Week 17: Flamengo Won

Futebul -- For those who might not know, Flamengo won the big game on Saturday. Palmeras fans were pretty disappointed, but faz parte. And for those who might not know, futebol (soccer) is pretty big here and on Saturday was some final game between two rival Brazilian teams. It seems that everyone belongs to one of these two teams, and I've been asked many times which one I belong to. But after Flamengo won the game on Saturday, it seemed that every was a Flamengian--setting off fireworks, honking their horns, and driving their motorcycles drunkenly through the streets and sidewalks. Not surprisingly, we didn't have many people we could visit that day.

O Dia das Graças -- This was a nice time of the year to have an American comp, especially one who likes to cook and knows how to spice things, unlike most people here. Now, I like my food a bit blander than most, but after a while, just white rice, beans, and unspiced meat can get a little tiring. But, this Thanksgiving, we made baked potatos, sausage, and brownies, and they were delicious. Though, it then made lunch the next day a little awkward because we were still stuffed when we got there so it was difficult to keep up the cultural expectation of at least two big plates of food.

Live Like His Son -- This week, we've been thinking a lot about the mission purpose, why we are here, and what makes a successful missionary. And it's cause this was a difficult week and it has been a tough transfer because, crazy thing, people have free will and can choose to not come to church or not listen to our message. Especially disapointing was Helen and her mother, our miraculous reference from a few weeks ago, who haven't come to church after being invited three times with decreasingly valid excuses. Sadly, they may not be interested as they seemed. So, in terms of numbers and apparent impact made, we've been unsuccessful. 

But, this isn't a successful missionary. At church this week was our branch's primary program. The five primary-aged kids sang the songs quite well, including one of my favorite primary songs, He Sent His Son. (If you want to listen, I recommend you look up the BYU Men's Chorus's recording) It describes why God sent His Son to the earth for us, to be an example and suffer and be sacrificed for us, then ends with:

Really, this is a successful missionary: to live like His Son -- to have faith and hope and to help others on their way. I see that as a missionary, having faith and hope means continuing to work and teach people with hope that each next person you teach will be the elected person God has placed in your path, even if it's the 50th person that day that hasn't been. That's difficult for me as a (even if rare) glaring rejection of a street contact cuts me to the core. Then, help others -- on their way. If their way means giving them a Book of Mormon then them never talking to you again, you still helped them come unto Christ, even just a little bit. That's really why we're here: to help people where they are and how far they're willing to go.

I learned this this week a little more through Vanessa. We met Vanessa when she called us out on the street, on the edge of being drunk out of her mind. I, naturally, was incredibly defensive, trying to leave the unpredictable situation asap. But, she ended up telling us her life story and downfall, which was actually quite sad, and we got her contact and told we'd meet her later. Since then, over text, we learned her and her husband are between houses (so we wouldn't be able to meet and teach them) and are looking for a little apartment to rent. Then, while on a Spirit-inspired detour, we found a little apartment for rent and sent the address to them, and they said they'd check it out! So, our full hope is to be able to help Vanessa turn her life around and become a Christ-like example for others like it sounded like she used to be, but at the very least, we were able to help them find a new house. 

Then finally, if you can't change others, change yourself. Live like His Son.

That's it for this week!

Till next time,

Elder Haroldsen

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