Hey family,
This is kind of a short letter, but I'll try to pack it with as much info as possible. First of all, I could totally read your letter in Portuguese and it was easy because it didn't follow any of the rules in Portuguese so that was fun. Also, this week we are preparing someone for a baptism on the 22nd which is cool. We had another one, but we don't know if she will be ready by then. When we told her that, she actually got kinda mad at us saying that she had been learning this stuff for three years and wants to be baptizedon the 22nd. I thought, "Hey, not a problem. Then we will just give you the interview questions and see what you know." Sometimes you have to be careful what you ask for with the missionaries, because you might be biting off more than you can handle. But hey, if she passes, then no problem. I will get in the font myself and baptize her. I'm not going to stand in the way of someone's eternal salvation. ha ha ha.
It's good to hear about what's going on in the ward and congratulations to Anthony (does he know he might see George while he is out there?) Anyway, the smile looks good enough to baptize! ha ha ha. As for helping someone quit smoking (or chocolate for that matter), a good source of strength is the Book of Mormon. Take it with you wherever you go and read it every time you feel the urge to smoke. Or tape a picture of the Savior to the box of cigarettes so you can remember the covenant you made when you entered the water. The covenant of baptism is to signify a new life so it won't be easy, but the pay off will be worth it. If she starts a sport, that is directly effected by smoking. That's a good reminder not to do it (like running). It helps you lose weight and keeps you away from harmful things because it takes a lot of work to get to the point you are at. Also, having a friend going through something like that at the same time helps you not lose hope. Let her know that the Savior suffered all for her and understands her struggle. At the very least, do it for your new family, be an example to them and they will grow and be fortified because of the strength that you show. Do not give place for those things that would destroy what you have worked so hard to build. If she still has trouble, have her read D&C 122. It has a good point in there about the atonement and how we can use it to overcome our daily struggles. If all else fails, do service for another person and the Lord will bless you with strength to overcome. It's really quite amazing how you may not feel like you have strength to overcome your own obstacle, but with a little effort you can help others overcome their own and by doing so receive blessing to help you with yours. Remember that prayers are usually answered through the actions of others, so don'tbe afraid to do a little work. Remember, charity never faileth (I think that is the Relief Societiy's motto). I promise that you can overcome anything through this principle and at large your problem can be solved through the pure love of Christ, but you have to turn outward and help someone else before you can help yourself sometimes.
We had a wedding this weekend at our chapel and it was awesome. All of the elders were helping the mashamba mamas cook and they are a hoot ha ha ha. I ate a peri peri pepper straight on and it was super hot and everybody laughed when I started to ask for water, but hey, that's what you do when you are at a party in a foreign country, you ask for the hottest thing on a plate and you eat it while everyone takes a video on their phone! ha ha ha ha ha. It's how you build trust....
By the way, thanks for the pictures. They are great, I love the weight lifting one and the elf is funny! ha ha ha
Um, I haven't received any packages yet because I think they are waiting till our Christmas get together to do that, but I will be looking for it. Thank you for all of those that sent money. It is really appreciated and I will put it to good use. It really means a lot and I know it is something you don't have to do.
This is my third transfer in this area and it's a little early to be thinking about transfers, but I hope that I can have the chance to see more of Mozambique this next time.
Anyway, I will talk more next time and good luck your New Year's resolutions! ha ha ha
Love Elder Proksch
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