Anyone who gets this email please call Mom or Dad and tell them to read this email!
I'm not flying today.
I can't travel home today because my passport isn't here. It's still coming from São Paulo. Remember when I was saying how there was that problem with my visa, and they were wanting to throw me out of the country? Well, to resolve the problem, the mission had to send my passport to São Paulo. And the passport hasn't arrived yet. They sent it last Friday, and we were hoping that it would get here today, but it will only get here tomorrow. So, currently, the office Elders are getting me another ticket for tomorrow. For right now, I'm not sure when I'll be flying home. The earliest will be tomorrow. But it depends on when they're able to get me a ticket, and when my passport arrives.
There's no need to worry. I'll be home soon. Just not tomorrow :) We're working everything out on our end, and as soon the new ticket is issued, the mission is going to inform everyone. President said I could email today because I wasn't able to email yesterday. Right now it's just the waiting game. Don't freak out and start calling the Missionary Department, haha. Everything will work out, and we'll inform you as soon as we know about what's going on. Just wait for a call from the office, or maybe an email, I'm not sure what it'll be.
I'm fine, and happy, although a little bit fatter :) It's just a few more days, and after 2 years, a few days doesn't make much of a difference, right? ;)
Well, by the time you get this email the office will have called you already.
So this makes my email rather pointless, but I'll send it anyway haha :)
Love you all!
Scott
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Another week!
Well, this week was filled of some very amazing moments! Elder Bednar came to our mission and talked to us, and then had a conference with all the members here in Teresina. Us missionaries who were here in Teresina were also able to see the meeting.
I learned some very great things about preaching the gospel. It was a very amazing conference us missionaries had with him. The entire mission was here in Teresina.
Because all the missionaries were here, the Elders who are in Açailândia now brought news to me about the family we baptized there. I had an amazing sensation as I heard from this family and the difference that I made in their lives. I'm nobody special, and I'm just a common missionary, but the Spirit of the Lord has changed their lives forever, and I'm very grateful to have been a part of it.
I can't really describe this sensation that I felt, but it was a profound happiness that made me feel the bond that I have with this family. Even though I'm seperated from this family by hundreds of miles (soon to be thousands) I felt close to them, feeling the same happiness that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ brings them, and knowing that I was a part of it strengthened this feeling, that much more!
Well, time is short as always, but this week it seemed to be that much shorter. Until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
I learned some very great things about preaching the gospel. It was a very amazing conference us missionaries had with him. The entire mission was here in Teresina.
Because all the missionaries were here, the Elders who are in Açailândia now brought news to me about the family we baptized there. I had an amazing sensation as I heard from this family and the difference that I made in their lives. I'm nobody special, and I'm just a common missionary, but the Spirit of the Lord has changed their lives forever, and I'm very grateful to have been a part of it.
I can't really describe this sensation that I felt, but it was a profound happiness that made me feel the bond that I have with this family. Even though I'm seperated from this family by hundreds of miles (soon to be thousands) I felt close to them, feeling the same happiness that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ brings them, and knowing that I was a part of it strengthened this feeling, that much more!
Well, time is short as always, but this week it seemed to be that much shorter. Until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, November 7, 2011
Elder Bednar
Elder Bednar is coming to Teresina! We're going to have a meeting with him and then he's going to have a meeting with all the members here in Teresina. I'm very excited because it's going to be the first time that I will personally hear from an Apostle!
Elder Bednar sent President Dias two talks that he gave, one in General Conference, and one in a training to the Church Education System to prepare us for his visit. That means he must have some great insights for us. One of the talks was Ask with Faith. It was really great to read. I imagine that faith will be a big topic.
We have no idea what the meeting is going to be like. Elder Bednar has it all planned out. We're going to show up, and then we're going to learn from him. Other than that, we don't know. He might call on certain missionaries to talk briefly about something. He might ask President or Sister Dias to do the same. We really don't know. It makes it more exciting this way! :)
Anyway, gotta run!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Elder Bednar sent President Dias two talks that he gave, one in General Conference, and one in a training to the Church Education System to prepare us for his visit. That means he must have some great insights for us. One of the talks was Ask with Faith. It was really great to read. I imagine that faith will be a big topic.
We have no idea what the meeting is going to be like. Elder Bednar has it all planned out. We're going to show up, and then we're going to learn from him. Other than that, we don't know. He might call on certain missionaries to talk briefly about something. He might ask President or Sister Dias to do the same. We really don't know. It makes it more exciting this way! :)
Anyway, gotta run!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, October 31, 2011
Update!
I hate holidays on Mondays. Today was a surprise holiday here in Teresina. And it wasn't Halloween. Some random "Commerce Day" decided to complicate our P-Day. Our plans fell through because of it, but that's okay. We made the best of the worst and had a pretty good P-Day.
There's a neat little artesans building place thing in the center of Teresina. I found some pretty neat little things there. There were several shops that sold artworks and crafts that the local people here in Teresina made.
I got to know a bit more about the culture and history of Piauí!
Things are going great. We're teaching a young man named Arnaldo. He's 21 and he's studying to be a veterinarian. He's very intelligent and is understanding what we're teaching him, very easily. He is really liking church. He has many questions that we're answering and I feel he is progressing very well.
I'll let you know how he progresses!
Love,
Elder Rackham
There's a neat little artesans building place thing in the center of Teresina. I found some pretty neat little things there. There were several shops that sold artworks and crafts that the local people here in Teresina made.
I got to know a bit more about the culture and history of Piauí!
Things are going great. We're teaching a young man named Arnaldo. He's 21 and he's studying to be a veterinarian. He's very intelligent and is understanding what we're teaching him, very easily. He is really liking church. He has many questions that we're answering and I feel he is progressing very well.
I'll let you know how he progresses!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, October 24, 2011
Mission Reflections
The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. It's interesting, this feeling. I look back on my mission, and I see the progress I've made. I've changed. I've become a better person. I've developed many good habits, and abilities. But the more I notice this, the more I see the necessity to keep going. I can't stop after my mission. There's much more to improve one.
I was thinking also about the people we are teaching. I wonder if they ever ask themselves, what kind of person do I want to be 10 years from now? That's not a common question in today's society. In today's society, we ask ourselves what do we want to do 10 years from now, where do we want to be in our carreer, what do we want to have in the future. But rarely, does society teach us to worry about our character.
To me, that is one of the great blessings of the restored gospel. The desire we have to be a better person, to walk a little taller, to smile more, and be enthused with life, that to me, is one of the great purposes in life. I could have all the money in the world, a great career, house, cars, but if I haven't become a better person, more christ-like, compassionate, patient, humble, diligent, charitable, then what's the point? One day I'm going to die, and where will all that be? Only my character will remain with me.
So recently, I've been asking myself that question: What kind of person do I want to be in the future?
It's a good question I hope we all ask ourselves.
Love you all!
Elder Rackham
I was thinking also about the people we are teaching. I wonder if they ever ask themselves, what kind of person do I want to be 10 years from now? That's not a common question in today's society. In today's society, we ask ourselves what do we want to do 10 years from now, where do we want to be in our carreer, what do we want to have in the future. But rarely, does society teach us to worry about our character.
To me, that is one of the great blessings of the restored gospel. The desire we have to be a better person, to walk a little taller, to smile more, and be enthused with life, that to me, is one of the great purposes in life. I could have all the money in the world, a great career, house, cars, but if I haven't become a better person, more christ-like, compassionate, patient, humble, diligent, charitable, then what's the point? One day I'm going to die, and where will all that be? Only my character will remain with me.
So recently, I've been asking myself that question: What kind of person do I want to be in the future?
It's a good question I hope we all ask ourselves.
Love you all!
Elder Rackham
Monday, October 17, 2011
Transfers!
So we had a transfer.
Elder Marinho is oging to Araguaína and I'm staying here in Angelim. Elder Alencar is going to come in Elder Marinho's place. It looks like I'm going to finish my mission here in Teresina, in the Angelim Ward.
Elder Alencar has already been out for quite a bit of time, I believe he's been out for almost a year and 6 months, so it'll be nice to have a compnaion that has gone through so many different experiences.
Unfortunately I ran out of time, but I'll update you next week!
With Love,
Elder Rackham
Elder Marinho is oging to Araguaína and I'm staying here in Angelim. Elder Alencar is going to come in Elder Marinho's place. It looks like I'm going to finish my mission here in Teresina, in the Angelim Ward.
Elder Alencar has already been out for quite a bit of time, I believe he's been out for almost a year and 6 months, so it'll be nice to have a compnaion that has gone through so many different experiences.
Unfortunately I ran out of time, but I'll update you next week!
With Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, October 10, 2011
Stake Conference!
This past Sunday was Stake Conference in Teresina. Stake Conference is when all the local congregations of the Church in the local area get together and have a conference. So this past Sunday was just that! Some leaders of the Church came, Elder Godoy was one of them. He's already come to our mission here in Teresina to talk to us, and I loved it. Now I got to see him talking to the local congregations here in Teresina, and it was just as good.
He talked a lot about our responsabilities, and the order of importance. First, we have a responsability for our families, and this responsability comes first. Then we have a responsability for our jobs, and that comes second. Third, is our responsability for the Church, and fourth is our responsability for ourselves. He spent a lot of time talking about our family responsabilities, and used many examples from his family, that happened as he and his wife worked to fulfill these responsabilities and what they learned.
I'll tell one quick story. He said that when he first heard that that fathers should interview their children (sit down individually and talk with them openly about their goals, desires, challenges they're facing, etc) he came home and told his wife, "Honey, I learned today that I need to interview our children." At the time, their oldest daughter was 4 years old. His wife agreed so he called his daughter and said "Renata, daddy needs to interview you." See got all happy and and ran to her room. Elder Godoy was a little confused by this, why she ran to her room, until she came back with a toy microphone, ran back to him, held it up to him and asked "Who do you want to send a kiss to, Dad?"
I got a chuckle out of that. But, he explained that he was talking to his 4 your old daughter as if she was an adult, and that we need to adapt the teachings to our families according to the ages and situations of our family members. So I learned several things from this, that I can apply when I'm a father.
Well, until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
He talked a lot about our responsabilities, and the order of importance. First, we have a responsability for our families, and this responsability comes first. Then we have a responsability for our jobs, and that comes second. Third, is our responsability for the Church, and fourth is our responsability for ourselves. He spent a lot of time talking about our family responsabilities, and used many examples from his family, that happened as he and his wife worked to fulfill these responsabilities and what they learned.
I'll tell one quick story. He said that when he first heard that that fathers should interview their children (sit down individually and talk with them openly about their goals, desires, challenges they're facing, etc) he came home and told his wife, "Honey, I learned today that I need to interview our children." At the time, their oldest daughter was 4 years old. His wife agreed so he called his daughter and said "Renata, daddy needs to interview you." See got all happy and and ran to her room. Elder Godoy was a little confused by this, why she ran to her room, until she came back with a toy microphone, ran back to him, held it up to him and asked "Who do you want to send a kiss to, Dad?"
I got a chuckle out of that. But, he explained that he was talking to his 4 your old daughter as if she was an adult, and that we need to adapt the teachings to our families according to the ages and situations of our family members. So I learned several things from this, that I can apply when I'm a father.
Well, until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, October 3, 2011
General Conference
General Conference! Woo!
It was absolutely wonderful fo rme. For those unfamiliar with what General Conference is, it's a conference that the church holds twice a year. This conference is divided into 4 individually-unique sessions between Saturday and Sunday, with a 5th session for all male members ages 12 and up. During these sessions, the leaders of the Church speak to the members of the church as well as the general populace of the world.
In preparation for General Conference, I wrote down some questions that I was hoping to receive answers to. At the end of all 4 sessions, I was able to see all 4 of those questions being answered by one more more talks that were given by the leaders of the Church. It was very special to me, because I could feel that I have a loving Heavenly Father that wants me to learn and grow, and He answers my prayers. I felt with a surety that God speaks with his authorized servents today, the prophets and apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It was amazing to see how God answered all of my questions in a very specific manner. I also was amazed to see how clearly the answer came to my mind. The answer did not necessarily come from the words that were spoken, but in most cases, the answer came from the thoughts and impressions and feelings I had that were caused by the words that were spoken. I know realize on a more deeper level, how the Spirit talks to us. He speaks to us in a very simply, but profound way, that is not easily forgotten.
The guidance I received strengthened my faith, my dedication to the Lord, and my desire to become a better person. It was a great blessing to be able to see General Conference. And it was definitely worth the time that I sacrificed to see it.
I hope all who sought for spiritual guidance was able to find it in this past General Conference.
Until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
It was absolutely wonderful fo rme. For those unfamiliar with what General Conference is, it's a conference that the church holds twice a year. This conference is divided into 4 individually-unique sessions between Saturday and Sunday, with a 5th session for all male members ages 12 and up. During these sessions, the leaders of the Church speak to the members of the church as well as the general populace of the world.
In preparation for General Conference, I wrote down some questions that I was hoping to receive answers to. At the end of all 4 sessions, I was able to see all 4 of those questions being answered by one more more talks that were given by the leaders of the Church. It was very special to me, because I could feel that I have a loving Heavenly Father that wants me to learn and grow, and He answers my prayers. I felt with a surety that God speaks with his authorized servents today, the prophets and apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
It was amazing to see how God answered all of my questions in a very specific manner. I also was amazed to see how clearly the answer came to my mind. The answer did not necessarily come from the words that were spoken, but in most cases, the answer came from the thoughts and impressions and feelings I had that were caused by the words that were spoken. I know realize on a more deeper level, how the Spirit talks to us. He speaks to us in a very simply, but profound way, that is not easily forgotten.
The guidance I received strengthened my faith, my dedication to the Lord, and my desire to become a better person. It was a great blessing to be able to see General Conference. And it was definitely worth the time that I sacrificed to see it.
I hope all who sought for spiritual guidance was able to find it in this past General Conference.
Until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, September 26, 2011
China repeat
It seems like every country I go to wants to kick me out at some point. Last monday we went to the Federal Police to get my identity card but there was a problem. I went back on Tuesday with the secretaries to figure out what was going on. We got there and the guy talked with us and he went to look into the system.
When he opened up my record and looked at it, he said quite seriously "From what I'm seeing here, you are here in Brazil illegally, you have 8 days to return to the U.S. and you're going to pay a fine of 800 reais (aproximately $600)." I looked at him and didn't quite believe him, so we asked but he was dead serious.
At first, I didn't understand because it didn't make sense. He explained why. In the system, it was saying that I didn't renew my visa. So we were telling him that I didn renew it, because I went to the Federal Police 7ish months ago to do just that but he said "No, it's not in the system, so you didn't do it." I showed him my temporary identity and he said, "This is just a temporary identity before you get your official one, this doesn't prove that you renewed your visa."
At that point I was starting to get a little scared. But the entire time I felt that there's no way that this could be happening because I really did go to renew my visa. However, he was unwilling to accept that fact. Elder Paz, the office secretary that I went with, made a few calls, while the man at the Federal Police worked on another case with another Elder. I looked through some papers we had, and I remembered a few things I learned about the process and saw that there was a paper that proved that I had renewed my visa.
So I talked to the guy and said, no, this paper proves that I renewed my visa and it was approved. That's when he said "Ah... that changes things." But he was still trying to squeeze money out of us to make us pay a fine. But I knew at that point, that we had sufficient proof that I was here legally and that it was an error in the system.
But I was definitely scared for a second. I thought that I was going to finish my mission in the U.S! Anyway, it was a good thing that I remembered that paper! If I hadn't remembered that paper, it could have been a completely different story.
Why doesn everyone want to kick me out of their country!
I'm still here though, no worries anymore!
Love you!
Elder Rackham
When he opened up my record and looked at it, he said quite seriously "From what I'm seeing here, you are here in Brazil illegally, you have 8 days to return to the U.S. and you're going to pay a fine of 800 reais (aproximately $600)." I looked at him and didn't quite believe him, so we asked but he was dead serious.
At first, I didn't understand because it didn't make sense. He explained why. In the system, it was saying that I didn't renew my visa. So we were telling him that I didn renew it, because I went to the Federal Police 7ish months ago to do just that but he said "No, it's not in the system, so you didn't do it." I showed him my temporary identity and he said, "This is just a temporary identity before you get your official one, this doesn't prove that you renewed your visa."
At that point I was starting to get a little scared. But the entire time I felt that there's no way that this could be happening because I really did go to renew my visa. However, he was unwilling to accept that fact. Elder Paz, the office secretary that I went with, made a few calls, while the man at the Federal Police worked on another case with another Elder. I looked through some papers we had, and I remembered a few things I learned about the process and saw that there was a paper that proved that I had renewed my visa.
So I talked to the guy and said, no, this paper proves that I renewed my visa and it was approved. That's when he said "Ah... that changes things." But he was still trying to squeeze money out of us to make us pay a fine. But I knew at that point, that we had sufficient proof that I was here legally and that it was an error in the system.
But I was definitely scared for a second. I thought that I was going to finish my mission in the U.S! Anyway, it was a good thing that I remembered that paper! If I hadn't remembered that paper, it could have been a completely different story.
Why doesn everyone want to kick me out of their country!
I'm still here though, no worries anymore!
Love you!
Elder Rackham
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Illegal Alien!
So this P-day has been very interesting. We played basket this morning with 4 other Elders from our Zone, as well as Presidente Dias! The only problem was that we had to wake up at 5:15 to get there on time. The game started at 7 in the morning! And the bus we take from our area to the center of the city takes about an 1 because of traffic. We had to go with proselyting clothes on (shirt, tie, the whole deal) and then change into other clothes when we got there. So it took a little bit to get out the door. I'm wondering now if it was worth it, but I think it was!
After that we went looking for some souvenirs, and then I went to the Federal Police to get my official brazilian identity card! I've been using a paper they gave me that shows I'm here legally. After a few months, the official identity card (that shows I'm a foreigner with a visa) arrives in Teresina. So I went today to go get it, only to find out that I'm an illegal alien!
*dramatic music* duh, duh duh!
Well, what happened was that when my visa was renewed, something went wrong, and the system says it didn't. The only problem is that I have the paper that says I have a renewed visa. So the paper I have is right, the system is wrong, but it's just going to take a little while to get it sorted out. I have to go back tomorrow morning.
I was excited to get my brazilian identity card. Dangit! Oh well.
On another note, I encourage those who have not heard the song "Reflections of Christ" with the accompaning video, to look it up. It is a very emocional and powerful song that expresses the story of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. It starts with the birth and death of Jesus Christ, then the destruction that happened in the Americas, and the Savior's subsequent personal ministry here in the Americas. It's simply beautiful!
Anyway, until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
After that we went looking for some souvenirs, and then I went to the Federal Police to get my official brazilian identity card! I've been using a paper they gave me that shows I'm here legally. After a few months, the official identity card (that shows I'm a foreigner with a visa) arrives in Teresina. So I went today to go get it, only to find out that I'm an illegal alien!
*dramatic music* duh, duh duh!
Well, what happened was that when my visa was renewed, something went wrong, and the system says it didn't. The only problem is that I have the paper that says I have a renewed visa. So the paper I have is right, the system is wrong, but it's just going to take a little while to get it sorted out. I have to go back tomorrow morning.
I was excited to get my brazilian identity card. Dangit! Oh well.
On another note, I encourage those who have not heard the song "Reflections of Christ" with the accompaning video, to look it up. It is a very emocional and powerful song that expresses the story of 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon. It starts with the birth and death of Jesus Christ, then the destruction that happened in the Americas, and the Savior's subsequent personal ministry here in the Americas. It's simply beautiful!
Anyway, until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Reflections
There were many moments this past week where I reflected on these past 18 months or so of my mission. I thought a lot about what I learned from all of my experiences. I have learned many things, in many moments on my mission, most of which are unforgettable. There are particular moments that have left undelible marks, and I realized that it was these moments in particular that I came to know Christ a little more.
I can talk about all the things I've learned, all the skills I've gained. But there are many more things I have to learn and have to improve on. When it comes down to it, the thing that is most important to learn and to know is Jesus Christ. By being a representative of Jesus Christ, I have literally acted as He would act, and said what He would say. I have been an arm of misery and love, reached out for God's lost children. Or rather, I have been the means for Christ, our Lord and Savior to heal the broken of heart, the low in spirits. I have been the means to feed the spiritually weak, and to give sight to the spiritually blind. I understand only a little of this responsability and this calling as His representative.
This is exactly what I learned from those undelible marks that have been imprinted on my soul. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father. He knows me, and hears my prayers. When the doubts come, and they always do, I remember the moments where I felt His pure love embracing me and filling me with hope. I know that Jesus is the Christ. He was chosen to be the Redeemer of the world, since before this world existed. And He was chosen, to save me, who is prone to sin. Through Christ, we are given the means to return to our loving Heavenly Father.
In the end, this is what it comes down to, not how many scriptures I know, or how many people I baptized. What's important is that I delivered myself unto Christ, and came unto the knowledge that my Redeemer lives.
Love,
Elder Rackham
I can talk about all the things I've learned, all the skills I've gained. But there are many more things I have to learn and have to improve on. When it comes down to it, the thing that is most important to learn and to know is Jesus Christ. By being a representative of Jesus Christ, I have literally acted as He would act, and said what He would say. I have been an arm of misery and love, reached out for God's lost children. Or rather, I have been the means for Christ, our Lord and Savior to heal the broken of heart, the low in spirits. I have been the means to feed the spiritually weak, and to give sight to the spiritually blind. I understand only a little of this responsability and this calling as His representative.
This is exactly what I learned from those undelible marks that have been imprinted on my soul. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father. He knows me, and hears my prayers. When the doubts come, and they always do, I remember the moments where I felt His pure love embracing me and filling me with hope. I know that Jesus is the Christ. He was chosen to be the Redeemer of the world, since before this world existed. And He was chosen, to save me, who is prone to sin. Through Christ, we are given the means to return to our loving Heavenly Father.
In the end, this is what it comes down to, not how many scriptures I know, or how many people I baptized. What's important is that I delivered myself unto Christ, and came unto the knowledge that my Redeemer lives.
Love,
Elder Rackham
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Angelim!
Well, on Wednesday we got a phone call!
I was transferred!
In the mission, two new cities were opened up. It was really cool! In Tocantins, the mission opened up Araguaína, and in Maranhão the mission opened up Caxias. 6 missionaries went to Araguaína, and 4 went to Caxias. It was a historic moment for the mission!
I was transferred to the Angelim ward in Teresina. I'm with Elder Marinho, and it's a little bit of a coincidence because he was my last companion's companion in the MTC, Elder Eberhardt.
We're already working with several people who are working towards baptism. It's really great to get to know new members and new people. I'm already enjoying my new area and the members are great! Plus I've already been able to see several old members that I got to know before in my other areas.
I think this is my last area. I'm not sure though. I could have one more area, but I'm feeling like this will be my last area on my mission. I'm very pleased with the area, because I know I'm going to learn so much. I feel like I'm going to be able to grow as a missionary as well as a person, because of this area and companionship.
Well, I'll let you know how the work goes next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
I was transferred!
In the mission, two new cities were opened up. It was really cool! In Tocantins, the mission opened up Araguaína, and in Maranhão the mission opened up Caxias. 6 missionaries went to Araguaína, and 4 went to Caxias. It was a historic moment for the mission!
I was transferred to the Angelim ward in Teresina. I'm with Elder Marinho, and it's a little bit of a coincidence because he was my last companion's companion in the MTC, Elder Eberhardt.
We're already working with several people who are working towards baptism. It's really great to get to know new members and new people. I'm already enjoying my new area and the members are great! Plus I've already been able to see several old members that I got to know before in my other areas.
I think this is my last area. I'm not sure though. I could have one more area, but I'm feeling like this will be my last area on my mission. I'm very pleased with the area, because I know I'm going to learn so much. I feel like I'm going to be able to grow as a missionary as well as a person, because of this area and companionship.
Well, I'll let you know how the work goes next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Its been a while
So it's been a couple weeks that I haven't been able to send my normal update email out to be put up on the blog. I've been spending more time writing President (he wants us to write in detail the things going on in our area) so I have less time to write this email. But! This week I'm able to!
When we first got to Açailândia, there was a family here that was baptized, except for the oldest daughter because she lived in another part of the city. Well, this past Saturday she was baptized! It completed the family now! It was absolutely wonderful to see her, the last member of the family to be baptized and to see the happiness in the eyes of her siblings and mom. It was a very spiritual baptism as well.
It's been a great 5 months here in Açailândia. It's gone by so fast! It's hard to imagine that it's been that long. It seems like yesterday I was here for the first time!
There will be two new areas for missionaries to work in next week. In the state of Tocantins, the city of Araguaína, and in Maranhão, Caxias (Caxias is close to Timon, which is close to Teresina). Missionaries have never been there yet in these two places. I'll let you know next week what's happening.
Well, gotta run!
Love,
Elder Rackham
When we first got to Açailândia, there was a family here that was baptized, except for the oldest daughter because she lived in another part of the city. Well, this past Saturday she was baptized! It completed the family now! It was absolutely wonderful to see her, the last member of the family to be baptized and to see the happiness in the eyes of her siblings and mom. It was a very spiritual baptism as well.
It's been a great 5 months here in Açailândia. It's gone by so fast! It's hard to imagine that it's been that long. It seems like yesterday I was here for the first time!
There will be two new areas for missionaries to work in next week. In the state of Tocantins, the city of Araguaína, and in Maranhão, Caxias (Caxias is close to Timon, which is close to Teresina). Missionaries have never been there yet in these two places. I'll let you know next week what's happening.
Well, gotta run!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, August 8, 2011
I've been spending more time emailing President Dias these past couple of months. The purpose of my email I send to President Dias is to report on the work and how it's going in my designated area. I need to report on my personal progress as well, and my companion's progress. So anyway, I've learned to be more detailed in this email, because it helps him be able to help me.
Anyway, I'm without time again.
We're working with several families and they're going great.
Until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Anyway, I'm without time again.
We're working with several families and they're going great.
Until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Friday, July 29, 2011
Howdy Ho!
It was an interesting week. It was really like a roller coaster ride. We saw just about everything, I think.
We started the week with a family that was preparing to be baptized. Well rather, we started the week without this family, because they moved without telling us and then gave the Book of Mormon back, but not to us, to a member that lives close by. It was really sad to see them give the Book of Mormon and all the pamphlets back. We've tried to locate them in their new house, but we haven't had any success. I think someone talked bad about the church to them.
That's how we started off our week, then it got worse, then it got better, then it got a little worse again. It was just one of those difficult weeks, but in the end, Church was great. There are 6 missionaries in the ward here in Açailândia and we all sang "I Believe in Christ" It was beautiful. I was able to pull off a decent bass part. The sisters and my companion filled in the other parts. The members loved it. The Bishop got up afterwards to talk about the temple but felt inspired to talk about another subject and it was perfect for several of our investigators and the members in our area. So despite all the stuff that went on this week, it was a great way to end the week.
Anyway, time is short, until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
We started the week with a family that was preparing to be baptized. Well rather, we started the week without this family, because they moved without telling us and then gave the Book of Mormon back, but not to us, to a member that lives close by. It was really sad to see them give the Book of Mormon and all the pamphlets back. We've tried to locate them in their new house, but we haven't had any success. I think someone talked bad about the church to them.
That's how we started off our week, then it got worse, then it got better, then it got a little worse again. It was just one of those difficult weeks, but in the end, Church was great. There are 6 missionaries in the ward here in Açailândia and we all sang "I Believe in Christ" It was beautiful. I was able to pull off a decent bass part. The sisters and my companion filled in the other parts. The members loved it. The Bishop got up afterwards to talk about the temple but felt inspired to talk about another subject and it was perfect for several of our investigators and the members in our area. So despite all the stuff that went on this week, it was a great way to end the week.
Anyway, time is short, until next week!
Love,
Elder Rackham
Monday, July 18, 2011
Howdy!
Well I missed you all last week, sorry about that! At the internet cafe we were using, they put a time limit, and I literally finished all the other emails except for this one just before the limit ran out. So I wasn't able to get this email out.
We had a good week of studying. We focused alot on understanding better the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion. We had some really great insights, and my understanding was taken to a whole different level. It's amazing how simple personal revelation is, but how profound it is in terms of changing us.
We had an unfruitful night where almost all of our appointments fell through. I had to use the bathroom really bad. It was about 8:30 at night and we decided to head home. As we were walking home, we said "Good evening!" to an older gentleman and he responded. We kept going but I felt we should talk to him. I didn't want to because I had to use the bathroom! But I felt it again that we should talk to him, so I turned around and told Elder Eberhardt that we should go talk to the man. I didn't know that he had also felt the same thing! We talked with the man, he invited us in and we talked and conversed and we got to know each other. We set an appointment to come back the next day. When we came back we had a really great lesson. He was really hooked by the plan of salvation. He really felt like it was how it's supposed to be. The Spirit was there testifying to all of us. We're going to go back today and teach him that God speaks to us today through Prophets. We had mentioned that this plan we taught him was revealed to us through modern prophets. He became really interested by it.
It was a good experience for me. I learned that I need to do God's will and not mine. I wanted to use the bathroom. God wanted me to talk to that man. In the end, I learned what was more important.
Until next week!
Love ya'all,
Elder Rackham
We had a good week of studying. We focused alot on understanding better the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion. We had some really great insights, and my understanding was taken to a whole different level. It's amazing how simple personal revelation is, but how profound it is in terms of changing us.
We had an unfruitful night where almost all of our appointments fell through. I had to use the bathroom really bad. It was about 8:30 at night and we decided to head home. As we were walking home, we said "Good evening!" to an older gentleman and he responded. We kept going but I felt we should talk to him. I didn't want to because I had to use the bathroom! But I felt it again that we should talk to him, so I turned around and told Elder Eberhardt that we should go talk to the man. I didn't know that he had also felt the same thing! We talked with the man, he invited us in and we talked and conversed and we got to know each other. We set an appointment to come back the next day. When we came back we had a really great lesson. He was really hooked by the plan of salvation. He really felt like it was how it's supposed to be. The Spirit was there testifying to all of us. We're going to go back today and teach him that God speaks to us today through Prophets. We had mentioned that this plan we taught him was revealed to us through modern prophets. He became really interested by it.
It was a good experience for me. I learned that I need to do God's will and not mine. I wanted to use the bathroom. God wanted me to talk to that man. In the end, I learned what was more important.
Until next week!
Love ya'all,
Elder Rackham
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
I'm alive!
So I didn't email yesterday, because I was traveling. I'm in Teresina currently. And I got here safely. There will be a few days of training, then I go back. Due to me being in a bus for 12 hours and getting to Teresina much too late, I was unable to email. Sorry! But today President Dias told me to email.
This past week was a good week. We worked really hard to help some families. We're already seeing a difference in a family that was having some small arguments and unhappiness in their marriage. We can already see the change. It's been great! This past Sunday, the husband and the wife came. We're following up this week and preparing them for baptism.
Elder Eberhardt and I are getting to know each other more. We're laughing and having fun on the streets, and we're happy. It's always nice for the people to see that. Then they have a desire to learn more about it!
Well, my time is short, but until next week! I'll tell you all I learned about this week.
Love you all!
Elder Rackham
This past week was a good week. We worked really hard to help some families. We're already seeing a difference in a family that was having some small arguments and unhappiness in their marriage. We can already see the change. It's been great! This past Sunday, the husband and the wife came. We're following up this week and preparing them for baptism.
Elder Eberhardt and I are getting to know each other more. We're laughing and having fun on the streets, and we're happy. It's always nice for the people to see that. Then they have a desire to learn more about it!
Well, my time is short, but until next week! I'll tell you all I learned about this week.
Love you all!
Elder Rackham
Monday, June 27, 2011
A wonderful week!
Well, it's been a lovely week in the neighborhood!
This week we really pumped things up! We got all bold and what not
teaching this week, and we set a lot of baptismal dates. Many people
accepted. We saw a lot of progress in a lot of investigators. It was
great to see that.
We're doing well here.
It's a short update because I'm running out of time, sorry!
Until next week!
Love y'all,
Elder Rackham
This week we really pumped things up! We got all bold and what not
teaching this week, and we set a lot of baptismal dates. Many people
accepted. We saw a lot of progress in a lot of investigators. It was
great to see that.
We're doing well here.
It's a short update because I'm running out of time, sorry!
Until next week!
Love y'all,
Elder Rackham
Monday, June 6, 2011
Another good one!
So I got better. That's quite the blessing. It's definitely an experience I never want to go through again.
As far as news, Elder Yorgason is being transferred to São Luís. He's leaving Tuesday. My new companion will be Elder Everhart (something like that, I'll find out for sure on Tuesday as well). It's going to be sad to see Elder Yorgason go. I'm going to miss him! It was a very good (almost) 3 months together. It went by so fast! I blinked and it went by. We had such a great district. But the new district will still be a good one.
With it being the first Sunday of the month, it was fast and testimony meeting. Near the end, there was a space of time after all the members had gone and born testemony, so I decided to also bear mine. Lately, I've been studying and thinking more and more about what it means to take upon ourselves upon the name of Jesus Christ. And I felt that I need to come to know better my Savior.
With a few investigators, we've been focusing on the existence of God and Jesus Christ. That they're real, with bodies of flesh and bones. I've had strong experiences that have shown me that God exists. The natural desire we have to know who were are and where we came from is proof of this. Proof that God lives. It is not some evolutionary side-effect. To those that deny the existence of God, I testify that He is real. I know that he is real and that He exists because I have felt his great love for me, in a very unexpressable way, but nonetheless, I have felt it. All who truly desire to know if God exists or that we matter to him, can and will come to this knowledge.
However, I feel that my personal witness of Christ the Redeemer needs to grow. Yesterday we read an investigator a scripture: For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God weare not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time. I pondered on this scripture and I began to understand that because God is, Jesus Christ is. Jesus Christ and His atonement is the focus of God's plan for all of us. Not just for a select group of people, those who believe and proress his name, but for ALL of His children. How can a perfect God create a plan that saves just a few of His children? That is why Jesus Christ is the rock of our salvation.
Job's words and conviction of the reality of Jesus Christ encapsulate what I wish to express, that "I know that my Redeemer lives!" That we all may be able to know that our Redeemer lives, on a personal level. That we all may be able to feel of Heavenly Father's love for us. That we all may be able to taste the sweetness of forgiveness, that only comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
With love,
Elder Rackham
As far as news, Elder Yorgason is being transferred to São Luís. He's leaving Tuesday. My new companion will be Elder Everhart (something like that, I'll find out for sure on Tuesday as well). It's going to be sad to see Elder Yorgason go. I'm going to miss him! It was a very good (almost) 3 months together. It went by so fast! I blinked and it went by. We had such a great district. But the new district will still be a good one.
With it being the first Sunday of the month, it was fast and testimony meeting. Near the end, there was a space of time after all the members had gone and born testemony, so I decided to also bear mine. Lately, I've been studying and thinking more and more about what it means to take upon ourselves upon the name of Jesus Christ. And I felt that I need to come to know better my Savior.
With a few investigators, we've been focusing on the existence of God and Jesus Christ. That they're real, with bodies of flesh and bones. I've had strong experiences that have shown me that God exists. The natural desire we have to know who were are and where we came from is proof of this. Proof that God lives. It is not some evolutionary side-effect. To those that deny the existence of God, I testify that He is real. I know that he is real and that He exists because I have felt his great love for me, in a very unexpressable way, but nonetheless, I have felt it. All who truly desire to know if God exists or that we matter to him, can and will come to this knowledge.
However, I feel that my personal witness of Christ the Redeemer needs to grow. Yesterday we read an investigator a scripture: For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God weare not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time. I pondered on this scripture and I began to understand that because God is, Jesus Christ is. Jesus Christ and His atonement is the focus of God's plan for all of us. Not just for a select group of people, those who believe and proress his name, but for ALL of His children. How can a perfect God create a plan that saves just a few of His children? That is why Jesus Christ is the rock of our salvation.
Job's words and conviction of the reality of Jesus Christ encapsulate what I wish to express, that "I know that my Redeemer lives!" That we all may be able to know that our Redeemer lives, on a personal level. That we all may be able to feel of Heavenly Father's love for us. That we all may be able to taste the sweetness of forgiveness, that only comes through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
With love,
Elder Rackham
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
There's a first for everything!
I had an exciting weekend!
Thursday night, we got home from working. We had gone to a part of our area that is kinda far away, but we were visiting a member and teaching his friends. Out of 4 families we visited, 3 of them made us eat something. Side note, I love Brazilians. They give me food. :) So I was pretty stuffed at the end of the night. Everything was delicious.
So we're at home, and I realize how stuffed I am. We go about our nightly routine and I start to feel a bit nauseous. But I got ready for bed and laid down and I figured everything would be fine. I couldn't seem to fall asleep. I woke up about 11:30 and went to use the bathroom. It was diarrhea. Dangit!
Unfortunately it was the kind that attacks you frequently, as in every 20 minutes or so. I kept trying to fall back to sleep between my runs to the bathroom and then around 12:30, the nausea comes back. And I just knew it was going to happen. I get to the bathroom and bam, all that delicious food they gave me comes flying out. Oh it was horrible. I start to yell for Elder Yorgason. I figured I might as well prepare him to be a dad.
I was able to get back to sleep until 3 and I had to throw up again. It was not fun. Throwing up hurts too.
5 rolls around and the nausea hits me again. I would have thrown up again but I literally had nothing left. I also notice I had a fever, and my body was hurting. I called Sister Dias and she sent me to the hospital. However, I was not willing to go to the emergency room here in Açailândia. So I convinced them to let me go to Imperatriz.
Worst hour car ride of my life. I was hurting all over, I had a fever, I was cold. We get to Imperatriz and we go to hospital. It was a decent hospital, I at least wasn't afraid of dying in it. I was admitted quickly and the doctor saw me and sent me to th]e emergency room to get an IV of that clear liquid you always see in TV shows. I don't remember the word in English. OH MY GOODNESS. I hated it. I hated the bed. I hated the needle in me. I was in pain, sick, tired, dehydrated. The bed was super uncomfortable. It put a lot of pressure on my lower back where the pain in my body was highest. I couldn't get comfortable!
It was the longest 20 minutes of my life. When it was over, the nurse came over and asked if I felt better. I didn't, but of course I lied and said yes, I just wanted out of there! There was no way I was laying on that bed one more minute.
I had to find a pharmacy after that to buy the medicine the doctor prescribed. But, I've never been to Imperatriz, so we just wandered around until we found it. This entire time, my entire body was just aching. You know that sick, aching feeling all over. But little by little, I started to get better. Whatever they stuck in me was helping.
We also had a Zone Conference on Friday, the day I went to the hospital. So we had to find our way to the Stake Center where it was at. It was not fun. By the time I got to the Zone Conference though, I was feeling better. And by the time the Zone Conference was over, I was much better.
However, the worst part of that entire day: Because I had diarrhea, I couldn't eat for 24 hours! And our lunch: Brazilian barbecue buffet! Eat as much as you want! But me? Nope, I couldn't eat anything.
Oh well, I didn't die, so it made me stronger. I hope at least.
It was an unforgettable experience that's for sure!
But I love you all! I'm fine now, so no need to worry! It's just weird to think the first time I had to go to the hospital was in Brazil.
Love,
Elder Rackham
Thursday night, we got home from working. We had gone to a part of our area that is kinda far away, but we were visiting a member and teaching his friends. Out of 4 families we visited, 3 of them made us eat something. Side note, I love Brazilians. They give me food. :) So I was pretty stuffed at the end of the night. Everything was delicious.
So we're at home, and I realize how stuffed I am. We go about our nightly routine and I start to feel a bit nauseous. But I got ready for bed and laid down and I figured everything would be fine. I couldn't seem to fall asleep. I woke up about 11:30 and went to use the bathroom. It was diarrhea. Dangit!
Unfortunately it was the kind that attacks you frequently, as in every 20 minutes or so. I kept trying to fall back to sleep between my runs to the bathroom and then around 12:30, the nausea comes back. And I just knew it was going to happen. I get to the bathroom and bam, all that delicious food they gave me comes flying out. Oh it was horrible. I start to yell for Elder Yorgason. I figured I might as well prepare him to be a dad.
I was able to get back to sleep until 3 and I had to throw up again. It was not fun. Throwing up hurts too.
5 rolls around and the nausea hits me again. I would have thrown up again but I literally had nothing left. I also notice I had a fever, and my body was hurting. I called Sister Dias and she sent me to the hospital. However, I was not willing to go to the emergency room here in Açailândia. So I convinced them to let me go to Imperatriz.
Worst hour car ride of my life. I was hurting all over, I had a fever, I was cold. We get to Imperatriz and we go to hospital. It was a decent hospital, I at least wasn't afraid of dying in it. I was admitted quickly and the doctor saw me and sent me to th]e emergency room to get an IV of that clear liquid you always see in TV shows. I don't remember the word in English. OH MY GOODNESS. I hated it. I hated the bed. I hated the needle in me. I was in pain, sick, tired, dehydrated. The bed was super uncomfortable. It put a lot of pressure on my lower back where the pain in my body was highest. I couldn't get comfortable!
It was the longest 20 minutes of my life. When it was over, the nurse came over and asked if I felt better. I didn't, but of course I lied and said yes, I just wanted out of there! There was no way I was laying on that bed one more minute.
I had to find a pharmacy after that to buy the medicine the doctor prescribed. But, I've never been to Imperatriz, so we just wandered around until we found it. This entire time, my entire body was just aching. You know that sick, aching feeling all over. But little by little, I started to get better. Whatever they stuck in me was helping.
We also had a Zone Conference on Friday, the day I went to the hospital. So we had to find our way to the Stake Center where it was at. It was not fun. By the time I got to the Zone Conference though, I was feeling better. And by the time the Zone Conference was over, I was much better.
However, the worst part of that entire day: Because I had diarrhea, I couldn't eat for 24 hours! And our lunch: Brazilian barbecue buffet! Eat as much as you want! But me? Nope, I couldn't eat anything.
Oh well, I didn't die, so it made me stronger. I hope at least.
It was an unforgettable experience that's for sure!
But I love you all! I'm fine now, so no need to worry! It's just weird to think the first time I had to go to the hospital was in Brazil.
Love,
Elder Rackham
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