Letter 3/4/13

Well folks, the joyride is over. Elder Fogelman was transferred. It was fun while it lasted. It felt more like a joke than reality being in a trio with 3 Americans. We got some good work done. There was a family of 3 that was baptized this in Elder Fogelman's area. We had to go back there a few times during the week to teach and interview them. I'm glad that we got our work done the right way instead of wasting time like we very easily could have with our given circumstances. This week was a little bit crazy....among the highlights of the craziness this week: 1) an enormous pot hole in the middle of the street that looked more like a natural spring (it was gushing out water....some little girl took advantage of the situation and grabbed her swim suit and went for a dip) 2) a bus that completely side swiped a parked car and just kept on going 3) a man who got in a fight and threw his beer can at the "cobrador" (the guy on the bus who takes people's change) and had to be take our by the cops. Gotta love the "x-factor" here in Brazil....you never know what you're gonna get!

We had our temple trip which was fantastic. They needed help in the baptistery, and asked me and another Elder to participate as witnesses and with confirmations. It was a fun change from the normal endowment session that we normally do. We also had our interviews with President Lanius on Friday. Once again, he didn't have much to say to me in my interview. He just gave me the down-low of what we need to change and improve on. It didn't last more than 4 minutes. Being zone leaders, we are always the last to be interviewed. It kind of stinks, because I think that after 15 interviews, he's kind of ready to get the heck out of there. He also asked us to go with Sister Lanius to visit some of the missionaries' residences....we got lost about 3 times when the GPS led us to dirt roads and wooden bridges and we had to take detours. We also ended up blocking traffic when two huge trucks got stuck with the mission car on the street.....fun times with your mission President's wife!

We are teaching 2 families right now that have good potential. Neither of the couples are married (but are incredibly faithful and loyal to one another....I will never understand why these people don't just get married in the first place!) One family is a referral from our stake patriarch, and the other we met knocking doors. They both are liking the things we are teaching. One of the men, Luciano, had a dream with a man with in white clothing. He was shocked when I showed him how that we are baptized in white clothing....I think he's realizing that it's what he needs to do!

We got work to do! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Every one of them makes a difference!

Until next time,

-Elder McKinley