I Have Chocolate!

Ola!

Okay, wow, today has been crazy!  ha ha ha. This morning we woke up super early to get to the Internet cafe but to no avail.  The guy that was supposed to open it ended up coming an hour late and when we got in the power was out.  So feeling a little defeated, we left towards the city in hopes that we might find a different place to do our Internet stuff, but again we couldn't find anywhere that was open or was at a decent price to actually get in the door for more than five minutes.  We then walked around the city looking for a place to write to our families, but again had no luck.  We then went to the store to buy  our food for the week and do Internet later.  Half way through our shopping my companion and Elder Gergets (another elder in the house) wanted to go to a different store and buy food there and get milk since the milk there was like the milk back in the US.  I didn't have a problem with this because the prices are cheaper there for most of the stuff I like to buy (by the way, how am I doing on the money side of hings?  I don't want to be over stressing you guys in that department and I will do anything I can to help).  Anyway,  during that process we got lost on our way to the different shop.  That was funny, if it wasn't kinda sad.  So needless to say, after getting home, we were all kind of tired.  We still had to write, so we went to the first nearest cafe and it only had two computers.  Two missionaries stayed there and the rest of us ended up at a cafe that had only two functioning computers.  We had to wait for the two computers to clear.  The adversary is really trying to break me down today, but I couldn't be more happy because, I HAVE CHOCOLATE !!!!!!!!  

This week has been interesting.  My companion keeps convincing himself that the area suffers every time someone doesn't progress in the gospel or what we teach them.  I want to tell him that it doesn't work that way and he needs to wait because these are people too.  At the same time, I get frustrated at the branch here because we have a couple of members who are obsessed with their ability to cast out demons and that can tend to be the topic in some classes.  I thought it might be a good idea to do a training in the next couple of weeks or so, if I am still here, and make a difference in the branch.  The other missionaries in the house chalk up the disorganization of the branch to lack of experience and I agree.  It's kinda the same thing I think you are familiar with the fact that people can see the problem, but won't do anything about it.  The other missionaries said that we should try to leave the branch a little better than we found it not fix it completely because that takes time (and I agree) but just try hard to make a simple change so its better than when you left it.  I think I have a way to do so, but it's hard to find support some times.  Anyway, as you can see this occupies my mind a lot, just for the sheer fact that eventually we have to bring investigators to church and it would be nice if our members stayed on the gospel principles that they were supposed to so we can build on that the next lesson instead of trying to undo a thought process.  I can be patient with investigators, that's no problem.  I understand they are trying to learn, but the members are to be trying to be examples like it says in Mosiah 18.  That being said, I know the gospel is perfect, not the members.  Sorry, I had to get that out of my system.  

Thank you so much for all the info on everybody.  It's good to kinda know what's going on outside the mission.  I hope Britton is doing OK.  He's going to have to walk around like an old man for a while. ha ha ha.  But, I seriously hope he gets better.  I know he will love field orientation, it only gets better after that.  It's also good to hear from Kyle and his adventures. I can't help but think that he's running from the Gestapo or whatever they have over there.  I just hope his companion doesn't get deported.  That wouldn't be good (prayers and thoughts go out to you guys).

I hope Reid can acquire some of that girl's skill sets like diligence and a knack for study.  Focus on his preparations for his mission, at the very least... eu estou pedir que ele via ler o livro de moromon, and I am writing it in Portuguese because it is more difficult and I want him to know I mean business. This book is no joke, you will be asking people everyday to change their lives based on the writings of people they may not yet believe in.  Everything hinges on it, so maybe every day before you lay down to sleep read a chapter please!!!!!  It will do wonders for you in all aspects of your life if you will just read it  (I can only beg so much ).  As for my older brother Alex, I know you have read this book many a times but I am asking you to search out the meaning of charity, look for it and ponder what it has to offer.  These things were written by a man watching the destruction of his people.  He could have chosen to write about anything, but he chose to write about charity, faith and hope.  I don't think I have to spell out his name for you to know who I am talking about.  Search after these things.  You don't have to write every week but at least do this.  If you take the time to spend time with the Lord he will take the time to spend it with you and what more could you ask for from a being that created all that you are and everything you use love and enjoy in this life.  Give thanks daily, so that you don't forget who you are because he will never forget.

 

Thank you for remembering my birthday I have a hard time believing it is already that time of the year again.  I now have a fifth of a century under my belt and I can only remember half of it ha ha ha ha. I don't have any real plans for my birthday but I was hoping that I might be able to get transferred out of the area only for the fact that I want to see more of Mozambique than just the capital.  Really, that's the only thing I really want for my b-day (oh and a letter or two if its not to much to ask).  But yea I am starting to get close to the 6 month mark and I am beginning to realize how fast time is flying. I know it will only get faster and I need to do my best to fulfill my purposehere.

I really appreciate all the letters and pictures you guys send.  My bike riding skills are going to suck when I get back so I am going to need the help of Charlie and the rest of the gang to get me back into shape.... definitely sign people up for the bike ride .

 

I love you all and hope you have a smooth week.

Love Elder Proksch