Love and monsters

Ever since my first day in Macapá back in May of last year, one truth has been made aparent: the dogs here are pure evil. They aren't even really dogs is the truth of it, they're more like evil mutant wolf beasts that could probably stand up on their hind legs and chase after you if they wanted, but they sure look like dogs. In my experience, I've had a variety of memories avoiding, defending against or fleeing from dogs here, but one dog takes the cake for the worst of the bunch. 

Brian

Brian's the baddest apple in the orchard. He's an old half-blind dog, hates everyone who doesn't feed him, has a broken leg (but doesn't let that stop him from chasing after people and trying to bite them) and on top of that, he loves to camp right smack in the middle of an apartment complex we're constantly walking through. 

This week, we were really trying to help one of our friends, Kevellen, be baptized, but she lives in the apartment block literally right where Brian always is. Elder Moraes and I pulled up, and I pointed out to him where he who shall not be named was perched. Elder Moraes thought all my worrying was a load of hogwash and tried to calmly walk past the dog, who the moment he got close started growling at him. I thought Elder Moraes was really bout to show that dog who was boss, when suddenly, the moment his back was turned, Brian got up and SPRINTED after Elder Moraes. Ive never seen bro run so fast. I know companions are generally always supposed to be together, but before I could even say "sight and sound!" Elder Moraes was already soaring up the stairs of another nearby apartment block running for his life. Brian didn't get him though! This time, anyway.  

Besides that dog story, we had the story of another absolute dawg named Wendell this last week where him and his girlfriend Katia got married! I mentioned them a couple emails back, but they broke up, she ended up getting baptized, and it fixed the relationship and they got married this last week! It was so sweet. I told them about America's tradicion to smush a cake in the spouse's face for the wedding party and asked if they did that here too, and they all just looked at me like I was nuts. How was I supposed to know they wanted to actually eat the cake 

Gente, speakin' of cake, lemme give you all a slide of spiritual insight for the week 

The Book of Mormon is a great read. A real page turner if you ask me, and as a sweet bonus it contains the plenitude of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In the past, Pres. Nelson invited us to ponder the following questions as we read the Book of Mormon each day: 

1. What is the Book of Mormon? 

2. What does it affirm? 

3. What does it refute? 

4. What does it fulfill? 

5. What does it clarify? 

6. What does it reveal? 

So recently, after each readthrough I've been pondering these questions and how each passage I've read can answer these questions. At times, its harder than others! But I testify to the helping power of President Nelson's invite to ponder on these questions after each readthrough. Try it this week and see the difference it makes! 

Well folks I love you all a whole ton. Those who send me emails throughout the week, thank you! I swear it always comes at the perfect time and gives me the motivation I need. Ill keep praying for the audience members in Utah to get some snow this season so that the Ski pass doesn't go to waste  TIL NEXT TIME 

ELDER HILLSTEAD