August 8, 2011

The first picture was a model shot on accident haha!

I am so excited that Adam and Emma are moving to Boston. Boston has quite a large population of Brazilians, and I will be really excited to go visit him. I have been thinking more and more and I am almost a hundred percent positive I will do something with Portuguese in business. I absolutely love this language.

Well this week was very busy. I have never had seen so many problems in one week in my life. There were many problems with missionaries and members in our zone, and I lost quite a bit of sleep thinking about all of it. Because of this, there was more tension between my companion and I, but it strengthened my testimony of the Lord, and the importance of scripture study.

I am studying The Book of Mormon, and I read almost the whole pday. I am touched by the importance of this book. While teaching a man very strong in another faith, my companion gave the following analogy: Imagine you have a single point on a sheet of paper. How many lines can you draw that will cross through that point? It's limitless. He then drew another line and said how many lines can you draw that will cross through both of these points? He compared this to the role of the Book of Mormon and clarifying Bible teachings. It is full of eternal truths, but the purity has been lost through time, translations, and intentional acts of removal. The Book of Mormon leads us to the pure doctrine, clarifying the truth, and confounding the false doctrine. I have thoroughly enjoyed this in depth study, and it has strengthened my testimony about the power of daily reading. What is our family scripture study like right now? Where are you reading? How consistent is it? I urge our family to study everyday. I read out loud with my companion today and we could talk and clarify our doubts(mostly mine). Together we can learn so much. I remember one night at home, we had read chapters in the Book of Mormon in seminary, my personal study, and for family study. I remember thinking "goodness I think this is a little much" but I learned things in that family study that I didn't the other times. My application was different, because my cirmcumstances were different. The scriptures are wonderful because they apply to us through out our lives.

At mission counsel, and Elder asked a question about the interpretation of a scripture. President Martins said, that is certainly A interpretation, but I wouldn't say THE interpretation. He didn't discredit it, but he didn't support it as the only truth. The scriptures are full of answers for every question we have. If any of us lack of wisdom, lets ask of God. The scriptures are full of His words. History is wonderful. I am so grateful that I have two years where I am counseled to only read books that hold the source of eternal truth. I remember thinking that I was missing 2 years of education, but I feel like I am richly feeding upon the words of eternal life. I don't feel like aspects of my mind are being neglected. I know that this is the greatest decision I have made to go on a mission. Please study your scriptures. I know they will help you in your life.

I know that God lives. I trust in His plan and although my mind can't comprehend how, I know we will live with our love ones again. Hold on to that faith you have been raised with and that you have in your heart.

Love, Elder Calvert

August 1, 2011

This last week was great. It is amazing how fast time is going isn't it? I got a letter from Dane and I appreciate him writing so much. Thinking of him has helped me so much on my mission. He has a way of being so funny and making even the worse situation humorous. I am glad he is home and served honorably. Thank you buddy, I love you. I too am excited to be together with all of you boys again soon. Until then, I am trying to do my best here in Brazil.

This past week we prepared Camila to be baptized. Her baptism yesterday was extremely spiritual. I got to sing that primary song that says "Whenever I feel, the rain on my face....". After, Mariana's daughter who is 7 came up to me with this really bashful face, fingers interlocked at with her hands at her waist, and her shoulders raised and thanked me for singing. She told me I have a beautiful voice. Then she started to walk away and ran back and jumped into my arms. Then she said "I thank thee" in a way in Portuguese that is very formal. A few more times, as we were greeting others and congratulating Camila, she continued to thank me. It was so darling.

Friday we did a division with the assistants. I was a good day with my buddy Elder Warner and we were able to help a lot of people. We went to this less actives house and got to know her. She was in the process of moving and very stressed. We felt the Spirit together and gave her a blessing. I saw in her eyes that she was lifted while leaving. We offered to help her move the next day, and she said she would call if she needed help. I was so impressed by the power of the calling we have, to instill enough trust in someone to call a complete stranger and ask for help. I am so grateful she called and as she took our hands and thanked us, I could really feel her gratitude.

Pray for me that I can be better at planning. There is so much work to be done, and I want to do more. Planning has been a weakness of mine.

Today we are in another area in our zone and we did a zone activity. We played, ate pancakes with real syrup and played soccer!!!! We can play now play soccer in our mission, and I scored 4 goals. Also I learned how to do a front handspring. Yesterday I drank a mug rootbeer. Life is seriously good here in Brazil.

I love you all very much. I will continue to pray for Grandpa. Mommy thank you for all that you do for me. Wednesday I will be heading to the office for mission counsel so I will get letters!