April 25, 2011
HEY FAMILY!
I made it to Cuiabá! It is crazy. First, maybe I should start in Sáo Paulo. Cool MTC there, although I feel like I learned more in Provo. I think that it is because the MTC in Brasil is run by Brazilians who are all laid back. I am way glad that I was able to go there for a few days though. One of the days, I went out and walked downtown Sáo Paulo. Huge city! Wow! I handed out 7 Books of Mormon in under an hour and gave 9 people numbers to the missionaries in the area. It was pretty awesome. It is also pretty warm. Oh, yeah, I did talk with a guy from Campo Grande on the 14 hour plane ride to Sáo Paulo. Mighty miracle we sat together because the flight attendant moved us around. I had talked to him before, and having the opportunity to sit by him was an answer to prayer and nothing less. I talked about life and everything else. (all in Portugues) and the last hour about the gospel. He gave me his number and address and said that I could come and vacation on his 12,000 acre farm whenever I wanted and that he wanted me to teach him more. Also, he waited for 30 minutes while I went though the customs line so that I could give his a Book of Mormon. It was awesome. I gave his information to a missionary going to Campo Grande, so I am waiting to hear what happens. Then I jumped on a flight to Cuiabá. It was a few hours on the plane and when I stepped out of the airplane, we were all hit with a rush of heat. Wow, not even describable. Sáo Paulo was nothing man. It was awesome. Then we bussed over to President Oleveira’s house where we were fed. Then it was over to the church building and interviews and downloads of information. Then I got on an 8 hour bus ride going north to a little city called Sinop to meet my companion Elder Wanderley who is Brazilian. Problem, they forgot to arrange for the missionaries to pick me up, so while I was waiting at the bus stop for 3 hours, I taught a couple of people about the gospel. It was cool. Then the elders in the area found me and we went to the apartment and then it was right to work. We have 4 missionaries in Sinop and the next closest city or town or whatever is about an hour or so away. We do have 2 branches here and the members are awesome. Yesterday I gained their trust by taking a leap of faith and working the room after sacrament meeting. It was awesome. The gift of tongues is so real. Also, all of their kids love me, so naturally the parents love me as well. We received 5 referrals from the members, so I am really excited to get to work on that. The language is improving rapidly. At first, I could hardly pick up anything, but now, the language has begun to slow down in my head so that I can understand way more. By the end of each day I feel so much more confident because I have been speaking Portugues all day and so you start to get into the rhythm, and then you wake up the next morning from your English dream and you have to start over. lol. It is awesome though. Crazy things happen when you are a missionary, let me tell you. Anyway, life is good, and wow, I thought that it was hot in Cuiabá. Sinop bakes you. I am sweating non stop, and I think that I have lost at least 5 pounds. Also, the food here is good, so no problems there. The people are so cool... I cannot even explain. Just awesome. If you love them, they love you. It is way cool. Also, my companion is really cool, and he loves to work hard. I am blessed with a good trainer. This is his first time training, but it is doing a great job. He has been out for 13 months. He is cool. So yeah, there is my life. It is crazy to think that this is going to be the next two years, but I am sure that it is a little different when you have a firm grip on the language lol. I miss all of you. It was so nice hearing your voices. I am always seeing things that remind me of one of you. It is really fun. Well, I will try to find a way to get you pics. I do not have a time limit, but I do have to pay by the hour. That boy is so cute. How are the Leeds doing? That is so scary. I will pray for them. Tell them that I said hi. Josh, I am so excited for you; that is soo cool. Happy Birthday buddy! It is so crazy that you are old already! Any other questions that you had.... Yeah, my address should be in that booklet that you kept. It all goes to a mission house, and then they give it to me somehow. I have no idea how long mail takes, but you can email me now as well. I have time to read and to write. Well, how is you arm dad? Slowly getting better? I hope that it is improving. I do not know how to get pics to you. I think that I will have to get a reader for my sd card some time. Then I will probably be able to send them to you by email, and I will also be able to back them up because the computers here do not a have a port for sd cards. They are a little behind on the technology that we have. lol. Anyway, about the city. Not in the jungle Tony, but close. I can see the canopy of trees bordering every side more or less. There is a lake that we walk by that is fenced off because of alligators, and there is a park here as well that is full of animals. A member here (21 years old and loves me and my companion) found a dead anaconda in the park, and so Friday I was helping him clean the bones and teeth that he got. It was awesome. He also showed me pics. This think was huge, like 2 feet around in the middle (diameter) and about 20-30 feet long. I am talking huge. Dude, and the teeth on this thing are nasty. They are pointed inward so that if it bites you and you try to pull you arm out it will shred, so you have to push it further in and stab its head with a knife or something. Crazy, huh? Also, there are all kinds of birds. From parrots to big old things. Awesome. And a little bit crazy as well. No worries mom, I am fine and I am not going to do anything stupid because that is a rule and I am strictly obedient. Yeah, you should check this place out on line. It is a pretty good sized little city, but it is soo hot. It is like walking into a room that has an indoor pool, that water in the air feeling, but so hot. I already have a tan line were my collar is and were I wear my watch. I am going to come home black. So hot, and the people here say that you just never get use to it. The culture is so different. Everything is chill, people always bring you water when you come, and they insist on pouring it for you, and when you are done they always ask more, and then again, more. It is awesome. Also, we eat with a member for lunch everyday, it is a rule, because they need as much help as everyone else, and it is a rule that you eat at least 2 helpings of everything, and sometimes, they do not even eat, they just watch you eat. Different, but completely normal here. There is no trying to be polite. The polite thing is to take whatever is given to you. Different, but you learn. It is crazy. Maybe I just found a way to send you pics. You will have to tell me if it worked or not. I am going to try to send them in a compressed folder. It is a trick when the computer is out of date and everything is in a different language, but I will try. Um momento. Okay, something is loading, so maybe this is good. In the mean time, what else is there to talk about? There is so much. The other two missionaries here are Elder Nielsom (American) and Elder Melo (from Brasil) and they are awesome. We all live in the same house. Well time is about out, so I love you all, and keep sending me emails. I love hearing form you. Love you and enjoy the rest of your week.
Your brother and son, Elder Shane Lee
PS - It did not work, so I will try to figure it out next time. I love you all.
PS Dad - Hey, I have a couple minutes to I thought I would reply. Yeah, way hot, but it is cool. Easter is everyday in the field. That is way we do, invite people to come to the light, life, truth and source of all righteousness. It is incredible that the Lord has entrusted this assignment to me. I know that with his help I can do all things, but I need to exercise my faith, and like Heleman and Shiblon, be sober. Final words of a loving father. Well time is up, I love you all.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Week 9 Mailed letter
This got to us after the week 10 e-mail. We are now experiencing the "snail mail".
April 13, 2011
Hey Mom,
I am safe at the MTC in Sao Paulo. It is amazing here. Over half of the missionaries are from Brasil! Talk about a good last week at the MTC! Everyone here knows about the Cuiaba Mission. It is the hottest mission in Brasil because of the heat and humidity and the no breeze factor. I guess I will find out. The plane ride was awesome! I taught and became friends with Julio, who wanted to read a Book of Mormon and said I could vacation on his 12,000 acre farm in Campo Grande whenever I wanted. (he said his farm is relatively little) It was awesome and the Portuguese was fun. I could understand him when he was talking to me, but then he talked to his friend and I could only catch the gist of everything. Sao Paulo is awesome. The city is huge (although it looks old-school) and the driving is worse than California, although no road-rage. Everybody is super nice. It feels like I am in an indoor pool room all the time because of the humidity, but I guess I should get use to that. I will send pics when I can (and after I take some). I love you all and I loved talking on the phone with you.
Ate Logo!
Elder Shane Lee
PS - I don’t have a P-day here. I am leaving Tuesday morning so I will contact you from Cuiaba. Love you!
April 13, 2011
Hey Mom,
I am safe at the MTC in Sao Paulo. It is amazing here. Over half of the missionaries are from Brasil! Talk about a good last week at the MTC! Everyone here knows about the Cuiaba Mission. It is the hottest mission in Brasil because of the heat and humidity and the no breeze factor. I guess I will find out. The plane ride was awesome! I taught and became friends with Julio, who wanted to read a Book of Mormon and said I could vacation on his 12,000 acre farm in Campo Grande whenever I wanted. (he said his farm is relatively little) It was awesome and the Portuguese was fun. I could understand him when he was talking to me, but then he talked to his friend and I could only catch the gist of everything. Sao Paulo is awesome. The city is huge (although it looks old-school) and the driving is worse than California, although no road-rage. Everybody is super nice. It feels like I am in an indoor pool room all the time because of the humidity, but I guess I should get use to that. I will send pics when I can (and after I take some). I love you all and I loved talking on the phone with you.
Ate Logo!
Elder Shane Lee
PS - I don’t have a P-day here. I am leaving Tuesday morning so I will contact you from Cuiaba. Love you!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
A Letter from Shane's Mission President
Shane keeps transfering on the days he's allowed to email, so we haven't heard from him in 2 weeks. But, here is a letter from Cuiaba. At least we know where he is!
Dear Parents,
We wish to inform you that your missionary is well and has arrived safely in the Cuiabá Brazil Mission after some preparation time at the MTC. We were delighted to welcome him with a delicious lunch at our house on Tuesday, where they could meet and get to know us. Know that we will care for his mission with great zeal. Our two sons have also served missions, and we can understand the feelings that are now present in your lives.
In addition to our ongoing supervision and training, your son will have an experienced companion, and will also have the direct help of district or zone leaders in his first residence. He will certainly receive attention from the local leadership of the Church: the Bishop or Branch President, and someone that will provide the calendar of lunches – the President of the Relief Society. You will appreciate knowing that the meals here in the Midwest tend to be generous and seasoned with the love of welcoming and hospitable church members. Little by little he will get to know every family in each unit in which he serves. With this support network, he will never feel alone.
We offer SulAmérica health insurance to every missionary in case they need medical or hospital care while serving us. There are two pairs of doctors, and also full-time missionaries who are willing to provide coverage twenty-four hours via cell phone to the small problems of the missionaries from all over Brazil.
You will receive e-mails, usually on Mondays, his preparation day. We hope that communication with your missionary will never cease, as at a distance the family is usually much more valued and loved. Surely he longs to know of all at home. May the Lord reward him with his permition or acceptance in missionary service. In Matthew 19:29 we read the words of Jesus Christ: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."
Know that your child will be very well cared for,
With love and admiration,
President and Sister Oliveira
Cleto & Ana Márcia
He's not the darkest anymore:) Let's see how he looks in a couple of months. I hope we hear from him soon; I guess it will be Monday.
Dear Parents,
We wish to inform you that your missionary is well and has arrived safely in the Cuiabá Brazil Mission after some preparation time at the MTC. We were delighted to welcome him with a delicious lunch at our house on Tuesday, where they could meet and get to know us. Know that we will care for his mission with great zeal. Our two sons have also served missions, and we can understand the feelings that are now present in your lives.
In addition to our ongoing supervision and training, your son will have an experienced companion, and will also have the direct help of district or zone leaders in his first residence. He will certainly receive attention from the local leadership of the Church: the Bishop or Branch President, and someone that will provide the calendar of lunches – the President of the Relief Society. You will appreciate knowing that the meals here in the Midwest tend to be generous and seasoned with the love of welcoming and hospitable church members. Little by little he will get to know every family in each unit in which he serves. With this support network, he will never feel alone.
We offer SulAmérica health insurance to every missionary in case they need medical or hospital care while serving us. There are two pairs of doctors, and also full-time missionaries who are willing to provide coverage twenty-four hours via cell phone to the small problems of the missionaries from all over Brazil.
You will receive e-mails, usually on Mondays, his preparation day. We hope that communication with your missionary will never cease, as at a distance the family is usually much more valued and loved. Surely he longs to know of all at home. May the Lord reward him with his permition or acceptance in missionary service. In Matthew 19:29 we read the words of Jesus Christ: "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life."
Know that your child will be very well cared for,
With love and admiration,
President and Sister Oliveira
Cleto & Ana Márcia
He's not the darkest anymore:) Let's see how he looks in a couple of months. I hope we hear from him soon; I guess it will be Monday.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Shane arrived this morning at the MTC in Sao Paulo Brazil. He landed at 2:50 am our time, 7:50 am his time. We got the nicest e-mail from the MTC president. I've included it. We were able to talk with Shane on the phone during his layover in Dallas Texas. I don't have the words to describe it, only the emotions. He is amazing. Maybe later, in my own blog, I'll be able to tell about it. For now - Here he is in Brazil!
Dear Parents,
We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time. We promise to take good care of your missionary.
They now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study. The branch presidents and their wives, will soon give them a second greeting. These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.
The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife. We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.
Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.
Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”
Please accept our love,
President Donald L Clark and Sister Zaza Clark
Dear Parents,
We are happy to send the good news that your missionary has arrived safely at the Brazil MTC. What a great joy and privilege it is to greet each missionary as they come through the front door of the MTC for the first time. We promise to take good care of your missionary.
They now have companions and are settled into their rooms. They are assigned to a district with capable and caring instructors for language and lesson study. The branch presidents and their wives, will soon give them a second greeting. These couples are rewarded in their callings through the love they always develop as they embrace and watch over the missionaries.
The MTC has a full time live-in physician to care for their health needs. He is assisted by his able wife. We are also happy to report that the Cafeteria food is abundant and very good.
Your missionary will be able to e-mail home on Preparation Day after a morning at the Temple. This will be either Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on individual assignments.
Your very important young person is about to make an eternal difference in the lives of others. We hope you will be encouraged and comforted by this quote by President Lorenzo Snow: “There is no mortal man that is so much interested in the success of an elder [sister] when he is preaching the gospel as the Lord that sent him to preach to the people who are the Lord’s children.”
Please accept our love,
President Donald L Clark and Sister Zaza Clark
Friday, April 8, 2011
Week 7 Letter
4/8/11
Hey everyone! How you all of you doing! Well, to catch to you all up, something pretty major happened this week. I received my VISA on wed, and so I will be leaving to São Poulo this coming Tuesday! I think that I will be in the CTM (MTC) there for a week or so, and then I will be flying out to the field, Cuiabá. Eu estou muito animado! I was asked to give you my flight plans. I am taking American Airlines, and I am taking off at 12:46 and traveling to Dallas Texas, and I will be arriving there at 4:26 pm. I am then waiting there until 7:50pm, and I am taking off to Brazil, adn I should be arriving there at 7:40 am. Talk about a long flight. I think that my baggage and everything should be great, no problems at all, do not worry. Everything is fine mom. Also, because I received my VISA, they are allowing my to call home for a 5 min phone call, so I will be doing that this Monday, at approximately 7:00 pm my time. Let my know mom in a dear elder asap if that will work for you. I also think that I am allowed to call you during my lay over in Dallas with a payphone as long as I am not late for my flight, although I am going to check on that later. I cannot wait to get to the airport where not everybody is a missionary, so I will be handing out BOMs and pass along cards. I cannot wait to talk to people about the gospel. Yeah, I will check up on the calling home from the layover spot, but from what the lady in the travel office said, it is allowed. I will let you know when I call Mon. I am so excited! I went to the temple today, and had a wonderful experience doing sealings. This will most likely be the last time that I attend to temple for about 2 years, because they do not have one in Cuiabá. It was amazing. Ao Familias são para sempre. I know that this is true, and am so thankful that we can do missionary work, the same work that I am going to be doing, can be done for people on the other side. Well, my Portugues is improving as always. I feel comfortable teaching all of the lessons and gospel principles. I also feel comfortable talking with people about life, asking them questions, and for the most part listening to them. Understanding is the hardest part for me, although it is improving tremendously. I think that getting down to Brazil will help a lot, hearing the language being spoken all of the time. I have met a few missionaries going to Spokane WA. Anytime I see a martial island missionary, I talk to him, because all of them are going to Spokane, so when they get there, ask them if they know Elder Lee. Also, I have met a few others, one of whom is going to the Spokane mission Spanish speaking. I am able to talk with him. I can understand his Spanish really well. Spanish seems much easier to understand because it is now so slurred, but much more clear. Conference was great. They are all such great teachers. I have listened to a few of their talks in Portugues, and I was amazed by how much I understood. O dom de linguás é verdadeiro e real. Átreves o Espirito Santo, Eu posso aprender Portugues. In has been awesome seeing other missionaries that I have known going in and out of the field. Sebring, Jordan, Robbie, Merril, Patrick Wolfe, and others that simple knew my family and I knew theirs. The MTC is an amazing place. With over 50 languages being taught, you hear contacts and lessons being practiced in a variety of ways, but it is the exact same spirit, who speaks with a universal language, by the power and love of our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. The Gospel is true. It brings joy to all those that live by its teachings. Everyone needs its truthfulness. Everyone has potential to become like God, átreves o Expiação de Jesus Cristo, nosso Slavador e Redentor porque Jesus Cristo é poderoso para salvar. I cannot describe how thankful I am to be a missionary for him, to bring people to the knowledge that I have been so greatly blessed with. What a blessing that it is. I know that I will always be an unprofitable servant, as King Benjamin says, but I know that I will be the best unprofitable servant that I can bring, and give my whole being and person to the Lord my God to whom it is owed.
Well, thank you for all of your letters. I love you so much! Also, thank you primary for all of you letters as well. I loved reading and looking at all of them. I miss you all, and I want you to know that you are the best primary members in the whole world. Thank you so much. I love you all. Tony, keep me posted on how the job works. As for tips, I will be sending those to you in a letter. Tell me what Pizza Hut it is in a dear elder. I miss pizza, I have to tell you, but mostly, I miss driving the pizza and counting tips at the end of the night. Well, I have to go, time is short, but I love you all, and I will be sending you letters, but I will not send them until tomorrow, so type up any questions in a dear elder today so that I can answer them in the letter. I love you all! Wish me luck in Brasil! Tchau e forca minha familia. Eu amo vocês muito.
Com Amor,
Elder Shane Lee
Hey everyone! How you all of you doing! Well, to catch to you all up, something pretty major happened this week. I received my VISA on wed, and so I will be leaving to São Poulo this coming Tuesday! I think that I will be in the CTM (MTC) there for a week or so, and then I will be flying out to the field, Cuiabá. Eu estou muito animado! I was asked to give you my flight plans. I am taking American Airlines, and I am taking off at 12:46 and traveling to Dallas Texas, and I will be arriving there at 4:26 pm. I am then waiting there until 7:50pm, and I am taking off to Brazil, adn I should be arriving there at 7:40 am. Talk about a long flight. I think that my baggage and everything should be great, no problems at all, do not worry. Everything is fine mom. Also, because I received my VISA, they are allowing my to call home for a 5 min phone call, so I will be doing that this Monday, at approximately 7:00 pm my time. Let my know mom in a dear elder asap if that will work for you. I also think that I am allowed to call you during my lay over in Dallas with a payphone as long as I am not late for my flight, although I am going to check on that later. I cannot wait to get to the airport where not everybody is a missionary, so I will be handing out BOMs and pass along cards. I cannot wait to talk to people about the gospel. Yeah, I will check up on the calling home from the layover spot, but from what the lady in the travel office said, it is allowed. I will let you know when I call Mon. I am so excited! I went to the temple today, and had a wonderful experience doing sealings. This will most likely be the last time that I attend to temple for about 2 years, because they do not have one in Cuiabá. It was amazing. Ao Familias são para sempre. I know that this is true, and am so thankful that we can do missionary work, the same work that I am going to be doing, can be done for people on the other side. Well, my Portugues is improving as always. I feel comfortable teaching all of the lessons and gospel principles. I also feel comfortable talking with people about life, asking them questions, and for the most part listening to them. Understanding is the hardest part for me, although it is improving tremendously. I think that getting down to Brazil will help a lot, hearing the language being spoken all of the time. I have met a few missionaries going to Spokane WA. Anytime I see a martial island missionary, I talk to him, because all of them are going to Spokane, so when they get there, ask them if they know Elder Lee. Also, I have met a few others, one of whom is going to the Spokane mission Spanish speaking. I am able to talk with him. I can understand his Spanish really well. Spanish seems much easier to understand because it is now so slurred, but much more clear. Conference was great. They are all such great teachers. I have listened to a few of their talks in Portugues, and I was amazed by how much I understood. O dom de linguás é verdadeiro e real. Átreves o Espirito Santo, Eu posso aprender Portugues. In has been awesome seeing other missionaries that I have known going in and out of the field. Sebring, Jordan, Robbie, Merril, Patrick Wolfe, and others that simple knew my family and I knew theirs. The MTC is an amazing place. With over 50 languages being taught, you hear contacts and lessons being practiced in a variety of ways, but it is the exact same spirit, who speaks with a universal language, by the power and love of our Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ. The Gospel is true. It brings joy to all those that live by its teachings. Everyone needs its truthfulness. Everyone has potential to become like God, átreves o Expiação de Jesus Cristo, nosso Slavador e Redentor porque Jesus Cristo é poderoso para salvar. I cannot describe how thankful I am to be a missionary for him, to bring people to the knowledge that I have been so greatly blessed with. What a blessing that it is. I know that I will always be an unprofitable servant, as King Benjamin says, but I know that I will be the best unprofitable servant that I can bring, and give my whole being and person to the Lord my God to whom it is owed.
Well, thank you for all of your letters. I love you so much! Also, thank you primary for all of you letters as well. I loved reading and looking at all of them. I miss you all, and I want you to know that you are the best primary members in the whole world. Thank you so much. I love you all. Tony, keep me posted on how the job works. As for tips, I will be sending those to you in a letter. Tell me what Pizza Hut it is in a dear elder. I miss pizza, I have to tell you, but mostly, I miss driving the pizza and counting tips at the end of the night. Well, I have to go, time is short, but I love you all, and I will be sending you letters, but I will not send them until tomorrow, so type up any questions in a dear elder today so that I can answer them in the letter. I love you all! Wish me luck in Brasil! Tchau e forca minha familia. Eu amo vocês muito.
Com Amor,
Elder Shane Lee
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Week 6 Letter
April 1, 2011
That is awesome! It looks like is was a ton of fun! So, how is everything? Everything here is great. I had more companions get their VISA's. I am now on companion number 6, Elder Perry, which I think might be a record in the MTC. So, that language is going well. I feel like I can teach any lesson, and really, explain any gospel principle to a point where they can at least understand what I am trying to say, although, it is still hard to understand people that are native to Brazil. It is awesome though. I have made huge progress, although sometimes it feels like I am not learning anything, but then I look back and think, wow, I have learned a lot. It is awesome. I still cannot believe that I am speaking another language. It is so cool, and I just never thought that I would, especially after taking my Spanish classes :) So, what else is going on? Everything seems to be running really smoothly. There is absolutely no concept of time. It feels like I have just emailed you, but at the same time, it feels like forever ago. Wierd, I know. Sorry that I was fairly limited to my picture taking, I promise that I do more than take light saber pics. I will try to take more for you. So, yeah, I am studying hard, but the language and the gospel, and both at the same time. Teaching is my favorite thing to do, because I speak way better Portuguese when I am teaching somebody about the gospel, and I know that it is because of the Spirit that is in the room, and I can literally feel it directing me, and prompting me what to say. It is the coolest experience. I did get the package. Thank you all for your letters and everything in the package. Perfect Tony, just the knives that I wanted. Abrigado. Also, thank you so much for the new pics on my SD card! I was hoping that you would do that, and it made my day! I love you all sooo much. I was practicing my Portuguese by talking about my family, and it was so hard to capture my feelings in words, and to describe all of you. You are all so different, but there is that thing that is the same, and I do not know exactly what it is or how to describe, much less in Portuguese, but it was a lot of fun to try. Thank you all. You all look like you are growing up so much already! Anyways, allow me to try to catch you up with everything about VISAs. I am hoping to get my VISA soon. It is has about 4-5 weeks since I did my electronic, which means that it could be anytime. When I receive it, I am allowed a 5 minute phone call home to tell you about flight stuff, say hi, and let you know that I am going down to Brazil. So in other words, I will not be in Brazil without you knowing it mom. No worries. There, I think that you are all caught up now. Thank you for the scriptures dad. It is amazing how much the Book of Mormon and other scriptures talk about missionary work. The book of Mormon is alive. I can feel it talking to me as a missionary, not as a teenager, or one who is preparing for a mission, but as a fulltime missionary. It is an incredible work. I cannot wait to hit the field, but at the same time, I feel like my MTC time is going to fast because there is so much to learn!!! But I know that God will help me, and that I will be able to say enough to invite the real teacher and converter, the Espirito Santo. Wow, sorry, that means Holy Ghost. I am pretty much speaking Portuguese all of the time now. It is so cool! I love this language. I walk around the MTC and hear people speaking Spanish, French, and Italian, and I can understand all of them, especially the gospel vocab, but they have a hard time understanding me. It is really fun. We practice doing contacts with people by walking outside and contacting other missionaries, not matter the language. We just translate for them, but when Spanish, French, or Italian Elders contact us, we can understand everything. IT is unreal! Also, Portuguese is really pretty. I guess that you will have to wait for my 5 min call to see for yourselves, but I love it. I also love reading the Portuguese scriptures, although they are hard to understand. Everything that it tricky in the Portuguese language can be found in the scriptures, but it is awesome because you feel the same and similar feelings of the Spirit, bearing witness that the words are true, and also teaching the significance and principles. I still cannot believe that I am a missionary. I feel way too young, but I know that God knows that I am young, and that he will help me grow to be his servant. I also know that I will never be a profitable servant. King Benjamin teaches that no matter what we do, we will never be profitable servants, because we owe more than we can give, and we can never dent the debt that we owe, because every time that we do that which is good, we just receive more blessings. I am thankful to be his servant, but I also recognize my weakness, and that I do owe all that I aim and all that I have. I will continue to be the best unprofitable servant that I can for the rest of my life.
Okay, I am scrambling to type, and I feel like I am all over the place. I have talked with both Sebring and Jordan. It was awesome seeing them! The might army of Spokane is entering the mission field. They will be great missionaries. I also found out that one of the missionaries that received his VISA, but was in my district, and was even one of my companions is the son of Brain Lloyd, the Stake Pres before Grandpa Lee. His name is Elder Jared Lloyd (at least I think that his first name was Jared). I also ran into Elder (I cannot remember his name right now) who is the grandson of John Kennedy (maybe his name, not sure), Grandpa Jenkinson’s friend with the hooked hand. He was one of Uncle Courtney's young men. Sorry about the forgetting of names. I do not have a lot of time left, so I feel like I am cramming to type as fast as possible. S, that is about it for me.
Sorry that you got left at home Caleb, but I wanted to tell you that I am so proud that you are being baptized. I cannot tell you how important it is. You are making a grown up decision, something that I am going to Brazil to teach people about because it is so important. You are going to be baptized! I will write you more in a letter, but I have to go. I Love all of you, and I am always looking forward to you next letters. I love you all, and I want you to know that I know that this gospel is true, that the church is Christ's church, and that it ahs the same authority that was on the Earth when he established his church, and that we have the opportunity to experience the joy of the fullness of the Gospel today. We are so blessed with these simple truths. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we can be together forever. Families are the most important social unity in the world, and I have the best family on Earth. I love you!
Com muito amor sempre e para sempre
Elder Shane B. Lee
That is awesome! It looks like is was a ton of fun! So, how is everything? Everything here is great. I had more companions get their VISA's. I am now on companion number 6, Elder Perry, which I think might be a record in the MTC. So, that language is going well. I feel like I can teach any lesson, and really, explain any gospel principle to a point where they can at least understand what I am trying to say, although, it is still hard to understand people that are native to Brazil. It is awesome though. I have made huge progress, although sometimes it feels like I am not learning anything, but then I look back and think, wow, I have learned a lot. It is awesome. I still cannot believe that I am speaking another language. It is so cool, and I just never thought that I would, especially after taking my Spanish classes :) So, what else is going on? Everything seems to be running really smoothly. There is absolutely no concept of time. It feels like I have just emailed you, but at the same time, it feels like forever ago. Wierd, I know. Sorry that I was fairly limited to my picture taking, I promise that I do more than take light saber pics. I will try to take more for you. So, yeah, I am studying hard, but the language and the gospel, and both at the same time. Teaching is my favorite thing to do, because I speak way better Portuguese when I am teaching somebody about the gospel, and I know that it is because of the Spirit that is in the room, and I can literally feel it directing me, and prompting me what to say. It is the coolest experience. I did get the package. Thank you all for your letters and everything in the package. Perfect Tony, just the knives that I wanted. Abrigado. Also, thank you so much for the new pics on my SD card! I was hoping that you would do that, and it made my day! I love you all sooo much. I was practicing my Portuguese by talking about my family, and it was so hard to capture my feelings in words, and to describe all of you. You are all so different, but there is that thing that is the same, and I do not know exactly what it is or how to describe, much less in Portuguese, but it was a lot of fun to try. Thank you all. You all look like you are growing up so much already! Anyways, allow me to try to catch you up with everything about VISAs. I am hoping to get my VISA soon. It is has about 4-5 weeks since I did my electronic, which means that it could be anytime. When I receive it, I am allowed a 5 minute phone call home to tell you about flight stuff, say hi, and let you know that I am going down to Brazil. So in other words, I will not be in Brazil without you knowing it mom. No worries. There, I think that you are all caught up now. Thank you for the scriptures dad. It is amazing how much the Book of Mormon and other scriptures talk about missionary work. The book of Mormon is alive. I can feel it talking to me as a missionary, not as a teenager, or one who is preparing for a mission, but as a fulltime missionary. It is an incredible work. I cannot wait to hit the field, but at the same time, I feel like my MTC time is going to fast because there is so much to learn!!! But I know that God will help me, and that I will be able to say enough to invite the real teacher and converter, the Espirito Santo. Wow, sorry, that means Holy Ghost. I am pretty much speaking Portuguese all of the time now. It is so cool! I love this language. I walk around the MTC and hear people speaking Spanish, French, and Italian, and I can understand all of them, especially the gospel vocab, but they have a hard time understanding me. It is really fun. We practice doing contacts with people by walking outside and contacting other missionaries, not matter the language. We just translate for them, but when Spanish, French, or Italian Elders contact us, we can understand everything. IT is unreal! Also, Portuguese is really pretty. I guess that you will have to wait for my 5 min call to see for yourselves, but I love it. I also love reading the Portuguese scriptures, although they are hard to understand. Everything that it tricky in the Portuguese language can be found in the scriptures, but it is awesome because you feel the same and similar feelings of the Spirit, bearing witness that the words are true, and also teaching the significance and principles. I still cannot believe that I am a missionary. I feel way too young, but I know that God knows that I am young, and that he will help me grow to be his servant. I also know that I will never be a profitable servant. King Benjamin teaches that no matter what we do, we will never be profitable servants, because we owe more than we can give, and we can never dent the debt that we owe, because every time that we do that which is good, we just receive more blessings. I am thankful to be his servant, but I also recognize my weakness, and that I do owe all that I aim and all that I have. I will continue to be the best unprofitable servant that I can for the rest of my life.
Okay, I am scrambling to type, and I feel like I am all over the place. I have talked with both Sebring and Jordan. It was awesome seeing them! The might army of Spokane is entering the mission field. They will be great missionaries. I also found out that one of the missionaries that received his VISA, but was in my district, and was even one of my companions is the son of Brain Lloyd, the Stake Pres before Grandpa Lee. His name is Elder Jared Lloyd (at least I think that his first name was Jared). I also ran into Elder (I cannot remember his name right now) who is the grandson of John Kennedy (maybe his name, not sure), Grandpa Jenkinson’s friend with the hooked hand. He was one of Uncle Courtney's young men. Sorry about the forgetting of names. I do not have a lot of time left, so I feel like I am cramming to type as fast as possible. S, that is about it for me.
Sorry that you got left at home Caleb, but I wanted to tell you that I am so proud that you are being baptized. I cannot tell you how important it is. You are making a grown up decision, something that I am going to Brazil to teach people about because it is so important. You are going to be baptized! I will write you more in a letter, but I have to go. I Love all of you, and I am always looking forward to you next letters. I love you all, and I want you to know that I know that this gospel is true, that the church is Christ's church, and that it ahs the same authority that was on the Earth when he established his church, and that we have the opportunity to experience the joy of the fullness of the Gospel today. We are so blessed with these simple truths. I am so grateful for the knowledge that we can be together forever. Families are the most important social unity in the world, and I have the best family on Earth. I love you!
Com muito amor sempre e para sempre
Elder Shane B. Lee
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