Day 126

More photos coming (loading, slowwwwly) up:

The "Good Samaritan" of Itaqui. Non-member but we've had several meals at his house. He's known the missionaries for decades. His mother, Anastasia, was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ recently. He, like Brasilians in general, has a ridiculously hilarious sense of humor.

He donated some warm clothes to the missionaries when the cold *really* started arriving. (about now, mornings and nights close to zero degrees celsius).

Gaúcho Spencer. Dressed up at Jaderson and Marieles' house. (Another photo at that house was shared by Drive last week). Mariele competes in various events on horseback. They were amazed at the fact that the Church in Mesa, or rather, Lehi Stake, organizes a sort of rodeo yearly.

Other note: The other elders are also really interested that stakes in the United States have singles wards. I wasn't aware that none of the others had ever heard of them in their own countries (Brasil, Columbia) until a few days ago at lunch.

Elder Marcone and I met an older man named Marcos. Missing one leg below the knee and sitting in his wheelchair. We were able to meet him thanks to being lost. He lives alone, and sadly, lonely, at the very last house of the very last street at one end of Itaqui. Past his house is nothing but dogs, horses, and the wilderness itself.

We listened to his story, and it's a long and troubled one. His family doesn't seem to pay much attention. This Sunday, we tried to bring him to church, with us was the branch president, Joabel. He told us to wait until next week. He did accept a blessing of health and comfort, and really seems to be willing to learn more.

It's a true shame that we, or the missionaries in general, never got around to visiting before now. On the other hand, he lives at the near-end of civilization and doesn't know too many people. He recounted how he recently visited a chapel nearby his house but was met by "expressions of disgust". Also was hesitant about whether our chapel would accomodate someone in a wheelchair. He seemed genuinely surprised to hear that everything was in order. Next week I'm almost sure we'll be able to get him to accompany us. If so I'll try to get a picture. Getting pesquisadores to church is difficult in general...

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O Monumento dos Pioneiros (+ Elder)

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- Elder Hopkinson  :D