tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39087738859294656142024-03-13T01:27:02.122-07:00Elder Christopher A. Wartena Mozambique Maputo MissionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-17742864160479663482013-08-26T07:52:00.000-07:002013-08-26T08:17:58.285-07:00Yup, I am on here 2 hours later than I normally am. Why? You ask. Well, you see there is this thing called a water bill, and in Moçambique there is no option to pay it over the internet. No, the way to pay your water bill is to go down to FIPAG store (FIPAG is the water company) and pay over a counter. Well...do you know how many people need to pay water? Or how many places there are to pay water within the city of Tete? Answers: there are MANY people who want water and must pay. there is 1 place to pay...and when did this intelligent missionary decide to do it? The last day possible...the due date...which was today...a p-day...AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8sWjxfyxI2OtNS1Wfo1pzTG4EDhMh66_hPpuEglMDgppVGjM8er5k9CWo1UhmBEoVKcXF0G0abiOsbNIqxfAs6dzVPw4Od2l7shx29mwcMdIln7XRN_phy65AH-Y1wAKoLjeMfNo9Ws/s1600/P1100225.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8sWjxfyxI2OtNS1Wfo1pzTG4EDhMh66_hPpuEglMDgppVGjM8er5k9CWo1UhmBEoVKcXF0G0abiOsbNIqxfAs6dzVPw4Od2l7shx29mwcMdIln7XRN_phy65AH-Y1wAKoLjeMfNo9Ws/s320/P1100225.JPG" /></a><br />Families getting ready for two weddings.<br /><br />Well, here, after waiting for 3 hours in line, we have our water paid (and paid ahead of time for next month to save us the pain of waiting in line then) and now 3 hours of our p day is gone.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCgRYA9X55nsjDjjUApHRPzmEqEllRijVSYP23txGOV7apDhN5RCkH-RnCFtHCu-UBcJ2LGZceYH_l_cC8cX6eAnNn8yUEAMZfRR3vm6YFjyFjgCfgV5gfQS3IAE9VGMPOfPAa_Z633k/s1600/P1100630.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCgRYA9X55nsjDjjUApHRPzmEqEllRijVSYP23txGOV7apDhN5RCkH-RnCFtHCu-UBcJ2LGZceYH_l_cC8cX6eAnNn8yUEAMZfRR3vm6YFjyFjgCfgV5gfQS3IAE9VGMPOfPAa_Z633k/s320/P1100630.JPG" /></a><br />Hi, it's me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfg7U_wcdk0LpG4OVUNqnizKPY46KtRr9B0yBftsrljIruFJFwIHn0tEErdy1I2ALoyHKS0CiTUCEhj9g6lyRY-kOaknHkOe3pAdVXB416akKWzu7egXtNYpKV2wnzKtwwrUH46joKTA/s1600/P1100634.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfg7U_wcdk0LpG4OVUNqnizKPY46KtRr9B0yBftsrljIruFJFwIHn0tEErdy1I2ALoyHKS0CiTUCEhj9g6lyRY-kOaknHkOe3pAdVXB416akKWzu7egXtNYpKV2wnzKtwwrUH46joKTA/s320/P1100634.JPG" /></a><br />The Tete chapel is the upstairs, red part of this building.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLuOpxURlMvwPukgeuqr4zoCKAtRY3p4AvMUXZL4AMGPlfyEbwgyjJ6hKVZuLVNR9hD9eBDqbzmxdL-2E_IyddyHsY5THXF6a3sUm_vcB-0Wl6RgyhyphenhyphenZVo4TgEAS0p-rEQodooqmm0yY/s1600/P1100635.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLuOpxURlMvwPukgeuqr4zoCKAtRY3p4AvMUXZL4AMGPlfyEbwgyjJ6hKVZuLVNR9hD9eBDqbzmxdL-2E_IyddyHsY5THXF6a3sUm_vcB-0Wl6RgyhyphenhyphenZVo4TgEAS0p-rEQodooqmm0yY/s320/P1100635.JPG" /></a><br />This is the line we are standing in today waiting to pay our water bill. We were here 3 hours.<br />That is not something to make a missionary happy. I did contact a guy in line though. He didn't seem super great, but perhaps he has some possibility. We'll call him this week.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIAtl9xF-8htXsmjgioDAnmh_yczLRcEt9sZuDhmYlEh-Vglo01HzeBLye_V0u7yP0gmE4vPv1tQrw0KEQUp2tuFUmgM2q16_oopn2G0nBzLmo6ERwtyTG8recRC1LBANDe09DJq0CIM/s1600/P1100471.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIAtl9xF-8htXsmjgioDAnmh_yczLRcEt9sZuDhmYlEh-Vglo01HzeBLye_V0u7yP0gmE4vPv1tQrw0KEQUp2tuFUmgM2q16_oopn2G0nBzLmo6ERwtyTG8recRC1LBANDe09DJq0CIM/s320/P1100471.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYD36PMVVs0HDJfVD0N56EGAoi8hNIx51CtJVihZMFrL4-nNAM7HKbdka_h4qwkvk0m-tuB4MaD64hiI1rhxrQMPHlWMN8WvGaPEYXcppdfOI1f47bonFiOC4y1IxDflk0Tr28eb7ztU/s1600/P1100474.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYD36PMVVs0HDJfVD0N56EGAoi8hNIx51CtJVihZMFrL4-nNAM7HKbdka_h4qwkvk0m-tuB4MaD64hiI1rhxrQMPHlWMN8WvGaPEYXcppdfOI1f47bonFiOC4y1IxDflk0Tr28eb7ztU/s320/P1100474.JPG" /></a><br />Baptisms in a pool<br /><br />OOH! Luke, ow. Man, that had to hurt. Yeah, to fix his nose was the right decision. To grow up with your head slightly on sideways would not be a good advantage...especially dating wise.<br /><br /><div>
Nate nate nate...how could you forget Nate? I can't believe you. Oh, yeah, a wedding, graduation, youth conference...good excuse. BUT 18 YEARS OLD! You forgot! kidding.<br /></div>
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hehe...yeah, I get really embarrassed when I am flooded by all sorts of things over here on the mission and then I forget someone. Their name or where we met them on the road. For example, in our phone there is a "Daniel" and a "Dani" under Investigators. I wanted "Dani" to call and mark a lesson for that day. Well, I marked with "Daniel" thinking it was who I wanted to sit with. That was interesting. We show up at "Dani"s house for a lesson, he's not there...in the meantime "Daniel" thinks the missionaries lied to him because he waits for an hour for them to show up and they never do. Ug...NAMES!!!<br /><br />I hope Nate liked his belated party though. I am sure is was great. You made me drool again talking about food, so it must have been good.<br /><br />This past week we found three families with some good potential. Elder Anderson and I get together pretty well and we are working together well. We started doing something they were doing in Beira that was working. <br /><br />A. Contacts have become more focused on the "quality." We try to get 35 a week, but we try not to take the number of anyone who has been baptized into another church or are strong in their church. They are children of God and their day will come, but we are looking for those who will be ready NOW to change their lives and get baptized. Those most likely to change sooner than later are those who have no church and are looking for one. It is just that much easier for them to join the church than others. The ZLs in Beira said "it is easier to find the investigator who is ready than to make one." The Lord is preparing people. The field here is ready to harvest, not ready to put down fertilizer and wait for next year. Anyway, just how we are working.<br /><br />B. We commit the people to Baptism, a baptismal date, and marriage in the 1st lesson. Restoration...baptism...to be baptized you need to keep the commandments...one is the law of chastity. Bam. that's how we do it. The field is white like I said. <br /><br />We found those 3 families last week, all accepted baptism and marriage. The only thing they didn't do was come to church. 2 had work. UG! They need to get that off. 1 said he'd come. Why he didn't we shall ask tonight when we stop by his house.<br /><br />Other than that we have 3 other families who we are trying to help get baptized in September. Couple #1 came to church and are committed to JUST SIGN THE PAPERS!!! Don't pull all known family and friends from the four edges of the globe to have a blow out party type of wedding (African tradition that no one can afford, so no one is married.) Just get your documents (Birth certificate, ID card, and a paper saying where you live) open the process (marriage licence) and we'll get you married. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7j6kgEh1qXqq2Ym5PFuu5bUjFsz1ubMTxr8YTlySMOVvwWwY0VqLt9IeyhP9dJCRlsMPoWzrroCgyEQKnnzCu5mFPD7VCQiDK6DtFlWM3sUz4_Y4gmew0r9hcGCmFuPT153wkVgZHm4/s1600/P1100199.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7j6kgEh1qXqq2Ym5PFuu5bUjFsz1ubMTxr8YTlySMOVvwWwY0VqLt9IeyhP9dJCRlsMPoWzrroCgyEQKnnzCu5mFPD7VCQiDK6DtFlWM3sUz4_Y4gmew0r9hcGCmFuPT153wkVgZHm4/s320/P1100199.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Couple #2 committed to that type of marriage too, but he was sick this Sunday and she didn't come because he didn't. He's actually a member but she isn't.<br /></div>
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Couple #3 -- He is committed but she has been at his parents house for a month and we are just waiting for her to return to get them moving.<br /><br />I am going to ask for a shirt in that package, the same kind we bought when I left. Those from Mr. Mac. Size 15 short sleeved. The ones more fit to size. You know, they skinny out more near the bottom. Take from my account for the money. I know it is a hassle but it would be amazing to have. Here in Tete there are only shirts I can buy off the street and I cannot seem to find one that is my size nor of very good quality. My shirts I am using right now are all turning yellow and the collars are starting to fray. Eeh. They work fine and are holding out but here in a few months they should be switched out. I just want one. I don't need 3 or 4 or nothing, just send one nicer shirt for me to start using here when the package comes. Thanks for the packages by the way. I have loved them all. Just send the things I have asked for and any small, cheap things you think I might like (food is always is fantastic). Honestly, if nothing I asked for is there I will still love whatever it is that comes from you.<br /><br />Ah, I feel like I am ordering things from you. Sorry. I love you. <br /><br />Study times huh? Well, I am happy to report that I have been making an effort to improve those. In Comp study we have begun to study better how to teach together and have the spirit in the lesson. In personal study I have been studying the Power of the Priesthood like Dad suggested a while back and other things. It is going well. Having a topic or a question more in mind helps. <br /><br />The best advice I can give on studying and life is to listen for the Spirit. I have discovered that if one wants the Spirit to direct their life or just plain wants to feel it more, one needs to actively seek it. You go through life and get impressions at moments, but if you want more you must <br /><br />A. Seek the Spirit <br /><br />B. Expect the impressions to come. <br /><br />This includes examining yourself and your activities to find those that distract or remove the Spirit and to remove those things from your life. This includes actively listening for the Spirit in study or throughout the day. This includes having faith that the promises "to always have the Spirit to be with them" and that "it will show unto you all things what ye should do."(2 Nephi 32:5) are real and to expect the Lord to direct you in that manner always.<br /><br />There you go. My little advice for the week. Listen actively during study for the Spirit to speak. He is there. you have the gift. If you are worthy and especially if you pray for him to come he will be there. All that remains is to listen and follow him directing you through your study.<br /><br />Another thing I would ask of you...more recipes! Yeah! I love making good food. Granted I am lazy and would rather make Top Ramen and have lunch hour freer to eat then rest as opposed to laboring over a meal. BUT I LOVE GOOD FOOD!!! Man, I have come to appreciate just how good Nate, Matt, Ben, Jo, Dad, and even Josh have it. You cook so well. I am sure Hannah cooks well. I am sure Josh and Hannah have taken advantage of your good cooking too(living so close helps).<br /><br />Cassoroles, cakes, brownies, simple recipes, fudge(man, you said ice cream and now I want fudge. Elder Anderson is a chocolate maniac btw. Noodle casserole, top ramen salad (yes, this one). Anything. I may not be able to make them all but at least having ideas helps tons. <br /><br />Have you been reading my Patriarchal Blessing? That comment last week on bearing my testimony makes me think you have. Go check out just how inspired you were with that comment by reading paragraph 4.<br /></div>
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Well, me mom, I have got to go. I love you so much. I will think of you later on as I sit next to a mud hut this night teaching a lesson in Tete's heat or as I stop a man in the street to contact him.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohRs1hCm5UlibRlFNHfZN_ZGJJEqS1j3wp3uQYRS2DzKqCVhOk5fGp6jecpgEVuvanrpEJvuNu0Mx9IxB5QURy1Z9t5Ji9W0_CXdWTCP7Eo9CC7_xqJQTzq9Gn3Cn558f9HJHn3oKMXQ/s1600/P1100266.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohRs1hCm5UlibRlFNHfZN_ZGJJEqS1j3wp3uQYRS2DzKqCVhOk5fGp6jecpgEVuvanrpEJvuNu0Mx9IxB5QURy1Z9t5Ji9W0_CXdWTCP7Eo9CC7_xqJQTzq9Gn3Cn558f9HJHn3oKMXQ/s320/P1100266.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br />I am going to reattempt tater-tot casserole today for a nice treat.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoq2hctVTgVIqg6FD0pGqrx-LecX3kQfGtqI-j5GUj0SyTELH3-0aNKppQotVd-CZEiu4q3QDXPtRRREoWT8ClHLNmId7RQjK36pszlqOX-vm5-39A_aR7d2Vg90EeT48FO0gVGDE5DM/s1600/P1100267.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoq2hctVTgVIqg6FD0pGqrx-LecX3kQfGtqI-j5GUj0SyTELH3-0aNKppQotVd-CZEiu4q3QDXPtRRREoWT8ClHLNmId7RQjK36pszlqOX-vm5-39A_aR7d2Vg90EeT48FO0gVGDE5DM/s320/P1100267.JPG" /></a><br /><br />I love you more than air conditioning and paid-by-internet bills,<br />Elder Christopher Wartena<br /><br />PS. Fun thought. Elder Anderson has started telling me some stuff he finds odd about Americans. For example: we call everything by their brand name. iPod, top ramen, kool aid, rice krispies, tater tots, etc... watch yourself. It's weirdly true. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMbwGm3Bw2Y6QYOi02Nxp9zE_u6GkmTrOoCpajYH9NKAhsLOohrHwlPS-_jqU3N2N3oNL4ToTz-fCjTHQhGWPDUyTrP_E_pErO1DC3aPll7AnN5YLugpnCiCkBcGvrlisgPMSHanIilU/s1600/P1100271.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiMbwGm3Bw2Y6QYOi02Nxp9zE_u6GkmTrOoCpajYH9NKAhsLOohrHwlPS-_jqU3N2N3oNL4ToTz-fCjTHQhGWPDUyTrP_E_pErO1DC3aPll7AnN5YLugpnCiCkBcGvrlisgPMSHanIilU/s320/P1100271.JPG" /></a><br /><br />PPS. I believe myself to be a momma's boy (a good thing, means you did your job well). I tend to be super self-judgmental and worry a lot too. hehe...2 things we share. <br /><br />PPPS. Not many Photos this week, but there is something there. Tete's chapel. The water bill line. me. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfKkOTp8QCR5QB-5bqTBmOMcO5r_nYVc9lkWfjQskCvdAWKsgwbYYYqO_5FBa-JbLk2s-tmT8ba8VlpACpH2YB-jrXJLLknv-VVOxsjkX-bDJ_caSSyrl4UJgl8YGRctshV9pbdtS85M/s1600/P1100273.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfKkOTp8QCR5QB-5bqTBmOMcO5r_nYVc9lkWfjQskCvdAWKsgwbYYYqO_5FBa-JbLk2s-tmT8ba8VlpACpH2YB-jrXJLLknv-VVOxsjkX-bDJ_caSSyrl4UJgl8YGRctshV9pbdtS85M/s320/P1100273.JPG" /></a><br />PPPPS. I love you. Um abraso.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-22843815903653200602013-07-29T11:07:00.002-07:002013-07-30T12:37:30.527-07:00 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3kYXdtdSy6VD8RAf7wmcBm6rxyd3exrpYQ_pYS4AGIHSP_eEVvgHO1H90QyduPJ-aOoS6XvUp6jfSTPjVVvKlBkqckouJypmTjOHN7g-TB4NVK6WTTEt4V7auQud-H9W0CPZlVhsUgk/s1600/P1100014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3kYXdtdSy6VD8RAf7wmcBm6rxyd3exrpYQ_pYS4AGIHSP_eEVvgHO1H90QyduPJ-aOoS6XvUp6jfSTPjVVvKlBkqckouJypmTjOHN7g-TB4NVK6WTTEt4V7auQud-H9W0CPZlVhsUgk/s320/P1100014.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAwDRI-gkZsBLQ_PhyphenhyphenjBglW1GTsJaeGgFFnY1Q6Bt6R3i7xvlcBHQZ9j_H4phu9PUAWI-F9AImswOIqvjnX9zffisEnQtqVk88CIkqTvS8tHyk1mVaN5NcHiQZLVr7MwooUuSXZv60pg/s1600/P1100063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAwDRI-gkZsBLQ_PhyphenhyphenjBglW1GTsJaeGgFFnY1Q6Bt6R3i7xvlcBHQZ9j_H4phu9PUAWI-F9AImswOIqvjnX9zffisEnQtqVk88CIkqTvS8tHyk1mVaN5NcHiQZLVr7MwooUuSXZv60pg/s320/P1100063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note of interest--The Cahora Bassa Dam is listed as the 5th largest dam in the world.</td></tr>
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I have taken loads of pictures today. This answers the why I am on here so late as well.<br />
I told you something along the lines of 4 weeks ago that we were going to the dam but for a number of weeks I have written that it didn't work out...well, today it did. Whoomp, can you say missionary P-day field trip! It was fun.<br />
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We didn't actually get to go down inside the dam. The issue being security. Apparently during the war one of the sides tried to destroy the dam and so now not any old jo can enter in. But anyway it was very fun. We spent forever in the car driving through the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE (that land where resides only mud huts and those villages everyone thinks of when they think Africa-yeah, that's awesome.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone want to fish or go swim where this fishy lives?</td></tr>
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Yep, the Matola chapel has been a HUGE announcement for the last year. Unfortunately I left Maputo before it opened and will not be seeing it any time soon it appears. It sounded NICE!!!<br />
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Well, there wasn't much out of the ordinary else this week. I do think my shoes may last me 2 whole years. If they happen to achieve the feat I may just write Doc Martins and tell them they won themselves a lifetime customer. <br />
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I got to attend a birthday party this week. A member, Felicidade, turned 46. His wife, Paula, makes a great orange cake.<br />
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Man. I am about ready to wrap this up. That is pathetic. Man, it would be soooo much easier to just tell you all face to face about my week.<br />
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Well, I love the news from home. Tell Aunty Kari hi for me (I ran out of time to write everyone-but I love her so much anyway). Tell Justin he's awesome. Tell President Herring thanks for the letter, I loved it.<br />
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Tchau minha familia!<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
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PS. Tete is getting hotter.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-39654247356105278372013-07-22T07:39:00.001-07:002013-07-22T07:39:42.413-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bdiRVUDwf42cfmGEnrmt-4-kDkN3KxgjUScY_Rvhmk7rDX-dXxc1cKtXtbD571okSlcqStNNyaVKcDE53gxrSGZP9Q8sXXxlczt9XbgdqlmU7puJNdYBORuXyi2lUndpI3QVyTmPXAo/s1600/P1090894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2bdiRVUDwf42cfmGEnrmt-4-kDkN3KxgjUScY_Rvhmk7rDX-dXxc1cKtXtbD571okSlcqStNNyaVKcDE53gxrSGZP9Q8sXXxlczt9XbgdqlmU7puJNdYBORuXyi2lUndpI3QVyTmPXAo/s320/P1090894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So, yes, once again I come bearing bad news. Well, it's not bad news. It's actually good news. the point is that I feel I need to write my mission president better weekly letters. Yeah, I feel as though I write everyone else first and then write a stupid, short, get it out because time is nearly up letter each week. So, the bad news is that he is going to be written first things every week. Yeah...I know, that means I will probably end up with less time writing here, but I feel this is right. I know I will see you guys again (less than a year!)but I only get this short time to be a missionary and I want to do it the best I can. but! I will still write you. I will try and spend good time on you guys. I love you guys. I hope you know that.<br />
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Ah, My mommy's dreaming about me. Just so you know, I am perfectly fine and still in Africa. We did not end up going to the dam and this week either(they have no gas apparently). Bummed out :( but still happy nonetheless :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGhut0TaQXOuBkr1ACPSNwjuNhCBipNTreJSKNq3MumGAkLnQ15bJ9tQGI3t5pwslapQMQnPejruW9LWA71pY2SVkSXyKF86sNuyHIJySV8j0BcmjsxC9YJuRr-155PGZwsLPj46VQP4/s1600/P1090921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGhut0TaQXOuBkr1ACPSNwjuNhCBipNTreJSKNq3MumGAkLnQ15bJ9tQGI3t5pwslapQMQnPejruW9LWA71pY2SVkSXyKF86sNuyHIJySV8j0BcmjsxC9YJuRr-155PGZwsLPj46VQP4/s320/P1090921.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The river we cross every day.</td></tr>
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Hehe. Hot...you don't even know hot. Nah, actually we have been having nicer weather with clouds, so I still am saved the SCALDING DEATH SUN OF TETE!!!!!!! or so that's how it sounds like. I am going to have FUN in September. But, I feel for you guys in the heat. Enjoy and love the swamp cooler.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture of me crossing the river. We walk across this bridge twice every day.<br /></td></tr>
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Favorite thing about Africa. That's a pretty vague question there. It's a big place. Hm...the people. They are so nice. You can be tromping through the neighborhoods(which to an American's eyes looks like tromping right through people's yards) and pass a family eating lunch, they will tell you "Your plate is served, come eat." A lot of the time. This is a family you have never even seen in your life. Those who you know, your investigators for example, will constantly try and feed you. If it is anywhere near lunch or dinner they will try to feed you. AH! I feel bad sometimes. They are so poor and they constantly try to give you all they got. STOP! I sometimes want to cry. I love them. Besides that, there are some pretty sick trees called Bomdeiros here in Tete. I sent you a shot. It's the giant gnarly tree.<br />
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Baptisms? Not yet, but we have a good number working towards the first weeks in August. Getting people baptised is one thing, getting them married is another. Add the two, WHOO! A challenge. But, a challenge from the lord, so he helps a lot. It takes a ton of faith(from you and you investigators) and a lot of work, but this is the Lord's work and glory and he will succeed and the people will feel and see the lord's miracles begin to work in their lives as soon as they start. (RUN ON sentence can you say? gotta love it. ;)<br />
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I LOVED the missionary broadcast. We finally got it here in Tete. Oh! It got me all fired up and I just had bear my testimony afterwords to the branch leaders about how excited I was for them and for the work. The spirit was SO strong. While all that they talked about(ward council and all that) is not yet in place here, I know it isn't far and miracles are in store for this country.<br />
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Funny thing. I showed a member here the picture of all you guys posing at Dad's graduation and she thought Matt was me! She almost couldn't be convinced it was my brother. She said you look exactly like me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris and his new companion, Elder Sorenson. We think the fingers are indicating how much time they have left on their missions. 1 year for Chris and we think eight months for Elder Sorenson.</td></tr>
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Well, I love ya but once again I gotta go. Say hi to all in Utah for me! I love You all.<br />
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Eating lot's of dust and sunshine,<br />
Elder Chris Wartena<br />
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PS. Grey suits and Khakis. Got me. I have heard nothing. All I know is that I have worn my suit about a grand total of 4-10 times since I got here in Africa. hehe. It is rather hot here and a suit would be murder. SHORT SLEEVE THE WHOLE WAY!!! WHOO!!! XOXOXOUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-3581095372989482692013-06-17T06:35:00.000-07:002013-06-17T06:37:05.267-07:00Me Mum,<br />
<br />
First off to start the email. I sent y'all some shots through Dropbox. Yeah, they are from last week-your missionary forgot to email them a week earlier-but I'm sure you'll be fine with that. The first is Elder Bender(who came down last week due to illness) with returned Mozambique missionary from 2008 Brother Lott. He talked to the guy before the mission and so it was cool that he got to see him out here. The other pictures are of President Kretly's birthday party. We had a "stake" party. Take a plate, one says Beira another Maputo another Manga and lastly Matola, and decide where to stick a stake first. Haha, twas' funny. He got a certificate for being an "extraordinary President" a parody of his "extraordinary missionary" certificates we can earn. twas' fun.<br />
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Yeah, the companionship is going along pretty fine. The area? Now that's a different story. We had 2 really good potential investigating families last week that we were really excited about and this week they both said they weren't coming to church nor working towards baptism. AAAAAAHHH!!! They do not realize how much they are giving up! They have such opportunity at their door, exaltation isn't a small word, and they tell us they aren't interested. Ug. So, this week we have 0 investigators. We have a few people we will visit this week to see how they are but other than that Elder Bigelow and I shall be walking quite a bit looking for people to teach. <br />
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I love conference! I do believe the conference Liahona is here. I'll get one soon. Obedience is a theme you say? Hm, maybe I should put that to the test and see if there is anything I am not being 100% obedient about. Worth a shot and wouldn't hurt trying, we can always be more obedient.<br />
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You make me so jealous with Dad's gifts you know. A 3 hour nap? AH! That would be sooooooo nice. I'm sure he loved it.<br />
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My missionary plaque is up...hehe...that reminds me of Josh's missionary plaque. I remember that it, too, didn't go up until I felt he was nearly home. hehe. Thanks Callie.<br />
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Summerfest! What was I doing Summerfest last year? I think I worked one of those days. Was Nate at work? I remember that Subway was always 2,000,000 times busier those days. <br />
The rides...I remember looking at the ferris wheel and saying to myself "never." Ben would love the fast, dizzy rides. Love that kid.<br />
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Hah! Yeah, July of next year will be just a little too late. Well, shirts huh? I did ask and Elder Burg said that Maputo shopping has shirts. They rang from 500 meticais to 1000. Translate that to dollars and you get $17 to $33 per shirt. So, I will look into that. Long story short: don't send the shirts after all. I'll tell you how much to stick in my account. I might just use my church fund card to buy them and then just refund it when you send the money from home. I think I shall buy 3 shirts. I heard you get a deal when you buy 3 instead of just one.<br />
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YEAH NATE! Go getting raises and scholarships! Dude, Justin loves you man.<br />
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Well, I don't have much news this week. Kind of a boring email, but hey. <br />
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Love ya'll, Khanimambo maningue,<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
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P.S. Health? What?! ok, I guess you aren't way off, I have been around some sick people lately so I might be at risk for obtaining some type of sickness but I feel alright. <br />
Speaking of eating better, you'd be proud, I made an effort to eat more veggies this week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-67240515524948006272013-06-03T07:41:00.000-07:002013-06-03T07:41:03.085-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Companion--Elder Bigelow</td></tr>
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<b>An African wedding in Africa followed by 2 baptisms.</b> That is for you to get all jealous about. HAH! Strawberry cheesecake ain't got nothing on Africa.<br /><br />So, due to many other letter and all the photos I took, I will try to type rather rapidly here so I can get out all I want to say.<br /><br /><u>In a day by day format</u><br /><br /><b>Friday--</b> last week: get a call- "That wedding that was supposed to have 8 or so couples now only has 2 and Maguanine is doing there's alone...so, now it is up to you and your branch to plan and carry out the whole thing instead of the district doing it." Panic. Call the 1st councilor in the branch presidency and set up to meet Saturday. Stress some more.<br /><br /><b>Saturday</b>--Meet with the 1st councilor (president was out of country) and tell him what's up. Suggest that the wedding doesn't need to be huge, something small, maybe a Chamusa or two and a nice refreshing drink to celebrate the union of the two. Stress more. Have the 1st councilor keep a cool head and agree to help. Thank the Lord above. Stress.<br /><br /><b>Sunday</b>--Meet after church with the branch leaders. Learn that they aren't nearly as optimistic as the 1st councilor is that it can be done in a week (this meeting actually had the couple in it too). Set up a meeting for Monday night.<br /><br /><b>Monday-</b>-Have a meeting with the same leaders, our Zone leaders, and us. Get lost in all that everyone is saying (too many talking and too fast, this time it wasn't Portuguese that messed me up). They set up a Wednesday night meeting. Stress. Doubt that it will be possible. Stress. Call the young men to ask for help too. Stress.<br /><br /><b>Tuesday</b>--normal day. Stress.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday</b>--Go to the meeting. Hear the willingness of the members to help. Stress.<br /><br /><b>Thursday</b>--Normal day. Stress.<br /><br /><b>Friday</b>--Stress because no one shows up to the church in the morning except two youth who help set up decorations and the like. Wait and call, wait and call. Groom shows up with some family. Stress. Call. Stress. Food shows up. Marvel at how much they brought (the plan was not to have a full on meal but rather just something real small). Hear that they have a cake coming. Still keep stressing because the wedding is taking a while to fully get organized. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUKSgXD7PPn60uaLnXMRJsDssuteFW0xeoqJainIUrqXKWALZNZnObGUoqg6UMsbyXmSLGsDvXC8LzJRgLwOIcIOBgXXEVCdgoWeqCp7ksXhdlHTSJjOfCHxZ4VwDlYgzQds4Nq1AdLU/s1600/P1090668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUKSgXD7PPn60uaLnXMRJsDssuteFW0xeoqJainIUrqXKWALZNZnObGUoqg6UMsbyXmSLGsDvXC8LzJRgLwOIcIOBgXXEVCdgoWeqCp7ksXhdlHTSJjOfCHxZ4VwDlYgzQds4Nq1AdLU/s320/P1090668.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beautiful Wedding couple</td></tr>
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Well, the whole thing worked out wonderfully. I sent you some photos on dropbox. The wedding turned out to be bigger than we expected. Apparently, no one told me that the groom, Aderito, had friends who sang who were coming...so, we had African singers there. OH! It was like gospelish style(the best way to describe it) mixed with the dialect Changana. It was sick. And the FOOD!!! was great. These people make some dang good beans, rice, and potato salad. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Then, <b>Saturday</b> we had their Baptism. I baptized Adérito and Elder Bigelow baptized Fatima. Truly it was a great day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The baptism--Yeah!!!</td></tr>
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I love you all, sorry I didn't have too much time to write you today, the photos took a lot of time and I had a few other things to do.<br /><br />Tchau á familia mais ótimo de tudo no mundo,<br />Elder Christopher Wartena<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stylin' a new rogue look. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New stove</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-26968101682626312872013-05-20T06:54:00.000-07:002013-05-20T06:54:42.352-07:00Ho hum ho hum. what to write such a great ol' mum. <br />Would a poem make her smile or cring?<br />Would a song bring smiles to her lips?<br />Maybe I'll make her good eye twinge,<br />Or make her dance and shake her hips.<br />In any case I know she'd love,<br />A little email from an African bud.<br /><br />Well, cannot say that I want to write poems for a living, but I thought that was fun.<br /><br />It is a grand old day here in good old Maputo. I am sitting in the mission office with the APs to my left and the secretaries behind me. What that means is that I was officially the first missionary in the entire mission minus the APs and the Secretaries to find out what happened with transfers. <br /><br />Random trivia for yall today. Maputo city wasn't always called Maputo. When the Portuguese were ruling and a few years afterwords the name was "Lorenço Marques". Bet ya didn't know that.<br /><br />Are any of my investigators interested in the big B? Well, actually now that you ask...we had a really good, unplanned lesson with N. and L. last night. Guess what N. asked. "So, how long does it take to get Baptised in the church?" *finger snap thing* We have only taught them both the 1st lesson and he is already reading great. N. is a crazy humble guy. She usually stays quieter during lessons like most women(that is due to the idea here that the MAN is the big boss of the house) but when she talks she is smart and has a strong opinion. The good news is that church had a good impression on her and she also had lots of questions about how things work, where kids go during church, can she take the sacrament before baptism. So...I am excited to see if they continue firm. We need to teach them about how they need to get married before baptism next time. One thing, if you don't let them know about that early on then getting them married takes FOREVER. Also, a lot of couples get dropped cause they aren't willing to get married without the big party or the Lobolo (that dowry Elder Anderson talked about in his talk. It's stupid. Tons of cash and a bunch of stuff like a suit for the Dad and dress for the Mom, beer, wine, etc...) <br /><br /><div>
So, PRAY! Yall pray for them and for us to find more families like them. Our biggest challenge right now is just getting them to make the time to sit with us for the first few lessons. After the first few you kinda know whether they're ready or not and if they are ready then remarking is really easy once they are used to you coming by. <br /><br />Well, I promised myself I would try to make this shorter so Josh and Dad don't get crap tiny things any more. <br /><br />Enjoy the hamburgers. To respond to the question what is my favorite talk you know I have to pick Elder Anderson's where he talks about us over here. Besides that...<br /><br /><br />Don't worry about short emails. Like you said, I love any letters yall send.<br /><br />Well, love ya'll, I think that's about it...not sure WHAT I AM MISSING(BWAHAHAHA!!!),<br />Elder Christopher Wartena<br /><br />Ps. scroll down...<br /><br /><br /><br />more<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />more<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />more<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />more<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm a doorknob<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />more<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />love ya<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />more<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />PPS. Oh yeah! I think you might want to know what happened with transfers right? Well, I GUESSED RIGHT! HAH! I'm a staying right where I'm at and getting me compy tomorrow. His name is Elder Bigelow. I met him in Beira, but I didn't really know him. I guess that'll change though. I and my entire house are excited for him to come. Elder Ostler served with him before and everyone else says I'll get along great with him. <br /><br /><br />PPPS. I love you.<br /><br /><br />PPPPS. Nate is graduating seminary, that is WEIRD. I refuse to believe it. AHH! Next thing I'll be hearing about his mission call or getting into a college. <br />And Jo getting Baptised in September, Josh and Grandpa's marriages, getting halfway through my mission in July, Dad is graduated, the list goes on...this is really odd how my family is all growing up so fast. <br /><br /><br />PPPPPS. Love ya.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-73220438770487739002013-05-13T08:59:00.002-07:002013-05-13T10:27:52.660-07:00<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear Friends and Family,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here is a little note we got today. After the Skype call yesterday for Mother's Day there is just not as much to share on P-day. We surely did enjoy seeing and visiting with him. He looks extremely good. He is happy, loving working as a missionary.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Wartena is wearing the tie dye shirt. Aunt Nancy, a.k.a. the best tie dyer in the world, made it for him. <br /> If you like it let us know. She sells them and you could own one just like it.</td></tr>
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You know what I ate right after getting off the phone with you guys? Nope, ya don't. </div>
I ate that "bon o bon" I showed Josh and then a PB and J and then a rice krispy treat. Uh huh. Then today, if the plan flies straight, we are going to eat out for Elder Coomb's last p-day in Africa. That guy is really great. Honestly, if he hadn't told me that he was leaving in a week I wouldn't have guessed it-he really isn't all that trunky. Besides the occasional comment, he is really focused on the work.<br />
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So, the picts in dropbox...most of them I was there. The dusty picture of the African kids with an Elder giving the Thumbs up-I have never been there. I just thought you'd enjoy it. It is Elder Cyrier in Luaha. <br />
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Luaha is in the middle of nowhere and only has a few members there. Missionaries used to go out there every transfer or so, but, because it really wasn't helping the work and just used up time, President stopped having them do that. Most people out there don't even speak Portuguese but a dialect called Macuah. <br />
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Well, like I said last night, not sure all that much what to say. Love ya. During the call I was just all nervous for some reason, not sure why, and I couldn't think straight, so I hope no one got unhappy or offended. I really wanted to talk to Hannah a bit, get to know her somewhat, but when she got on I was at a loss for words. I hope she wasn't offended or anything.<br />
BUT, loved the call nonetheless, and of course I feel supported by you guys. <br />
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Pizza, I might be eating some of that today. good idea with the roll thing, I may be trying something like that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just out having some bowling fun on P-day. Did you know they bowl in Mozambique? </td></tr>
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Hi Nate, love ya man. Tell Justin hi for me. Enjoy the PUSH-BROOM! HAHA!<br />
<br />
Nice scriptural thought. I will try and bring one for you guys next week from my personal studies.<br />
With Nephi we must agree: we all have our worries and we have good reasons for them usually, but the thing one must remember about worrying is that they must not be seen as excuses to not obey the Lord. "Dad said to abandon all we own and flee to the wilderness." I don't think Nephi was too crazy getting slightly worried about that, but like you said, he did not complain nor rebel, but instead asked the Lord. The same with praying about the Book of Mormon of Joseph Smith. It is a new thing that requires giant changes in one's life, so, people raise the eyebrow. What the good follower of Christ does is put it to the Lord's test and not discount it as some crazy teenage kid's odd ideas. Like Nephi they, and we, can receive answers to our prayers and it is ABSOLUTELY NECISSARY TO PRAY!!! One of the ways I thought I'd get rejected was by people yelling at me denouncing Joseph Smith, but more often over here people tell me that they already know it's true and don't need to pray. AH! The idea is that "anything that says it's from God is true." But that is a cancerous thought. Just trust the Lord.<br />
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<br />
Love you all, enjoy life and follow the Lord and his servants the Prophets.<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>May the Lord bless you all and keep you in his care this week.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Signing off for now,</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>The Mama</b></i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-61059332183421710702013-04-29T10:10:00.002-07:002013-04-29T10:11:05.101-07:00First off, my zone here in Maputo had a kick out of my email. I told them all that my brother would be married in August and my Grandpa in September and they all were full of congrats and "That is awesome." So, to Josh and Grandpa Summerill from Elders Cyrier, Berg, Miller, Ostler, Coombs, Greenman, Bateman, and for that matter Elder Wartena: Congratulations. <br />
<br />
Secondly, CONGRATS GRANDPA!!! <br />
<br />
There was a lot of news this week. Another congrats: DAD!!! Getting yourself graduated.<br />
<br />
YEAH!!! Pictures of the family! I love ya'll. You look good all dressed up for Dad's graduation. The odd thing is now there is a girl in the shot. I do have to say, Hannah, you fit in. At least, picture wise, you fit pretty well in. Odd thought, you have our nose. Your nose and Josh's nose are the same. Take that as you will, but I think it's a good sign. <br />
<br />
You guys are all moving way over there in Utah and I am all the same in plain old Maputo. <br />
<br />
I didn't realize I didn't tell you that our washing machine was fixed. Also, my house is now the only house in the mission to have a dryer. Weird. The chapel had an extra (how? no idea) so we took it to our apartment. NICE!<br />
<br />
So, the work moves on. We redid the area boundary lines in district meeting yesterday, and unsurprisingly, E. Coombs and I didn't really change. Still in Mafalala and Alta Mae. We, in all honesty, have had a rough couple of weeks finding people. We have very few investigators as of now, so that means work for us. We do have a couple moving towards married the 31st of May, so that is the good news, but we really need to figure out how to better find people here in Mafalala. The way we have been finding people isn't working too well. It is, but it isn't that well. So, work...missionary work is never easy.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbn1ZYf47fRl1IPDTOpmE_BiKkS0OJ-Wi-uYWGi-qkkhVDjN0Q9TRB3pS7ZS-GrZHX5GzUXKdOJ0PTIc4h7LpYx5HOmHzEKAYqdXjH-WZvBOXYb156a0l7azRhJ3fhXN8XTF_i5DD1Mo/s1600/P1090296.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbn1ZYf47fRl1IPDTOpmE_BiKkS0OJ-Wi-uYWGi-qkkhVDjN0Q9TRB3pS7ZS-GrZHX5GzUXKdOJ0PTIc4h7LpYx5HOmHzEKAYqdXjH-WZvBOXYb156a0l7azRhJ3fhXN8XTF_i5DD1Mo/s320/P1090296.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
To answer your questions: Favorite thing about Mozy? well, I'm not the first missionary to say it, but the people are. They are so nice. Well, they aren't perfect and they have drinking problems and really odd traditions, but people just hate to sound rude to you. You stop someone off the street and start asking about their religious beliefs they'll tell you. Crazy.<br />
<br />
The sisters. They have a car and the nicest apartment in all of Africa next to president Kretly and government officials. They are doing good work. Gosh, sisters just have something about them that is different from an Elder. They are doing quite well and this mission is lucky to have them. The bad news is that it makes me feel like a bad missionary when I'm around them.<br />
<br />
So, on the subject of packages and things being sent to other countries, the Wollenzeins, a missionary couple here, are ending their mission this week. Well, sister wollenzein is great and offered to take you guys something. So, to be evil, you'll just have to wait and see. BWAHAHAHA!!! Enjoy.<br />
<br />
Package from home? No idea what I would like. On that subject, I feel kinda bad every time I get one. 50 bucks just to send it!?! That's crazy! Well, dunno. <br />
<br />
Well, go to dropbox. I sent you guys some shots of Maputo and some of my comp, elder Coombs, and the office elders(who gave us a ride this p-day, score!). Yes, that is a KFC, the only fast food chain here. hehe.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBzGhWRwavMFZsfczNbLM7kzpWh5Vj1HfOugCR7r7gnzbKq4nhQ2ZxnXsEFOqvGid0soAfUgCFyvggBocZoH8XeoJeEDX7Wyp4mI_Ca_cOvNy75QrFI1MruD7gtzdfgrYAZZlix5qJdE/s1600/P1090299.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBzGhWRwavMFZsfczNbLM7kzpWh5Vj1HfOugCR7r7gnzbKq4nhQ2ZxnXsEFOqvGid0soAfUgCFyvggBocZoH8XeoJeEDX7Wyp4mI_Ca_cOvNy75QrFI1MruD7gtzdfgrYAZZlix5qJdE/s320/P1090299.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Well, shortness of time kills me.<br />
<br />
Te amo. Ficam bem. e tchau.<br />
<br />
Love yall,<br />
Elder Christopher <br />
<br />
PS. The material? It's called Capalana and a skirt or bag would be really cool, but really it was an early Christmas/something gift and is yours. Ooh, make it into something for your birthday. What have you done with it all this time anyway?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-312476030257916262013-04-22T06:29:00.001-07:002013-04-22T06:45:18.791-07:00<br />
<i>Dear Friends & Family,</i><div>
<i><br /></i><div>
<span class="hP" style="outline: none; padding-right: 10px;" tabindex="-1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Chris has decided to have fun with his "old" mama today. Have your own fun with Google translator today to find out what his Portuguese message to me says, or just scroll to the end of the email for the translation I will provide.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="hP" style="outline: none; padding-right: 10px;" tabindex="-1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Now, onto the email.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="hP" style="outline: none; padding-right: 10px;" tabindex="-1"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">No proxima semana eu vou escrever uma velha...hehe...estou a brincar.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
Happily you don't understand Portuguese and I can write whatever I want in the subject line without worry, unhappily you have Google translate. Just know I love you. hehe. <br />
<br />
So, ya gonna be turning over a new year huh? Another birthday, right? You're gonna "make a year" as it is said in Portuguese? Feeling wise? Tired? Ready to roll another eighty? How are you spending this week? School as normal or something abnormal to spicen and reward my lovely mom? Get something nice. Do something with Dad. So something with your sisters. For heavens sake drop the school crap on Saturday, don't think the word school for the day. Restaurant? Home movie? Family time? What?<br />
What am I going to do for your birthday? Well, I bought some African boxes and am sending them with a missionary couple going home. It'll be late (mid May or so) when they get back to Utah, but I do hope you enjoy them.<br />
<br />
My week? Same old same old. We talk to a bijillion wonderful(and some not so wonderful, but they are far and in between luckily) people and try and teach them about the gospel and bless their lives. We started working in a different part of Maputo than normal (long story why, don't ask) and are finding that the transition is hard. We are still in the "few families" stage so we spend a lot of time walking. "African missionaries sing as they walk <i>and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and teach a lesson and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk and walk</i> and collapse into bed dead." Yup, we just need to find the families and then we will have more lessons throughout the day and less walking. We will still walk a ton (find as you teach, teach as you find, never just do one) but it'll be less and lighter on my body. <br />
<br />
I'd really like to send you pictures of my area, it is crazy different than Munhava (psh, I'm in the city. There's none of the walking in knee high water stuff[kinda miss that]) and yet still very interesting. But, unhappily, hold on, I think I did take some with Elder Coomb's camera-deixa me ver. <br />
<br />
Gift of tongues. That is a true gift. Especially when teaching. The Lord has opened my mind. I am trying to more perfect it, but I am speaking well now. Ok, I don't think I will ever attribute the term "fluent" to me, but with the Lord's help I am doing quite well.<br />
<br />
Crimeny, let me tell you, time loves to fly. Gosh, three examples: A. Nine months gone. B. Internet time flying by at the speed of light. C. OK, only two examples, I'm lazy.<br />
<br />
Good news, I got the package. Bad news, I might get sick because of the candy. hehe. LOVE YOU!!! The dictionary is wonderful.<br />
<br />
Random thought for you: what is the Wartena Homeschool Academy's mascot? Surely it has one. If not, hehe, have fun with it. Ben and Jo will like this one.<br />
<br />
Lastly:<br />
<div>
A. Congrats on the Prom ask! Go Nate! no kissin'.<br />
B. Josh moving out? Crazy. insane, tell him bye for me. wake him up that morning with a bucket of water in the face as a going away gift. hehe.<br />
C. Muslims are extremely nice people.<br />
<div>
<br />
Well, Love ya'll, enjoy the email that I know is rushed and lacking,<br />
<br />
<div>
Love ya'll more than Papa Murfey's pizza (that's saying something),<br />
Elder Wartena</div>
<div>
<br />
P.S. DAD IS GRADUATING!!! AAAAAAAHHH!!! Congrats. Wish I could be there<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Promised Translation: "In the upcoming week I am going to write an old woman ... hehe ... I am playing."</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I hope that was fun for you. We love having the opportunity to share Chris's mission to Mozambique for the Lord with you. Please let us know what you think</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Happy day to you.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Signing off for now,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Mama</i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-32909238751538008132013-04-15T06:28:00.003-07:002013-04-15T06:54:02.251-07:00<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Mama here,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Elder Wartena decided to have fun with us all this week and post parts of his email in Portuguese. Kinda fun. Try an online translator to help you understand. If I can, I'll post the translation myself. Perhaps the older Spanish speaking brother would help out here. We'll see.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Enjoy the email.</i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Minha maé,<br />
Então, eu acho que você precisa aprender português…então, eu não vou<br />
escrever em englais mais, tá bom?<br />
<br />
Então, entá semana foi muito diferente…nós tivemos muitos novos<br />
missionarios na missão e eu e Elder Coombs andamos com eles desde<br />
sexta-feira até quarta. A coisa boa que isso fez foi que tivemos 50<br />
contatos qualificados.<br />
<br />
Estou a chatiar? hehe...eu gosto de brincar contigo. Tá bom, vou<br />
voltar para a lingua que tu intendes.<br />
<br />
Fun little thing we did thing week was walking with the new<br />
missionaries, and my goodness, my Portuguese really sucked when I<br />
left the MTC. All the new missionaries, I feel, came here just a<br />
little more prepared than I, perhaps. I guess I could just be hard on<br />
myself, but I do think I could have been more like Elder Stubbs and<br />
just talk regardless of the fact that I don´t really speak good<br />
Portuguese more while I was in T3. Oh, well, I am just excited that<br />
the mission gets to have such good missionaries come in to help with<br />
this great and mighty work.<br />
<div>
<br />
Fun thing number two that I got to do...and to answer a question...is<br />
that the first Sister missionaries to ever serve in Mozambique(Sister<br />
Smith and Sister Muhangueno) needed to have someone do the 12 week<br />
program with them. The assistants were going to do it but their crazy<br />
schedule got in the way for three days and they couldn't make it...so,<br />
the two other Elders near the church(which is where the Sisters stay)<br />
got called on to help. So, Elder Coombs and I have been helping them<br />
do the practices and the trainings in the 12 week program. It is<br />
interesting. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think the sisters will really help here in Maputo. They<br />
can get in contact with families by a means that we cannot. They teach<br />
woman and families, whereas we teach men and families, so they can<br />
knock on a door in the middle of the day and start a lesson with the<br />
wife. We, when we knock doors, often find a woman or only children,<br />
and due to the rule that we cannot enter houses with only a woman<br />
present, we cannot teach them. So, when the sisters teach the wife<br />
they can come back later when the husband is present and start on the<br />
whole family. The issue we run into is just finding men at home-the<br />
Sisters have a way around that that is not at the Elders' desposial.<br />
Also, to praise the womanly name, they have a different way than men.<br />
Anyway, this wasn't to say that for us men missionary work is unfair<br />
but rather to say I am excited that the sisters will be able to help<br />
move the mission along in different ways than before.<br />
<br />
Odd thing on the subject of eating: I have accidentally had a<br />
vegitarian week. I just didn't eat meat. I had oats for breakfast, egg<br />
or peanut butter sandwich for lunch(or top ramen), and an apple and/or<br />
something else small(small dinners, nothing special) for dinner. I ate<br />
well but I just didn't take the time to cook up my chicken I bought.<br />
Meat is just expensive and takes a while to prepare. Odd little fact I<br />
saw I accidentally did this week and only realized it today.<br />
<br />
Hm...not sure what really to write today. I bought some capalana(some<br />
of that fabric like the two I sent home in transfer one with Elder<br />
Thacker- SERIOUS QUESTION/ANSWER ME: What did you do with that<br />
anyway?) last week. Elder Coombs is trying to get some stuff together<br />
to take home because he didn't get any his whole mission. Me? Why am I<br />
buying again? Well, I am in Maputo and I can store the stuff I buy<br />
here in my extra bag until next year if and when I get tranfered back<br />
north. So, I might as well save time and hassle for my last transfer<br />
while I am here and get a little bit put together-kinda what I did<br />
when I was in T3 and Elder Thacker was buying that stuff.<br />
<br />
So, good news and bad news: the good news is that I may get my package<br />
today(the assistants are getting 16 packages from the post office as I<br />
type) the bad news is I may not get my package. We'll see. Hope mine<br />
is with the 16.<br />
<br />
So a branch member made me feel old on the mission and young at the<br />
same time Sunday. She asked me how long I had been in Mozambique. I<br />
sat there and figured it in my mind-7 months in country, 9 months as a<br />
missionary. Well, she then told someone else how long I had left-a<br />
year and 3 months. I thought a number of things-A. I shouldn't be<br />
thinking about how long I have left, I'll get trunky. B. In 3 months<br />
it'll be hump day. A. I am still pretty dang new here. So, lesson<br />
learned: Don't even care about time on the mission. Don't think about<br />
it, don't keep track of it, (for heaven's sake don't make a calendar<br />
or whatnot-stupid, and completely against the missionary purpose) for<br />
your time is going and it will at its own pace. All that the<br />
missionary should think is about the day he is currently living and<br />
who he can bless with the gospel THAT day. Honestly, time left or time<br />
spent should be the last thing on the missionary's mind.<br />
<br />
So, I love the news from home. Elder Coombs made a comment about how<br />
his neices and nephews are so much more different than when he left<br />
and it made me think about my brothers and how they are changing and<br />
how I will even have a sister-in-law when I get home. Gosh, I left and<br />
Jo was six, I'll get back and he'll be almost 9. Nuts. I don't think<br />
calling him booger will make him very happy then. Oh, by the way-hey<br />
booger.<br />
<br />
Well, this email sucked. Honestly what can I say? We've walked a lot<br />
this week. um, oh, new family, they are really nice(prayed together<br />
about Joseph Smith after the first lesson and started reading the Book<br />
of Mormon we gave them before we explained what is was) and I hope thy<br />
progress more. Oh, we taught a man from the congo that speaks French,<br />
English, Portuguese, Swahili, and another I cannot pronounce nor<br />
remember. He is IN LOVE with the Bible. We taught him the<br />
Restoration and the Book of Mormon, so we'll see how he accepts it. Also, we still</div>
<div>
have to meet his wife.<br />
<br />
Well, I'm out. So, I love ya'll, time is short so is this email, don't<br />
think I don't love you this week just doesn't have much to write<br />
about.<br />
<br />
Tchau,<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
<br />
PS. Portuguese joke: O que é que a peixe faz? Nada.<br />
hahahahahahahahaha!!! Eu sou bem engracado! Também, eu não sei como<br />
escrever "funny" em Português. Engracado, ingracado, engrecado,<br />
não sei. Pergunte googletranslate.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>He is doing well. Sounds very good in fact. Please pray asking Heaven to help that package get to our boy. He asks for so little--it has his favorite deodorant inside with some candy. Happy are we to see his confidence in speaking this new language increasing. I just love this journey. So much to be thankful for today.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hope you all have a great day.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Signing off for now,</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Mama</i></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-30035783699400675992013-04-09T06:11:00.003-07:002013-04-09T06:11:23.646-07:00Hehe, President Kretly told us in our Zone conference last week about a phone call he got: "Hello, President Kretly, Elder Neil Anderson would like to speak to you." President, "Um, ok, if he wants to, yeah..." pause, "Hello, Paulo, this is Neil." Yup, my Pres. had a phone interview with Elder Anderson. He asked about how we are baptizing like we are, so president told him about the marriage thing.<br /><br />All the Zone conference was about how all of us can become better at what we are doing. The vision is that every month every companionship will be baptizing 4 families or more each months. It all starts with the small and simple things. If you find 1 family a week that will progress to marriage and baptism you will have, in roughly three months, 4 Marriages and baptisms a months. It's the snowball effect. You get it started and then it get's bigger and bigger until it's 4 baptisms a month. Pres. said that there already is 10 companionships who have caught the vision and it is working. Beira is exploding with baptisms and that is why. Maputo has been struggling for a while, but we are going to change that. Elder Coombs and I(together until he goes home next transfer) are finding all sorts of new families to teach. It is a huge challenge and requires you to get off your butt and work your head off, but we are finding many more people to teach. <br /><br />One big difference I have found, and was a big topic in Zone Conference, was Boldness. You have to be bold. Be bold in spirit, power, and authority. Pres. Kretly tells all the members how we are angels sent to declare great tiding and bring the gospel to all to bless their lives and then turns around and tells us we must act like it. We have a great calling and great authority. We can do more with our priesthood authority and calling as missionaries than we could ever imagine. SO ACT LIKE IT! Believe it! Make sure the people know it! <br /><br />Tell people your purpose, it isn't a big surprise. The baptismal invite? In the contact sometimes. Stop the man on the road, and don't be afraid to extend the invite if you feel so impressed. In one of the first lessons I taught I committed them to baptism in the first five minutes of sitting down. If you extend the B. Invite quickly and before the restoration A. It get's them thinking. During the lesson they have the goal in mind and they listen and apply it better. B. According to their response, you know what they need. If they say they have already been baptized or have their own church-teach Joseph Smith and the Priesthood authority (restoration Né?) If they accept it and just want to follow Christ and are open to your message, perhaps the restoration isn't the first thing to teach, perhaps the gospel or a commandment will help them get started. Usually it is the restoration that is best whether they accept or not, but when you know their desire and their expectations of your meetings, you don't waste your time or their's teaching something then having to reteach it at a later time.<br /><br />Your young, timid son is coming out. I really am getting a lot bolder over here. I am more able to bear my testimony with greater power and without shame. I am a missionary of Jesus Christ. I represent him and bring his words to the people. I am to call people to repentance. Yesterday, instead of the Book of Mormon, as we planned, we gave the man a Word of Wisdom challenging him to start changing his life. I love the spirit. I am tired, I am sore, I am working hard and am burning my self in the hot sun, BUT I LOVE IT! This is a marvelous work and a wonder. To feel that spirit work through you, to see it work in and on others, to feel the touch in your mind to say something or to give it to you comp cause he has something that will help, is an experience never to be forgotten. We had new missionaries come in this week (with Sister Smith, weird, a sister) and I walked with them these past days till they got to their actual areas. Let me tell you, the Lord works through the small and weak things to take down the tall and strong of the world. Those Elders (because of their faith and trust in the Lord) despite not knowing Portuguese fluently testified and brought the spirit so strongly. I wish I would've opened my mouth more and just trusted in the Lord when I was were they were. They have power.<br /><br />So, sorry I took so much time talking about me, but I love the news from home. Nate is driving, Josh leaving, Matt ex-tactic Oh, Dad, Happy Birthday. Fun fact, the 7th of April is Woman's day over here, so, all of Mozambique was partying on your birthday. hehehe<br /><br />Actually, I am getting better at working out now. So there. Hah! <br /><br />Love ya'll,<br /><br />Elder Wartena a.k.a Captain Africa<br /><br />P.S. Of course I know what ala mode is! Gosh, I'm offended. kidding. Love ya!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-67506534690805485742013-04-01T11:22:00.000-07:002013-04-01T11:22:03.918-07:00So, I now know that Mozambique does have Skittles...in one spot. Maputo shopping is HUMONGOUS! I don't know why it is here or who built it, but in a spot quite out of our way and hard to find there is a giant five or six story shopping mall...ok, by American standards it's a pretty normal if not a little low class, but here, wow. They sell skittles and peanut M&M's. The bad news is, I didn't have any money on me and it is unlikely we'll return due to the expensive nature of the place and how hard it is to get there.<br />So, update, package has not arrived. The assistants say that it is unpredictable how the post works here. Some Elders get their package in a month (like my first) others wait around 6 for it to arrive. We'll see. Not worried.<br /><br />So, one complete family at church. Xavier finally came with his wife! The drop in numbers? Al's daughter was sick with epilepsy(not fun) and A's wife went to visit her Mom in Matola. Poo. But, it looks like we could get those three families all next week! And, our goal is to find at least one more to start progressing this week. YEAH! 4 full families at church...it'll be awesome. Our district made it a goal to get 12 investigating families at church this next Sunday. Oh yeah.<br /><br />How'd my Easter go? Well, I contacted and learned how much false tradition is around the Easter holiday. There was all sorts of talk about palm leaves and special services for the different days of the week. In one lesson they started arguing about the exact time Christ rose on the third day. Just interesting. One thing we have found, but found more this week, is that people are very surprised we only worship on Sunday. Only Sunday?! All the other churches go around three or four times at least, if not much more. Also, when they find out we don't get paid to be missionaries they don't believe us at first. interesting.<br /><br />Funny you'd mention deviled eggs, I'd been craving boiled eggs all this week. Mmmm. You are a mean mother to tell me of food. Kidding.<br /><br />I love Grandpa. Oh, that reminds me, I finally got the dearelder he sent me from last December. Hehe...<br /><br />So, this is a big week. We are getting eight new missionaries. 7 from the states. Two sisters! Crazy! They will be driving a car and working only in the more city parts of Maputo. It's weird how much you hear living in the house with the assistants and the office elders. The other sister is from Angola and is only here until she get's her visa to her actual mission. Then, here in the next few months we'll get a TON more Elders and the sister count will be 8 when all is said and done. I will be sure to see a lot of the new missionaries because of the house in which I live.<br /><br />The weather? Rain, a little bit. Hot, humid, same old. "Cold season" is coming up. Hah! Maybe, MAYBE jacket weather. And that only in the early morning. Also, cold season lasts about two months. Yup, weather.<br /><br />Hehe, yup, I now weigh around 140. I went to Africa and put on weight. Backwards. <br /><br />Wedding ties...no comment. Hannah sounds nice from her emails though.<br /><br />Focusing on the Celestial Kingdom. YES! One should focus on his goals. We focus on baptism and try to center our teaching around that. It really helps. Focus on the celestial kingdom and center your life around that(around Christ). If there is something that may block your way from that goal, remove it, it will hamper your progression and also block things coming from heaven too(like blessings). Our Heavenly Father never has any walls up to keep us from him, it's us who build those walls.<br /><br />Oh, I told a random African guy I would dar comprementos (A.k.a say hi) to you. No, I don't know him either, just a guy who stopped us in the street. <br /><br />I need another recipe: Dutch babies! A.k.a puffy pancakes! Heaven on a plate! Yummy. If you wouldn't mind it.<br /><br />Well, I don't have much else to say. Next week is ALREADY transfers. E. Coombs and I both think we'll just stay together. This next one is his last transfer(that means we'll go lembrant/souvenir shopping soon). <br /><br />Say hi to Elder Adam Ekstrom next time you see him for me.<br /><br /><br />Well, Love you all, hope you have a great General conference(I'll get it here in a bit when they translate it to Portuguese[and this time I'll understand a little more]),<br /><br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Elder Christopher Wartena<br /><br /><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/softbank_ne_jp/1CE" /> saw a monkey this week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-7698685290041381662013-03-25T08:44:00.004-07:002013-03-25T08:45:32.982-07:00The Purpose of A Missionary . . .<br />
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. . . Is to help others come unto Christ through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. How I have come to understand that out here. <br />
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Did you know that when Christ preached to the Jews many were offended and believed not. They were offended by the very teachings of our lord and savior! It shouldn't be that big of a surprise. They did crucify him in the end; so one should assume from that that the people didn't always take his teachings well, but it showed me something. I'll start from a short example. <br />
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In T3, in our contacting or door knocking (aka. walk up to the sheet metal they call a gate and yell "Com licensa!") we would often find people who told us "Oh, I already have a church. I already have accepted God in my life. The word of God is the same, it doesn't matter what church you belong to, God is the same god in all churches. After all, he loves all his children." Sounds nice, full of apostasy and teaching of men mingled with scripture, but it sounds really nice and tons of people use it on us, that God is the same god in all churches. They literally say "I accept anyone who talks of God and Christ." But they don't see that all the doctrines are against one another. Frustrating.<br />
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Anyway, back to the example, they'll tell us that they already have their church. Well, I remember doing something real stupid some of these times...I would tell them, "Oh, we're not here to rip you away from your church, we just have a message of Christ." WRONG! In all technicality and reality, the message of the restoration is exactly that: we are trying to pull people out of apostasy and help them know that God has called a prophet in our day to show us the true way. <br />
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The thing I have learned from this is that I need to be bold and not fear bearing my testimony. We are told every day that we are searching for those who are ready to receive the gospel. If a person is not ripe and ready for the picking leave them to ripen. They won't listen and obey until then.<br />
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I had a lesson yesterday with Elder Coombs. The man is pretty strong in his church. He was extremely nice (like most Africans are. It is so nice. I have yet to have a door slammed in my face.) and sat us down in his house and we started talking. Well, we got into the lesson and starting talking about prophets and Joseph Smith and how all the churches that were created after Christ and the apostles dies were created by men and not under the direction of God(nor his authority or power...all this in a polite manner with scripture). I testified powerfully of Joseph Smith and how he should pray to know whether Joseph Smith was a prophet, then E. Coombs testified strongly and asked him if he'd pray. Man, I know I felt the spirit and there was no way he didn't, but the thing is he was so brainwashed and led astray by the teachings of men that he was able to deny the feelings. I never truly believed that one could deny those feelings. Even when I don't want to believe and follow the promptings of the HG back home I at least acknowledged them.<br />
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I learned from this lesson (and many others) that we will offend people. Check that, the gospel will offend people. They have been led away in darkness for so long that the light hurts. Many churches teach things only because they know the people will like how it sounds and accept it for that. Saying that God only has one church and one gospel and that not all the churches are correct makes people say, "God loves all his children. The word of God is the Word of God, end of story. I have accepted Christ, I got baptized, I have been trying to do as my church said and now you tell me that it isn't teaching truth?!" They run from the truth for it is hard unto them.<br />
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So, lesson for all: when preaching the gospel not all people will accept it nor like you as the messenger. What we must remember is to preach and teach with clarity and power. Do not dress up the gospel to make it less "harsh" or more "nice sounding." If one is ready, the Holy Ghost will testify and they will recognize something different. The change comes when they try it. THEY PRAY! When they pray they feel that feeling they cannot deny and they see that this path, though difficult and not without challenge, is the true and only way to lead to happiness.<br />
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SO...SAY IT! Don't be rude and bash their religion and long held beliefs, don't be stupid but do teach clearly. There was a general authority who said once (paraphrasing) we don't teach so people can understand, we teach so they can't misunderstand.<br />
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The field (mission field baby!) is white. It is ready for the harvest. Our purpose is to find those who pertain to the field. There are many unripe grains; don't rip them up, they don't accept. We are called to find, teach and baptize those already prepared by our Lord to receive us. As Preach My Gospel and somewhere in Doctrine and Covenants states: Find those that will receive you.<br />
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One thing missionaries do (guilty) is they worry that if they are bold in finding and teaching the people will take offence and they will end up with no one to teach. True, you will have less lessons, but the lessons missing are because you aren't teaching those who aren't ready. Often, in the initial contact you can tell whether the person will progress or not (not every time of course, so don't judge too hastily) and then you know not to take their number. The first lesson reveals a lot about whether one shall progress in or reject the gospel.<br />
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Well, I must say that Maputo has not been the most successful part of my mission. We have few families and spend a ton of time contacting on the road, but I have learned a lot about being bolder in my teaching. I have also learned that I need to watch and pray especially hard when times are rough. The Lord has a purpose to me being in Maputo. He wants us to baptize. He has prepared people. Don't lose that thought. The adversary would have you get down and believe it is hopeless when you don't have much success. DON'T DO THAT! THAT IS THE STUPIDEST THING TO DO!<br />
<br />
A. it is 100% false.<br />
B. it makes life miserable and you start counting your days till home.<br />
C. your comp. and area suffer when you do that.<br />
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Ok. Now, I shall better get to answering things and talking about other stuff or there is no time.<br />
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I am still going crazy about my bro getting engaged. Nuts.<br />
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Y'all are sick! Ick. I actually had a day where my head hurt and stomach didn't like me, but it passed real quick.<br />
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YES I LOVE EMAILS! Sheesh, yet sick of them. All right, come to Africa and see if you get sick of hearing from your family. It will never happen.<br />
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Update. We had 2 full families at church yesterday! WOOT! Eight investigators in total! WHOOP! A little low for Munhava, but this is showing a lot of improvement in Maputo. <br />
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A day in my life. I see pavement now. Weird, I know. Maputo has pavement and actually roads apart from the main ones. It still is chuck full of sheet metal houses and dirt/mud road. Well, so did Beira and T3, but the city itself is closer to what you guys might call civilization. Let me just tell you, I'll be another pesky "children in Africa" guy, but America is freakin blessed. The promised land is not a joke. Be grateful, there are many people here that eat beans and rice(and a flower based mush called Xima {Sh-ee-ma}) as their only food, and then they don't have that in abundance. I wish I could take pictures of everywhere for you all but two things are in my way:</div>
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A. Pres made a new rule that the missionaries aren't allowed to walk with cameras (not that I have one anymore anyway)<br />
B. the handbook tells us not to look like tourists. This makes sense, try telling a guy of Christ after taking all sorts of pictures like a weird tourist.<br />
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Crimeny, well, seriously, I am out of time, gotto go.<br />
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Get some sleep. Get that brother of mine a license (without having him crash the car). Love life.<br />
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Love ya'll more that root beer (another American luxury-small but makes a difference ;)<br />
<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena Africa<br />
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<br />
PS. "Extend a buttons" are beautiful things. They are also in the list of things I did not bring and would like. They along with my leatherman would be absolutely wonderful to find in a package some time in July or you know, whenever it wants.<br />
<br />
PPS. I shouldn't be asking for another package already really, I haven't even received the last one you sent, still waiting for it to arrive. Just remember to add those two things to a little wish list for me.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-79176126900906668252013-03-18T03:33:00.001-07:002013-03-18T03:35:54.219-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, if you must know...I had lasagna for my birthday! HAHA! I had forgotten to get something special for my birthday to eat (besides cauliflower with cheese that I will eat tonight!) but Elder Ostler (who happens to be from Orem as well) came through and made lasagna for the house. Oh, yeah! No idea how he knew, but it was good.<br />
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In addition to that, we had a division(also with Elder Ostler) and it went quite well. We found many new potential investigating families and taught 2 great lessons. It was a good day. <br />
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Mom, telling a missionary about aunt Kari's Guacamole is mean. AAH! Man, I could use a good burrito with Guacamole about now. hehe, kidding. I'm eating fine over here. I eat oats for breakfast (a little Nesquick mixed in every once in a while makes it quite yummy), sandwiches or chicken or whatever for lunch and a smallish dinner each day. And guess what...I entered the MTC at128 lbs and now I am 145. Hehe...YEAH! So BIGGY!<br />
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All, right, guess what, you Americans are spoiled rotten. Our blasted washing machine decided to die this past week and we have yet to find a mechanic who knows how to fix it. So, it looks like hand-washing has become a necessity. I can't complain though, that is what nearly all natives here have to do. How do they do it? They scrub the clothes on their hands and then pound them silly on a rock, rinse. Fun to watch but it'll kill your hands. I have decided that when I am back in America I will never complain about things like walking to church or winter. We Americans are picky and sometimes complainy. I need to work on that.<br />
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How's the comp and the work? Well, it's moving along fine. We have found some new families to teach this week and are working hard to get even more. Our past weeks have been full of contacting and walking but it looks like it will start paying off here soon. My comps great, he is working hard to make his last two transfers count and it helps me too. Find, teach, (marry) baptize.<br />
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Well, gotta be moving on. Love you all a ton and wish I could just drag you threw the computer to show you Africa.<br />
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Crap, I almost forgot to say: my mind has now exploded. Josh is engaged...Holy crap. My bro is gonna get himself married. Well, just tell him I approve (the photos of this Hannah are acceptable) of his choice and holy cow. This cardboard cutout missionary in the reception line is going crazy over the fact that he is about to be a brother-in-law. Phew.<br />
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Well, Preciso sair para os outros ou eles vao zangar comigo,<br />
Loves,<br />
Elder Wartena<br />
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P.S. Thanks for worrying about me.<br />
<br />
P.P.S. Man, the tradition to give people kisses instead of handshakes(like the french) is awkward Yup, your boy got kissed this week. Only the cheek. Hehe, during a lesson one of the daughters of the family walked in and said "boa tarde" to us. Well, before I knew it she had done the funky kiss the cheek thing with me in place of the usual handshake. Let's just say that I pulled away fast and replaced the face with the hand real quick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-21089182533325669042013-02-25T07:43:00.000-08:002013-02-25T07:43:35.544-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>At last I shall update the blog again. I emailed Chris about the matter, and he says to post the emails. They shall be edited as is needed. Now, without further ado . . .</b></i></span><br /><br /><br />Let me tell you...I did not think I was going to be transferred, much less another plane trip back to Maputo. Gosh, you should have seen my face. Elder Brandao knew about this before the fact (that he'd be staying and TRAINING, weird.) so he was all smiley about it. He is very satisfied with what happened. Honestly, I learned a TON from him. I learned tons of Portuguese and a lot about how to be bold and teach with power. I will miss him. <br /><br />Well, now that you know I am moving, where? Right? Well, like I said, Maputo is my flight destination. I am going to be working in an area Maputo 2C. It is right in the city, unlike T3 was, and I believe my house is with the assistants. (fun thought, if you use Google translate it will translate assistantes to wizards...so we don't have assistants, we have wizards who help the pres.) My new comp is Elder Coombs. I have never met him, but I am told he is great.<br /><br />My district shall be made up of Elderes Rios, and Cyrier (the wizards), Elderes Greenman and Ostler (Ostler is from Orem), and Elderes me and Coombs.<br /><br />Oh, yes, deep water huh? Rest assured now, Maputo city has no location such like Chota. Also, no, it was not normal...hehe...I think I half wanted to worry you, kidding. No, I have long videos of that trek, it was fun. Don't worry about being swept away either, if I fell I'd just get real wet and messy, then stand back up. <br />My gosh JOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! YOU ARE A REAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLYY OLD MAN! Eight, EIGHT! eight? Seriously, eight? WOAH!!!!!!! Who is gonna baptise you booger? Soon I won't be able to call you booger you are getting so big.<br /><br />Mouth, fine, nothing wrong. Stop worrying and tell Dr. Jensen he is amazing. Congrats on the no cavity status. I'm impressed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Enjoy the photos my family. There is a lot from the wedding and baptism. It was quite a day for us. Also, the baptism: 5 people. Our family, Mom, Dad, and two daughters. And Lavo a young man who has been attending church for over a year. I did not baptize a single one, all members of the branch. Actually, doing it like that is a little better. When the branch baptizes our investigators they develop a connection. When we baptize, we leave and don't see them much. Forming a branch family over here is essential. It is anywhere for that matter.<br /><br />So you'll hate me for this, but I am sending a smaller email. I spent so much time on transfers and sending you those photos I don't have nearly enough time. Plus, Elder Vanderwerff (THANK YOU SO MUCH!) is getting a shout out from me. I love that guy. I miss him and his family. Tell Sister V. hi for me. For that matter, how is Nate and Brother Vanderwerff?<br /><br />No port bible? That's fine. I realized that you might not find the one I wanted(with such crappy directions too.) I'll try getting one here(not sure how, but I'll try). I have one, but I want one that is small. About the size of the small Book of Mormon I brought. SO! No biggy. I will absolutely LOVE the package no matter what you put in it.<br /><br />Language? Still moving along, but I am a ton better. My two transfers with a native REALLY helped with that.<br /><br />I love you, why do you keep on complimenting me? I love it anyway. I feel more inspired to be and do how you view me when I hear what you say. Most of the time your compliments are way too nice. But I love you. Thanks.<br /><br />Now, the person who should be complimented is you. Six boys...two gone off to far away countries for their missions with the possibility of more. You have raised us with Dad so well. I feel I was ungrateful for your great example to us.<br /><br />Well, forgive me for the shortness, but Dad, Josh, Freddy, and Pres are in need of letters too. Love you all a ton!<br /><br />Yo missionary in Africa,<br />Elder Christopher Wartena<br /><br />PS--Particular areas? Nah. I said I'd like to move a lot, and so far I got my wish, but honestly "I'll go where you want me to go dear lord."<br /><br />PPS-- I am looking forward to seeing those potholders.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>We hope you enjoyed the email this week. As always we loved it. We are eternally grateful for the internet in our day. What a blessing to hear from our missionaries each week instead of waiting for the mail. Chris is happy and healthy. </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May you have a wonderful week in your part of the world.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Signing off for now,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Mama</i></b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-85362128874385755662013-01-21T07:36:00.001-08:002013-01-21T07:53:22.686-08:00<div>
<i>Dear Blog Readers,</i></div>
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<i>You probably noticed that I haven't updated Chris's blog much in the past month--a.k.a. not at all. We were warned recently about posting his emails to the internet, even told that it is a violation of copyright laws. Well, then we were told the information about breaking the law was not true, but that we should really not be sharing his personal emails to us with everyone we know. I am still processing all this info deciding what I am going to do for the rest of his mission. </i></div>
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<i>Christopher set up this blog with me with the intent that I would post his email correspondence each week. We are doing this so that our family and friends near and far can keep up to date with what he is doing, how he is doing, and feel a part of this wonderful adventure in service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I intend to keep doing just that. I will be careful to remove names of investigators, and anything that I feel is just too personal or private or controversial for sharing in this format. Thank you for your understanding. If you ever feel I've shared too much or too little please let me know.</i></div>
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<i>So, without further ado, here is Chris.</i></div>
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So, before I get to responding I am going to talk about my week before I forget and leave you without.<br />
<br />
A. This week sucked for us. The actual work, the lessons, the day by day life wasn't bad. Nope, what sucked was that about half our investigators might be dropped as of this week. <br />
Yeah, it really get's to you.<br />
<br />
On a happier note: <b>MY FIRST BAPTISM!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!</b><br />
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Quina got baptized and confirmed this week. She got married in November (husband is already a member) and took the lessons until this week Elder Brandao dunked her! YEAH!!! The other three young women in the pictures are three baptisms of E. Barlow(in his last transfer) and E. Hales(one transfer behind me and was trained by Barlow. He'll send his trainer home.). Those three had been coming to church and doing EVERYTHING for a year. We are counciled not to baptize jovens (youngins or teens) unless they really show commitment. Instead, we shoot for families. These three however, after a year, really showed they were committed.<br />
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All right. Let's play a game:<br />
Out of the next 4 blurbs three are true. Let's see if you can guess which is the fib.<br />
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1. Three aliens invaded our home. Their prince, in his sparkling green and blue armor flew in first. After marveling at him we electrocuted him. He wouldn't die, so we put him in a bottle. Well, they weren't happy with us and sent in heavy armor to take us out. They big guy, yellow and sharp, was hard, he fought, but we won. The little tank dude didn't even stand a chance. Now they are all in our living room in a bottle as our trophies.<br />
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2. Peixe seco...take a fish, stick it on a basket in the sun for four days or more till he's dry, then eat him. Let me tell you, after taking Elder Robinson's dare and trying it I resolved never to eat fish again. Nasty as all get out. Honestly, I have no idea what I was thinking.<br />
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3. The last lesson of the night, close to going home, and of course...a headache. Well, it didn't stop with my head, no, it moved down my body till I just rocked back and forth and Brandao took the lesson. We went home early. Malaria? Maybe, all I know is that is hurt.<br />
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4. So, when one feels the upper way back section of his teeth should one feel two bumps? Suspiciously, I felt again, yup, that feels like a tooth. Could it be that someone switched X-rays when Dr. Jenson checked for wisdom teeth? Maybe it's a rescent developement. Either way, I don't think having wisdom teeth taken out on your mission IN AFRICA is something one wants.<br />
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So, take your best bet at which one is false and in my PS at the end I'll let you know.<br />
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So, the four package rule kind of doesn't exist. It kinda does, but really that was Pres Spendlove not Kretly. All sorts of missionaries get more. The rule is...don't send lots. It cost money and time over here just to get them to missionaries. So, if you'd like, I would be more than willing to receive one at both those times...anyway, now that I've been selfish.<br />
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A couple of ideas for the next one though: A small Portuguese Biblia Sagrada. Small, as in the size of the Book of Mormon I have over here. It's got tabs on the side and weighs so much less that my chunky one. Also, it's pretty gold foil on the side, doesn't matter, but is nice anyway. If it's not too expensive, there's an idea.<br />
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4 things of deodorant...yup...or 6<br />
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Pictures...don't care of what, just of Home and of you guys. <br />
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Now to get in the responses. Crap, what time is it? OK, let's get typing faster.<br />
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Cold...I don't want to hear it. Ya'll can put on "blankets, socks, sweaters, scarves, hoodies, slippers, and hot corn bags all the time" but here I suffer from sweat and sun. Humidity sucks...wet and sticky all the time.<br />
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Kidding, I know cold weather isn't fun either. It sucks life from the bone. Hang in there.<br />
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Now that you mention Michael Buble, I miss that guy. Enjoy.<br />
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JesusChrist.lds.org...Nice! Maningue nice! *finger snap thing*(have Josh do it for me)<br />
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Shoes, they are wonderful. Right now they are covered in dried mud or "Matapi" as they call it here, but I love them-I think this one pair will last my whole two years(the other I left in Maputo and plan on never wearing them here...they are niiiice. I'll buy a pair up here if these die, which they won't). Boots... genius, an absolute necessity. The kind we bought was worth every penny. What I should have brought was a rain jacket. <br />
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Gray pants always... haha. I have three pairs of black and two of gray and I always take photos in gray. That's kind of funny. Yeah, they are holding up really well, haven't had a problem. Only, the black pants are fading to gray as well(that might explain the gray pictures too).<br />
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Socks...ug...these are great for Utah, but humidity makes them stick. Other than hardish to pull on though, they are great too.<br />
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"Well, I'm sending angels and love and happy wishes and thought of joy to you. Can you feel then? Can you feel how much I love being YOUR mom?"<br />
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Yes, I feel your love. I hope you know I love all of you over here. Hm...I feel really gushy saying that. RUB SOME MUD IN IT! There, some manhood in my letter.<br />
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Confident, me? Thanks for that paragraph. Eat me some of that popcorn.<br />
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Hehe...Nate...I can see the storage unit now. Tell Josh good luck with teh move when it happens.\<br />
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Well, gotta go use my time wisely and write everyone within my time limit.<br />
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I love y'all a ton and wish you could experience Africa with me a bit,<br />
<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
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PS. If you guessed that #2 was false you were right! I did not eat that horrible fish, but they really do stick it in the sun like that and eat it. No cooking needed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alien #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alien #2</td></tr>
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The aliens were three weird bugs. The first was a blueish green bee with a sick stinger while the other two were a giant bumble bee and a beetle. All three wouldn't die with our bug zapper, just were stunned, so we put them in a bottle. I think the beetle might even still live.<br />
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I didn't have malaria, just a night where I felt nasty sick. I got better by morning. This is the raining season and therefore the season of sickness here.<br />
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OK, please verify with Dr. Jensen. Did he tell me I would NEVER get wisdom teeth or was I just dreaming? No, don't say that, that's rude and I don't mean it. But I seriously feel two bumps on my upper teeth that feel like growing teeth. I'll keep you updated on what happens with that. <br />
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PPS. Chocolate? Yes, chocolate exists here and I like it. Some sucks and some doesn't.<br />
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PPPS. HAHA! Guess who tries to reinvent that last week without taco soup mix and succeeded! HAHA! I got to say I was pretty proud of my taco soup.<br />
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<i>May you all be well and healthy in this season of winter. Thanks for your love and support.</i><br />
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<i>Signing off for now,</i><br />
<i>The Mama</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-4042308492680037932012-12-10T07:21:00.000-08:002012-12-10T07:48:52.571-08:00Gall! Come on! Toffee! You have no idea how much my mouth is watering now.<br />
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Sorry.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris taking a ride. LOVE the tie.</td></tr>
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Anyway, let me tell y'all about Munhava.<br />
A. Dang that it's not in the Lion King.<br />
B. Holy freaken cow humid. I swear I am soaking wet every day here due to sweat. I have never had to deal with this before and it's hard. My body is yelling to stop and go somewhere dry. Also, the waterpack backpack idea was great, fantastic-all the other Elders want one as small as mine, but I am on the lookout for a shoulder strap bag. Backpacks just soak your back with sweat.<br />
C. Elder Brandao(with a tilde over the "a" to make it nasalized) is my new companeiro. He speaks less than no English and is from Cape Verde. A bit about him: to describe him in one word I'd use "Direct" or maybe "bold." Holy cow. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Brandao from Cape Verde</td></tr>
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So first off, most the people here who are married are not married officially (or "in the register" is the proper name here) and just live together so we must get them married before they can be baptized. Well...Elder Brandao will just walk into a lesson (I need to get you some pictures of some of the houses-poor poor poor. literally living in mud) and tell the little couple with five kids that "You are breaking a commandment by living together." or "You are sinning and must get married." <br />
Otherwise, he is very much so in charge of our companionship. He just takes control and goes. My problem is that he does all the talking and if I let him he'll just teach everything.<br />
C. Munhava is actually part of Beira, so officially I am in the city of Beira and the um...area of Munhava.<br />
D. Poor. Africa is a poor part of the world. The oddest thing though is that you can walk into a mud brick hut thingy and find a tv sitting on the table. They can have water flooding their road and a chickens in the living room and there's the TV playing away. The mix of poverty and electonics throws you off.<br />
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Yup, the package is here. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I got it Thursday and opened it that night. I couldn't wait. Ties-Awesome. Lasagna-mmmmm, Christmas dinner will be heaven. candy and decorations-yeah! Stocking-Christmas day opener. Bowl will really come in handy too, I like the snowman thing mom. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Kretly with children</td></tr>
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So, hopefully, this paltry peek helps you see somewhat into what Munhava, and further Mozambique is like.<br />
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Oh, but on the subject of Elder Brandao and the BOLDNESS. Apparently it has worked REALLY well because he and Elder Hall baptized 4 families last transfer. Sorry, Married and baptised 4. Pres is all abuzz telling everyone of what my comp did last transfer. Truly, I have a great opportunity to learn here. With Port. and with teaching Elder Brandao is sure to teach me alot this transfer. <br />
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Well, I have to email pres, Dad, and Josh now so I need to get a move on.<br />
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I love you all, know I am fine, know I HATE mosquitoes, know I LOVE mangas(mangos), enjoy dry, cold utah,<br />
Pray that I will be bolder and know what to say in lessons so Elder Brandao doesn't hog the time,(he's great really-he just talkes fast and knows his material WELL),<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy missionary in a new area with Pres., Sis. Kretly, and his new companion.</td></tr>
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Love you all, if I don't respond to all Q's sorry,<br />
Tell Grandpa and Isaac that I got their letters and love them and also that we don't eat bugs here, (the people eat sun dried fish called peixe seco, but that's gross and would probably kill me, so we aren't allowed),<br />
<br />
Love you all, thanks for the package and the PICTS and handwritten letters I LOVE THEM!!!<br />
<br />
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Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
<br />
PS. Funny fact, over here "negro" is not rascist. The people think it means "friend." It is actually more polite than "black." I? I just say senhor and senhora, much more polite. The people call me Mazungo, which in Sena means "white guy." Whatevs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-46639374736660807142012-12-07T15:56:00.001-08:002012-12-07T16:02:27.872-08:00And Now It Came to Pass . . .<br />
<br />
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THAT I AM BEING TRANSFERRED!!!</div>
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<br />
Boom.<br />
<br />
So, you know the first lion king, the First song, well, after the sun rises in the animated sky an African woman starts singing and do you know what she says? HAH! She says the name of my next area "Munhava!" Listen for it.<br />
<br />
Well, it's north, in Beira, so that means an airplane ride for me. AND, I have no time at all before it.<br />
We (I and Elder Francisco-he's off to Marrumeio) found out that we'd be leaving last night (around 9 pm) and that we'd better pack. They didn't say where last night, but we found out recently today. We were told last night that we'd be leaving because we are actually leaving in 2 hours...so...this will be an extremely short, pitiful email. We have walked all over T-3 and Influene D (area of Francisco) today getting things set in order, and I still need to go and get the capalana scripture case I ordered from a lady here after I finish up.<br />
<br />
So, <br />
A. sorry this was a crap email.<br />
B. Tell everyone else that I'm sorry, but I seriously have no time to write them. I love you ALL!!!<br />
C. I am going to miss Claudio-our one truly progressing investigator. Yeah, a little sad, but he's the only one who has continued coming to church and doing all we asked him. Maybe it's our fault. I feel that perhaps I could have worked harder, maybe. Ah, I am still beating on myself to work harder. Honestly I kind of expect a Paul or Peter like experience (minus of course death) of myself. Anyway, Claudio has his Baptism date set for the 22nd. I hope he makes it.<br />
<br />
Love you all more than Fanta Uva, ananas, or laranja. aka Fanta grape, pineapple, and orange(they have great soda choices here),<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
<br />
<br />
Steve Rogers aka Captain America signing out.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-72123364485090200592012-11-19T07:27:00.000-08:002012-11-19T07:38:11.585-08:00Mom,<br />
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Why'd you have to go getting yourself sick! What is up with this?<br />
My goodness, I leave for only a short four months and you already are throwing up. STOP IT!<br />
<br />
Ok. So, I need to do this quick but I will try to do it well too.<br />
<br />
A. 1 Nephi 4:5 in English says "Crept into the city..." but translated from Portuguese version says "penetrated stealthily..." OH YEAH. Nephi was an ancient ninja in Portuguese. The word Penetrated is so cool. It makes Nephi that much more awesome.<br />
<br />
B. Dad's Red tie he sent me was killed by the rain. Sorry.<br />
<br />
C. Tee shirt I was and wanted a picture of because it reminded me of Matt "Wake up. Brush teeth. BE AWESOME!"<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is actually Elder Awbrey's birthday(28th. I think that's...oh wait. never mind) Say hi to everyone for me! I love them all!<br />
<br />
MATT!! Making the money. Don't let him be a millionaire just yet. On second thought...hmm... millionaire brother....<br />
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14.5 miles! Wow. I'm working on building some muscle. Apparently though I am putting on weight as Elder Preneveou happily told me.<br />
<br />
Tanner! BYE!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!! LOVE YA MAN!!!<br />
<br />
Shopping, yes, sight seeing, nothing new, just Africa, and laundry. Actually, we have a washing machine and just do our laundry throughout the week (all in one day DOES NOT work for all four of us).<br />
Holes for toilet drainage? Yeah, I guess so. I haven't dug any of those(thank goodness) but instead I have dug the holes to dump garbage. Instead of a garbage truck, most people here use big holes.<br />
<br />
As you wish, there are picts of your little boy on dropbox. hehe<br />
<br />
Jesse in Rome. That is a sick statement. Jesse is in ROME! Wow. Rome...that's sick. Tell him good luck and I love him.<br />
<br />
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Package...no...boohoo... I hope it comes within this week or the next(slightly unlikely) for if it comes the week after I may have moved by then. Transfers are the 1st.<br />
<br />
Inexpensive. Gosh, actually most things here are inexpensive, it's just that Meticais are worth so much less than a dollar that when I see that I spent 1000 on groceries it seems like a ton. Really that's only $35.71. <br />
<br />
I feel bad sending short emails. I hope you all feel my love.<br />
<br />
Reading for ya'll: Matt. 11:29-30, Alma 37:42-47, and ya'll go find the story about Moses and the flying serpents.<br />
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The thing I want to stress: often people don't follow the gospel because it is too easy. Take Christ's burden upon you. It is light, and he will always be there to lift you up.<br />
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Love you all, Your missionary son, brother, relative, friend,<br />
Elder Christopher Wartena<br />
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PS. love ya extended family too!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-36311376947039477972012-11-12T06:42:00.001-08:002012-11-12T06:42:10.252-08:00So Josh is on right now, and I have to say that it is hard to multitask some days.<br /><br />Last week I had a huge list to send you. This week I forgot to write down the list. SO HERE GOES MY RAMBLIN!<br /><br />A. Elder Awbrey has Prince of Egypt Music and it is awesome. The emotion put into the Pharoah's voice at the end of "the plagues" is sweet.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />B. I have a family to talk about. <br />We met the Mom while "knocking" houses. At first she told us her name was Oma, then later at church she said her name was Benidita. Anyway, her husband doesn't have two names and his is Antonio.<br />We have been teaching them for a few weeks now.<br /><br />Random thought: I love that crazy picture you sent just now. I love your hair! That's the Mommy I know.<br /><br />Anyway, she came to church once and we got really excited. SHE BORE HER TESTIMONY! I have to say, one of the most um, what's the word? scary things...ok that works. One of the scariest things is to have your investigator go up her first sunday to bear testimony. You really hope you helped her understand the gospel and not preach false doctrine. Also, when you CAN't HEAR HER! AAAUUGGH! well, all is well anyway. Bad news, they didn't come last week. hm. She is having doubts about baptism (I don't fully understand what they are due to Portugese and the WAY different frame of mind of these people), but we are working with them. Antonio said he'd be baptized though. So, if all our baptisms go through all great, the 22nd of December will be a grand day! <br /><br />Allright, now to respond to things my angel of a mom sent.<br /><br />Yes! Enjoy life. I watched last night the talk by Pres Utchdorf and I remember a quote "Your happiness, ultimately, depends on you." So, don't regret not allowing yourself to be happy. Choose to love life! Love all the little things! Love the crap! Besides, the crap is the stuff that makes the best stories later.<br /><br />Nephi and the Tent. I have to say, I would have a hard time if we were crazy rich and Dad up and moved us to the desert to hunt and live in tents. Heck, I had a hard time adjusting to Mozambique where I still have running water, electricity, and AC(still blown that I have AC). <br /><br />Ok, I exaggerated the rain. Yes, it rained THAT HARD, but actually the bulk of our days are crazy hot and sunny. I'm told that december has a lot of rainy days though, so we'll see. Also, the humidity and heat SUCKS!<br /><br />Poo, the pictures you sent won't open. This is a little sad missionary. Oh well, I have that awesome Josh And Mom pict you sent and I LOVE IT! <br /><br />NOOOOO! They stole him! "My precious [brother Wilkey], they takes'd it from us!" -golem/smeagol. But, yes, I agree, the Lord is behind it. I cannot wait to come home and see the world changed by Brother Wilkey's awesome leadership.<br /><br />Tanner...Nice...Tell him I am excited for him too. He'll love the MTC. <br /><br />I can't even comment on the Jensens...What?! That must've been one heck of a job offer. I'll miss though crazy guys.<br /><br />So, today we got here late actually. We got a ride, but unlike the other weeks, when she said she was going to the city she meant the other side than we wanted. SO...Walking.<br /><br />Crap, I only have 11 mins left on my bought time.<br /><br />I love you and am looking forward to the package and hope it get's here in time.<br /><br />I love you,<br />Elder Christopher Wartena</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-37939105774283848412012-10-29T11:24:00.000-07:002012-10-29T11:42:46.181-07:00Hehe,
Yup. Transfers. I told Dad, but here ya go.
TRANFERS! Thems was dis past weeeek yep. Yo smert sun furgut ta tel ya bout wat did done go un wid dem.
So, it was a crazy big change! <i>(insert sarcastic voice throughout this part)</i> Everyone got switched up! I mean, I'm staying in T3 training with Elder Awbrey. I will no longer be training next transfer. Elder Francicso's Companion, Elder Thacker, went home to be replaced by Elder De Oliveira (translated to Elder Of the Olive Tree-awesome Brazilian guy!). Wow! Such a change. Yup, this was a pretty boring transfer. Elder De Oliveira is an awesome guy, but that's all that changed with our house.
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So, to tell ya'll a bit about what I'm doing (and sorry I don't do this more but my stupid brain likes to forget important things) I am going to tell you about some of the people here.
Freitas-Ok, this is a big, tall, BUILT black buy. I am not kidding when I say his could palm my head and crush it like a grape. Every handshake his hand just eats mine. And to top it off, he played for the Mozambique basketball team. Pretty much, he's your average "boss of a black guy". We met him contacting. We sat down in his house and he started showing us all the Bible and religion books he has and telling us how he just loves to read, then we spy a surprising addition to his library: Gospel Principles! What?! Sure enough, it's LDS.
We gave him a Book of Mormon but he hasn't read it yet; BUT he said he'll read a chapter a day this week!, (He said that before we even committed him) due to being too busy with his work as a protein, muscle builder shake mix(you know, the protein powder stuff) company boss. I think one thing he needs to understand is how there is only one gospel and only one way to return to God's presence.<br />
<br />
Everyone here has the same response to "do you want to hear more about the gospel?" and that is "Nao tenho problema. Para ouvir a palavra de Deus e bom." or in English "I don't have any problem with that. Yeah, to hear God's word is good." UG. The problem "God is the same everywhere! And in every church too!" is so frustrating. YES! God loves ALL his children and yes some of the other churches teach good things and are good organizations and do good for the community, BUT! There is only one way whereby salvation cometh! Through Christ and his one true gospel! One little baptism people! Oh, we have no problem with doors slamming in our faces or dogs sent to kill us, but getting someone to change their lives, to truly understand the importance of the gospel(such as authority and why you need that to baptize[or plain old what Baptism actually is]) is so hard. People will let you teach them, but sometimes they just nod their heads and say "exactament" the whole time without actually hearing what you are saying.<br />
<br />
OOH!!!
Ah, another thing. <b>Tell Isaac Weaver I got his letter from a couple weeks back(The Lego football and basketball fields sound cool!) and LOVE it! </b><br />
<br />
Turns out that DearElder works here. They just send it over with the pouch mail every Tuesday and Thursday(that's the days mail from the US comes in). That's great here in Maputo, but if I get sent up North then they won't reach me for a long time. It goes to the mission office and sits there (exactly the same as packages) until they can get it to me.<br />
<br />
<b>Also, thanks Grandpa for your letter too!</b><br />
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So, you won't get too many letters telling about eating with the members or investigators. As a very big "suggestion"(almost a rule), we are not to eat at anyone's house due to the danger of unsanitariness(a word, dunno). Well, needless to explain, one reason is that some people do not have toilet paper. Therefore, "What else is your left hand for anyway?" So...we have to be VERY careful with the food prepared by others(not to mention which hand we shake).
BUT, we are probably going to eat with a member family some time this transfer. We have planned to sit with them tomorrow(cake is promised-the mom says she loves cooking for the missionaries), and later this month we may get a lesson with dinner. They are a well off enough family that we can be assured that the food will be fine, so no worries. I am so excited though! I get to finally try some African food! I mean, I've had some, but not really a meal. Elder Thacker was telling me of two dishes to try before I leave(who's names escape me).<br />
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Also, we are working with the branch. They need to grow closer and develop a more welcome atmosphere at church. So, to develop a "Branch family" is something right on our minds.
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I had really better finish up.
I love you all, know that I am getting better, I am still having some trouble missing all you guys(it is really hard having two big desires at the same time: wanting to be here serving my mission, and being with you guys helping you.) I am getting a lot better. I just need to forget the time, and myself, get to work and love the people. My brain just loves counting the months before I get to see you, but then turning round and knowing I'd miss this place too. Bah!<br />
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Gotta go teach some people!<br />
Elder Christopher WartenaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-30124403825058206052012-10-22T07:27:00.000-07:002012-10-22T07:27:35.519-07:00<b>This week on "The Email Chronicles of Christopher."
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</a></div>O....K....WHAT! Awe! Yah just had to go mention doughnuts didn't you? Psh, yes my mouth is watering and I am going crazy! Well, I guess I'll just have to eat a Bon a Bon and try to forget. Bon a Bons are these wonderful little chocolate thingies that come in either bar or ball form. They are yummy gooshy stuff in the middle and have a layer of chocolate on the outside. The crunch they made reminds me of a Crunch bar and the only downside is the price. Bon a Bons! Buy one today!hehe...unfortunately, they are too much for little ol Elder Wartena this month. Yup, this month has five P-days instead of the normal four, so I have got to budget. This week's dinners will consist of Josh's "specialty rice" (wonderful by the way, and cheap to make) mixed with chicken and other little things that don't cost me a ton. Yup, frugality is good for you, you may not eat like a king, but it teaches you how to pricewatch.</a></div>
</a></div>No, really Elder Thacker should have left next month when I had some more money. Why? Because he wanted to go souvenir shopping and so I was trapped. What could I do? Here was a perfect opportunity: already in the shop with an Elder headed to my home town in a few days and willing to take something to my family. Psh, I bought something for you guys. Hope you like it. Actually, three things. Two are the same type-I bought them that day Elder Thacker bought stuff. The other thing I got off an investigator's drunk brother. Story, not horribly exciting, but a story. You'll read that in my letter with the stuff. The point being, I spent money and now I must be frugal with the rest. </a></div>
</a></div>Funny thing happened this week: I missed Subway! Don't you dare tell Justin, but I heard a song in the street that used to play all the time at closing and I could literally taste my sandwich of choice. Oh, this is bad...no...actually I take it as a sign that I am improving. If the adversary is using Subway to tempt me then maybe I am getting even closer to finally settling down.
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</a></div>So, this week I got to do something really cool. The picts with me and the hoe are of me digging in a machamba. We did two hours of service there Thursday! A Machamba is, quite simply, a Mozambique style farm. The women who work on Machambas lean over so much that their backs, after a number of years, seem to stay that way: they are called Machamba mommas. There is a picture of one who's back isn't quite all that bad yet, but I have seen some who really need some help. What we did there was clear ground. We walked out into the grass and hoed until we had a descent sized square of soil in the place of grass and weeds. The dirt there is really quite fertile looking, loose and rich. Unlike Utah, where it's dry and cracked in places(love it anyway) here it was quite easy to pull up and hoe. Nonetheless, the work gave me blisters on my hands. AH!
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</a></div>Well, investigators...we had three at church yesterday! AAAHH!!! YES! I was so happy when I saw Gito and Lizia(and their baby girl) come in the door. Also, totally unexpected was Flora's daughter. So happy. </a></div>
</a></div>Conference it was(finally got them here). In Portuguese, conference is really hard to understand. I got some stuff out of it, but I will still be watching it over again in English(the missionaries keep the discs after the church uses them).</a></div>
</a></div>So, I need help. I am trying to think up good goals for my mission as a whole. Ask the bros, dad, etc... perhaps even a devotional idea (Hey! I can help homeschool out her:. "Goals for my 2 short years") and let me know what ideas you come up with. My first goal is "at the end, when the plane ride home is near, be in the mindset where I will beg to stay. I want to have leaving M. be a hard thing. I want to miss this place, the people, and the work."
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Well, I'd better email Dad and pres. so I'll wrap this up.
Temple thing? I AM SOOOO DOWN FOR THAT!!! YES!!! Write that down somewhere because we are definately doing that. (I suggested we go on a "serve in a different temple a week" thing when he gets home.)
Love you,
Elder Christopher WartenaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-85691952402866956092012-10-15T07:23:00.002-07:002012-10-17T07:02:19.287-07:00So, bad news, I only have four picts this weeks and that makes me a bad son.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, Mom, I love you so much. Thanks so much for emailing me last week. Elder Thacker, I talked to him about the apparently obvious hardship I am having adjusting to mission life, and he told me kind of exactly what you told me- Stop thinking about home, quit counting the months, and make Mozambique your home. This is my home now. As far as everything is concerned, T-3 is my Branch, my home, and my people, so gosh darn it I had better help my home improve as much as I can.
So, I would absolutely love your emailing luxury and be able to respond to all the absolutely wonderful things you emailed me, but, you know what I am going to say, why do I bother? So, I will tell you about my week. (I love hearing about your week and experiences, thank you so much!)
Wet...wetty wet wet. Chuva for three straight days and it could continue. My Luisiana comp says that is not all that impressive, but to me, well let us just say that the roads turned into mini lakes this week. That was fun. We chose our routes not on what road is closest to our appointement but by how much water we would have to cross. That really was fun.
Special or out of ordinary today? hm, well it is Elder Thacker's last p-day in country, so we will probably end up in some shops for him. I have bought some things to send you guys via Elder Thacker(home town is Orem-coincidence?).
Laundry is done seperately and dried on racks we have in our enclosed porch. My socks take for-freaken-ever to dry, but, whatcha gonna do? It's fun. Reminds me, I might need to buy detergent this week.
Conference...yeah...we get the DVDs sent to us and I personally have no idea. Ope, Elder Ruis says we get it next week. YES!!!!!! I will enjoy watching that. I love listening to the prophets.
Hehe, currently our days run quite interestingly. We do a ton of just straight contacting or in other words "knocking" doors. Really we yell doors with a big "Com asensa!" (not spelled right) translated to "with liscence!" All of our investigators need help keeping commitments-especially going to church. We have begun really stressing our purpose to the people so they know that we are not just there to talk about God but to help them change their lives and come unto Christ.
Portuguese is coming, it isn't in station but it is on the way. Still, the biggest difficulty is understanding what the people are saying. Usually I can get what i want to say out pretty well, but the accent of Mozambique is killing me.
Dad's stir fry this past week was amazing! Loved it.
By the way-for Calls home we get to use Skype if we want. So.........get that ready for Christmas so we can see, not only hear, each other.
I had a thought. If you want anyone to do anything in the gospel they must understand why it is important for them and why it will bless their life. No one will do anything if they don't for some reason want to. So, when preaching the gospel(or raising children unto the Lord) the people you teach must be taught how it is VITAL for them and if they truly understand they will change. "True doctrine understood changes behavior"-PMG quote.
Thanks for the compliments, they helped a lot. I need to do better at this. I tend to only talk about the bad things and how to fix them rather than the good things and how to praise them.
Well, I must end this.
I love you, I am sending an RM bearing a small gift in a couple of weeks.
OH! Package. So, pictures are a BIG MUST! Snacks, candy, non-parishable(maybe a dictionary so I can spell, gosh) items for snacking on(american candy is very nice when one is not in America). Deoderant here I am told is only in the roller kind, so maybe three things of Aqua Reef Old spice stuff(or any other scent you think I'd like-I think you guys have great taste). Also, I think I really would like something to remind me of EACH of you. One of Mom and Dad and Josh and Nate and Matt and Ben and Jo. Something small but that will help me remember you guys I would really LOVE. .....Pens......maybe..... Lastly, and this is most important...NOTHING OF VALUE!!! NOTHING IRREPLACABLE! Keep in mind that this may(probably will if you keep it within reasonable bounds but still might) not get to me and be lost in the mail. So, keep that in mind. Gosh, I am excited. Thank you soooooooo much. You are awesome for sending me a package.
I love you more than hot water in the shower,
Elder Christopher Wartena
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-67574439798975673872012-10-01T11:34:00.000-07:002012-10-01T11:34:35.585-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am now, at this very time, writing to the best family on the planet. AH! Ya'll sent me so much! I love you guys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq65yvvDvS4eaf2QnBiLLcbRaUnVfh1Qr2eKYupe6HvuKjzW2VtAGz7BQm6F5fROoD3VsEo-HwIE4RlaeYCLGJdicNF-Nfs0vEFOWIVtOV635M9b5_oVCBOWaKOtKB6-U2mRruN8NBjE/s1600/DSCF1393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXq65yvvDvS4eaf2QnBiLLcbRaUnVfh1Qr2eKYupe6HvuKjzW2VtAGz7BQm6F5fROoD3VsEo-HwIE4RlaeYCLGJdicNF-Nfs0vEFOWIVtOV635M9b5_oVCBOWaKOtKB6-U2mRruN8NBjE/s320/DSCF1393.JPG" width="320" /></a>So, the recipes, I hope Maputo's stores have all this great stuff. My problem is that I can't A.buy too much with my limited budget (the lesser problem) B.Get it all home. We live out in a beirro (suburb of Maputo) called T-3 and we have to go into the city to get all our food. Hopefully we can get a ride home. I haven't had to ride in a chappa home yet. Oops, vocab, a Chappa is a van looking vehicle that drives around a certain route like a bus. Man, they are FUN! Yah, it's like a bus system (except they have a bus system-we don't use it and I don't know why). The reason coming home on a chappa would suck is that when we return we have all our groceries with us, and my backpack only fits so much). Taxi, though more expensive, is much better and if you get a ride with the AP, Pres, or an elderly couple (the first choice) your day is made. Stick your stuff in the back, climb in, drive home. Easy. Chappa...yep, literally taking home all your groceries in a van packed full of people. Not fun. <br />
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So, before I forget, Elder Wilkey. I love that guy. Tell him that his BOM reading was fantastic. I know the Book of Mormon so much better and actually have come to love personal study time as my favorite time of the day. My advice, read the stinking scriptures. Know them, devoure them, if you know have Preach my Gospel, read it! I am out here wishing that I had spent more time finding scriptures and getting to know the great gift that is the scriptures. Don't just know one scripture on a subject(for example, the Law of Chastity or Plan of Salvation), because someone out here will need a different one. I know the scripture where Alma (Port. for Soul...The book of Soul...Kinda funny) is talking to his son........Corianton I think......about the harlot Isabel and how he needs to shape up his life. Yeah, that might offend someone, also, it can be confusing and not really explain the concept of Chastity in a way that will help THAT person. It could help someone, but you must have all the scriptures and knowledge and spirit you can to help ANYBODY. This work is very specific to the individual, so read and know the scriptures. If you know the scriptures you will be able to help others do the same.<br />
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Another thing to tell the young men, go with the missionaries, talk to your friends about the church, just don't be afraid to share the gospel. For pities sake, I didn't want to talk to anyone about the gospel before my mission. They'd look at me funny, they'd call me weird, they wouldn't want to be my friend anymore. Just share the gospel! Make sure they understand that you believe that this gospel is the one thing in the ENTIRE world that can bless your life more than any other thing. Love this work. <br />
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Also, let them know that this is DANG hard. This is, no exceptions, the hardest thing I have ever done in my life (and I'm only a week from my month mark). Tell them to prepare now for two years of working hard EVERY day. This is not to convince you not to come, but to let you know just how important it is to prepare in EVERY way possible. This work is so worth it. I get ALOT of rejection and at times no one wants to do anything or even try to listen, but when someone decides to listen and do ALL they need to do, then you realize what you are doing. You are out here bringing the spirit to others so they have the choice to gain exaltation. You use your mouth to form the (funky Port. words) words, but honestly, Elder Wartena ain't doing squat, the spirit is what is doing EVERYTHING. Be worthy of it and work your hardest or, yes, this two years will suck. If you do all you can to give them all the opportunities to come to Christ, they will feel it through your crappy Portuguese and they will have the chance to accept it.<br />
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A net, it's fine, my bed is actually pretty normal for the bottom bunk. Yup, cooking is fun. I have little time to do it, but I try. I have put chicken with rice, yes, and I tried some very simple spaghetti (eh, no), but I hope to be able to cook at least one better recipe (like the ones you guy sent me) a week (make a ton and eat it for a couple days at a time). <br />
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Hm, home, no, I feel very far from home right now. I am having a tough time out here, but I am slowly getting better. My current thing I am working on is accepting the long time I have here. It isn't just a quick thing, two years is a while. Pouco e pouco (little by little). I am getting there, my brain just isn't ready to accept Mozambique as home and always betrays me with thoughts of Utah. Bah. I am improving though. My first month was a rough one, and I hope my second will let up a bit so I can finally concentrate completely on the work. Maybe therein lies the answer. "Forget yourself and GET TO WORK."<br />
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Mozambique is, in pretty much every way, on the other side of the world. My house is in the best in our area, but that's not saying much. People here live in houses ranging from brick with paint and a fence with gate(not bad, but in Utah it is rather poor) to grass hut thingy hard to describe in anyway but dang poor with a live stick hedge. All these are mushed into lines and blocks with no addresses, divided by sandy roads. Our house is a step up. Cement with a iron fence and door with large bars and lock. Living room has rather nice tile, a table, chairs, and a bamboo looking couch. The kitchen is really small with one sink, one table, limited cupboard space (spelling ah! I will study that when I return so I don't type like a doof), and a stove. Oops, a fridge. It's nice. Two bedrooms with two beds a dresser and desks (and airconditioner-what?! That was weird to see). <br />
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Honestly, I should stop, but I have so much to tell you. I also need to email Dad and Josh something.<br />
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I love this time every week to type you guys. I love hearing all about home. Sorry I can't respond to all. If there is something really important for me to respond to in any emails you send, please underline them so I know.<br />
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Sorry I cannot answer all. I want to sit here and tell you guys so much, but I don't have time. I have found that, as Josh has, I need to plan time more effectively to get anything done. <br />
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I feel this email is a little lacking, Please know I pray for you in every prayer.<br />
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I love you guys,<br />
Elder Christopher Andre Wartena<br />
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PS. Good luck with school, I hope it's going well.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3908773885929465614.post-76534230757299014632012-09-24T13:08:00.000-07:002012-09-24T13:08:10.416-07:00<b><i>Dear loved ones,</i></b><div>
<b><i>Chris is doing well. If you have a simple recipe or two that you'd be willing to share with him, that would be great. Recipes that only call for the most basic of ingredients, don't take a lot of time, and cheap would be best. They do not eat in the homes of the members in his mission. I don't know why, but as a result the missionaries are cooking all of their meals for themselves. What great husbands they are going to be someday. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Enjoy the letter.</i></b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />So I have discovered that this computer thinks that everything I write is WRONG! Biased against English it is.<br /><br />So, to start. I will try and answer all your questions and a few more. I am trying to figure out dropbox to send you all my pictures every week because flickr isn't working. I don't have a yahoo account and I can't set one up because everything is in Portuguese! AH!<br /><br />This computer won't open the SD card to get the pictures from here to you guys. I'll figure something out. The frustration is that I only have a few hours a week to email and send pictures and all that Jazz, so it is ten times as frustrating when I can't do what I want to do. I don't know why this computer doesn't open the card.<br /><br />How have I been? I have been having a hard time. Not gonna lie. Don't worry, Mom, I will be fine(just need to work through it and trust that the Lord knows what he's doing). I couldn't have imagined this either even a month ago. I have been walking around Africa talking to people just begging that they listen to something that will save their soul. It's really hard when no one wants to listen to this vital message, or say they do and blow off the meeting you set up with them. Ah! It's hard to see so many people who JUST DON'T KNOW how important this is and how I cannot get the message across with my limited Portuguese. <br /><br />Elder Awbrey is great. He is only six months into his mission (transfer number 5), but he is really good with Portuguese. I being his first greeny is a little hard for him. He doesn't say anything, but I know that teaching almost by himself(I try, but it's hard then you don't know what was said for the past thirty minutes) is a hard thing. <br /><br />Az vezes, or sometime we eat together. Mostly we have our food and just eat what we have. Which reminds me. I would like the recipe for tater tot casserole. Also, any other recipes that are easy, take a short time to make, and not too many ingredients would be great. I am eating rice alot-it's cheap to buy. So, you were right. I am not ashamed to say that I should have listened to all you said, especially cooking. I am fine...but I would like to have known more about how to cook. Simply eating is what you could call it.<br /><br />I live with three other Elders-Elder Awbrey, and Elders Thacker(from Orem! Finishing his last transfer in four weeks) and his comp Elder Fransisco(Native to Mozambique and doesn't speak English well...at all...on his fourth transfer). (ps. a transfer is every six weeks. I'll be with Elder Awbrey for at least two transfers for my training then one of us will ship off elsewhere). <br /><br />The members...all right...Nice people. Can't say much else because I don't understand Portuguese well.<br /><br />Aha! Pictures are showing up at last! I hope dropbox works. If not I'll figure out something else like Flickr or who knows. Maybe I'll limit my picture intake and send them via email. I wanted to send you some videos but they aren't working at all.<br /><br />Man, this is going to take forever to download to dropbox. I need to take fewer pictures. I have a ton of MTC pictures still and only a few Mozambique. I might end up deleting all my MTC pictures but a few and try to take only a few here so I can get you guys something. AH! I don't want to do that though, I want a ton of pictures!<br />Ok, what might happen here is I will send a few pictures a week, you take them off dropbox every week, and the rest will stay on my SD cards for forever. Elder Stuart, a Mozambique RM we met in the London airport, did that. He had a ton of SD cards. My only worry with that is that they could be stolen. I will figure it all out. We'll see how this picture thing goes. As for videos, I might someday figure out Flickr. As for now, my time is ticking.<br /><br />I miss the temple already. I am jealous. Another temple dedication. We are so blessed. I hope it was as great as the Draper dedication was for me.<br /><br />Tear up that dance floor Nate! Yay! I am so excited you get that opportunity. It is such a fun sport. I love to hear about it.<br /><br />Enjoy that Wacky Wednesday. I miss things like that, all cheesy and fun. You are great and made my schooling so good. Yep, that's Ben, he is on top of knowing and remembering all things for you. Jo, snacks, hah! Love it!<br /><br />Sorry I don't respond for very long. AH! This one day for two hours email thing is hard.<br /><br />Go Matt! I am all for you getting that job! I know you'll do great. Love it and work hard.<br /><br />Soda machine. Ah! That thing was cool. Nate told me he has fun with that and that Wendy's is now his favorite restaurant in Orem. I would probably concure.<br /><br />I'm praying for you Dad. I know you will do great. I know the Lord is with you and will help you find a good job to support the family. Thank you for being the example you are to me. I look up to you in all things. I love you.<br /><br />Mom, you are doing great, I know it, you always are. Make sure to do your best, but trust in the Lord and make sure you get your rest. Hehe, I love unintentional rhyming. <br /><br />Yup, I have my watch where I can hit a button and say, like I am now, "It's ten minutes to one in the morning for them." Weird. Like I said, Jet lag is pretty much gone, but while it lasted it was harsh.<br /><br />Tell Pres. Jensen thanks. Tell him I will do my best to live up to my title of missionary and to the help I receive because of their prayers.<br /><br />Charles Berger! AH! I wanted to know where he was going. Malaysia, wow. That'll be something for him. I am excited for him. He and Tanner Mueire(sorry about the spelling, I suck at it) are best friends.<br /><br />Hopefully you can figure out which picts are Africa and which are Mozambique and hopefully this idea works and that SD cards are horribly expensive. Hopefully you guys know I am fine and won't worry(but still pray-expecially for the people).<br /><br />Oh, two things. <br /><br />Concerning packages, yup, they take roughlyish kinda a month to get in country (to the mission office) and then a while more to figure out how to get them to me. In Maputo I can get packages quicker because of how close I am to the mission office(roughly a month). Elder Awbrey had his family send one at the start of his mission six months ago and has not got it yet and may not get it. So, I will be here for at least twelve weeks. They don't have M&Ms here (thank you Josh, brilliant, though I am almost out. poo). American candy, apparently, is a luxury. I am not sure what I want though. So, it is pretty expensive for you. I don't need too many, plus I think it is only two packages a year for us due to cost and other stuff(like time and effort to get it to us-the Elderly missionaries drive them around). <br /><br />I miss you sooooo much and wish I could hug you all and tell you that right to your faces. <br /><br />I will love you for all eternity(top that! kidding.),<br />Elder Christopher praying his head off for the Lord's help Wartena<br /><br />PS. Hey booger! Bigger booger loves you. <br /><br />PPS. Matt, How bout we call you Mortermashnerd instead of bigger booger? Hehe. Love you man. <br /><br />PPPS. Have fun, give everyone a hug for me (that is for everyone, not just Mom), and trust the Lord. We are soooooo blessed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Again we are thankful for modern communication technology.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Signing off for now,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>The Mama</i></b></span></div>
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