8.3 and Counting... (4/16/18)

Well, we are officially done with 8 months and 9 days of our mission... but who is counting!! I like to think of it as 9 months and it feels better!

Today I discovered some exciting news... ready??  Papa and I are related (besides being married)!! We are 11th cousins, once removed, through our dads. He, he, he! I love it.  I downloaded the app, Family Tree and if someone near you has the app too, it will tell you how you are related!  Fun!

I also discovered something exciting this week... You all know that I have been intrigued (obsessed really) with my Grandmother´s second husband, Albert Phillip Jenkins.  Well, in doing some research this week, I was reading memories that were entered in Family Search on his line.  From there I got an email address of someone willing to share information about that line, so I wrote her.  I had an email by the next day!  We have had some fun exchanges, but little new information... BUT, I was invited to the Jenkins Family Reunion this summer in Logan.  Lots of people are supposed to be there, so if anyone is interested in attending and looking for information, let me know!

Since I wrote last time, we made another trip back to Riberão Pires to visit their Garden Project this time.  Elder and Sister Barrett went with us.  They are Mental Health Missionaries here.  APRAESPI asked if they would come and talk to their psychologists.  They were interested in knowing how the USA addresses some of the issues they have here.  After shopping for the project, taking a tour to see the progress and eating lunch, we met with the team from the school.  There were 10 of us.  We met for about 2 hours and discussed issues that the 2 countries have in common.  It was very interesting.  I was able to share information from my years of teaching, too.  Brought back a lot of memories!  People seem to be the same everywhere, with the same kinds of problems!

Sister Dow (Wheelchair Specialist, that we work with from the States) and I have been planning to give our friends at APRAESPI a special gift.  Sister Dow went home and made 6 aprons, bought 6 bags of chocolate chips and 6 gift bags.  They brought them to me on their last trip here, a couple of weeks ago.  I added 2 crocheted pot holders, a recipe to make chocolate chip cookies, and a little bag of the finished cookies to each bag.  I was able to deliver 5 out of the 6 bags, and they loved them!  They have done so many nice things for us, that it felt great to do something special for them.

Papa continues to work on the Wheelchair Projects...among other things....., still "pushing the string up the hill"!!  Papa and I have also been asked to teaching the Marriage and Family Relationship class at church.  Sunday was our first week.  Actually, Papa does all the work and preparation, since it is in Portuguese, but I was able to participate just enough!

I´ve spent a lot of time on the finances for our missionaries at the border with the "Venezuelano" refugees.  Trying to reconcile $10,000 dollars worth of cash receipts.... Everyday is a new adventure!!

We are loving life and are grateful to be able to serve with these wonderful peopled!!  

Love to each and every one of you! 

Papa and Gma  

"The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment!" - Marvin J. Ashton

5 minute rain storm in São Paulo!  We ducked into a restaurant and the water was gone by the time we were done!

APRAESPI's new garden project... they have two goats at the far end to keep the grass "mowed"!

New shed built by APRAESPI (with their own funds) for the project

Meeting of psychologists... and us!

Papa Made It Into the Paper! (4/13/18)

Pickleball Adopted as Sport in APRAESPI Curriculum

Translation:

Apraespi (Ribeirão Pires Association for the Prevention, Specialized Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities) presented another innovation in its service with the implementation of pickleball - a sport similar to tennis - in the list of therapeutic methods and in the School Physical Education classes specialized. The sport was created in the United States and brought to Ribeirão Pires last year by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, partners of the association in social projects.

It all started when missionary Ray Anderson (the church's social project leader in the area) was at Apraespi coordinating a wheelchair donation program and commented on pickleball. The professionals of the Association were curious and were invited to play a game. The multi-disciplinary rehabilitation team noted the potential of this modality to help students and patients.

If used as therapy, pickleball improves balance, motor coordination and patient reflexes. Inserted in the school curriculum, the sport is fun to play and strengthens fellowship among students. Because it is still new in Brazil, Apraespi aims to encourage the emergence of athletes who compete professionally in the sport, including in Paralympic tournaments.

Pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Can be played individually or in pairs. Players use solid rackets made of wood or composite materials to hit perforated polymer ball over a net. The sport shares characteristics of other racket sports, the dimensions and layout of badminton court and rules similar to tennis. It was invented in the 1960s as a children's backyard pastime, but has become one of the most popular sports in the United States and Canada.

Papa's Thoughts: Brazil North Mission Experiences (3/27/18 through 4/7/18)

What follows is from email conversations between Papa and various members of the Brazil North Mission in preparation for their 50th reunion:

3/27/18

Just a quick observation that some Brazil North Mission Alumni may or not know.  It was Elder Spencer W. Kimball (as an Apostle) that pushed for opening the Brazil North Mission in mid-1968.  There was reluctance by some members of the Quorum of the Twelve at the time, as well much discussion. 

Of course, the Lord knew the time was right and Elder Kimball was His advocate for opening the mission.  

In my mind, it was no coincidence that President Kimball was also the Lord’s mouthpiece on June 1, 1978 for fulfilling assurances that many of us made in our seventh and final palestra (aka, the “Genealogy Lesson”). 

As Brazil North Mission Alumni, we are privileged to have witnessed in  an “up close and personal” way fulfillment of latter-day prophecy regarding the priesthood being extended to all worthy male members of the Church.  

Although I don’t publicly share the “Genealogy Lesson,” I continue to have a testimony of the scriptures and principles we taught in the lesson.

The bottom line of the Genealogy Lesson in my mind was (and still is):  “Achieving our full potential as sons and daughters of God is NOT a matter of black and white, but a matter of ‘dark or bright,’ based on principles we choose to live.”

I bear my witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel.  

I’m still working on “day-to-day implementation” of the principles, but thanks my “Senior Companion” and best friend (my wife, Marilyn), progress is being made!

3/28/18
Our family lived in Brazil from 1976-1980 on an expatriate assignment with a large U.S. bank at the time.  We helped build concrete bricks used in the construction of the temple and were here for an area conference presided by President Kimball.  He visited again for the dedication of the temple.  

Marilyn and I both were both temple workers to accommodate the original rush of people from all over South America that came in droves to be endowed.  

The Brazil North Mission changed the course of my life and destiny of an entire continent, if not the world.  

When asked about the importance of Brazil to the Church in the news conference after the First Presidency was announced, his response was:  “Brazil is the seed bed of future leadership of the Church.”   

I guess the Prophet could say the same thing about the youth of all countries of the earth, but the Church in Brazil is on the move.  It’s influence for good in the country is dis-proportionate to its size. 

We never cease to be amazed at the changes in the Church and country now from the time I here in 1969-71 as a young missionary in the recently opened Brazil North Mission, and our family’s time here in 1976-80.  And the work goes on at an ever-quickening pace.  

One of the biggest contrasts that comes to my mind is Forteleza.  When I served there in late 1970, there were 10 members, 3 chickens and a Papa Gaio that attended meetings in the make-shift chapel in Dona Chaginha’s home.  Now there are 2 missions, 20 stakes and a temple nearing completion. 

I still have fond memories of crystal clear Nordeste nights, sleeping in a rede, listening to the sounds of Elder David Hymas and Elder Reed Nelson snoring, and Brad Shepherd playing Santa Claus at our branch Christmas Party.  

There are also other hazy recollections of improvised boogie boards on the perfectly-safe beach across from the Clube Náutica, where we played basketball on P-Days.  I’m sure those beach memories were purely heat-induced hallucinations easily dispelled by an “estupidamente bem-gelada” Guaraná Brama or Antarctica. We survived.  The work thrives.  The gospel changes countries, as well as lives. 

4/7/18
Thank you for clarifying the date of President Hinckley’s visit in 9/70. I thought it was in June or July because it was relatively cool in Brasilia. 

I was serving in Belo Horizonte at the time. The all-night bus ride to Brasilia was a memorable adventure.

I remember sitting next to Elder Richards and reading the book by Elder Eyring’s father entitled “Science & Mormonism.” The book is no longer in print, but it sure made an impression on my 20 year old mind.

What I remember most about the Q&A session of the conference was the question we all had, but only one Elder had the audacity to ask. I don’t remember the Elder that asked the question, but the answer was very powerful.

My paraphrased version of the exchange is presented below.

The essence of the question was:

“As an apostle, you are a special witness of Jesus Christ. Have you seen him in person?”

I remember the room becoming so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop.

After what seemed like minutes, but I’m sure was only a few seconds, Apostle Hinckley responded in a calm, quiet, but resolute voice:

“Elder, there are spiritual manifestations that are much more powerful than physical manifestations.”

Apostle Hinckley then proceeded to bear his witness that Jesus is the Christ, the head of His Church and the Savior of mankind.

As Apostle Hinckley spoke, I remembering receiving a “very real” personal “spiritual manifestation” that he referred to in his answer to the Elder’s question. That “manifestion” remains indelibly imprinted in every fiber of my being.

All good teachers use “visual aids” to illustrate their point, but Apostle Hinckley’s response was my first experience of someone using a “spiritual aid” to vividly illustrate a principle!

General Conference (4/2/18)

Hello to our wonderful family!

I wanted to share some of my feelings on conference!! I have never felt anything like what I felt the last 2 days. When you looked into President Nelson´s eyes, you could not only feel the spirit, his eyes radiated intense light. I KNOW he is a prophet called of God.

When Elder Bednar was here he said, “Fasten your seat belts, conference is going to be amazing”… that was an understatement!! None of us were prepared for the “whiplash” we received! Can´t wait to watch as the Lord´s work moves forward at an even faster pace than before… great time to be alive.

Now the challenge is to not forget what we all felt the last two days… remember to write down your feelings and read them often!! Look for ways you can serve and love others around you, just as Christ did. Many are hurting and just need someone to show them a little Christ like love. Make it a great week! 

Papa Comments:

I share Gma´s feelings regarding conference. I don´t ever recall a conference like this one. The bar has been raised, the Lord is “hastening His work.” We, as a covenant people, have been taught what we need to do to establish Zion in our homes, communities and, eventually, in the world.

I’ve always had the distinct impression that the millennium wouldn’t be ushered in solely because of cataclysmic events culminating in Christ´s second coming. I’ve always felt that it would be (at least in part) the result of good people of all faiths (throughout the earth) gathering together in places of safety and refuge to live principles of the terrestrial gospel.

As I listened to the Prophet, I too observed the light in his eyes. The Holy Ghost bore witness in my heart and mind of President Nelson´s divine calling, the truthfulness of his counsel, and the wisdom of the changes announced.

As I listened to President Nelson´s concluding comments in the Sunday afternoon session, the thought came to my mind that the suit, tie, hair, counsel and spirit would have been identical if the Savior was presiding. (Well, some of us may have needed to put on sunglasses, but you get what I mean.)

I add my witness to Gma´s that the gospel has been restored in its fulness and the Savior leads this great and marvelous latter-day work through His prophet Russell M. Nelson. How do Gma and I know this? The same way you do. The Holy Ghost confirmed it vividly to our hearts and minds in the spiritual outpouring we all experienced this last Saturday and Sunday.

One of President Nelson´s concluding comments that particularly penetrated my heart was: “Knowing where the seven new temples will be located does nothing for us. Being in the temple more often will.” Twice a month is our minimum goal. We hope you join us.

We love each and every one of you Handerdum Clan members more than words can express. You have blessed our lives eternally. We are grateful to be you parents, grandparents, friends, as well as your brother and sister in Christ.

We look forward to moving forward in faith (jointly with you) to “raise the bar, increase unity and turn up the light” of the gospel to implement the counsel received in General Conference last weekend. 

Love,

Grandma & Papa

Time Flies When You Are Having Fun (3/28/18)

Hello family,

Time flies when you are having fun… or traveling a lot!! Both have been the case for us in the last couple of weeks. Now we are back home and back to the office, so it is time to catch up with overdue emails and work.

On 3/14 at 3:14 pm we celebrated "Pi" Day with the other seniors. There are a lot of excellent cooks here, including some of the men… I took my “vegetable pie” (Quiche)… I went for safe! Fun tradition to have on the 14th.

Pi Day

We left São Paulo that afternoon - March 14th full of “pie” and met the Dows (Wheelchair Specialists for Brazil and Southeast Africa) from the States, at the airport. We flew together to Macapá, which is in the state of Amapá near the Northern tip of the country. We were surprised to see that our hotel was right on the Amazon River… I thought that was so cool! We also discovered that the city of Macapá is right on the equator, so after one of our meetings, we drove to the equator so that we could see it. It wasn´t overly hot there, as I had expected and when we mentioned that to someone, they told us it was still winter there! Still working on wrapping my mind around that one! I thought that when you were on the equator it was hot ALL the time. Our meetings were great and we were able to set up 2 weeks of WHO wheelchair training for physical therapists in June… that WILL be summer, so I´ll let you know just how hot it can get on the equator! We will have 2 trainers come from the USA for the training. Our last training was in Riberão Pires.

Amazon River

Aerial view of the Amazon

Flying from Macapá to Porto Alegre

Beautiful Brazilian clouds for Emi

The Equator

Northern - Southern hemisphere kiss!

An egg will balance perfectly on the equator!

Meeting with the National President of FENAPAES in Brasilia

The Equator: This was 4 days before Vernal Equinox (3/20/18). That is the point in which the center of the visible sun is directly over the equator. This happens 2 times a year. Day time and night time are of equal duration over the entire planet. In 4 days the sun would shine directly through the circle on top of the tower pictured above. 

On 3/17, we flew to the southern-most state of Rio Grande do Sul for meetings in Porto Alegre. We had an enjoyable Sunday dinner meeting at the Stake President´s home with his wife and 2 darling sons. On Monday morning (3/19), we had a productive meeting with the Santa Maria Specialized Rehabilitation Center (“CER”) of FEAPAES-RS. We will most likely sign a partnership contract with them in June or July. 

Sunday dinner with Stake President Alexandre da Silveira’s family in Porto Alegre

After our Monday morning meeting, we flew from Porto Alegre to Brasilia. The next morning (3/20) we had a meeting scheduled with the President of the National Federation of Friends and Relatives of People with Special Needs (“FENAPAES”). Finding the address of our meeting was interesting. A very futuristic town. Things are laid out in sectors… all the hotels are in one sector, governmental buildings are in another… banks are in another, residences in another sector, etc. Churches could be wherever! It took us forever to find where we were meeting. Before heading to the airport, the Taxi driver showed us around a little. The town is laid out like an airplane with the main section (fuselage) and the wings… I felt like we were in the capital of that book, ¨The Hunger Games¨!

We returned home late on the 3/20. “Girl´s Night Out” was the next night! We had a great time visiting and learned how to fold napkins….Papa would have loved it!

On the 24th, Papa and Elder Barrett drove to Riberão Pires for a Pickleball game with our friends at ARAESPI. Papa gave the school a second Pickleball set with balls and paddles.

On the 26th Papa and I drove 5 hours to Batatais, where we had a closing ceremony on the 3/27. 206 wheelchairs were given out to 17 different organizations. One of the recipients turned out to be a church member with Spina Bifida. Maisa Vitoria is a 13 year-old cutie… her mom kept saying that she didn´t know that the Church did things like this!

Maísa and her mother in Batatais in her new wheelchair!

We were able to stop on the way home at the home of Brazil's most famous artist, Candido Portinari.

The home

Portinari's art

Then we drove the 5 hours home, but not before stopping at the Sam´s Club in Riberão Preto. Papa stayed in the car and took a nap!! I had a ball shopping!

Today is the 28th and we finally got to the office at 3:30! Hard to get our bodies moving today!

Happy Easter and Conference this weekend. Love to each and everyone of you!

Papa and Gma

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” - Mother Teresa

The Dows and the Cuellars. He was our bishop here 39 years ago!

Here are links to a couple of fun equinox videos:  

1. https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=appattach-s&p=equinox+video#id=12&vid=224c394ca5aacd29907aeb0b5086b18
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enlih8M5DN0