Letter #9 / Farewell #1

Dear Family,

I begin this letter by addressing my uncles: Uncle Aaron, you will be pleased to note that you still hold the title of Letter King. Perhaps I'll take the winner to dinner after 2 years. . . Uncle Rich, your letter detailing your 8 month study of pride has led me to begin my own long term study of a gospel principle. I am already loving it, but would be interested in learning how you conducted yours. . . Uncle Zach, you'd be so proud of me. I went 8-1 in v-ball this week with an essentially two man game of domination. set, Set, SPIKE!!! Promise to return with the Family Honor well intact.

Now Aunts: Aunt Jenny and Aunt Janel, thank you so much for your letters. I promise to write back but in the meantime, know that there never were such words to lift you as those of your family. Thanks: )
Business note: Please send all letters to my new Londrina address in the field: )

Which brings me to the absolute highlight of the week, which is saying something for this week. Monday or Segunda-Feira as they say here, was our first chance to go proselyting. I'll send more fine details later, but I'll give you my companion's version here: We had about two hours and several copies of the Book of Mormon with our testimonies written in the back and a number for the area missionaries in the front. We knew how saturated the immediate surrounding area was, so we walked about two miles out, maybe more, and started talking to people. Which, though not scary, was simply so different from everything I had ever done in my previous life. Walk up to a complete stranger and share the things closest to your heart? But that's why I'm here: ) 

The first lady we spoke with was waiting for a bus and though somewhat surprised was immediately interested. She hadn't heard of the church or the Book of Mormon but believed in Christ and we had a short, sweet conversation, leaving her with a book. She was reading it before we said goodbye. We talked to a young, 28ish, man at another bus stop, who also was initially wary of us, but at the mention of a living prophet on the earth you could see the light in his eyes and he became very excited and began asking questions. We answered as best as we could, bore our testimonies and gave him a book as well. He also was reading it intensely as we walked away. The spirit was there, and it was a wonderful experience. 

We handed out five copies and talked to many more than that, including a nice Catholic women (no), a women walking three dogs (no, but invited her to church), a teenage girl recently moved here (yes, and invited to church), the owner of the local paper store (already had one, but we talked awhile), and three heckling drunk, smoking shoeless homeless toothless men yelling quite loudly something about the Mormons (no, no, no, we tried nicely), and various other people. I realized that up till now I've just been warming up to the full realization of a mission. It was one of the most joyful experiences of my life and I get to do that and more everyday now.

Last night we performed our organ/piano duet of 'O Divine Redeemer' to great acclaim and fun. I threw in some dramatic, Phantom of the Opera arm raises at appropriate times, for extra effect. One of my teachers Brother Eric Costa recorded it and put it on his Facebook; find him and you can watch and download it hopefully: )

Well, today was also the last time I'll go to the temple for almost two years. It wasn't sad though. I felt what I imagine the pioneers must have felt in Nauvoo before they began their exodus across the plains: the peace and rest of the Lord, saying, "Peace be unto you, my peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you." Be not weary nor afraid. Draw near unto the Lord and He will draw near unto you. I testify with all my heart that He lives, glorified and resurrected. He stands on the right hand of God and beckons us to come. I am so very grateful for his gospel and His love in my life. And next week I pray I may share it with all I meet. Thank you for your prayers, for your letters and for your love,

Love,

Tanner

p.s.~ Just a fun side note I forgot: There's been an airshow all weekend and all day jets and planes in formation fly out from the nearby airport. They're very close and very loud. And very cool : )

Elder Cummings' mother sent them a pizza party for their last preparation day in the CTM. How cool is she?