Day 77

Nobody knows when exactly we'll be able to make the call on mother's day. It can't really be arranged in advance apparently...

All's well in Itaqui. This week was uniquely fast thanks to zone conference. Total 13 hours traveling there and back by buses and vans (Alegrete).

Recently, the mission president has asked all non English speaking missionaries to study the language every day in the same way that the Americans study Portuguese.

"*All* missionaries will speak two languages by the end of their missions." Every, we now have a dedicated 1.5 hour period for group study, and it’s become something I look forward to every morning.

Finished my first transfer. I happened to arrive during the one yearly 5-week transfer per year. All others are 6. I'm staying in Itaqui for my second and probably third transfers.

However, it's not easily predictable. My companion has been out for a year and a half, and in this town for 6 consecutive months. He's assigned here for one more transfer; when he finishes this one, he'll have spent 8 months in the same area. Naturally, he's feeling claustrophobia settle in (or has felt it already for several months.

I feel fine as of now, and can only imagine what that's like (for now...)

There's a church here and in the surrounding cities called "Quadrangular" (Square). None of the other missionaries have any idea why it has that name, but it was started about 20 years ago by a less-active member. Interestingly, some traces of the Church are still visible (for example, baptisms in white) while others have been totally discarded (baptism by immersion). From my impression, this church reflects more closely with Catholic imagery and tradition, including the cross as central symbolism. We have several investigators belonging to this church, ranging from more enthusiastic followers to those who rarely if ever attend.

My companion's description of a "golden family" applies to Aidelene and her daughter Amanda. They both hold a deep knowledge of the Bible and recognize almost every reference and citation we make from it.Together, they express genuine interest through questions remarkably similar to those directly answered in the first three lessons. They have special interest in the Plan of Salvation.

The monthly goal for Itaqui of 2 monthly baptisms is (according to the others) normally beyond reach, but this month may be different.

At the MTC, I received three Portuguese study books. I left behind the one seemingly least useful, now regretting it. Besides book learning, some things can only be learned through experience.

Regular verbs have a set pattern for conjugating between 6 tenses, while irregulars each have their own set of conjugated forms to memorize. In addition to 6 tenses, are 6 forms of every verb depending on the subject pronoun...

Progress is sometimes slower, but day to day generally steady.

Otherwise, life in Itaqui is quiet (as always). I'm reminded every day how great it is to forget the worries of the world in favor of service and study. Tomorrow marks 3 months passed already. I feel more aware of time now than ever before, but that just seems to move it even more rapidly. Time is lightning.