toys.

Who Da Thunk?

Week #80

I'm being transferred again. This time it's before the transfer. The next real transfer happens in January. I'll be leaving Wednesday. It seems that the Lord doesn't want me staying anywhere for much time. One transfer in Venâncio Aires, one in Vera Cruz and four weeks in Rio Branco. Que maravilha! 

I will miss the people here. This ward really is wonderful and we have several baptisms all lined up for next week. New people, new area, new everything. 

I have some great personal emails to write today, so I won't write a whole lot here. 

This week was great. We had seven investigators at church on Sunday (a personal record), 9 people with a baptismal date (another record) and confirmed Maria and Alexandre.

I also taught a little bit of piano yesterday. The problem is that I won't be able to teach anybody again. The two young women that I taught Saturday learn quickly and one even wants to serve a mission. I was really excited to start teaching. 

I just learned that I'm staying in the same stake, so I might still see some people. I'm going to the Canoas Centro ward. I don't know who my companion is. I'll say more next week.

The Church is true and Christ lives. He is our Savior and Redeemer and makes our weaknesses strengths.

Elder Dickson

Eu com churrasco (Elder Dickson with the barbecue.)

Paz Family

Churrasco (Barbecue)

Batismo e O Templo!

Week #79

It's been a while since the last time we baptized someone. We've come really close many times, but this time, deu certo!

I am loving Rio Branco. The more time I spend here, the more I understand how perfect the Lord's plan for His Church is. This ward seems to fulfill that plan very well. Everybody is involved. The meetinghouse has something happening every day (except Monday of course). The people are happy. They have goals and plans to split the ward in 2 years and the stake in 4. I wonder if being in Kirtland and Nauvoo or even the early days of Salt Lake felt like this. 

I've spent a little time talking with the bishop about what happens here. He said something that I really liked. He said that it is the responsibility of the members to make the church building a blessing for the community. Here, they do that by providing a professionally taught English Class, teach guitar, teach skateboarding, martial arts and probably much more in the future. It makes me think of Mosiah 18:25. These Latter-day Saints are meeting together oft and building each other. This is a wonderful ward.

We are fed very well. I'm getting fat again. The sister that owns our house makes cuca (a Brazilian version of a German food that is basically a cobbler in the shape of a bread loaf with less fruit) about once a week.

The Bishop also asked me to teach piano. We still have to set the time and whom I'll be teaching, but I'm excited.

Thank you for the package Grandpa and Grandma. I'm using the tie you sent today. The socks were very much appreciated. Most of mine have holes. I already ate all the candy. Don't worry. I shared.

Tchau. 

Elder Dickson

Porto Alegre Temple

Baptism of Maria and Alexandre

Package from Grandma and Grandpa

Eighteen Months In

Week #78

We worked hard this week. We met a lot of really wonderful people and learned many small things that make our teaching and work more effective. 

One principle that has been on my mind almost constantly these last few days is that of our heart, might, mind, and strength. As I think about the last 1.5 years, I can see where I really gave my best and the many times I did not. The feeling is sobering. 

The complete sacrifice of our will is very simple, but is the only true sacrifice we can give. Our will is the only thing that we have that can never be taken. We receive our life, objects, blessings, money, time because of the goodness of our Father in Heaven, but our will is the only thing He gave us and never will, nor can, take away. 

In the last few weeks I spent at home, I asked myself a few times if I really wanted to leave for 2 years. It seemed like such a huge thing and many times the temptation to stay was great. Now that I'm reflecting so much about the true and complete sacrifice of every moment that I have, every decision of the day, how I spend each hour, and doing the best thing instead of a good thing, I realize how much more difficult it is to place the natural man on the altar.

Deciding to spend two years in the Brazilian sun using 7 shirts of the same color, three different slacks (two of the same color), about 10 ties (thankfully, of varied colors) with a name tag that hasn't been fashionable since it was introduced was much easier than sanctifying every hour of every day. My time in this field of work is rapidly coming to an end and I still don't feel like I've accomplished that level of dedication. I only know of one person who has but we are commanded to reach that same level. 

Agora é a hora de ir com tudo.

And today is a perfect day to start. We're going to the temple in just a few hours to commune with God on His holy mount. What greater blessing could we have than a temple where the ordinances of salvation are done for the living and the dead? 

The Gospel is perfect. I learn of its perfection more and more each day.

Elder Dickson

Volta a Canoas

Week #77

I came back. A little more than a year ago I arrived in Guajuviras in the Canoas North Stake. Now I'm in Rio Branco Ward in the Canoas Stake. I've even met some people I knew before. Even being the same city, it is a completely different area. 

It's been a long time since I've had an area so small. In Osório, I had the whole city. In Montenegro, a big part of the city was ours. In Venâncio Aires, half the city. Vera Cruz was a huge area with several cities and towns. Rio Branco is two suburbs. It's very small and very densely populated.

I'm here with Elder Lopes. He's from São Paulo, has been on his mission for 9 months, reminds me a little bit of David Tennant mixed with Cleve Worthington. He works hard, a lot more than I do and knows how to organize and accomplish things. I'm hoping to learn a lot from him. 

I can send pictures again!

Marindia and Luis Carlos (Awesome family in Venâncio Aires.)

Last Night in Venâncio Aires

Caixa d´Agua in Vera Cruz with Davi

Elder Barbosa

Our neighbors in Vera Cruz. Having the Relief Society President as our next door neighbor is very convenient.

The Elders of Rio Branco (with the football: Elder Palma from Chile. With the camera in his mouth: Elder Valentine from Texas/Taiwan. Far Right: Elder Lopes) 

Transferred Again!

Week #76

I'm not sure what exactly is going on, but it seems that the Lord doesn't want me getting comfortable in my area anymore. This will be my third area since leaving Montenegro in August. Goodbye Vera Cruz. Now, I have to spend the day packing everything. I was not expecting to be transferred, so I have a lot to do. 

This week was a week full of work and Marli was almost baptized. I have never seen someone face so much opposition, especially from her own family. The strange thing is that even though we were so close and didn't make it, I am still satisfied with our work. There is a promise in Preach My Gospel that says a diligent missionary is happy. It's true.

I started to read all the Standard Works in Portuguese. My goal is to finish before the end of my mission and at least start Jesus, the Christ as well. I've learned a great deal of the complexities of the language reading the Old Testament and I understand much more how the Church is the same in every dispensation. 

I'm also reading the Book of Mormon for the third time in Portuguese and fourth time as a missionary. I am learning to love it more and more each day. The Book of Mormon truly contains every principle of the Gospel that is necessary for our salvation and rarely investigators understand that fact. President Ezra Taft Benson said that the saints are under condemnation for neglecting the Book of Mormon. I feel I have not been using it as well I as could/should have been. I certainly haven't been giving the Book of Mormon all the opportunities it needs to convert the hearts of men. 

After 20 years as a part of the Church and the many (I lost count) of times I've read the Book of Mormon, I am just now learning how important it really is. I invite all to strengthen their testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is really is the Word of God and should be the keystone not only of our testimony, but also of our daily lives. It should support every decision we make and it's teachings should be a standard by which we judge our own lives. 

All scripture strengthens and builds. All scripture serves as a Liahona to guide us through the wilderness of mortality. As we heed carefully the words written therein and give heed to the directions given, we will be guided to the parts more spiritually fertile of life. (1 Nephi 16:16, 26-29)

The Book of Mormon is true and with the Bible confounds every false doctrine and gives us safety for the soul. 

Until the next area,

Elder Dickson

Vera Cruz Week 5

Week #75

Time is passing very quickly. Wednesday will be one year in Brazil. It is incredible what has changed in one year. I understand what once was gibberish. I am more patient with the people I teach. I speak much more simply and my actions and words are more direct and honest. I also work a lot harder.

If you ever want proof that the gifts of the Spirit are real, just talk to returned missionaries who truly labored. Many, like myself, will testify of the power of the Gift of Tongues. Others will tell of the love they gained. Many will speak of miracles in their work. Revelation, tongues, healing, interpretation of tongues and many, many other manifestations of the Spirit are not simply things that exist in the scriptures. They are signs and gifts of God that follow His people as they strive to do his will. 

Congratulations to all that have received callings, are planning weddings, are studying the scriptures everyday and are becoming more and more like our Father in Heaven through your daily efforts.

It's a short one this week. Sorry.

Elder Dickson

Semana de Milagres (Week of Miracles)

Week #74

This was a very good week full of opportunities to see the Spirit work. More on that later.

This week could be called bipolar. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were all very hot and everything after was very rainy and a great temperature for working. The first miracle is that we were able to meet anybody. Between the ridiculous heat (horribly ridiculous), lots of rain, and a very small town, there were very few people in the streets this week. This was the best week I've had since I left Osório in April (looking at our numbers). 

Our two best investigators are Márcio and Marlí. Both are miracles that we met them and have shown incredible courage in doing what they know to be right. Márcio wants an eternal family and knows that his current girlfriend will not help him accomplish that goal. The moment he decides to follow the Law of Chastity, he is ready to be baptized.

Marlí wants to find truth and "buscar a Deus", but her daughter is absolutely against anything that has to with the Church. Her pastor has said everything from "the Book of Mormon brings curses" to "If you leave my church, you have to ask my blessing. If you don't seven demons will enter into you." She already knows he's a liar by his fruits (robbing money from the church. Asking for clothing donations and selling them etc.) and wants nothing to do with him. What's even better is that she knows the Book of Mormon is true and reads it of her own will. She even wants us to teach her mother.

It has been a very long time since I've seen people willing to sacrifice and hold on to the Gospel so firmly. They both have tasted the fruit and want to share it with others. Márcio heard that the branch has a goal to build a chapel here and he already wants to be involved and bring other people to the Gospel to accomplish that goal.

Fasting and prayer work. The Lord proved that to us yesterday. Hard work also works. Even when it feels like an oven outside and worse inside and nobody wants to listen, we have to continue and He will bless us for our endurance.

I decided to seek the blessings of the promise that Brother Hunt makes so often. As a missionary, we need miracles and if I can see more by reading the Book of Mormon for 30 minutes each day, Vamo lá! I also read this statement by Joseph Fielding Smith "No member of this Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." Então, Leiam o livro! It's true and has the power to bring us so close to God, that he makes of our lives much more that we could even imagine, that one day we may be born of God and see eye to eye. (Alma 36:26)

This Church is true. I become more sure of it every day.

Elder Dickson

Elder Dickson with Elder Almeida at Zone Conference.

French Toast

Week #73

French toast has been a highlight of our relationships with the members in Vera Cruz. The Elder that was here before left a bottle of Great Value syrup with the Relief Society President. She knew how to make pancakes, but French Toast is her new obsession. Guess what what everybody had for breakfast today.

The only problem is that in all of Vera Cruz there exists about five ounces of syrup and everybody wants it. I'm starting to wish I had brought/asked for some much earlier. That saddest part is that nobody even knows what real maple syrup is. 

We had a zone conference that was wonderful and gave me a lot of things to think about. President Wright gave us a new quote about obedience. "Maior a exatidão, a maior a bênção." (the greater the exactness, the greater the blessing.) It's true.

One of the common problems we face is that people "already have their religion" and they don't see any necessity in changing. To combat this we decided to start helping our investigators think about eternity before teaching anything. When we started thinking in how to apply each missionary lesson to eternity, especially the difference each principle we teach can make, we started to see a lot more understanding and desire to know about the Restoration. It isn't everybody that says the only way to be saved is being baptized by authority restored by angels. It only makes sense if you think about why you need that authority. The lessons are much better now and we feel much more of the influence of the Spirit in our lessons as we've applied this principle.

It's hot. Very, very hot and muggy. I've become a lovely shade of red and many times I wish I could use a hat like the ones they use in the films about the Restoration. Too bad it's not allowed. 

Times's running out and I still have more to do. Until next week.

Elder Dickson

Vera Cruz Week 2

Week #72

Portuguese phrase of the week, Unha encravada! That means ingrown toenail. It makes missionary work a joy, so much that we didn't do very much Saturday and Sunday because of the pain. I had it taken out today and I feel much better. I didn't take any pictures, sorry.

Other good news, I found my batteries. I had actually packed them and when I reorganized everything in my suitcases, I found a few things I had forgotten about. We really don't need everything we're told to bring. 

Sister Thorpe, thank you for never missing a holiday and General Conference. I have a stack of cards from you. I think you've written me more letters than anybody else. (That is a hint for everybody else). I think they all got to me.

Mom, I haven't received your package yet, but we have a zone conference this week and usually they bring packages and letters. We'll see if it's shown up yet. 

I've been thinking a lot about how many friends I have living and sharing the Gospel in various parts of the world and am always amazed at how universal the Gospel is. Whether we're eating Wienerschnitzel, feijoada, sushi, or hamburgers, we all need the same truths. It really is wonderful.

I'm starting to think about things to bring home. Santa Cruz has a lot of great stuff.

This week we met Márcio. He was already thinking about searching out the Church, changed his usual running route and we met him. After a wonderful first lesson, he came to Church by himself and said he'll bring his son next week. We are very excited and very blessed to have met him. It's good to see miracles like that. 

Until next week. 

Elder Dickson

Vera Cruz

Week #71

I traveled very far. All the way to Vera Cruz. It's about 24 miles from Venâncio Aires. I am very close to Santa Cruz do Sul which is the city with the largest Cathedral in South America, or so I've heard. There is a lot of German influence and the streets are full of red, yellow, and black for Oktoberfest. Sadly, not a lot of that influence reaches Vera Cruz. 

Vera Cruz is very small. Paris has the Eiffel Tower. New York has the Empire State Building. Salt Lake has Temple Square. St. George has Ancestor Square or at least Bluff Street. Vera Cruz has "A Caixa da Água" (The Water Box or Water Tower). Just about everybody gives directions based on the Caixa da Água. Usually the directions don't work very well and many people don't even have addresses. 

The branch is very small. I think there were about 25 people at church on Sunday and there is nobody but Elder Dickson that has any idea of how to play piano. We'll see how much I can teach before I leave. 

Speaking of music, I tried to find a method book for piano today. The only thing I found doesn't even talk about how to read music. I asked where to find something that actually teaches people how to read and play (actually learn) music and was told I would have to look in São Paulo (722 miles away) or maybe a store in Porto Alegre (100 miles away). Looks like I'll be writing my own method book. 

I am very tired. We taught a lot of people this week and have much more to do. We should have a few baptisms these next few weeks, but each one that we have in sight will require a great deal of work from the Lord's hand. Opposition is necessary, but sometimes I think it's just a little cliché.

I'm with Elder Barbosa from Espírito Santo. He has just two more transfers than I do and we're working together well. Here's to a good transfer. 

I am taking pictures, but once again I left my batteries and charger in another area. The problem is that this time, nobody can find them. Also, it is not advised that we send pictures from where we send email, so I probably won't send many (if any) photos while I'm here.

Now, I have to decide how to teach piano in Portuguese. New vocabulary to learn. 

Until next week. 

Elder Dickson

New Area

Week #70

The only thing I know is that I'm staying in the same zone. With conference and finishing the new house, we didn't have a lot of time to find new stories to tell. In any case, the house is finished, Conference was great, and I'm very tired. 

Elder Barrus and I were talking yesterday about what we're really taught in Seminary and Sunday School. Obviously, it's impossible to teach what to do in every situation and nobody would want to read a book that long any way. We reached the conclusion that the teaching of the Gospel consists of basic principles instead of specific actions. This also applies to our callings.

We rarely are ready to really be a missionary, bishop, or teacher, but the wonderful thing is that God doesn't call us to preach the gospel of Elder Dickson or Thomas Monson. He calls us to teach His Gospel. When we receive a calling to teach and exhort and lead in the Lord's kingdom, we are only to teach and do what He wants done. So, what do we need to do to be effective in His work? We need to know how to communicate with Him.

As we talked about it more, we realized that everything we learn is how to be worthy to receive communication from God and how to recognize His voice. Every principle from obedience to ordinances is to teach us communication with Heaven. 

So, the prophets teach the correct principles and they (and the Lord) expect that we seek daily revelation to know how to apply those principles. That's why Conference almost always talks about obedience, repentance, faith, temple work, and the rest of the Gospel we love so much. Rarely do they reveal some new "deep" doctrine or practice.

When we understand this, our callings for which we are not prepared change from "Why did the Lord choose me? I don't know how to do that." to "I'm just here to do what the Lord tells me day by day is the best way to fulfill this position in His kingdom. I represent Him. I just need to do what He asks." We don't need to worry about not knowing how to lead a ward. The Lord will teach us. We just need to have a strong two-way communication lane with Him.

Now, I have to go pack, and eat, and take some pictures.

 Until the next area.

Elder Dickson

Moving

Week #69

I don't remember being this tired since the flooding in Boulder. Elder de Araujo and I moved everything Saturday to the new house. A missionary house has a lot more than I realized and we were the only two moving everything. Que maravilha. My arms are still hurting. Today we get to start putting all the furniture back together and we have to finish building the house. (Not really, but there are some very important things missing.)

We probably have a few more days of work to do before the transfer happens (we already know the area will switch to Sisters and it just wouldn't be very fair to leave a house without light fixtures, showerheads, sink or a place to dry clothes.) This week I'll be learning about plumbing and electrical work. Good thing I paid attention when Dad was working on the pipes at home.

Other than the move, Elder Barrus and I walked a lot this week and taught little. The few lessons we did teach didn't follow that script for teaching Brother Brown that so many learned in the MTC. One woman understood the words we said but not what they meant and ended up asking us to baptize her dog (that lesson ended quickly). The best one was a young woman that decided to be baptized one week earlier than she had planned. Missionaries like that a lot.

Next week is General Conference and I'm really excited to hear what the Lord wants us to hear and study for the next six months.

We still have a lot to do. That's all folks!

Elder Dickson

Elder de Araujo's birthday party sent to us by Sister Oliveira

Brazilian Revolution, A Lot of New People

Week #68

First, the Guerra Farroupilha or, in English, The Ragamuffin War.

This is not a current revolution. You can relax, Mom.

This was actually a revolution against some of the economic practices of the Brazilian Empire in 1835. The State of Rio Grande do Sul revolted and fought the second bloodiest war for independence that failed in the history of the Brazilian Empire. Great title right?

Currently, Rio Grande do Sul, the state where I live, celebrates the 20th of September, the day they lost the war. I have never seen so many horses in one parade. For those of you who participate in Marching Band, there was a lot of opportunity for extra credit. 

Pictures to come.

The biggest difficulty of Venâncio Aires is finding people that progress. In my other areas people went to church, kept their appointments, read, and prayed (not everybody, but there was always somebody). Here, we're lucky if we see the same person twice. We met 23 completely new people that marked another appointment. Maybe we'll see them again this week. 

We also saved a life today. Elder de Araujo and I spent the night in another area because of a fireside and bad weekend bus schedules. The problem was that he needs a certain medication to stay alive that he had left at home, so Elder Kinney and I made a very early morning run to find an open pharmacy. Medication is very expensive here.

After we got back and Elder de Araujo wasn't dying anymore, we ate Skittles (it's been a very long time) and I tried to convince Elder Kinney to give me his big bottle of Chipotle Tabasco Sauce. He wasn't very willing. Then we got home and I'm here trying to think what else I can write. Let's move on to photos.

Just take away the sword and you have what some people actually wear in the street everyday.  

The Gaucho (person from Rio Grande do Sul) loves his dog and his horse. 

Lots of horses. There were about six groups about this size. 

Just because my sisters should like her clothes.

Even with a dress, you don't ride side saddle in Rio Grande do Sul. 

Cars like this are not uncommon here. 

Flag of Rio Grande do Sul. I want to bring one home. 

Gauchos learn to ride very early. 

Preach My Gospel and General Conference

Week #67

This week we had a fireside. Not just any fireside. This was a fireside completely organized and directed by the missionaries of the Venânio Aires Branch. Let me just say, it's a lot more work than I thought it would be.

We decided to use Elder Ballard's last conference address as our basis and went from there. We invited the Elders Quorum President and the Young Women's President of the branch to speak and then Elder Dias and I presented a more interactive lesson talking about two of the invitations Elder Ballard made this last conference, get a personal copy of Preach My Gospel and invite somebody every three months to meet the missionaries. Elder deAraujo sang "Savior, Redeemer of My Soul" in Portuguese and the whole thing was a huge success.

It really is clear when people take their calling to teach seriously. Even if we are called upon to teach without preparation, we can still teach well. The difference isn't really in how much we prepare in the days before our talk. It is much more in how much we are already prepared. How much we have already born our testimony. How converted we are to those principles. How often we study and treasure up and feast upon the words of Christ. Then, when we are called upon to teach, the Spirit not only will fill our mouth with words, but will also testify of those words. That's how we recognize the true servants of the Lord.

Remember that Elder Ballard invited every member to own a copy of Preach My Gospel. Age, activity, calling, etc. don't matter. That means that a family of six people (like mine) should have six well used copies.

The Church is true. The Book of Mormon as well. There is a great difference between the swelling words  (interrupted by shouts and shows of "miracles") of pretenders and the simple truth taught by true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ. True power and authority do not need to be displayed or proven, simply declared. The Spirit is what carries that declaration into the hearts of men. The Spirit convinces and converts. 

Our calling gives us authority; fulfilling our covenants gives us power.

These things are true. I know they are and I declare them in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Elder Dickson

Venâncio Aires Week 2

Week #66

The harvest is a little bit slow, but the ground here is prepared. The members have goals and want to accomplish them. They just need to know how. 

That's why this next week we're organizing a fireside about how members can be missionaries. We're especially going to talk about Elder Ballard's talk in the last General Conference. Even if you remember exactly what it said, read it again. An Apostle of the Lord made several promises we receive through sharing the Gospel.

He also invited everybody to own and study Preach My Gospel. I don't know how much a copy of Preach My Gospel costs there, but here, it's about $1.50. If that's too expensive you can download it to listen or read for free here. Obviously we all want to see wards grow and friends accept the Gospel. The wonderful thing is that we already have a manual that teaches how to do that. 

I repeat Elder Ballard's invitation. Have a copy of Preach My Gospel, a personal copy. Study it. Use what you learn. Share what you learn with other people. Tell the missionaries what you learned. We, as missionaries are told to study Preach My Gospel and the Book of Mormon every day. The two are the words of prophets and apostles. They are both scripture. 2 Nephi 28:30 speaks of line upon line and precept upon precept, but it also says that those who receive will receive more and those who do not receive shall have it taken from them even that which they have. We must accept and use all of the divine resources we have. 

Because the first Apostles and members of the Primitive Church received the prophecies and teachings of the Old Testament, they received the New Testament. Because Joseph Smith received the counsel in the New Testament to ask of God, he received the Book of Mormon. Because he received, translated, and lived the teachings of the Book of Mormon, he received the revelations in Doctrine and Covenants. Because we continue to receive the Standard Works, we are given the words of living prophets and apostles monthly. What a wonderful fulfillment of the promise written by Nephi!

But we must remember that there is a flip side. The world stopped receiving the original apostles and revelation and scripture ceased. Many plain and precious things were lost. The Gospel was no longer fully understood. Men chose to stop receiving and even the Bible was sealed against their understanding. They lost what they already had. The same can happen to everyone of us as well.

I know that God is not silent. He still speaks through His appointed servants. This will never change. President Monson is the Prophet of God. He does not speak as the scribes and Pharisees using only his own interpretations. He reveals the current and unchanging will of our Eternal God.

Elder Dickson

Elder Dias (Cape Verde), Elder Barrus (Virginia), Eu (Elder Dickson), Elder de Araujo (Rio de Janeiro)

Venâncio Aires

Week #65

Venâncio Aires is the national capital of chimarrão, a bitter plant that you grind up and drink with hot water. It's basically the foundation of society in Rio Grande do Sul. The first time I drank it the words that came to my mind were "goat food water." It's an acquired taste, but I like it.

My new companion is Elder Barrus. He's from Virginia (three American companions in a row) and has one of the strongest American accents I have ever heard. He still doesn't understand everything that we say, but he's learning.

Venâncio Aires is a little city that's far away from almost everything. There is one branch here that we share with Elder Dias (from Cape Verde) and Elder de Araujo (Rio de Janeiro). No, I haven't taken any pictures here yet, but I will say the accent from Rio is very different. He talksh like thish. It'sh a little different.

There aren't a lot of stories to tell yet. This week was a lot of inviting people to be baptized and hearing excuses for why people don't want to do anything. One man even decided that he didn't want to be baptized because he didn't want to do Home Teaching or anything else. The moment that we talk about a commitment he doesn't want to do anything. It's normal, but he was the worst case I've seen. We dropped him.

I usually don't like to quote Bruce R. McConkie, but I read one of his statements (in Portuguese, so I'll translate) that people who are not willing to keep all the commandments and be completely devoted to the Gospel for the rest of their lives should not make that promise by being baptized. That's why commitments are so important. Preach My Gospel has a chapter all about helping people accept and keep commitments and says clearly that when we invite people to do or not to do something we are calling them to repentance. If people keep their commitments (or repent) they can be baptized and make greater commitments. If they keep those commitments, they can make even greater commitments in the temple. If we keep those commitments, we receive Celestial Glory which is an enormous responsibility and commitment in itself. 

I'm hungry. Until next week.

Elder Dickson

Last night in Montenegro

Elder Angus's last transfer

Marlene in Montenegro

Elder Dickson and Sister Pithan 

Elder Dickson and Sister Grahl Baptista