Oi Minha Familia,

(9/20/13)  Today I taught my first real Portuguese lesson.  It was to a Brazilian man, about 70.  He doesn’t want to deal with religion but wanted to help us learn português.  It wasn’t a real lesson because he just vented about the world and how much he loves to smoke.  I learned a lot of new vocabulary…you name it, he said it.  He talked non-stop for 50 minutes! Ai!  When we tried to share a scripture, he just kicked us out saying he’ll talk about anything secular but not religious.  That was my preview of Brazil…I’m in for a treat. J  After that, we went to a Dominican barbeque.  So delicious!  I love Dominican food!

(9/23/13)  Today we had our yearly mission conference with Elder Carlson of the Seventy.  It was very enlightening and uplifting.  However, the highlight of the day was teaching a fourteen year old boy.  He is awesome!  Such an inspiration!  He met the missionaries as an 8-year-old but hasn’t seen them since.  He saw us, stopped us, and we taught the Restoration.  He brought out his Book of Mormon, which he had highlighted and explored the past couple of years.  Meeting him has really inspired me to try to show my gratitude more fully to my Father in Heaven for the Restoration of His truth.  I’ve never met a more sincere and genuine teenager and we are excited to see him grow and come closer to Christ.

(9/24/13)  I had some interesting experiences while doing the APF today (Area Proselyting Focus.)  The funniest was talking with a lady of about 65.  She was interested in every aspect of missionary life.  She asked what area of the city we lived in.  We explained that we live in Hunts Point.  You should have seen her face.  She responded, “Oh, Honey, you live in Hunts Point?  Give me that book!  Anyone who comes to New York to share a message and lives in Hunts Point must know it’s true!  I’m going to read this book!”  And then she went on to tell us to “stay safe,” a phrase I heard about 15 times today from strangers…I even had someone offer me a can of pepper spray.  Don’t worry, Mom!!!  Everyone in the South Bronx loves us; even if they don’t want to listen, they say “hello.”  I wouldn’t trade this area for any other part of the mission.  I love it!  We found 5 new investigators tonight and taught five lessons.  This is truly the Lord’s work and I am so glad to be a part of it.

Com amor de todo minha coração,

Elder Mac