Hi family and friends,
Yeah that announcement about women being able to go on missions when they are 19 years old came as a surprise to me too, but it is going to be great. I have a feeling that there will be a ton more female missionaries in the mission field. It will be good stuff. I'll probably be home by the time any of them get to our mission. So, I missed that era of missionary work. But the Lord needed me now, so I will serve him now, the best I can.
Conference was difficult for me. It wasn't really the understanding that I had difficulty with, as much as actually paying attention to what was going on. I did notice though, that as I doodled, I was able to pay attention a lot better. To each his own I guess. But the talks that I did pay attention to were great. They always are, but I think I will better understand the talks if you guys did send the Conference addition of the Liahona Magazine. That would be very nice. thank you for the offer.
We taught a lot this week and found a lot more people home, but the problem is the progress that they have. For some it is extremely slow. Also, the fact that people don't keep commitments kind of bugs me. Why say you will go to church and then don't. If you won't go, say that you won't go. Don't give us your word if you won't keep it. Then at the same time I realize that at baptism, we members gave our word to keep the commandments and at times we don't keep them and we sin. So we have to learn to be patient with people and have mercy for them. One day they will get to their conversion.
The food is still good. I enjoy eating the hot pepper sauce that they have here. I actually bought one of those things (that makes hot pepper sauce) and I will bring it back to show you guys. It's good stuff. There is actually a lot of Brazilian food that I want to learn to make and share with you guys like pão de queijo (bread of cheese) or churraso (Brazilian barbecue) or pasteis (this has no translation). You guys will like the food a lot. Also, how they make hot dogs here is crazy. They put on ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, dill relish, pepper sauce, mashed potatoes, little fried potato strings, and shredded cheese. This is all in the bun, mind you. I could eat at least two even if I am already somewhat full.
There is a lot of sacrifice that goes into missionary work. There are times when I have gotten really upset at the sacrifices that I have to make, and I have considered if a mission is something that I even want to do. But then I remember the Savior (which we promise to do every week when we take the sacrament), and I think of the incomprehensible and most wonderful Atoning Sacrifice that He made for us, and then I think: "Oh yeah." and then I shut up and get back to work. We should all be grateful when we have an opportunity to sacrifice for the Lord and give something back to him. What we do will never pay back for what He has done for us. It is kind of like a mother or father who pays for their child's schooling or music lessons, the kid can never pay the parent back, all the parent wants is for the kid to practice and appreciate the gift. Just like that, all the Savior wants is for us to use His gift of the atonement and do our best to improve every day.
I love you guys and I can't wait to hear from you next week.
Love,
Elder Kevin Brady
P.S. Is Tessa's baby a boy or a girl? You guys never said.
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