Mission Accomplished! (1/12/19)

Coming off the plane after a long trip

Welcome Home!

Mission Summary: "Cadornas, Comida, Cadeiras" With a Pickleball Bonus! (1/7/19)

*Update (1/8/19): FYI.  The Area Presidency just approved the Maiãpi donation.  We are doing a “happy dance!”*

Senior Missionaries cannot change the world in 18-months, but they can make a difference in a few focused projects.  Our efforts were concentrated in three main areas:

1. Codornas:  “European Pheasants” to supplement diet and income for 26 member families in the impoverished Northeastern Region (“Nordeste”) of Brazil.
2. Comida:  Equipment and supplies to help 25 member families in the coastal lowlands of São Paulo become more self-reliant by raising food in home gardens.
3. Cadeiras de Rodas:  Coordinated launch of LDS Charities wheelchair initiative in Brazil by partnering with local rehabilitation centers.  Once trained (by LDS Charities trainers) in the World Health Organization wheelchair standards, partners assessed, prescribed and delivered wheelchairs to needy individuals with mobility challenges.  The goal was not just to donate wheelchairs, but to reduce misery, improve the quality of life and increase self-reliance of beneficiaries.  Our vision was to “bring the physically impaired out of the shadows, into the light.”  

As a “bonus,” we introduced Pickleball to our local Brazilian ward (Morumbi) and staff/students of our “pioneer” wheelchair partner (APRAESPI). 

Our two most unique projects were:

1. Vision-impaired “pilot” initiative (in partnership with our blind friend, Norm Gardner of Orem, Utah). 
   • We brought down three hand-held Victor Reader Stream (“VRS”) devices. 
   • These devices, combined with programming done by Brother Gardner, allows vision-impaired members to “search the scriptures,” sing hymns, bless the sacrament and study Church curriculum materials. 
2. Unexpected visit to a remote Amerindian tribe (Maiãpi) in the northern state of Amapá in conjunction with the LDS Charities wheelchair initiative. 
   • The tribe of 1,250 members has 8 children and one elderly member that cannot walk. 
   • What started as a visit to the small town of Pedra Branca resulted in a visit to the nearest Amerindian village (which was 6 hours north of Macapá).
   • The visit spawned a related project to donate a 23’ aluminum, flat-bottomed river boat (with 15 hp Yamaha outboard motor) to provide emergency transportation from remote villages to the nearest government Medical Outpost. 
   • At present, it takes 3-5 days for members of the most remote villages to receive emergency medical care. 
   • Both the wheelchair and emergency transportation donations are being reviewed by the Brazil Area Presidency. 

Looking through the rear view mirror, our mission to Brazil as Area Welfare Specialists was the “right call, to right place, at the right time.”

We look forward to continuing our “eternal mission” in the U.S.A. as husband and wife, parents and grandparents.

See you soon!

Luv,

Papa & Gma

So This Is What Heaven Will Be Like! YM/YW Reunion (1/6/19)

The YM/YW we worked with 40-years ago have a WhatsApp group to stay connected.  There are about 80 members of the group. 

A reunion was held last night (1/5/18) in the Yamaguchi home in Vila Sonia.  Brother Yamaguchi became the Young Men Leader after we returned to the States in 1980.  He is now the Stake Patriarch and continues to love this special group of “youth” just like we do. 

Most of the group now have children and grandchildren of their own. Many remain active members and leaders in the Church. One (Darcy Medeiros) “graduated” four years ago. 

Everyone wanted to know about our children.  The group has fond memories of Shannon, Shayne, Rebequinha and “o nene” Ryan.  

We were always impressed with how the Brazilian youth had fun just being together, sharing their talents, and sharing their love of the gospel. It was no different last night. 

We sang.  We laughed.  We cried. We shared our testimonies.  We reminisced.  It was like we had never been apart.  

We all agreed that, after this life, our reunion will most likely be very similar to last night.  D&C 130:2 corroborates this fact:

“And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.”

Amen!

Some of our "youth."

Tuca (Shayne’s buddy) and his mom

Mom, Celinha (one of our babysitters), and Erica Mesquita

Sandrinha (another babysitter) and Celinha’s mom.  (Selene, Sandra’s Sister, organized the reunion.)

Brother & Sister Mesquita 

Newton, Graça and Erica Mesquita

“Tocando em Frente” [“Keep It Going”](by Almir Satar).  Brazilian song about “Life,” sung by Brother Yamaguchi and Celinha’s husband, with group joining in. (Search for It on “YouTube.”)

Rough Translation:

I walk slower now because I’ve hurried too much in the past. I chose to smile because I’ve cried enough.

I am stronger, happier, knowing who I am [child of God].
The more I learn, the more I realize I know nothing at all.

I love the treats of mornings, the taste of pasta and of apples.
It takes love to live.
It takes peace to smile.
It takes rain to bloom.

Living is coming to understand the [gospel] path and then keep moving along.
Just like an old cowboy herding his cattle.
We carry on even though the road is hard and long;
For it is on this road that I belong.

Everyone loves. Everyone cries
One day we are together.
The other, we'‘re gone.
Each of us writes their own story.
Each of us can achieve our potential.
We can all have joy....if we keep moving on.
(The English doesn’t do the song justice.)

Our lives intertwine with countless others as we learn, love and serve throughout this mortal adventure.

Friends and families are forever.

Luv,
Papa

Pickleball Will Live On in the Morumbi Ward! (1/6/19)

New Year’s Pickleball tournament.  

Winner takes home Pickles .  (Runner-up gets chocolate.)  

Brazilians are fierce competitors.  They hate pickles, but play hard for the “winners trophy” just the same. 

Visit Down Memory Lane at “Portal do Morumbi” (1/6/19)

The trees are a lot taller and landscaping more mature than we lived in Portal do Morumbi in 1978-80), but the concrete apartment buildings and recreational facilities are still the same.  

Every Sunday we would have “daddy/daughter” and “daddy/son” walks around the super-safe grounds of this complex.  There were rocks to climb, forest trails to follow and other adventures to explore.

We moved to Portal after mom found a woman rummaging through the “porch master bedroom” of our quaint home on Rua São José in Santo Amaro. 

In Portal, we lived on the 19th floor of Edifício Flamboyant. Since Portal is located on a hilltop, there was always a cool breeze and a beautiful view of São Paulo.  

Of course, we can’t forget our pet parrot.  George loved to follow the children around the apartment.  Poor George (i.e. new cage; large beak; big thirst; small opening to water source).  

Rec center

Flamboyant in the background

Lots of orchids

I can see why wealthy people spend a lot of money to create tropical greenhouses in North America to grow orchids. 

Até logo Portal do Morumbi.  Thanks for your role in raising our family  

Luv,

Papa

Até Logo Beco de Batman (1/6/19)

Elder and Sister Ketcheson (Roger and Linda) hadn’t been to Batman Alley, so of course we offered to take them. After all, we want to make sure that future Senior Missionaries don’t overlook this truly unique corner of São Paulo. 

 

Batman Alley is our favorite site in São Paulo. 

Luv, 

Papa

West Office Mission (1/6/19)

This West Mission Office used to be the home of Elder Faust and Elder Bangueter. Both of these men were an important part of our first Brazilian experience. Elder Faust and his wife remained part of our life until they passed away.

TOUR OF MISSION OFFICE 

December 17, 2018 

Elder James E. Faust lived here as a young missionary (1939 – 1942). 

The first Stake in Brazil was organized in São Paulo in 1966 by Spencer W. Kimball.

Elder Faust (1975 - 1977) presided over the Brazil area of the Church, and during his tenure the São Paulo Temple was announced.

Elder Faust became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles October 1, 1978 and continued as president of the International Mission.

Wm. Grant Bangerter served in Brazil as a young missionary (1939 – 1941). Not only did he and Elder Faust serve in the same mission at the same time, they were companions!

Elder Bangerter presided over three missions: Brazil (1958 -1963), Portugal (1974-1975), and the International Mission (1975-1977).

Elder Bangerter became an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (Apr. 4, 1975 – Oct. 1 1976).

Elder Bangerter served as a member of the First Quorum of Seventy (Oct. 1, 1976 – Apr. 5, 1989).

Elder Bangerter returned to Brazil as Area Supervisor, replacing Elder James E. Faust, July 7, 1977 – January 1978. It was then he lived in this house.

Elder Bangerter had 4 children (1 died at birth) with his first wife, Mildred and 7 with his second wife, Geraldine, including Julie Beck, past General Relief Society President. Three of his children were born while he was President of the Brazil Mission, Peggy Brasilia, Glenn Paulo, and Layne Rio. Paulo presided over the Brazil Salvador South Mission and Elder Greg Biddulph’s brother, Michael, took his place. Another son, Howard Kent is currently presiding over the Piracicaba Mission and will be released the same day as President Thomas.

In November of 1977 Elder Bangerter was stricken with a serious disease, he thought it was Scarlet Fever, it turned out to be Lepto Spirosis, a disease that is transmitted through the urine of rats. It affected his kidneys, brain, skin and digestive system, he had encephalitis, nephritis, myocarditis, and meningitis. Every day he would walk on the sidewalk on the side of mission home, barefoot, for exercise.

In April of this year President Paulo Bangerter and his wife, who were here for a Mission President’s Conference, brought another Mission President and his wife to the office and gave them a tour of the buildings and told them many stories of his childhood here.

He said this was the first MTC in South America.

In June of this year President Howard Bangerter visited the office with 3 of his sisters and 1 brother-in-law. They talked non-stop as they walked through the office and other buildings, about their experiences of living here as children. They remembered many General Authorities who stayed here. Some of them include: O. Leslie Stone, Gene R. Cook, Hartman Rector Jr., David B. Wirthlin, Mark E. Peterson, Bruce R. McConkie, James E. Faust, Joseph Fielding Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, Harold B. Lee, and Gordon B. Hinckley. One day one of the young boys, about 8 years old was struggling practicing the piano. Elder Gene R. Cook sat by his side and gave him some pointers, and before long he became a very accomplished piano player. They remember them and the missionaries playing ping pong.

They called the bathroom in the entry way, the “Throne Room”, because it had a gold colored toilet.

On June 8, 1978 Elder Bangerter was in his office, on the south side of the entrance door, when the first phone call was made to Brazil announcing the change in policy that all worthy males could receive the Priesthood. Elder Bruce R. McConkie was the caller.

New historical marker in front of West Mission Home

A MISSIONARY HOUSE 

This house is a symbol of the growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and a remembrance of the missionaries and leaders of the Church who have served in this country.

One of the first missionaries of the Church in Brazil was Elder James E. Faust. By the time he arrived in 1939, there were less than two hundred members across the country. He returned to Brazil from 1975 to 1977 as Area Supervisor. During this assignment he lived in this house, which he helped buy for the Church. For a time, this house was the headquarters of the Church in Brazil, and in subsequent years several General Authorities of the Church lived here before it became the home and office of a mission.

In a later period of his life, Elder Faust made frequent visits to Brasil, as Apostle and Counselor in the First Presidency. In recognition for a lifetime of service in Brazil, the members affectionately called him, The Brazilian Apostle”, and the Sao Paulo City Council granted him the honorary title of “Cidadao Paulistano”. At the time of his death, in 2007, Elder Faust had watched the Church grow in Brazil until it had more than one million members. This growth was for him “a cause of great admiration and wonder” and a testimony that it “is the work of God”.

Posted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2018

'Tis the Season to Be Jolly, Cuz We're Comin' Home Soon, By Golly! (12/16/18)

We’ve submitted “Closing Reports” for our last four projects. Mom submitted her financial reports for the last three months.  I submitted the December Wheelchair Program Report.  Just one more financial report and wheelchair report to do before we come home on January 11th!!

In addition to finishing reports, this last week included “Gringo Geezer Bottle Band” performances at the Area Office Christmas Party and Neighborhood Christmas Sing-In.  (The Bottle Band was not quite as good as last year’s “Gringo Geezer Samba Band,” but it was still a hit.)

The final major event this last week was writing a Christmas message for the employee Christmas party at APRAESPI.  We also translated the words from Star Bright to Portuguese in order to sing it at the APRAESPI party.  

The music instructor at APRAESPI and practiced the song before the party so we could sing it together for the employees.  

One of the APRAESPI Directors (Marcos) read a “simplified” translated introduction to the song and all 250+ attendees at the party joined in singing the “only carol” about the “First Christmas in the Americas.”  Katia (the music teacher) accompanied Star Bright (“Estrela de Luz” in Portuguese) on her guitar.  It was pretty good given the circumstances.

It was a simple way to share our testimony regarding the Book of Mormon.  Now I just have to find a Tupi Guarani legend as a “second witness” to comments we made.  Perhaps we can leave that part up to the Holy Ghost.  

The one thing for sure is that Brazilians, in general, are anticipating the Savior’s “second coming,” just as we are.  Brazilians may not all be members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but the vast majority are “latter-day saints” of the “Church of the Lamb” as defined by Nephi (see I Nephi 14: 10-14). 

Our final role in the APRAESPI Christmas party was to stage a surprise visit as “Santa’s Helpers.”  (Repeat of previous week’s role in Morumbi ward Christmas party.).  

Since the Santa Helper suit ripped-out in the crotch, Santa’s helper quickly learned to sit with his legs discreetly positioned for photos.  (I had blue basketball shorts underneath.  Everyone knows Santa’s Helpers wear red basketball shorts, so I didn’t want anyone to stop believing.)

For next Sunday, our bishop asked Senior Missionaries in our ward to introduce “Star Bright” (in Portuguese) to the ward as part of the Christmas sacrament meeting.   

“Star Bright” is in the Spanish Primary Songbook, but it is not in the Portuguese Songbook and is not known to Church members in Brazil. 

The Portuguese translation will be distributed as the song is introduced from the pulpit before the rest hymn. We will then sing it in English and then have the congregation join in Portuguese.  

With President Nelson’s counsel to accelerate our preparation for the second-coming, “Star Bright” has special significance.  We hope to see it become more popular in Brazil and in the rest of the Americas. 

“A True Millennial is a man or woman who lives now to help prepare the people of this world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and His millennial reign. Make no mistake about it—you were born to be a True Millennial.”  —President Russell M. Nelson

"Paella" Christmas party with Liar's family (APRAESPI)   

Papa loved the seafood

"Bottle band" music - with Sister Call

Friends at the ward Christmas party

Senior "bottle band" and singing with the Area President's (Marcos A. Aidukaitis) help on the bells!

APRAESPI Christmas party with lots of "Ho, Ho, Ho" from special Santa helpers.

 Dinner at a yummy Mexican restaurant at the end of the day.

Sight seeing trip with the Ketchesons. We explored the new subway line, went to the top of the Italia Building (in background) and walked a lot!

Trip to Sweetie Ice for ice cream with these 3 guys!  Who is who!? We also took a special tour of the unopened Visitor Center, Elder Faust's home and had dinner at the Blue Awning!  

Santa's helper is ready!

Visiting with the good little boys and girls of the ward primary.  Each one received a wrapped toy, with their name on it from Santa!

Reading his list and checking it twice!

President Faust's home where we would visit with him and his wife over 40 years ago.  There was a ceremony that day for the uncovering of the plaque. 

Close up of the plaque

Star Bright performance at APRAESPI... they loved it!

Bottle band practice

There are no pictures of the Visitor Center tour.  They asked us not to share them until after the building was opened.